DEXTER RACING 8-inch Steel Rim – Classic, Two-Piece, and Customizable
Unpainted tube-type steel wheel for Vespa Wideframe and early 8-inch Largeframe models
The DEXTER RACING 8-inch steel rim features the classic two-piece design of early Vespa wheels and combines it with the appropriate geometry for numerous Wideframe and early Largeframe models. The rim is delivered unpainted and is designed as a TT (Tube Type) for use with an inner tube.
This makes it particularly suitable for restorations, custom-built vehicles, and conversions where the characteristic 8-inch wheel size is to be retained. The untreated steel surface also allows you to choose the color and finish to match your vehicle.
In addition, the rim serves as the ideal base component for the DEXTER RACING 8-inch disc brake (DEX20158). This allows you to combine a modern disc brake system with classic 8-inch tires without having to convert the vehicle to 10-inch wheels.
8 inches
Steel
Tube Type
Split rim
Unpainted
Front and rear
Wideframe and Largeframe
For DEX20158
The advantages at a glance
Classic steel construction: in keeping with the technical and aesthetic design of early Vespa models
Split rim: traditional two-piece design for easy tire installation
TT / Tube Type: designed for tire installation with an inner tube
Unpainted: Surface can be customized to match the vehicle and restoration project
Front and rear: suitable for both wheel positions
Wide vehicle compatibility: suitable for numerous Vespa models from 1946 to 1967 with a classic closed 8-inch wheel mount
Disc brake-compatible: base component for the DEXTER RACING DEX20158 disc brake
8 inches stays 8 inches: Vehicle height, proportions, and classic wheel appearance are preserved
Classic steel rim for original 8-inch proportions
Early Vespa models were equipped with two-piece steel rims straight from the factory. To this day, this simple and robust design remains an integral part of the look of a classic Wideframe or early Largeframe.
The DEXTER RACING rim draws on this proven principle. In contrast to the technically more complex CNC-machined aluminum tubeless version, this model deliberately features a classic steel construction with an inner tube.
This makes it particularly appealing for vehicles where a traditional setup is desired or where the rim needs to be painted or coated in a custom color to match a restoration project.
Classic design – versatile application
Two-piece construction based on the classic Vespa principle
Steel version for traditional vehicle designs
8-inch wheel size remains fully intact
Suitable for front and rear wheels
Suitable for restorations and custom modifications
Tube Type – classic tire installation with an inner tube
The rim is designed as a TT / Tube Type. Unlike a tubeless rim, the tire is therefore not sealed by the rim and tire itself. A compatible inner tube is required for operation.
This principle corresponds to the classic design of the original Vespa 8-inch wheels. The two rim halves can be separated from one another, allowing the tire and tube to be mounted or removed relatively easily without a tire changer.
TT / Tube Type
Inner tube required: classic tube-type construction
Two-piece rim: both rim halves can be separated for tire installation
8-inch size: the original wheel diameter is retained
Easy to service: The tire and inner tube are easily accessible after disassembling the rim
Unpainted—choose your own finish
The DEXTER RACING steel rim is delivered unpainted. This is particularly useful for restorations and custom vehicle builds, as the rim does not first need to be stripped of an existing coating.
For example, it can be painted to match the vehicle or treated with a suitable surface coating. This allows you to achieve both a factory-like appearance and a custom color scheme.
Untreated steel requires corrosion protection
Since steel can corrode without a permanent surface coating, the rim should be treated with a suitable corrosion protection before regular vehicle use.
Thoroughly clean and degrease the surface before coating
Remove any surface traces of storage residue or oxidation before coating
Use a suitable corrosion protection or primer
Then paint or apply a suitable coating system
Do not compromise contact and functional surfaces with excessive coating thickness
Base for the DEXTER RACING 8-inch disc brake
The rim also serves as the ideal base component for the DEXTER RACING DEX20158 disc brake kit. This allows for the installation of a modern disc brake system even on classic Vespa models equipped with 8-inch tires.
The particular advantage is that the characteristic 8-inch wheel size is retained. A complete conversion to 10-inch wheels is not required for the corresponding DEXTER RACING brake setup.
This is particularly appealing for early Wideframe and Largeframe models: the vehicle’s height, proportions, and the typical compact wheel appearance remain largely unchanged, while a modern disc brake can be installed on the front axle.
Ideal for classic 8-inch conversions
Original 8-inch wheel size is retained
No need to switch to 10-inch tires
Compatible rim base for the DEXTER RACING DEX20158 disc brake
Rim can be used on both front and rear
Complements the classic look of early Vespa models
Compatible with
The following compatibility information applies to Italian Piaggio models with the classic closed 8-inch wheel mount. For clear identification, compare the frame prefix on the vehicle with the table.
