With their iconic vintage race car styling, Halibrand style wheels have become highly coveted by hot rodders, street rod builders, and automotive enthusiasts. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about selecting the ideal Halibrand style wheels for your vehicle.
Overview of Halibrand Style Wheels
Halibrand style wheels mimic the multi-slotted kidney bean design that Halibrand Engineering made famous back in the 1950s-1960s era on race cars and hot rods. These vintage-inspired wheels offer a classic, competition-oriented look.
Brief History
The original Halibrand Sprint wheels paved the way for the iconic styling that defines the Halibrand look. Many aftermarket wheel brands now offer recreation designs.
Intended Fitment
While inspired by racing, today’s Halibrand style wheels work excellently on muscle cars, street rods, and vintage hot rods seeking that nostalgic race-proven appearance.
Types of Halibrand Style Wheels
Halibrand style wheels encompass a few key designs:
- Vintage Kidney Bean – Multi-slotted style reminisce of the early Halibrand Sprint wheels. Iconic five-spoke look.
- Retro Slotted – Wheels featuring slotted holes that mimic the competition Halibrand design.
- Pinned – Wheels with decorative rivets around the rim to resemble vintage race car wheels.
- Spokes – Five-spoke wheels reminiscent of vintage Oldsmobile rally rims.
Key Attributes of Halibrand Style Wheels
Key attributes of Halibrand style wheels:
- Vintage race-inspired design – Distinctive looks that pay homage to wheels of the past.
- Lightweight construction – Many models utilize aluminum alloy to reduce weight.
- Added brake cooling – Slotted and pinned holes allow air to flow through to the brakes.
- Range of sizes – Diameters from 13” to 20” and widths from 6” to 12” accommodate most vehicles.
- Gloss finishes – Polished, powder coated, or anodized finishes replicate vintage looks.
Wheel Fitment Considerations
Choosing the optimal Halibrand style wheel for your vehicle involves several key fitment factors:
- Diameter – Consider tire aspect ratio and fender clearance when selecting diameter.
- Width – Wider wheels fill out the fenders more but may require modifications.
- Bolt pattern – Needs to match your vehicle’s 4, 5, or 6-lug stud pattern.
- Center bore – Must properly fit over the hub or use an adapter sleeve.
- Offset/backspacing – Influences handling and brake caliper clearance.
Where to Buy Halibrand Style Wheels
You can find Halibrand style wheels available at:
- Jegs Racing – Trusted retailer with an extensive selection of Halibrand style wheels.
- Summit Racing – Huge online catalog of wheels including many Halibrand style options.
- Speedway Motors – Major hot rod parts supplier offering Halibrand vintage designs.
- Nostalgia style stores – Smaller vintage and nostalgia-focused retailers may offer unique approaches on Halibrand styling.
- eBay listings – Individual sellers sometimes list rare vintage wheel models. Vet sellers thoroughly.
Costs and Budgeting
As specialty auto wheels, Halibrand style wheels carry a wider range of pricing:
- Retro designs around $250 – $400 per wheel depending on size and materials.
- Pinned spoke wheels $400 – $700 per wheel based on intricacy of hardware.
- Vintage magnesium models $700+ for actual Halibrand pieces in restorable condition.
- Custom one-off builds can reach $1,000+ per wheel for special remakes.
Installation and Maintenance
- Always use proper sized hub adapters and hardened wheel studs. Check torque specs periodically.
- Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage finishes.
- Use pH-balanced cleaners and protectants to safely clean and maintain the condition of plated, anodized or powder coated wheels.
Achieving the Perfect Vintage Halibrand Look
With their vintage kidney bean and race-inspired designs, Halibrand style wheels create instant curb appeal and nostalgia. Determine your exact fitment needs, and use this guide to pick the ideal Halibrand style wheels to give your vehicle that coveted vintage race car aesthetic you’re after.
