Halibrand Style Kidney-Bean Wheels?

[Bob B.]

Hi all,

I have seen pics of early Corvettes that have modern bolt-on wheels, but they look just like the Halibrand kidney bean, three-point spinner knock-off wheels used on early Corvette race cars. I've googled this and nothing comes up, but someone must be making them. Does anyone know what company is?

Thanks,

Bob

[Bob I.]

Re: Halibrand Style Kidney-Bean Wheels?

PS Engineering in Southern California.

Bob

[Tom P.]

Re: Halibrand Style Kidney-Bean Wheels?

The second style of Halibrand wheels are (or were) being reproduced in 2 versions.
They are (or were) available in a replica bolt-on version as well as a true knock off version.
The real knock off versions require axles with threaded hubs (ain't cheap) and front threaded hubs.






This is a genuine second version on John Neas Sebring racer.



This is the current wheel that is being manufactured again, on John Neas SR2.



This is an original, first version Halibrand magnesium wheel. Compare the nearly non existant spokes on this wheel to those with full spokes above. This also belongs to John Neas. John says these earliest Halibrands were prone to cracking/breaking, thus the later style was quick to follow.

[Richard T.]

Re: Halibrand Style Kidney-Bean Wheels?

What size are the tires on John's car? 7.60X15 ? I have a set of the P.S. wheels and need tires to mount them on a 62. Rich

[Bruce B.]

Re: Halibrand Style Kidney-Bean Wheels?

The PS Engineering wheels are very nice and are available with knockoff adapters. Since Phil assembles the wheels he can give you the correct backspacing even with the knockoff adapters in place.
A set of original Halibrands sold a year or 2 ago (McDormans auction) complete with the correct axles and front spindles. I wanted them but they went for around $27,000.00.
They are currently for sale for around 3 times that price...

[Steven B.]

Re: Halibrand Style Kidney-Bean Wheels?

In addition to the knock-offs Halibrand also made a bolt-on of the same later kidney bean design. They came with "push-on" three bar spinners with "Halibrand" around a solid center.

Steve

[Wayne M.]

Re: Halibrand Style Kidney-Bean Wheels?

In addition to the knock-offs Halibrand also made a bolt-on of the same later kidney bean design. They came with "push-on" three bar spinners with "Halibrand" around a solid center. ....

Can you tell if these are the bolt-ons ? I took pics of this '63 Z06 (small tank) at a Denver car show in August of 1987 (88 ?). There was more interest in the wheels than the car .

[Bruce B.]

Re: Halibrand Style Kidney-Bean Wheels?

The wheels appear to be bolt ons.

Please save the wheels, the FI unit and the master cylinder for me...

Bruce B

[Jimmy B.]

Re: Halibrand Style Kidney-Bean Wheels?

Car started right up and drove around. Still exists and is under restoration. Black car with factory tan leather. Paperwork, etc. Got burned in a garage fire, I was told windows blew out when the fire department shot water on it. A good car and yes the Halibrands are real bolt on ones.

Jimmy Blakely

[Bob B.]

Re: Halibrand Style Kidney-Bean Wheels?

Hi all,

Thanks for the help. PS Engineering was indeed the place and I just installed the bolt-on Sebring/Lemans Halibrand style wheels with 225 70R/15 Firestone Indy 500 Firehawk tires. They look great!

Bob

[Dick W.]

Re: Halibrand Style Kidney-Bean Wheels?

Car started right up and drove around. Still exists and is under restoration. Black car with factory tan leather. Paperwork, etc. Got burned in a garage fire, I was told windows blew out when the fire department shot water on it. A good car and yes the Halibrands are real bolt on ones.

Jimmy Blakely

A new meaning to "total restoration" or "body off restoration"

[Jerry B.]

Re: Halibrand Style Kidney-Bean Wheels?

What is the width of the current style wheels with 225/70x15 tires?

[Tim S.]

Re: Halibrand Style Kidney-Bean Wheels?

Hi all,

Thanks for the help. PS Engineering was indeed the place and I just installed the bolt-on Sebring/Lemans Halibrand style wheels with 225 70R/15 Firestone Indy 500 Firehawk tires. They look great!

Bob

We need pics!

[Steven S.]

Re: Halibrand Style Kidney-Bean Wheels?

Hopefully I'll see them in person real soon

[Steven B.]

Re: Halibrand Style Kidney-Bean Wheels?

Can you tell if these are the bolt-ons ? I took pics of this '63 Z06 (small tank) at a Denver car show in August of 1987 (88 ?). There was more interest in the wheels than the car .

Wayne, 'sorry I am so late in responding. I was at Auburn looking at the bolt-ons on the Roger Ward '63 Avanti. 'Good prize for winning the "500". As others have said these are bolt-ons. I can see the lug nuts can be seen in the pic---but only with my glasses on.

Steve