Gowesty OEM Replica Alloy Wheel (2WD/4WD) [Bus/Vanagon]

Product:GW-251-601-025
Works With:1974-1991
Manufacturer:GoWesty
Difficulty:

Requires no or basic hand tools and no mechanical knowledge.

1 Review
$159.95 - $179.95

Proposition 65: This product may contain chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Single wheel in your choice of 15", 16", or 17". Hardware sold separately.

Purchase a complete wheel set here.


These GoWesty wheels are based on the original VW German-made 14" x 6” aluminum alloy wheel that was a factory option for the Vanagon. After years of requests from the community, we are thrilled to offer these superb quality, high-pressure die cast (HPDC) aluminum alloy wheels (which also work for the 1970-79 Bus models!).

We reproduced every detail of this iconic design, right down to the original Volkswagen Diamond Metallic Silver (L97A) paint code! They have the correct bolt pattern and 23mm offset (“ET”) to mount without any modifications to your Bus or Vanagon, and they are properly load-rated at over 1800 lbs each—more than enough to handle the most heavily loaded vehicle. No special hardware, wheel spacers, or adaptors are required. Our GoWesty wheels bolt on exactly the same as the original German 14” alloy wheel, and fit all front bigger brake systems.

Simply put: The same iconic design, but scaled up in sizes to accept readily available, modern, and more cost-effective tire sizes!

Manufactured in three modern sizes: 15x7, 16x7.5 and 17x7.5

Fits (see Fit Notes tab for more info):
• 1971-79 Type II Bus
• 1980-91 2WD Vanagon
• 1986-91 4WD Syncro Vanagon 

*Mounting hardware note :
This wheel is sold without hardware. Please purchase wheel hardware separately, or opt for our complete wheel set which includes hardware. NOTE: If you have a 2WD Vanagon that uses wheel bolts on the front, you will need to purchase our 59mm Threaded Wheel Stud Set.

Wheel weights: 15" (18.9lb), 16" (21.85), 17" (24.5lb)

Tire sizes: We recommend 215/65-15 for the 15” wheel, 215/60-16 for the 16” wheel, and 215/55-17 for the 17” wheel. These three tire sizes are very close in diameter to the original 205/70-14 size that came on them originally and, in our experience, fit and look best for most applications. We do not recommend running a smaller diameter tire under any circumstances. You can run a larger diameter, wider or narrower width depending on your application and uses for the vehicle—have that discussion with your tire suppler and make the choice that best fits your vehicle/needs.

Lowered (factory or custom) Vanagons (front only) and all Buses (front and rear): It is possible for the front tire to snag the fender lip on tight turns—while entering a driveway, for example. On Buses, the fit in the rear can be very tight, as well. Slight modification (like “rolling” the fender lip), and/or being careful under these under certain conditions, may be required. They fit great, handle on the highway like a dream, and look superb—no doubt about that!

Torque specs: Please torque the fasteners to 95 ft-lbs.

Spare wheel and tire options:

1) Continue to use your existing 14” spare wheel and tire—just be sure to use the hardware for that wheel, not the new hardware provided with these wheels. Note: Your original 14” wheel will not fit over our GoWesty Bigger front brakes or our GoWesty rear disc brakes! A 15” wheel or larger is required.

2) Purchase (1) 15x7 wheel and mount a 195/60-15 tire on it—this will fit in your original spare wheel location and fit original or our larger brakes.

3) Purchase (1) extra wheel of the same size you are installing on the vehicle, mount the same size tire on it, and carry it on the rear with one of our Universal Carriers! Note: This is the only option if you have a Syncro without a driveshaft decoupler, in which case all four tires on the ground must be close to the same diameter to avoid binding and potential transaxle damage.

Gowesty OEM Replica Alloy Wheel (2WD/4WD) [Bus/Vanagon] Wrench Rating


Plug 'n' Play — Requires no or basic hand tools and no mechanical knowledge.




All Wrench Ratings



Plug 'n' Play — Requires no or basic hand tools and no mechanical knowledge.


Handy — Requires some hand & power tools and minimal mechanical knowledge.


DIY — Requires a full tool set and broad mechanical knowledge.


Pro — Requires professional-level tools, talent and experience.