| Model |
Frame prefix |
Model Year |
Frame Number |
| Vespa 98 |
V98 |
1946–1947 |
1–18079 |
| Vespa 125 |
V1T–V15T |
1948–1950 |
1–104096 |
| Vespa 125 |
V30T–V33T |
1950–1952 |
104097–251820 |
| Vespa 125 |
VM1T |
1952–1953 |
1001–85870 |
| Vespa 125 U |
VU1T |
1953 |
1001–7001 |
| Vespa 125 |
VM2T |
1953–1954 |
85871–176014 |
| Vespa 125 |
VN1T |
1954–1955 |
1001–50100 |
| Vespa 125 |
VN2T |
1956–1957 |
50101–125600 |
| Model |
Frame prefix |
Year of Manufacture |
Frame Number |
| Vespa 150 |
VL1T |
1954–1955 |
1001–17000 |
| Vespa 150 |
VL2T |
1955–1956 |
17,001–93,101 |
| Vespa 150 |
VL3T |
1956–1957 |
93102–132737 |
| Vespa 150 |
VB1T |
1957–1958 |
1001–99700 |
| Model |
Frame prefix |
Year of Manufacture |
Frame Number |
| Vespa 125 VNA |
VNA1T |
1957–1958 |
1001–68031 |
| Vespa 125 VNA |
VNA2T |
1958–1959 |
68032–116431 |
| Vespa 125 VNB |
VNB1T |
1959–1961 |
1001–89850 |
| Vespa 125 VNB |
VNB2T |
1961 |
1001–34699 |
| Vespa 125 VNB |
VNB3T |
1961–1962 |
34700–90395 |
| Vespa 125 VNB |
VNB4T |
1962–1963 |
90396–136485 |
| Vespa 125 VNB |
VNB5T |
1963–1964 |
1001–43240 |
| Vespa 125 VNB |
VNB6T |
1964–1966 |
1001–37028 |
| Model |
Frame prefix |
Year of Manufacture |
Frame Number |
| Vespa 150 VBA |
VBA1T |
1958–1960 |
1001–125040 |
| Vespa 150 VBB |
VBB1T |
1960–1962 |
1001–146,000 |
| Vespa 150 VBB |
VBB2T |
1962–1967 |
146001–280148 |
The years listed indicate the production period. The date of first registration may differ from this. The frame prefix, wheel mount, and rim type are decisive for classification.
Important Distinctions in Vehicle Classification
Closed 8-inch wheel mount: This classification applies to the classic internally bolted rim design of the listed models.
Vespa 125 Super VNC1T: Although equipped with standard 8-inch tires, this model is not included in this classification because it uses a different, open rim design.
Vespa 150 Super VBC1T: Also not included in this classification, as the rim mounting differs from the classic closed Wideframe/VNA/VNB/VBA/VBB design.
10-inch models: Not intended for vehicles with standard 10-inch wheel mounts.
Licensed models: For ACMA, Hoffmann, Messerschmitt, and other licensed models, the actual wheel mounting must be verified before ordering.
Technical Specifications
| Manufacturer |
DEXTER RACING |
| Part |
Rim for front or rear wheel |
| Rim size |
8 inches |
| Design |
Two-piece and disassemblable |
| Tire type |
TT / Tube Type – For use with inner tubes |
| Material |
Steel |
| Surface |
Unpainted / untreated |
| Installation Position |
Front and rear |
| Wheel Mounting |
Classic closed 8-inch design for the listed models |
| Vehicle group |
Vespa Wideframe and early Largeframe models with corresponding 8-inch wheel mount |
| Disc Brake Compatibility |
Base component for DEXTER RACING DEX20158 |
Important notes before installation
Compare the frame prefix and existing wheel mount with the vehicle table
Protect the unpainted steel surface from corrosion before long-term use on the vehicle
Inspect the rim halves and contact surfaces for damage, dirt, and coating residues before installation
Assemble the rim halves cleanly, evenly, and without tension
Use a suitable 8-inch tire together with a matching inner tube
Do not pinch the inner tube between the rim halves during assembly
Follow the tire and tube manufacturers’ specifications regarding size, installation, and air pressure
When using with the DEXTER RACING disc brake, verify the compatibility of all components of the brake assembly
After installation, check the tire seat, free rotation, and secure fit of all screw connections
Important: This rim is not tubeless
This steel rim is designed as a TT (Tube Type) rim. It has no seal between the two rim halves and is therefore not intended for tubeless use.
For normal use, an inner tube that matches the tire and rim size is required.
Conclusion
The DEXTER RACING 8-inch steel rim is the classic alternative to the more elaborate CNC-machined aluminum tubeless design. It features the traditional two-piece steel construction of early Vespa models and is designed for use with an inner tube.
Thanks to its unpainted surface, it can be easily customized to match restoration projects and vehicle paint schemes. At the same time, the original 8-inch wheel size, with its characteristic proportions, is fully preserved.
The rim is particularly interesting as a base component for the DEXTER RACING DEX20158 disc brake. This allows you to install a modern braking system while keeping the vehicle on its characteristic 8-inch tires.
FAQ on the DEXTER RACING 8-inch Steel Rim
Yes. The rim is designed as a TT (Tube Type). Therefore, an inner tube that matches the tire and rim size is required for operation.
No. This is a tube-type rim and has no seal between the two rim halves. For a tubeless setup, the separate DEXTER RACING CNC aluminum tubeless rim is intended.
The unpainted version allows for a custom surface finish to match the vehicle. Before long-term use, the steel rim should be treated with a suitable corrosion inhibitor and then painted or otherwise coated appropriately.
Yes. For the listed Vespa models, the rim is generally intended for use on both the front and rear wheels.
The key identifier is the prefix stamped into the frame before the serial number, such as VNB4T or VBB2T. This frame prefix should be compared with the vehicle chart. The date of first registration alone is not always sufficient for unambiguous identification.
Although the Vespa 125 Super VNC1T and Vespa 150 Super VBC1T come standard with 8-inch wheels, they use a different open-style rim design. These models are therefore not included in the vehicle compatibility list provided here.
Various licensed models use a comparable closed 8-inch wheel mount. Due to possible differences between model series, countries of manufacture, and vehicles that have already been modified, the existing wheel mount should be compared with the DEXTER RACING version before ordering.
The rim is the compatible 8-inch base component for the DEXTER RACING disc brake kit DEX20158. This allows the disc brake system to be installed while retaining the classic 8-inch tires.
This version is made of steel and is designed as a classic tube-type rim for use with inner tubes. The DEXTER RACING CNC aluminum version, on the other hand, is made of solid aluminum and features a seal between the rim halves, allowing it to be ridden tubeless with suitable tires.
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