4 Lug VW SHELBY Diamondback Mag Wheels

[Typ3nut]

Information for those that have or are seeking these wheels.

SHELBY INDUSTRIES : "DIAMONDBACK" Wheels
-4 Lug, Volkswagen / Porsche 914 Bolt Pattern 4 x 130
-15" x 5.5"width
-Backspace 4.25"
-Center Hole Bore 3.25"
-Solid one piece aluminum wheel
-36 Spokes
-Require Special Mag Lug Bolts with Washers
*These are embossed on backside with SHELBY U.S.A. 15 x 5.5
Fit: VW Beetle, Type 3, Type 4, Karmann Ghia & Porsche 914

My first sighting of these wheels was over 15 years ago when I met theSamba member, Bobnotch at a VW Event and he had these wheels on his Notchback.

Bob's wheels are true Shelby Diamondback Mag Wheels that are embossed on the back inside.

I had been looking for a nice Set ever since, but most that I found were in bad condition until recently. I purchased a Set that had all 16 of the "Hard to Find" Lug Bolts with washers. No Center Caps.

BUT ...
These were NOT embossed with SHELBY U.S.A. on the back inside but have the same 15 x 5.5 embossed "only", no maker or manufacture markings.
The measurements and appearance to the SHELBY Wheels are identical.
So ...
There are many Wheel manufactures that made similar wheels but most always put a manufacture marking on the back inside.
SUPERIOR INDUSTRIES also made these wheels and they were named, "PANTERA".
I was thinking the wheels I have are Superior Wheels but "they" most always embossed their wheels with manufacture marking.
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There are other manufacture's that made this wheel but I haven't been able to find information.
Here's a similar wheel, but you can tell the difference by the way the wheel has a cut in the circumference before the spokes. Also, the valve stem lines-up with a spoke instead of being in between as on the Shelby and Superior wheels.

1972 Shelby Brochure / Chart with the original style caps:

Here is what I have come up with for the replacement center caps that fit the 3.25 Center Hole Bore.

Left one is an eBay purchase, Chromed plastic push-in style and the ones on right are the ISP Aluminum Carrera IP with set screws. SHELBY center cap emblems were an eBay purchase, 1.75" across.
I'm in the process of polishing and detailing my purchased wheels.
Always looking for more info. on other manufactures of this style wheel.
Post picture of your cars that have these style wheels...

Here's a VW Dealership postcard that has a similar wheel hanging on display behind the Parts Counter Clerk. Aftermarket or Dealership Accessory?

Here's a Beetle Convertible with wheels and they look sweet !

[ps2375]

I acquired a set of these this year off of a 914 for my race rubber for the Bug for Auto-X. I never thought about looking into who made them. Thanks for the info.

But no still pics of them.

[Typ3nut]

[quote="ps2375"]I acquired a set of these this year off of a 914 for my race rubber for the Bug for Auto-X. I never thought about looking into who made them. Thanks for the info.

If you ever dismount one, take a look on the backside for manufacture / maker, looks like there being put to good use.

Here's a photo of the Porsche 914 mine were on. Good looking wheels.

[Typ3nut]

Here's a similar set of wheels ... 15 x 5.5, 4 x 130
Aluminum Center with Chrome Steel Rim, has 32 Spokes NOT 36 like the All Aluminum, valve stem lines up with spoke. Unknown Manufacture.

Any one with additional info?

Found out today that these are Trans-American Products Wheels which is the company to where this style originated. 32 spoke, RADER Mag... but looks like a Wire Spoke, "Spider" 1964

[ps2375]

I'll have to get one out of the stack and see what it has on it.

[ps2375]

Mine look exactly like the Shelby wheels as far as valve stem placement and spoke count, but not a single mark on the back-side.

[Typ3nut]

[Typ3nut]

1980 SHELBY Diamondback Wheels Brochure...
3 Finishes
-Gold (w/chrome cap)
-Polished (w/chrome cap)
-Black, with brush machined lip (w/black cap)

[Obi-Sean Kenobi]

Any idea where to buy the washer lug bolts for these wheels?

[superstarvw]

I bought EMPI 9511 (EMPI 9511 CHRME NUT/STUD KIT W/FLAT WASHERS M14-1.5 TO 1/2-20 MAG WHEELS) lugs/studs on eBay, and they worked for me. My seats were a bit torn up when I bought them, but I think these fit and didn't do further damage.

_________________
'74 Cabriolet (current)
'70 Ghia (sold), '72 Fastback (sold), '73 Super (sold), '71 Std (sold), '75 Std (MIA)