Technical Halibrand - Q/C pattern survivor

I have kept this secret for awhile now and after doing due diligence I thought it finally time to share.

I am an avid history buff and Hot Rodder and I am always on the look out for obscure items that have aided or molded our Hot Rodding history.

Nine months or so ago I had the opportunity to acquire one of the original production wood casting patterns for the Halibrand V8 quick-change circa 1947-49.

This piece along with other pieces created by Halibrand Engineering helped shape all forms of racing as we know it and I consider it a huge privilege to own this part of our history.

This piece started out in L.A. (Culver City) made it's way to Ohio (with the pattern maker), Texas (R.C. & Family HAMB members also the supplier of some of these photos), Oregon and will come home to rest in Las Vegas.

It's amazing to see things like this survive after hearing stories of a majority of Halibrand's patterns being destroyed in alcohol induced bon fires during the 80's. This is a survivor.

I will evaluate and study it and dream about the countless races it helped win until it’s time to pass it to another owner for future generations to admire.

Enjoy.









N

 

Doc photos. (courtesy of Little Wing)

 

I hope you mount it on the wall, it is damn near art, so cool

 

RE-POP them!!
Just kidding, that is one very cool piece of our hot rod history.

 

Holy crap that is beautiful.

 

Me too.

Regardless, still really neat. That is some beautiful wood work. I would also hang that somewhere so it can be displayed proudly.

Nice grab!

 

Very cool...

 

As did I and I was surprised it did not go then.

 

Back up for the day crew.
Anyone one else seen these around?

 

Nice!!!!

 

While I think it's great that you have it, it really is something that should be on display for all hot rodders to view. You might consider putting on loan to the NHRA or Garlits museum.

 

that is awesome

 

1) Has this rear really been around since 1947? If so, that is amazing.
a) Was this based, in any way, on ford componentry?


2) i noticed that other companies used this same housing shape? How did this arrangement work? Or did they just copy it, like toyota copied the chevy inline 6?

Please discuss fully.

 

Rich that is something that has been discussed.
There are a lot of legal issues that would have to be worked out for a loan situation and it would have to go to the right place. I have heard to many horror stories of private pieces to being lost because of poor handling or museum issues.
Trust me I have no intention of hiding it from the masses.


c-10:
I will do a full write up of the piece as time allows.
Halibrand started in 1946 in Culver City.
Most of the other housings are similar copies and in some cases improvements.

 

Crawl out of that "cave" you are in and do some reading

 

I would never again loan or lease an item to a museum. Personal experience speaking, from several bad experiences.

 

WOW!

...just WOW!


On another subject, did you get the pattern for the rear cover as well?

Please discuss fully!

 

Yeah Kris, kinda hard to believe?! Methinks we are seeing some bandwagon jumpers on the board recently. Last week they were into MX next week will be extreme flyfishing.

 

Wow.

If I had that- I wouldn't be able to keep from making one.

 

Thanks for sharing, that's awesome!!

 

I think that I would be making a few calls as well. Very cool!!

 

I wouldn't hang that on the wall, I'd hand it over to a pattern maker for cleanup and go looking for a foundry. You have a once in a lifetime chance to do something with what you have.

 

Nah, don't use that pattern......scan it, make a new pattern and use it. Wouldn't cost all that much.

Just noticed that there are no core patterns for the interior...add a few more $$$.

 

Are you serious, my pal Gordy cast the flathead Harrell stuff off the original patterns from the late 40's..

Patterns are HUGE money, if patterns were cheep I'd be casting 100's of things. I've cast 3 items in the last 4 years. It's expensive to make patterns!

 

Wait, isn't Halibrand still in business?

I know others have made copies of the Halibrand case and are currently selling it, but this not a copy and the real thing.

I'm curious if you could legally make copies or a run of center sections since it is an original pattern but you are now the legal owner.

The more I look at that piece, the more I love it.

 

Yes, I am serious. I am having stuff cast now. Prices for patterns have really come down...what used to cost 10 - 15k now costs 3-4k.

Talk to me...I know a good pattern shop.

 

Just because he owns the pattern does not mean he can use it. If it has the Halibrand name on it, he would have to own the rights to that name too.