Type 3 Original wheels and hubcap compatibility

[Yabbadubbadoo]

Trying to work out what caps go with what wheels. Also what hubcaps might be interchangeable (OG or aftermarket) with type 3 OG steel wheels.
I'm wanting info mainly on wide 5 smoothy rims but it would also help to understand the 4 stud wheel and cap combinations.
I kinda know the original caps for wide 5 have inverted logo and are relatively flat looking but they're as rare as rocking horse sh#t. So I want to know if there are any other options. I saw one fastback using what appeared to be early Beetle dome caps on smoothy rims and it looked great but I didn't think they have the right clip design to work on type 3 rims so I assume they were probably beetle rims. Can anyone confirm this?
If you have info or pics please shed some light on this subject? I actually really like the look of full dome caps with vw logo like early beetles and karmann ghias. They are also easier to find than type 3 OG caps cause there seems to be a number of reproductions available. FYI, I've been looking for 10 months to get a full set of original flat type 3 caps in mint condition but that is wishful thinking.
If you've got any pics of cool looking hub cap combinations on OG type 3 wheels please post them up with description of what we're looking at!!!!!
Cheers,
Paolo

[ALLWAGONS]

Hello Paolo,

You can use '66-'67 bug hubcaps on early type 3 rims. The only difference you will notice is that the logo is an outie instead of an innie, and the gap between the cap and the rim is too wide to hold a beauty ring in place.

Perfect example of an outie ('66-"67)

an early hubcap

Aftermarket hubcap for type 3

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I'd be UNSTOPPABLE if not for Law Enforcement and PHYSICS.

I recycle old cars and parts, other than when I rot, that's as Green as I am going to get.

Thanks to my Tesla driving neighbors, I feel more relaxed driving my SUBURBAN and old VW's.

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[Yabbadubbadoo]

Thanks for the detailed reply. Great info there. Very helpful.

So do these not fit?

I saw this photo and it got me confused.

Admittedly I can't see whether it has the logo but the profile of the cap resembles the early beetle caps. Does anyone know what this wheel/cap combo is?. I like the profile of these full high dome caps and hope to find some with proper VW logos like the above beetle rim that will fit the type 3 smoothy rim.

[ALLWAGONS]

Any wide five wheel will fit.

Type 3 wheels don't have clips, just small bumps on the actual rim that's why you have use the flat type with the lip. Bug and bus wheels have clips and you can use the moon caps.
_________________
I'd be UNSTOPPABLE if not for Law Enforcement and PHYSICS.

I recycle old cars and parts, other than when I rot, that's as Green as I am going to get.

Thanks to my Tesla driving neighbors, I feel more relaxed driving my SUBURBAN and old VW's.

NON INFLUENCER APPROVED

[vdubjiunkie]

So, I see that T1 ‘66 - ‘67 caps “fit” and I’ve got a set of caps I’ve held on to for years that seem to “fit”, but not especially tightly.

jbugs lists the same range of caps as correct for ‘64 - ‘65 T3, but looking at the cap from the side, I think I would expect to see the “base” of the cap flare back outward after turning in, just below the part of the cap that shows, when installed.

Am I wrong, or are these caps just something that basically works, but aren’t actually designed for use with the T3 wheel?
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1964 Type 3 Notchback
1969 Karmann Ghia shell in need of full body off restoration
2004 WRX

"It Is Difficult to Get a Man to Understand Something When His Salary Depends Upon His Not Understanding It" - Upton Sinclair

[squaretobehip]

There are no new aftermarket early Type 3 hubcaps available.
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1963 Notchback - Ruby Red
1963 Squareback - Pearl White
1965 Squareback - Baltic Blue

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[vdubjiunkie]

Does anybody have experience using these aftermarket hubcaps? Do they tend to stay on? I’d hate to spend the money on a set, only to lose them!
_________________
1964 Type 3 Notchback
1969 Karmann Ghia shell in need of full body off restoration
2004 WRX

"It Is Difficult to Get a Man to Understand Something When His Salary Depends Upon His Not Understanding It" - Upton Sinclair