|
The history of 427 Cobra wheels?
Hi all. Can anyone direct me to any written references as to the history of the various wheels Shelby used on the 427 Cobras?
I know a little but probably not all correct. As an example: Shelby intended to build the 427's as race cars. Therefore he intended to use the available Halibrand wheels. Did the Halibrand wheels have a name? What widths. material (aluminum vs mag) etc. History suggests that the lack of 427 race car sales and Ford's reluctance for the 427 Cobra to compete with the GT40 program, only about 35 race cars were produced (6 Comp cars and the balance converted to SC's). They all used Halibrands, right? Then Shelby decided to build Street 427 Cobra's and Halibrand could not supply in volume. So Peter Brock designed the cast aluminum Sunburst wheel and it was manufactured by Kelsey Hayes (right?). Just curious. Cheers Greg |
Greg,
Last year I searched for new rims for my car and as I don't like the Halibrands, I tried to find another option. First I also thought about Sunbursts - but these wheels are hard to source and really expensive. I found the August 1965 Ford Times (see : Ford Time August 1965, Introduction of the 427 Cobra, Online FFR Magazine. ) which describes the 427 Cobra and I decided to use also these pretty nice FIA rims on my car. I know, the FIA rims were basically used on the 289 car, but I think they also fit perfect to the 427. That's what I did. All the best Werner |
Quote:
|
Some of the 427 comp cars actually received 289 "FIA" style wheels.
|
Yep, that true. Some early 427's used the "FIA" wheels.
Larry CSX3031: http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b2...pslnoobqpq.jpg |
|
That's nice garage wall art you have there Larry
Cheers, Glen |
Quote:
SHELBY AMERICAN PERFORMANCE EQUIPMENT HIGH PERFORMANCE AUTOMOBILE PARTS DATE 04-16-65 S1CR 1013 Wheel, Mag Rear 8-1/2" Offset Halibrand 137.75 (retail) 103.50 (dealer) {Dan's comment: introduced during 1964 season and 1965 season rear racing Cobra wheel where allowed. Not every racing organization/event/class allowed 8½ rear wheels on Cobras. Most racing Cobras used some type of 7½ wide rear wheel and there were several types.} S2CR 1013- 1 Wheel, Mag Rear 8.50 X 15 Halibrand 130.00 (retail) 97.50 (dealer) {Dan's comment: made for 427 Cobra race cars with an offset suitable for the then new coil spring chassis.} |
Quote:
Larry |
15" Torque Thrusts are a nice option too.
|
FWIW, when I bought CSX 3121 in 1969, it was riding on FIA wheels. I eventually traded up to 7-1/2 and 9-1/2 Halibrands, which were considered "class" rolling stock for 427 Cobras.
|
Quote:
|
My old bud Ed R. had the Torque Thrusts on his 289 Cobra, and while I realize that the small block didn't come near the 427 in urge, he ran those wheels hard for at least seven years without a problem.
|
The American Racing produced magnesium wheels for Cobras (leaf spring cars) had bolt in forged steel adapters. The adapters were/are much stronger than original AC Cars rear street car hubs. (SAI and AC both came up with stronger alloy rear hubs for racing.)
The original "sports car" design five spoke wheel assembly had bolts into the magnesium center hub from the rear. That arrangement seemed to work well for most applications. I have known owners that have used them for street and road courses for decades without problems. http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r...64/15x85-1.jpg http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r...64/15x85-2.jpg Legend says and modern owner experiences agree that rear wheels used in serious drag racing would wallow the bolts in the magnesium wheel. The fix was rotate the adapters and bolt through them and use standard magnesium wheel washers and lug nuts. When SAI’s second drag Cobra was prepared it received the new ‘bolt through’ design wheels. The adapters were the same. http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r...15X6-Front.jpg |
Is there a listing of which cars had which wheels?
|
| All times are GMT -7. The time now is 05:14 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0
The representations expressed are the representations and opinions of the clubcobra.com forum members and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and viewpoints of the site owners, moderators, Shelby American, any other replica manufacturer, Ford Motor Company. This website has been planned and developed by clubcobra.com and its forum members and should not be construed as being endorsed by Ford Motor Company, or Shelby American or any other manufacturer unless expressly noted by that entity. "Cobra" and the Cobra logo are registered trademarks for Ford Motor Co., Inc. clubcobra.com forum members agree not to post any copyrighted material unless the copyrighted material is owned by you. Although we do not and cannot review the messages posted and are not responsible for the content of any of these messages, we reserve the right to delete any message for any reason whatsoever. You remain solely responsible for the content of your messages, and you agree to indemnify and hold us harmless with respect to any claim based upon transmission of your message(s). Thank you for visiting clubcobra.com. For full policy documentation refer to the following link: