Empi 5 spoke, American Eagle, Empi Style?

hawaii50sick

Aloha Samba world,

Might be a dumb question but whats the difference between,
1. real empi 5 spoke rims
2. american eagle 5 spoke rims
3. empi style rims?

I am looking for a high quality of 5 spoke empi rims for my 56 bug!
Any info on this is really appreciated!

Mahalo

'64cal lookdub · 1200 Deluxe Joined: May 29, 2004 Posts: 1714 Location: TX

The "real" Empi 5 spokes are a two piece rim that bolts together. From what I understand the repro Eagle 5 spokes and the "Empi" 5 spokes are the same wheel. The ones advertised as Empi just have an Empi sticker on the centercap instead of the Eagle.

'64cal lookdub · 1200 Deluxe Joined: May 29, 2004 Posts: 1714 Location: TX

Here are some pics for reference:

Eagle:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Empi style (same wheel with an empi sticker):

Original Empi 5 spoke:

Also Midland Wheel Supply has a version of the 5 spoke that has a centercap that is held on with screws like the original version:

flyinglow94 · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 3:38 pm Post subject:

The early Two piece EMPI 5 spokes had a bad tendency to crack. Empi later came out with a stronger version. The Eagle alloy has an offset that tends to make the front tires rub on the fender due to the 1/2" blocks cast in the back of the rims. Where the Rocket alloys only have a 1/8" block cast in the back.

dan-d · Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 2:51 pm Post subject:

Aloha back at ya Bra,

I have a set of the Eagle "Empi" just like the picture of four posted above. They came brand new with the American Eagle stickers already installed on the center cap and a small plastic bag with the Empi stickers. So now it has the Empi stickers on them.

jotto · Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 8:23 am Post subject:

'An den Bra!'

So the difference can only be seen from the rear? The originals have bolts showing it to be a 2 piece design?

What would the difference in price be between an original set and some repros?
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'64cal lookdub · 1200 Deluxe Joined: May 29, 2004 Posts: 1714 Location: TX

Thats the major difference, the two piece design. Another way to tell is the center caps are held on with screws. It's pretty obvious if they're original Empi's or not, being very old many are oxidized. They're also notorious for cracking, so usually when you find some, they've been welded up in certain areas. Depending on what you want, "polished, chrome, painted" the repros go anywhere from $80-$200. The originals aren't cheap, and due to there age many are cracked. They pop up on thesamba every now and then:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=662360

bcox · Samba Member Joined: September 18, 2002 Posts: 118

the midland 5 spoke is a really nice wheel, but the cap is too short... I like the taller cap of the Empi style wheel, so I sent the midlands back... sounds stupid over just a cap, but with a 6" narrowed beam, the little knob of the cap is whats sticking out at some angles, and it looks better... too bad midland didnt make a taller cap..... Chrome is the way to go also,.... dont go with polished

Hotrodvw · Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 11:16 pm Post subject:

Chrome chips and flakes. Polished is easily fixed.
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fredy a · Samba Member Joined: January 17, 2005 Posts: 223

dynosoar54 · Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 3:57 pm Post subject:

I have had both chrome and polished 5 spokes from both mentioned, eagle ones are far superior imho

50 split · Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2008 3:45 pm Post subject:

Hello!

I have 2 empi style wide 5, name AEWO

Does anyone know something about these wheels? The seller say them where from the 1970´s

Gr 50 split

50 split · Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2008 3:49 pm Post subject:

Does AEWO mean American Eagle somethingW(?) O(?) Maby??

50 split · Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2008 8:05 am Post subject:

Steve. · Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2008 12:34 am Post subject:

It is an america eagle wheel, but the "o" should be a "c"
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cfvwtuner · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2012 5:52 pm Post subject:

PASHN8 · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 5:36 am Post subject:

Ok, are these Midland versions?
http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=C32-E252C

CIP claim german quality equivalent and clearly state these are a better wheel than the American Eagles. Is this plausible? Smile

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Zuesticle · Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2015 11:43 pm Post subject:

flyinglow94 · Posted: Sat Oct 31, 2015 9:31 am Post subject:

I believe they are American Eagle Wheels, Known as Eagle Alloy. that is a good price and they are very strong. They are still in business, you can still buy the caps.
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Empi 5 spoke, American Eagle, Empi Style?
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