1956 Sebring Corvette #1 Details

[Tom W.]

Re: 1956 Sebring Corvette #1 Details

I can't really tell because the resolution of the digital image is not fine enough. Initially I thought it had multiple hands....and it might. But consider this, there is a warning light to the left of the steering column on the dash. If it is an electric tach, as I was told, it's possible that the extra hand/hands are there to serve as rev warning points. That would activate the warning light. Of course, it could also be for oil pressure. However, in a twelve hour race, if an oil pressure warning light came on, and there was nothing you could do about it.What good would it be? The cars were driven until they dropped in this race. Only things that could be controlled on course ( i.e. limiting the cars to a single gear to save the clutch) were given regard.
Let me do some additional research. For now, I'm going with the guy's recollection that rebuilt the car.

[Tom P.]

Re: 1956 Sebring Corvette #1 Details

You know, I find it extremely ironic that at one time, it was virtually impossible to find ANYONE within NCRS who had any interest in the old race/performance Corvettes that were significant contributors to keeping the Corvette alive. I go back far enough in the NCRS orginization that I clearly remember the, the, the, the, shall we say less than pleasant attitude (that's as politically correct and polite as I know how to express it) that MANY NCRS folks had toward people who either had, or wanted to learn about these old, special race cars. Now, it seems there has suddenly been an "awakening" of NCRS in general that these older race/performance Vettes were a significant contributor to the Corvette heritage. Also, I clearly remember the days when if your car was somewhat "astray" from the NCRS standard guidelines, you were a total outcast. Fortunately, that has changed for the better (although, there are STILL members who are from the "old guard" attitude).
It's really sad that it's taken this long for some of the NCRS folks to FINALLY come to their senses! But, thankfully, it's happened.

[John N.]

Re: 1956 Sebring Corvette #1 Details

Tom
You posted pictures of the 1956 Sebring wheels and the St Louis SR-1 wheels along with the real spinners recently on a site. The subject of the wheels had been discussed in this post. Would you consider posting those pictures again here?
Thanks

[Tom P.]

Re: 1956 Sebring Corvette #1 Details

This is one of the original Halibrand magnesium wheels which was used on the 56 Sebring race cars.




This is the Halibrand used on the St. Louis built 56 SR1 cars.
There was a structural issue with the original wheels (as used on the Sebring cars), so the later wheels (below) were redesigned with larger, longer, stronger spokes.




And this is the NEW wheel that Halibrand is now manufacturing. Or is that RE-manufacturing?

[Steven B.]

Re: 1956 Sebring Corvette #1 Details

Tom, in reference to the NEW wheel Halibrand is manufacturing, or Re-manufacturing, do you have any details on them from Halibrand? I have emailed them 4 times since last summer and placed a phone call requesting info on '50's-60's original style wheels and knock offs and adapters. I never received a reply.

Thanks for any info. you might have! Great pics!

Thanks!

Steve

[Tom P.]

Re: 1956 Sebring Corvette #1 Details

Nope, sorry, I sure do not. BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUT, Johnny (Neas) may have some info.
You're up John!

[Tom W.]

Re: 1956 Sebring Corvette #1 Details

I think the interest has always been there because it is the essence of the Corvette. Most folks just realize the handful of "original cars" are frankly untouchable. Six and seven figure cars are certainly beyond the average Corvette hobbyist. That's why the interest is higher with cars that allow people to participate in the hobby. I agree that it's time we shared information that defines the evolution of the brand. But make no mistake, although we may not think these heritage cars get enough attention, Corvette would have disappeared long ago had Chevrolet not recoganized the deep rooted passion for these cars among consumers. Thanks for sharing your pictures. My Halibrands are the second version. If you've followed this thread from my first posting a couple of months ago it makes me wonder how the model 2934 SR Corvette prototype disc brakes I have, got coupled with a second design wheel. Any ideas about version 1 and 2 Halibrand time line?

