Real Hildebrand Knock Offs - Maintenance

vegan2 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-09-2003, 10:58 AM

I just purchased a Cobra with real Halibrand Knock Offs. They are old and are pitted in a few spots on the rear outer rim.

1. Does anyone have a solution to the pitting problem, e.g. how to get the black marks out?

2. Is there a "best" product for shining real mag wheels? Any methods better than others?

3. The centers are black, I assume black paint, and they need to be re-done. Any suggestions on the paint to use.

Also, I'm missing one on the clips that is inserted into the center knock off - any suggestions for replacing it?

I'm just getting started in cleaning up the Cobra, and I'm already lost. Assistance would be appreciated.

I'm real happy to have the real deal, but they need attention. Thanks.

Cal Metal · #2 (**permalink**) 06-09-2003, 01:20 PM

Real magnesium wheels that are quite old become very brittle. Be careful not to race with them. I have seen instances, under extreme use, where the wheel literally exploded. SAAC Quarterly had a good piece on the subject a year or two ago warning Cobra owners of the hazard.

Jim Maxwell · #3 (**permalink**) 06-09-2003, 03:29 PM

I have to say that the article in The Shelby American gave me the willies! I have been running hard at many open track events with my original spline drive American Racing 5 spoke wheels, an option for the 289 Cobras. They are magnesium. This article was the coup de grace for my desire to keep running a 40 year old car with 40 year old mag wheels and a 50 year old driver. I reached the conclusion that any combination that added up to more than 90 total years was dangerous. I plan a scientific analysis in the near future for this equation.

Rick Parker · #4 (**permalink**) 06-09-2003, 03:44 PM

24 year old Blond in 40 year old car seen by 1 50 year olds wife will eliminate the need to verify scientific analysis indefinately.

Do the math

Rick

427sharpe · #5 (**permalink**) 06-09-2003, 05:03 PM

vegan;
Halibrand still makes the GT40 wheel from the original molds in either aluminum or magnesium. If theses are truly OE wheels from the 60's I would shelve them except for shows and get a new set. As for care, Halibrand can answer any and all questions..they have a good tech line on the web site. If you insist on using these wheels, get them xrayed for cracks....especially if they have been painted a few times because the paint can hide a hairline crack.

vegan2 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-09-2003, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 427sharpe

vegan;
Halibrand still makes the GT40 wheel from the original molds in either aluminum or magnesium. If theses are truly OE wheels from the 60's I would shelve them except for shows and get a new set. As for care, Halibrand can answer any and all questions..they have a good tech line on the web site. If you insist on using these wheels, get them xrayed for cracks....especially if they have been painted a few times because the paint can hide a hairline crack.

Robert:
Thanks for the insight - I visited Halibrand on the web and emailed to see if they can direct me to the cotter pin that I'm looking for. Yes, they are truly OE wheels, but have not seen many miles with only 10,000 miles since 1980. So, is it time or miles that cause cracks in this type of wheel?

Cal Metal · #7 (**permalink**) 06-09-2003, 07:08 PM

Time more than miles.

Spoony · #8 (**permalink**) 06-09-2003, 07:19 PM

No idea on the pitting problem but I wanted to say I really like the color of your car.

Bluedog · #9 (**permalink**) 06-10-2003, 12:11 AM

Vegan2,
How challenging is it to maintain the pristine white color of your pipes? Are your headers white? Did you ceramic coat them, powder coat, or simply use a high temp paint? I really love the look but don't want a maintenance nightmare. Thanks!

Bluedog

vegan2 · #10 (**permalink**) 06-10-2003, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bluedog

Vegan2,
How challenging is it to maintain the pristine white color of your pipes? Are your headers white? Did you ceramic coat them, powder coat, or simply use a high temp paint? I really love the look but don't want a maintenance nightmare. Thanks!

Actually I just purchased my Cobra about a month ago. I was looking at the pipes last Sunday and, yes, white picks up a lot of stuff from the road. The former owner used high temp paint (headers included) and I simply lightly sanded the "spots" and the pipes look fine. One of the recommendation on the seller list was to purchase chrome pipes and I now see why. On the other hand, the one thing I can do well is clean and shine the Cobra. In addition, chrome looks way too civilized to me, but it all depends on the look that you are going for and I feel that white or black is way more menacing than chrome.

By the way, if "pristine" white maintenance is the goal, chrome is probably the answer - but try to get a look a two Cobra's - one with chrome and one with white/black to see what look is best for you. White is probably more for a driver, versus show and after driving around town, no one notices a few black spots on the pipes - it's just thumbs up all around!