marc212 Posted November 23, 2016 Report Share Posted November 23, 2016 I was thrilled to see the cover the latest Avanti Magazine with Randy Rapp's amazing first production R3 on the cover. Randy's car had the correct reproduction Halibrand wheels from Real Rodders and they looked spectacular. We all remember for how many years so many of us looked for a set of the original wheels (of which I have a set), but even after acquiring them, could not use them since the magnesium was likely to be brittle. I was instrumental in having these wheels reproduced. Real Rodders is nearing the end of the run that was made and there will not likely be another production run. Soon, these wheels too will be collectors items. Marc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peddler Posted December 11, 2016 Report Share Posted December 11, 2016 What is the history of the Halibrand wheels with the Avanti? Were they a factory option or were they just a racing wheel that got used for the speed records? They look good on the car for sure, just curious how it got started. Peddler Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfg Posted December 11, 2016 Report Share Posted December 11, 2016 A fellow (whom I've never met) called me a few months ago and mentioned he had purchased a '64 Studebaker Avanti which I owned years ago.....And he had just received a set of the repo Halibrands for the car.....I can't wait to see a photo of my old 'Avanti Red' '64 with those cool mags installed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunslinger Posted December 11, 2016 Report Share Posted December 11, 2016 What is the history of the Halibrand wheels with the Avanti? Were they a factory option or were they just a racing wheel that got used for the speed records? They look good on the car for sure, just curious how it got started. Peddler They were an authorized option for the Avanti. I'm not sure they were a "factory installed" option but they were at minimum an authorized dealer option to be sold at point of purchase. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc212 Posted December 12, 2016 Author Report Share Posted December 12, 2016 As far as I know the Halibrand wheels were a dealer installed factory option in 1963 and 1964. There is an old thread that explores the subject, as well as available alternatives, "Halibrand wheels for studebaker 1963/64", try searching for that. Attached is an old ad for the wheels. These are the correct wheels for the car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lschuc Posted December 12, 2016 Report Share Posted December 12, 2016 Check out pages H-252 through H-255 in the new Avanti Authenticity Manual. In it, you will read that Halibrand magnesium wheels were offered as a dealer-installed option that listed for $287.50. There is also a reprinted Halibrand Wheel full page ad from 1962 in these pages, as well as an old old Car Life magazine article. Here's the ordering information: 1963/1964 Studebaker Avanti Authenticity Manual Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peddler Posted December 13, 2016 Report Share Posted December 13, 2016 (edited) I ordered the Authenticity Manual last week, as soon as I get it I will check out those pages. Edited December 13, 2016 by Peddler Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lschuc Posted December 13, 2016 Report Share Posted December 13, 2016 I ordered the Authenticity Manual last week, as soon as I get it I will check out those pages. Peddler, your book was mailed from Arizona on Saturday, so you should have it in a day or two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peddler Posted December 14, 2016 Report Share Posted December 14, 2016 Got my Authenticity guide yesterday, Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abasile Posted December 19, 2016 Report Share Posted December 19, 2016 (edited) Dealer installed only. See " The Granatelli Connection" ----- Edited December 20, 2016 by abasile Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peddler Posted December 29, 2016 Report Share Posted December 29, 2016 The original post talks about the "Mag" wheels getting brittle, I have never heard of this happening before. Is this something that is a documented problem with all true "Mag" wheels or is it unique to the Halibrands? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peddler Posted January 2, 2017 Report Share Posted January 2, 2017 Does anyone have an idea what a set of these in good condition is worth? Are there any out there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abasile Posted January 2, 2017 Report Share Posted January 2, 2017 (edited) All Magnesium will get brittle with age. It is also very good for starting a fire! The originals need to be coated to prevent thest problems. I bought mine 25 years ago from Ron Hall. They were coated with a grey color paint. They were not designed to last 50 years! See number 9 below. Edited January 2, 2017 by abasile Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
64Avanti Posted May 11, 2017 Report Share Posted May 11, 2017 The problem with magnesium is corrosion that weakens it. It is not an age thing other than if the wheel is not properly cared for then it will start to corrode and it will get worse with time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunslinger Posted May 11, 2017 Report Share Posted May 11, 2017 Not that this has a lot to do with the subject at hand, but the comment on how magnesium being good to start a fire is very true...ever hear of magnesium flares? They burn hot and bright. The Brits found out during the Falklands War that their ships with magnesium superstructures burned quite intensely when hit by bombs or cruise missiles. I'm not saying this is a serious issue to consider with auto wheels, but magnesium has advantages but also some bad disadvantages. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverstude Posted May 11, 2017 Report Share Posted May 11, 2017 Magnesium, once on fire will create its own oxygen and cannot be put out with water or the usual extinguisher. This was first found out in fires on early aircraft landing gear. Those new versions of the Halibrand design are sure to be all aluminum.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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