"Halibrand Cobra II wheels in......MAGNESIUM

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by fordracing65

It was a $3000 dollar option on the Corvette in 1998, so the price seems right on with inflation and all...

Fran is not GM and cannot negotiate the same deal as large multi-national corporation. And Fran would only produce 25 sets of wheels and that is a very small production run. Lastly, the wheel manufacturer needs to make a new mold, front and rear, since they no longer have or no longer can use Halibrand's old molds.

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by Nedsel

I know. Let's ask Fran to switch over to the idea of making up some sunbursts instead of the Halibrands. That ought to be simple. And no doubt lots of people will pop for the deposit right away. Uh, we haven't been down this road before, right?

Oh Ned, you are a very bad man! (wagging finger)

[joyridin']

Originally Posted by 601HP

From where I sit, IMO:
a. Locating enough buyers @ $4K+ per set IS an issue. I jumped ship over a year ago because of price.
b. Getting them made IS an issue that is driven by (a.), and other factors.

David

Isn't that what I said?

[brettco]

I've had two babies since the first go-around on these wheels and gave up after the first. Ill find some one day. I picked aluminum when we made mine a roller- oops!

[ERA Chas]

Pal.
There's 2 ways I'd do it. Either blast and Nuvite only, or blast and a steady diet of Gibbs Brand Penetrant. I loved the Nuvite and less intensive than any 'polish'.
Was liking the Gibbs but never got the chance because a crazy guy gave me money for the whole car.

NO enamels, powders or anything that closes the mag pores. They'll just rot underneath it. (Why the epoxy [shudder] flaked off.)

[rodneym]

I think we're misunderstanding each other.
The face of the wheel is powdercoated in the center and the rim is now looking like it needs a shine. For that I'll use Gibbs and steel wool.

I was referring to the part of the rim that needs air sealing. There has to be a way to coat the mag. And I think any type of paint (enamel, polyester, urethane, epoxy, etc) is better than none, as long as the the surface was clean and dry right before application of 'prekote', as well as application of the paint.

I'll make sure the application is good before I mount but the proof won't come till after and see the rate at which they leak

[ERA Chas]

Now I got ya.
Although I used steel wool many times in the past to bring them back from the dead, I've read cautions about that-the wool fibers get into the pores of mag and cause corrosion. Dunno for sure but that's what I've seen.
When I got them very clean, I switched to the white scuff pads that Nuvite sells. They work excellently and are effective. No more steel wool if you keep after them but it's not punishing.
Gibbs looks very good to keep them 'natural metal', as opposed to high polish.
The inner bands I've seen done in zinc chromate or catalyzed epoxy-like Imron. Mine were done that way.

[rodneym]

Chas,
Are you saying that the zinc chromate process is enough, all by itself?

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by rodneym

Chas,
Are you saying that the zinc chromate process is enough, all by itself?

I've seen mags with zinc chromate in the bead area, used on vintage race cars. I do not know how they hold up over time or solve the air loss. They were treated that way on several of the race cars my buddy owned. I assume that was effective or he would not have had that.
Also remember your wheels may hold air just fine. I had three that were perfect and one I believe was a wheel air leak.
The real problem is the BB's-they leak from brand new and get worse. You can't always tell if it's the wheel or BB.

[RodKnock]

So, Fran called me today. He told me he will be going ahead with production. He told me that he has some owners of original 427 cars that want a set. He said he has about 1/2 of the production run reserved. The wheels will be gold and the valve stem will be in the original location.

Price? $1,200/wheel. Call Fran, if you want a set or have any questions, just don't ask me, because I have trouble tying my shoes. Fran's # is (412)441-5750.

Of course, I'm skeptical. But he sounded like he had determination in voice this time, like the wheels being produced were fait accompli.

EDIT: Chas, don't give me a hard time. I'm already depressed.

[patrickt]

Uhhh, are you going to crowbar in to that wallet of yours and get a set?

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Uhhh, are you going to crowbar in to that wallet of yours and get a set?

You're a "funghi."

What do you think?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

You're a "funghi."

... you mean one of those funny looking skinny bats that we used to use in practice to hit pop flies and grounders?

[Mark IV]

I spoke with Fran a little while ago and he is going ahead as he has sold over half the run to a dealer and some others not whinging about here. He has comissioned new moulds and is full speed ahead.

The available quantity is decining..................................

Oh, and he also has an original set of Halibrand mags on hand now. Don't ask me for the price, I never even asked.

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

EDIT: Chas, don't give me a hard time. I'm already depressed.

No my friend, I would not do that. Leave the $5K wheels to the 'original' owners who now have $800K+ assets.
Fran can sell the other half of his run to the original Gran Sport owners so no tears for him.
I'd rather see you get a set of aluminum pin-drive Trans Am Minilites, 15 x 8 and 15 x 10.
Rodney too-No matter how much they cost...

[RodKnock]

Oh, and he wants rodneym to call him, if he wants a set too.

[A98Coupe]

Rodnock,

You got those wheels yet? Are you happy with them? Can you post some pics?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by A98Coupe

Rodnock,

You got those wheels yet? Are you happy with them? Can you post some pics?

Right after he fixes the federal budget, North Korea, ERA Chas' temperament....

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Right after he fixes the federal budget, North Korea, ERA Chas' temperament....

Patrick,

Aren't you supposed to under your bridge??????

[Cobrafan1]

If anyone wants to know the real deal on these wheels just call Ted at MA Castings. He told me that although there has been interest now and then over the last few years including most recently here on this thread they have NO plans to make them. Fran simply cant come up with enough deposits to justify it.....I'm glad I bought my NOS set when I did....