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The other question I have is why would you spend $4000 on a set of cast mag wheels instead of finding someone who can forge them.
A set of forged wheels is going to be 10x the strength of cast wheels, and shouldn't cost that much (if any) more to make. I'd be willing to bet that if you took a bunch of detailed pictures and measurements from your aluminum wheels and sent them to the last link in my post above (the Chinese one) they could reverse engineer the wheel and make them for $500 a piece in forged magnesium. |
I wouldn't write off Fran. Unfortunately, I don't believe more than 4 people have called him. If you read these threads, it seems like a couple dozen people want these wheels. In reality, I think there may only be a handful of interested parties at this small volume price point.
I wanted magnesium kidney beans. I asked for them and I got them, so he will make them --- if there is true interest. |
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Having said that, I did have a long conversation with M&A Castings today. Much info to digest, but they could/would build it for us, if I/we come with bags of money. The cost is very similar to previous postings of mine on a per wheel basis, but obviously decreases as the quantity increases. Whoever puts up the money would own their own wheel molds. It doesn't sound like Fran or Halibrand are close to inking a deal with M&A. There's more info, but I don't think it was for public consumption. Needless to say, it doesn't sound like we're close to having UPS drop off boxes at our front door steps. :CRY: |
I should add that you could just make as few as 10-15 sets of wheels, but the cost would be greater.
Personally, if I decided to go into the wheels business, then I wouldn't be doing it for free. Not much money in it anyway. Where would I put 40-100 boxes? :eek: **) |
Bob Lacey??? Maybe he wants to play???
There is obviously money to be made-and even if the list is only a dozen, several have said they want multiple sets. |
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While I know Fran is not doing this gratis, I doubt he will pay off the SPF GT40 he bought from me with the proceeds. Bottom line from my outside view, if you want a set, step up to the pump and commit. Twenty pages of web posting will not wheels make...... |
We talked about coatings, backspacing, markings or lack thereof, but it all seems overwhelming to a dipstick like me.
If I did do it, and the likelihood is almost nil, then I would keep it very simple. You get the original backspacing specs, a choice of natural finish or black powdercoating (Dow 9). I was told the gold color hue (Dow 7) can be iffy, so I'm not sure I would if I were in the magnesium Cobra wheel business that I would get that coating. But of course, I've already spent too much time on this nonsense. So, would you guys pay $5,000 for a set of wheels? :LOL: :eek: ;) :cool: |
I caught Richard @ Halibrand today. Said he'd call me right back. No word.
On Friday, Fran said he'd call me Monday. No word. As of Friday, Fran wouldn't take a deposit. I think we'd have better luck asking the Kirkhams to machine a set out of billet magnesium. :eek: %/ I'm willing to commit for a set (or two), drum up some interest from potential buyers (with this thread) and even do some hand holding with the guys whose business this is, but I'm not going in to the wheel business. It's not over yet. |
ROD-
At the risk of being a huge PIA (actually don't care if I am :p)-does it NOT make sense to try Bob Lacey????????? What is there to lose----it's easier than making innumerable phone calls-that get ignored. Those guys don't want your business-period. If one of them does, he would get on here and say so with specific info as to how and when it will work. I'll keep asking until someone gives me a definitive, sensible answer.... |
Chas,
I don't know if you meant me (rodneym) but I go by Rodney. :LOL: I've got no problem with Bob Lacey (or Bob Uecker for that matter). I'm simply trying to keep the maybes manageable. What if Richard and Fran say YES?! And then Bob says 'me too'? And then Globetrotters win the title? And the moon IS really cheese? And Patrick gets dirt under his well manicured nails. THEN WHAT????? |
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Trigo basically said, and this is me paraphrasing, "We don't like Aluminum wheels sitting on the shelf, let alone Magnesium." Too expensive. Not enough interest. We have yet to hear from Fran and Richard. As Rodknock mentioned, there are other 'forces' at work. :CRY: |
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Thank you, I'll remain seated now. In my book you are 'Rod' and Rodknock is 'Knockers'. See? Aren't you glad to be 'Rod'?%/ |
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You can dream...:rolleyes: |
FWIW, it would appear that Fran would likely get his wheels made by M&A, since M&A has heard from him recently. M&A hasn't talked to Halibrand for a long time, so Halibrand is probably going through someone else.
I've thought about making my debut in the wheel business, but I'm sick and tired of doing charity work. :p |
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minor update
Just spoke with Richard and he still needs more time. He'll make calls this week...:CRY:
Richard was speaking with a bit of familiarity about the this thread. In other words, he asked me if I'm buying Fran's wheels :LOL:. I replied, "Whoever does this first will get the lions share from this thread's list, including myself." Just spoke with Fran. He needs more time...:CRY: He's returning home tomorrow and asked for a couple more days. Just spoke with Bob Lacey for the first time (Vintage Wheels). Nice guy. He's looking into it. Trigo officially declined (I reconfirmed just now). Trigo gets the 'Quick, Definitive Answer Award'. :cool: |
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I'm forming a new CA LLC (Limited Liability Company) by the name of the "Halibrand Wheel Conspiracy, LLC." Once I have the LLC formed, I'll be contributing $50,000 of equity to get this project started after I review the contract with M&A. Then everything else should be downhill from there.
NOT. :LOL: BTW, I'm glad I thought of contacting Bob Lacey. One of my better ideas. :p |
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