Halibrand Magnesium 427 Wheels

Cobra Pack · #1 (**permalink**) 02-02-2011, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

What is the backspace needed to fit a Kirkham?

They will be original spec unless you adjust them to your specific needs. You should take your wheels off and measure if you have any concerns.

RodKnock · #2 (**permalink**) 02-02-2011, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cobra Pack

They will be original spec unless you adjust them to your specific needs. You should take your wheels off and measure if you have any concerns.

Maybe Rodney can help me out. They should be original spec.

rodneym · #3 (**permalink**) 02-02-2011, 11:22 PM

Well, it sure seems like things are shaping up for plan B.

As far as I understand, we have Trigos on our Kirkhams and Trigos are per original.

I'll call David Kirkham tomorrow. He'll know for sure.

Also, I emailed Richard yesterday with a sense of urgency. No response.

601HP · #4 (**permalink**) 02-03-2011, 07:31 AM

From Trigo's website:

TRIGO's 427 Cobra wheels are the same as the original 427 Cobra wheels and are intended for use on original or replica Cobras requiring a 6-pin configuration.
They are available in stock Cobra sizes:
Front, 7 1/2" x 15, 2.750 backspace | Rear, 9 1/2" x 15, 3.650 backspace

David

rodneym · #5 (**permalink**) 02-03-2011, 10:25 AM

I called David Kirkham just now.
The Trigos on Kirkhams are standard backspacing per original 427's.

I'll call Richard at Halibrand and tell him how things are shaping up.
I think he deserves to know. Someday he'll run them and eventually sell them all. But it's not easy paying taxes on stock that's collecting dust

A. How many on our list will buy Fran's wheels?

B. How many will wait for Halibrand?

C. How many would buy from Fran now AND buy from Halibrand (eventually)?

Personally, I think I'm on the A list and heavily leaning towards C. Either way, mags are in my future.

Anyone else?

rodneym · #6 (**permalink**) 02-03-2011, 11:16 AM

Ok, I just got off the phone with Richard @ Halibrand. I told how things are shaping up. He has been emailed the link to this thread in the past and knows all this information is out in the open.
He understands that we are enthusiasts, first. He mentioned a bit of remorse for letting this go too long (not just this mag run, but mag runs in general).
He is confident that he will run them and will sell them all, no matter what happens to our/his list. I personally believe him on this. They'll get made eventually and he'll sell them all in time. This is speculation but the outlay of cash is more than likely his biggest hurdle (duh).
Richard and I will remain in contact and when he has news, I will update this thread and will do so until the end.
I also asked him about the finishing. Dow 7 is a temporary chemical 'pickling'. That's why they will eventually turn if left alone. So, the wheels get Dow 7 for (temporary treatment-the original way) pickling, then powdercoat the centers. This new chemical he has mentioned is in addition to all this. It stabilizes the magnesium and keeps the appearance of 'NEW' wheels, like it or not. And he'll certainly leave it off if you like.

Now, for the big question: Are you going with Fran, staying with Halibrand or both (there's been mention of multiple sets from people)?

I know this thread is getting TIRED (no pun intended)....but I'll put myself on the list for both. Anyone else on the list who wants to share publicly?

RodKnock · #7 (**permalink**) 02-03-2011, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodneym

A. They'll get made, eventually. Richard will remain in contact when he has news and I will update this thread to the end.

B. I know this thread is getting TIRED (no pun intended)....

A. When?

B. Well this thread is certainly not as entertaining as the "Let's kill the guy (or give him a limp by shooting him/her in the knee) who enters my garage uninvited" thread. That's a really good thread.

slider701 · #8 (**permalink**) 02-03-2011, 11:41 AM

Guys,

I don't have a dog in this hunt but wanted to throw out a suggestion/question.

Has anyone approached the Kirkhams about making these wheels with their connections over in Poland? Kirkham most certainty has the CAD expertise to draw up the wheels in SolidWorks and run a full FEA on them to make sure they are optimized for weight and strength. From there is is just a matter of sourcing a magnesium caster, or better yet forging place to make the wheels.

When I was with Ford's SVT group we were looking at some magnesium forged wheels from somewhere in the Soviet Union. The US government had a program where they were subsidizing the development and manufacturing costs in order to keep these magnesium forging plants in business making car parts instead of fighter plane and missile/rocket parts.

If anyone can pull this off, and improve on the design it would be the Kirkhams. With their Polish connections I'm sure they could find someone to make them.

Just a thought/suggestion.................always worth a call.

RodKnock · #9 (**permalink**) 02-07-2011, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodneym

I also asked him about the finishing. Dow 7 is a temporary chemical 'pickling'. That's why they will eventually turn if left alone. So, the wheels get Dow 7 for (temporary treatment-the original way) pickling, then powdercoat the centers. This new chemical he has mentioned is in addition to all this. It stabilizes the magnesium and keeps the appearance of 'NEW' wheels, like it or not. And he'll certainly leave it off if you like.

Hey Rodney, Lew, or anyone who has talked with Fran. In your conversations with Fran, do you have any idea if Fran uses both the "Dow 7 temporary pickling" AND then the powdercoating like Halibrand proposes? Also, is the powdercoat the same color as the temporary pickling or some other color?