spinning chrome rims
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| Manufacturer | Volkswagen |
|---|---|
| Also called | Volkswagen Beetle, also see list of international names & nicknames for the Type 1 |
| Production | 1938–2003 21,529,464 built (of which 15,444,858 in Germany, incl. 330,251 Cabriolets,[1] and ≈ 3.350.000 in Brazil) |
| Assembly | São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil Puebla, Puebla, Mexico Wolfsburg, Germany Hanover, Germany Emden, Germany Ingolstadt, Germany Osnabrück, Germany Lagos, Nigeria Uitenhage, South Africa Brussels, Belgium Jakarta, Indonesia, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, SFR Yugoslavia Manila, Philippines Melbourne, Australia Auckland, New Zealand |
| Successor | Volkswagen Golf Volkswagen Jetta (Sedan) Volkswagen New Beetle |
| Class | Subcompact Economy car |
| Body style(s) | 2-door sedan 2-door convertible |
| Layout | rear engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Engine(s) | 1.1 L H4 1.2 L H4 1.3 L H4 1.5 L H4 1.6 L H4 |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed manual transaxle, 3-speed clutchless manual ("Autostick") |
The Volkswagen Type 1 is an economy car produced by the German auto maker Volkswagen (VW) from 1938 until 2003. The car was originally known as Käfer, the German word for "beetle," from which the popular English nickname originates. It was not until August 1967 that the Volkswagen corporation itself began using the name Beetle in marketing materials in the US.
In Britain, VW never used the name Beetle officially. It had only been known as either the "Type I" or as the 1100, 1200, 1300, 1500, or 1600 which had been the names under which the vehicle was marketed in Europe; the numbers denoted the vehicle's approximate engine size in cubic centimetres. In 1998, many years after the original model had been dropped from the lineup in most of the world (production continued in Mexico until 2003), VW introduced the "New Beetle" (built on a Volkswagen Golf Mk4 platform) which bore a cosmetic resemblance to the original.
In its day it was more comfortable and powerful than most European small cars, and ultimately became the longest-running and most-produced automobile of a single design (a record that will not take long to be beaten by its younger "cousin" the Type-2 Bus or Kombi, which is still in production in Brazil, with the same basic characteristics of the first series). It remained a top seller in the US, even as rear-wheel drive conventional subcompacts were refined, and eventually replaced by front-wheel drive models. The Beetle car was the benchmark for both generations of American compact cars such as the Chevrolet Corvair, and subcompact cars such as the Ford Pinto and Chevrolet Vega. In the international poll for the award of the world's most influential car of the twentieth century the Beetle came fourth after the Ford Model T, the Mini, and the Citroën DS.
What Are Rims?
Function
Technically the rim is the outer perimeter of the wheel, a circular band of metal that holds the tire. Over time, however, wheels without hubcaps, particularly the custom wheels sold to enhance hot rods and low-riders, have come to be referred to as rims.The size and style of rims affect not only the looks of the car, but also the ride and handling. Shiny chrome rims are flashy and get the car noticed. Larger diameter rims are used with low profile tires for improved handling. Choose lightweight alloy rims for easy maneuverability in city traffic.
Size
Rims are measured by diameter, starting at 13 inches for small cars and going up to 30 inches for SUVs and trucks. Car owners often change standard size rims to larger diameter rims for a different look, or to provide better traction and handling. Drastically changing the rim size requires adaptations to the suspension to ensure the car handles correctly and operates safely. Rims are also available in varying widths, and must match the tire section width for proper, safe car function.Types
Standard wheel rims are made of steel, while custom rims are usually cast aluminum alloy or magnesium alloy. Magnesium tires ("mag wheels" or mags") are super lightweight rims used for racing. They are impractical for street driving and can be flammable after a blowout.Rims come in a variety of sizes to fit every car, matching the standard size or altering it to change the appearance or handling. Rim finishes typically run in varying shades and sheens of gray, chrome and silver, but can also be white, black, blue, gold and other custom colors. Rims can have solid or spoked styles, with infinite design details that range from subtle grooves to interlaced spokes to carved figure silhouettes. Spinner rims attract a lot of attention as they rotate freely even after the car has stopped moving.
Choose the offset on the rims you buy. Front-wheel-drive offset means the center spider is flush or nearly flush with the exterior edge of the rim, while the spider is set further back for rear-wheel-drive offset. Be aware that offset is labeled rear or front wheel drive, but is not necessarily tied to the car's drive mechanism.
Considerations
Not all rims will work with your car's design. Use print and online resources like the "Wheel Visualizer" from Custom Wheels and Car Rims' website to view different styles with your vehicle. Too large rims can cause your tires to rub against the fender or parts of the undercarriage, causing damage. Remember to check that you can turn the wheels fully without scraping along any part of the car. Some rims may not allow space for your brake system, so be sure you have a compatible style before you buy.Remember that going larger or smaller than factory size rims will cause your odometer to register mileage incorrectly. Take your car to a reliable transmission shop or custom car experts to have the speedometer gear in the transmission altered to match your new rims.
Warning
Heat will cause tires to expand. If your new rims and tires have just enough clearance when it's cool out, replace with smaller rims to avoid inevitable rubbing and damage at warmer temperatures.Rear-wheel-drive offset is necessary when selecting spinning rims. Spinners should ride inside the rim, not extend past the edge where it can get damaged or hit the body of the car on bumps and turns.
