What is this style of wheel called?

What is the name of this style, with the center part knocked out. What's the application for them? I see them around every once in awhile.

 

That's a VW wheel. Often mistaken for the Ford Wide 5's from the '30's.

 

Yup def VW. I think they are 5x200mm pattern. That translates to 5x7.87".

 

5x205mm found on pre-67 VW's
The first wheels are typically called Centerlines in the VW community. There are several companies making variations of the first wheel.

 

Are they strictly for VW, or are the top ones ever ran on hot rods? Do they make them with a reverse backspacing?

 

Here's the reason I ask - all wheels are the same size on the panel truck. I was thinking get some smaller wheels up front, and put slicks on the extra two wheels. Could be kinda fun.

 

Just get some 3 1/2" wide Centerlines in the bolt pattern you need.

 

Centerline Tool Company has been in the wheel business for over 35 years. If that is what you want, it shouldn't be too hard to find some that fit.

 

3 1/2! maybe a little too thin. I just thought the different wheel up front would look cool.

 

Go to www.centerlinewheels.com, find what you want, and then hit eBay or swap meets. (Or just spend the $$ and buy a pair)

 

The wheels you have are Centerline Auto Drag wheels, they show up on ebay and swap meets pretty often. 15x7 or 15x5.5 would be a good size for the front, and you need the Chevy 4.75" bolt pattern. They make them with different backspacing too, so you need to figure out just what you want first. Kind of pricey new....but I've found several pairs used for around $100 plus or minus. They do get bent up pretty easily, and if they're more than a few years old the silicone seal needs to be redone.

 

Thanks, good info. I'll do some measuring and keep an eye out for something with a skinnier profile. I was pretty dedicated to using the original wheel setup, but I realize that thing is going to be a bear to handle with those up front and a manual steering box.

 

Whoa, check it out - VW wide 5 adapter. Why am I so fixated on this?