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Sunburst wheels, what was their flaw?

Discussion in 'Shelby Cobra' started by bitzman, Dec 8, 2008.

  1. bitzman

    bitzman Well-Known Member

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    When I went to S-A in '65 they showed me the new 427 Cobra with
    "sunburst" wheels. I heard decades later Pete Brock designed them because Halibrand was so slow with making the woriginal design Halibrand heels but then I heard the sunburst wheels were done by Halibrand too! I also heard they were a bit more brittle than the regular Halibrands. So I was wondering if anyone knows the real story?

    Also I have heard Halibrands were a favorite on pre-war rods, I haven't looked at American Rodder (beautiful magazine by the way) that closely to check that out but I know they were already out there in the fifties and that the racing two seater Thunderbirds had Halibrands.
     
  2. A-Snake

    A-Snake Well-Known Member

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    "Sunburst" 7 1/2" wheels were aluminum and built by Kelsey-Hayes, per the 2008 World Registry ;)
     
  3. rsimkins

    rsimkins Well-Known Member

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    Flaw was that the spokes would crack. I bought one a a swap meet once that has that problem for about $15. I have it in storage now but will take a picture if I can get to it in the next couple of days.
     

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