You know, I find it extremely ironic that at one time, it was virtually impossible to fine ANYONE within NCRS who had any interest in the old race/performance Corvettes that were significant contributors to keeping the Corvette alive. I go back far enough in the NCRS orginization that I clearly remember the, the, the, the, shall we say less than pleasant attitude (that's as politically correct and polite as I know how to express it) that MANY NCRS folks had toward people who either had, or wanted to learn about these old, special race cars. Now, it seems there has suddenly been an "awakening" of NCRS in general that these older race/performance Vettes were a significant contributor to the Corvette heritage. Also, I clearly remember the days when if your car was somewhat "astray" from the NCRS standard guidelines, you were a total outcast. Fortunately, that has change for the better (although, there are STILL members who are from the "old guard" attitude).
It's really sad that it's taken this long for some of the NCRS folks to FINALLY come to their senses! But, thankfully, it's happened.

[Tom W.]

Re: 1956 Sebring Corvette #1 Details

Thank you Art. We're making progress!
Tom

[John N.]

Re: 1956 Sebring Corvette #1 Details

Tom, in reference to the NEW wheel Halibrand is manufacturing, or Re-manufacturing, do you have any details on them from Halibrand? I have emailed them 4 times since last summer and placed a phone call requesting info on '50's-60's original style wheels and knock offs and adapters. I never received a reply.

Thanks for any info. you might have! Great pics!

Thanks!

Steve

Steve
The repros are the PS Engineering wheels. Phil made the repros that Halibrand sold in the 90's. Halibrand has kidney bean wheels on their web site, but they do not look like the originals. The originals did not use adapters. I believe there are brands of adapters out there such as Trigo (sp). The thread size on the original (by memory is 2 5/8" with a 8A thread). I believe Cobras are 2 1/2". I give that at one time I used some Halibrand repro Croba spiners and Halibrand drilled and rethreaded them to 2 5/8". Thanks Tom for posting.
Regards

[Tom P.]

Re: 1956 Sebring Corvette #1 Details

I think the interest has always been there because it is the essence of the Corvette. Most folks just realize the handful of "original cars" are frankly untouchable. Six and seven figure cars are certainly beyond the average Corvette hobbyist. That's why the interest is higher with cars that allow people to participate in the hobby. I agree that it's time we shared information that defines the evolution of the brand. But make no mistake, although we may not think these heritage cars get enough attention, Corvette would have disappeared long ago had Chevrolet not recoganized the deep rooted passion for these cars among consumers. Thanks for sharing your pictures. My Halibrands are the second version. If you've followed this thread from my first posting a couple of months ago it makes me wonder how the model 2934 SR Corvette prototype disc brakes I have, got coupled with a second design wheel. Any ideas about version 1 and 2 Halibrand time line?

Actually, your inquiry regarding the discs/Halibrands was new to me. Thus, I have zero knowledge about that combo, or possible combo. It was interesting so I just continued to ride along and interject a comment or two here and there.

[John N.]

Re: 1956 Sebring Corvette #1 Details

I think the interest has always been there because it is the essence of the Corvette. Most folks just realize the handful of "original cars" are frankly untouchable. Six and seven figure cars are certainly beyond the average Corvette hobbyist. That's why the interest is higher with cars that allow people to participate in the hobby. I agree that it's time we shared information that defines the evolution of the brand. But make no mistake, although we may not think these heritage cars get enough attention, Corvette would have disappeared long ago had Chevrolet not recoganized the deep rooted passion for these cars among consumers. Thanks for sharing your pictures. My Halibrands are the second version. If you've followed this thread from my first posting a couple of months ago it makes me wonder how the model 2934 SR Corvette prototype disc brakes I have, got coupled with a second design wheel. Any ideas about version 1 and 2 Halibrand time line?

Tom
Out of curiosity, have you tried to see if your disc brake hubs will fit on the standard 1956 spindle. The 1956 SR drum brake hubs will not fit on the standard 1956 spindle. The 1956 SR spindle is shorter and uses larger bearings (roller).
Regards

[Tom W.]

