Renowned for their vintage race pedigree and superior lightweight strength, Halibrand magnesium wheels have been coveted in the performance automotive world for decades. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about selecting the ideal set of Halibrand magnesium wheels.
Overview of Halibrand Magnesium Wheels
Originally engineered for competitive racing, Halibrand magnesium wheels provide the ultimate combination of lightweight design and exceptional durability. Magnesium alloy provides superior strength for reduced weight critical in racing applications.
Brief History
Halibrand began manufacturing innovative magnesium auto racing wheels in 1946. Their extremely lightweight yet rugged wheels dominated motorsports through the 1960s era.
Key Benefits
The exotic magnesium metal used in Halibrand wheels offers a 40% weight savings over aluminum while providing unmatched vibration dampening properties.
Types of Halibrand Magnesium Wheels
Halibrand produced several magnesium wheel models through the years:
- Sprint Car Wheels – Classic five-spoke, multi-slotted design made iconic on dirt track sprint cars. Available in various widths.
- ** Indy Car Wheels** – Five trapezoidal slot “kidney bean” design widely used in Indy car racing.
- Sports Car Wheels – Five-spoke style made famous on 1950-60s era sports racing cars.
- Ansen Sprint – Stylish post-war magnesium wheel used in speedway racing and street rodding.
Magnesium Properties and Benefits
Halibrand magnesium wheels provide major performance benefits:
- Ultra lightweight – Reduced rotational mass improves acceleration, braking and handling.
- Vibration dampening – Magnesium’s inherent material properties absorb driving vibrations extremely effectively.
- Heat dissipation – Excellent thermal conductivity quickly dissipates brake heat. Crucial for high performance driving.
- Strength – Magnesium alloys possess the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any structural metals.
- Corrosion resistance – Magnesium naturally resists corrosion due to its high pH value. Protective coatings enhance this further.
Common Magnesium Wheel Sizes
Halibrand magnesium wheels are commonly found in these dimensions:
- Diameters – 15”, 16”, 17”, 18” sizes depending on specific applications.
- Widths – Ranging from 5.5” wide up to 12” or more for massive rear racing tires. Wider rears provide enhanced traction.
- Mounting patterns – Available for four lug (4×4), five lug (5×4.5, 5×4.75) and other patterns.
- Special fitments – Custom widths and diameters can be made-to-order for unique vehicles.
Where to Buy Halibrand Magnesium Wheels
Genuine Halibrand magnesium wheels can be found at:
- Vintage racing suppliers – Companies specializing in historic racing may have magnesium wheel inventory or connections to find them.
- eBay listings – Individual sellers sometimes offer actual vintage Halibrand wheels or partner with wheel dealers. Vet sellers thoroughly.
- Private collectors – Joining vintage race car groups and clubs can lead to opportunities to acquire wheels from long-time members and collectors.
- Vintage auctions – Auction companies may have Halibrand magnesium wheels included in listings of estate sales or vehicle liquidations.
- Direct from Halibrand – The company can make one-off custom magnesium wheels to order for restoration projects.
Costs and Considerations
As an exotic metal, genuine Halibrand magnesium wheels carry a significant price:
- Vintage wheels – $1,500 per wheel and up is common for good restorable condition wheels.
- Restored classics – Can fetch $2,000+ per wheel depending on rarity and demand. Iconic models tend to draw higher prices.
- Reproductions – New magnesium wheels mimicking Halibrand designs cost $700+ per wheel.
- Custom orders – One-off wheels made new by Halibrand often exceed $2,000 per wheel between engineering and material costs.
Care and Maintenance Requirements
- Magnesium requires special cleaning practices using mild detergents to prevent corrosion. Never use harsh chemicals.
- Frequent polishing combined with protective wax coatings helps maintain the metal’s luster and prevent surface oxidation.
- Avoid exposure to moisture and road salts. Store wheels in heated, low-humidity environments.
- Inspect regularly for cracks or damage. Magnesium can become brittle from sustained exposure to harsh racing conditions.
Weighing the Benefits of Magnesium Wheels
Offering the epitome of vintage race car styling combined with incredible lightweight performance, Halibrand magnesium wheels represent the pinnacle of motorsports engineering. Weight the benefits against the higher costs when deciding if these exotic classics are right for your vehicle build or restoration project.
