Did Halibrand ever make a real cover like this? It has H-102 on the top and Halibrand Eng. on the bottom along with some ugly weld. Sorry pic. may be upside down. Thanks
I'm not sure if it's a repair or if someone was just building it up to have Culver City Calif. carved into it??
There's no seam on the underside, really not worried about that though just wondered if it is an original Halibrand or a reproduction.
From what I can see, I believe it is an original Halibrand piece. Are the " ribs" raised or lowered from the surface? Looks like someone passed over it with a small end mill. Remember that the Midget was made by Bob Higman after Ted Halibrand sold off. This division went to National then finally back to Higman. Unfortunately Bob and Ted are both gone. So who knows?
Attached is a photo of one I have like the OP has. It is marked with the H-102 and shows Halibrand-Eng. Torrance City, Cal. It came directly from Halibrand so I know it is not a reproduction. It is machined on the back side for an O-ring. I agree with GearheadsQCE it appears someone has run an end mill across the OP's cover. Can't get the photo to upload, get error message: The following error occurred The uploaded file is too large for the server to process. DSCF3229.JPG (It is 3.88 MB) I can e-mail you a copy of the photo if you send me your e-mail address.
Mike at Doodlrodz, I e-mailed you photos of front and back of my cover this morning. Hope you can find a way to add them to this post. I really struggle with this "New HAMB", that's why I rarely post anymore.
Thanks, sure looks like the same one with the exception of the lower tab missing the city, I think Alchemy is right and that has been replaced and the underside machined smooth enough where the seam can't show because the shape around the lower bolt hole is different too. Oh well good enough for the Worthington.
It never went back to Higman because he was in the hole for $200k to National for production and machining costs. Liebel eventually pulled the plug and brought all production in house, my friend was responsible for all QC assembly in the National Manufacturing days for Halibrand and Jones parts. Lejuerrne began making QCs in '94, even-though National was still in business making them in Wisconsin, but some bad, drug-fueled decisions eventually killed the company. Lejuerrne has been shady since day one. Also, I have the original Halibrand pattern for that rear cover and it's mint, this one just looks machined/modified.
I agree with Alchemy here and they obviously made at least one. Even back then it was a pure NO-NO to use someone else's moniker. That weld will grind off or you could just leave it as proof of battle.
To add to the story: Bob Higman did indeed get the business back. My understanding is that there was a court battle, but I don't know the details. I purchased 10 brand new V8 Midget centers and related pieces from Bob and his son, who were in the process of starting up manufacturing again. I picked them up at there home/shop in about 1994. I'll post a picture, later. I am interested in seeing your pattern. Does it have "Halibrand by National" on it?