Re: 1956 Sebring Corvette #1 Details

Hi John,
I took a standard inner and outer bearing race and test fit them inside this hub. They fit. That was the first test I tried after you told me about the different spindle for the SR cars.
I have some new bearings I want to install, but before I do that, I want to measure the spread between innner and outer bearing races to confirm that they will fit the spindle and are the same as the standard drum brake hub. Also, as you can see from the picture, if I'm going to put new bearings in this, mount the Halibrand "spot" calipers, and complete the assembly for display, some clean-up is required ( grease,scale,rotor surface,etc) I'm making notes of the surface finishes of each item. I don't want destroy important machine marks and details.
2934 S.R. AIM sheet 1 has part numbers for each of these components. I have a 1956 GM parts book that may help to determine if the part # on the AIM matches that published in that vintage book. If not, maybe a description of the AIM part numbers can be found in an earlier or later edition.

[Tom W.]

Re: 1956 Sebring Corvette #1 Details

Hi Tom,
Thanks for joining in. Your pictures of the wheels helped me determine the style I have. Did you see my request for info on getting a design timeline on the wheels? That would be interesting if it can be confirmed. If I'm interpreting correctly what Jon said, The SR cars had the extended reinforcement "spokes" while the Sebring Racers used the short version. SR's went into production 2-3 months later in May 56.
That said, since a certain number of production cars were required for FIA compliance, maybe the intention of 2934 "SR" AIM was to use the stock Corvette spindle with added Halibrand components allowing it to be a simple RPO factory option. When the trials didn't work on the Halibrand brakes, a heavier spindle and drum brake package superceeded the prototype.(RPO 684)

[Tom P.]

Re: 1956 Sebring Corvette #1 Details

Hi Tom,
Thanks for joining in. Your pictures of the wheels helped me determine the style I have. Did you see my request for info on getting a design timeline on the wheels? That would be interesting if it can be confirmed. If I'm interpreting correctly what Jon said, The SR cars had the extended reinforcement "spokes" while the Sebring Racers used the short version. SR's went into production 2-3 months later in May 56.
That said, since a certain number of production cars were required for FIA compliance, maybe the intention of 2934 "SR" AIM was to use the stock Corvette spindle with added Halibrand components allowing it to be a simple RPO factory option. When the trials didn't work on the Halibrand brakes, a heavier spindle and drum brake package superceeded the prototype.(RPO 684)

These are questions that I'm not knowledgeable enough about to respond to. BUUUUUUUT, as you know, racing always brings out the weaknesses and strengths of many, if not all, the systems of a car (stock production or pure race car). As I understand it, the wheels used on the 56 Sebring cars were structurally marginal, and some developed cracks. We're talking Mar 56. Then, 3mo later, the PRODUCTION 56 SR cars got the wheels with the longer, larger, stronger spoke configuration. That's a really short time for a change to occur. But then I don't know what Halibrand's design, development, production capabilities were back in 56. Furthermore, did that quick of a change in wheel configuration occur as a result of pressure from GM? Back in 56 I was in the 7th grade and had ZIP knowledge about those kinds of automotive developments.
Although, by the fall of 1956, I was fully aware of the fuel injected 57 Corvettes. And in the Summer of 57, I saw my first FI 57 on a turntable in Okla City at a big GM exhibit and have been in love with them ever since.
No, I don't own a fuel injected 57 Vette. Although, I DO OWN a 56 Vette with a highly modified Rochester FI unit on a SB400, which will immediately destroy a lot of other "fast" cars and will easily run above Interstate speeds all day long. So, I'm happy. As a result, I just sort of gravitate to all of these early day, little known performance features and modifications that were done to pre-60 Corvettes.

[Tom W.]

Re: 1956 Sebring Corvette #1 Details

The story is the Halibrand tooling was wood. The extended reinforcement should have only required design and radiusing of five new spoke pieces since the wheel is essentially the same otherwise. Once pressed into the sand, the impression determines the final appearance of the cast magnesium. I don't think based on the limited number that Halibrand would have had trouble with the design change. I've heard the relationship with GM was both strained and overwhelming for Ted Halibrand the founder.