Halibrand Magnesium 427 Wheels

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

Any movement Rod?

You mean besides the one I had this morning.

I'd bet that Halibrand's answer will be that it's still out to bid on the manufacturing of wheels. Finding and using the lowest bidder always makes me worry a little.

[rodneym]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Finding and using the lowest bidder always makes me worry a little.

Using the lowest bidder has gotten us to the moon.

Rodknock, are you in contact with Richard?

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by rodneym

Using the lowest bidder has gotten us to the moon.

Rodknock, are you in contact with Richard?

Not at all. I'm letting you lead the charge. He doesn't need multiple people sending him emails or calling him.

I tried being the pest for 2-3 years. It's definitely your turn, plus you seemed to have gotten farther along with him than I.

[rodneym]

Got it.
When ERAChas said 'Rod', I didn't know which one of us he meant.
Either the Rodney with the Kirkham who wants the magnesium Halibrands or the Rodney in the Kirkham who want magnesium Halibrands.


I'll keep posting.

[DougD]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Not at all. I'm letting you lead the charge. He doesn't need multiple people sending him emails or calling him.

I tried being the pest for 2-3 years. It's definitely your turn, plus you seemed to have gotten farther along with him than I.

My money's on Fran.

This thread: Any interest in Mag wheels Cobra 427 SC Mark II

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I'd bet that Halibrand's answer will be that it's still out to bid on the manufacturing of wheels. Finding and using the lowest bidder always makes me worry a little.

Speculation...

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

Speculation...

Nothing better to do. As has been mentioned before, I've been waiting for 3+ years now.

[Cobra Pack]

Hey Guys -

I have been innocently watching this thread for a while. If you want a sure deal of getting mag 427 wheels, you need to talk to Fran Kress. Fran has been using M&A to cast mag FIA wheels, T44 transaxle cases, turbine wheels, and intake manifolds for the GT 40 MKIV continuation cars, etc. etc. Fran does have the molds for 427 wheels.

I just test fitted a set of his mag kidney bean wheels on my Kirkham LeMans Replica and the wheels are just awesome. These wheels are from his CSX2375 car and are 6.5" front and 9.0" rear. His rear flares are larger on his car, so the rears are a little on the large side for mine, but you get the idea. He is also doing 7.5" and 8.5". His next run of wheels which he wants to start immediately will have 6.5" fronts and 7.5" rears in the run for my car.

Fran is not an internet guys, which is probably why the last thread died. I would highly encourage you to call him at 412-441-5750 or email him at kresscobra at gmail dot com (I have his permission to include this info on the thread) if you have legit interest in buying a set of 427, Kidney Bean or FIA wheels in mag.

PS - I know my car is sitting too high in the picture. You have to drive a leafspring car a few miles for the springs to re-settle after you jack them up

[rodneym]

No news since the 20th.
I'll contact Richard and see if we've made any progress.

[ERA Chas]

You guys are clearly in violation of the "Two Rod Rule".

[RodKnock]

Mike, I've spoken to Fran on the phone a couple times and I've emailed him a couple times, over the past couple years. I'm willing to purchase his wheels, but at this point, to the best of my knowledge no wheels have been produced by either Halibrand or Fran.

It's essentially first come first served. Halibrand has my name and contact info and Fran has my name and contact info.

[rodneym]

Interesting turn of events.

I've heard from a few sources than Fran is "the man" but his thread lost steam, including posting a picture which never materialized.

Fran said mags would be made first quarter of this year. People mentioned Halibrand's years old list, so I called. Richard said HE was just about ready to make mags.....the first quarter of this year. Hmmm. Fran uses M&A. Halibrand uses M&A. First quarter of 2011. Coincidence? Halibrand is a brick and mortar business and I (and others) felt like Halibrand was the choice if all things were the same.

Needless to say, the one who makes the wheels first (or takes deposits first) will get the lion's share of the business. Some of us have waited YEARS.

[RodKnock]

If we weren't about 25 customers banging down his door, but maybe 500-1,000 sales, then things might be different.

The profit on a run of 25 sets of wheels can't be much to make anyone move in a hurry in this climate, though improving if you listen to the news.

[Cobra Pack]

The wheel are easy to balance. It was done with minimal use of the sticker style weights.

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by Cobra Pack

The wheel are easy to balance. It was done with minimal use of the sticker style weights.

Mike

Thanks Mike that's important.

[Cobra Pack]

Not sure how I got in the mix here, but oh well. Here is the deal. Fran does not use computers, in fact I don't even know if he owns one. He had someone post on his behalf on the original post. He is well aware of the interest however.

When I talked to him today, he confirmed that he does have the molds already. He is ready to start as soon as people call him to confirm their interest and let them him know backspace needs etc.

If everyone calls him within the next couple of day, the run of wheel will start ASAP. He's ready to roll. It sounds like there will be some flexibility in backspace.

Again, his number is 412-441-5750

Thanks

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Cobra Pack

When I talked to him today, he confirmed that he does have the molds already. He is ready to start as soon as people call him to confirm their interest and let them him know backspace needs etc.

What is the backspace needed to fit a Kirkham?

[RodKnock]

Fran's last post in November 2010:

"Yes to the Dow 7 question!
Working on getting EXACT backspacing measurements...
I hope to have them in the next day or two.
I have the pictures on my camera - just the camera isnt near me at the moment...

Fran"

Can he post more info?

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Lew Ledyard

Would Fran's be made by M&A? If so, count me in for a set.

In the past when we've corresponded or spoken, he's used M&A. In fact, when I spoke with M&A some time ago, they confirmed that they've made Fran's wheels in the past.

I think Lew's question is an excellent question. Can we confirm that he would use M&A?

Also, will the wheels have the Dow coating AND the powdercoating like Halibrand was speaking of?

Patrick, the factory is actually in Tunisia, so I think we're OK there.

[razerwire]

For 4100.00 each , I have some for sale right now and for 2500.00 more you can keep the Avon tires on them