Has anyone used the JD wheels, halibrand replicas? Ron's Rims has some also, but I don't think they look that good. I know the real thing would be better, but I sure can't afford a pair of them. I was looking at the 15x10's for the rear of my 40.
There is a pretty good thread floating around here that has some Halibrand look a likes in it. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/halibrand-sprint-wheels.1045320/#post-12177435 The JD wheels are a derivative of the old Mehelic big window pattern. Not a bad looking wheel, but they always looked a bit like a China copy to me. I think the quality is pretty decent though, and they are affordable. Good luck and whatever you buy, post some pics. -Abone.
American rebels look real nice. The JD wheels look good in their pic also. May just buy a pair of them, I'm going to mount slicks on a pair, if they don't suit me, I buy something else for the street.
Bought my Halibrands directly from Richard LeJurne(misspelled,but still the owner) when he sold directly on EBAY to the low bidder. The cost 10 years ago was $1,000 for 2 15 x 7 and 2 15 x 4 1/2. Shipping was included.
I've bought a set under the Mehelic name 20+ years ago for my yellow roadster and they are ok for the price. I wish I could afford a set of Halibrands or American Rebels instead. I recently changed the front to 10 spokes which I think looks a lot better.
Let's not get overly optimistic about the Canada thing.. Halibrands were still available new in the '90s, still got the brochures and pamphlet they mailed me. Should have bought a set then.
I have JD wheels on my truck. They've been scuffed with ScotchBrite pads to knock down the shine. I am thinking about spraying the centers to look "as cast".
I have had 2 sets of them, you cannot beat the price and they hold their shine really well. No they are not as nice or awesome as Hallibrand's, but they are great on my daily 51 Chevy. The 15x8's with 3 3/4 back space have the same deep dish look as the 15x10's, that's what I have on the back of my 51. the fronts are 15x6, and they aren't bad, but have never totally loved them. I want to swap out the front for some of the small window kidney beans from Circle Racing. not the best pic for wheels, but this is all I have at work. I can post another of the back wheel later if you want.
@tonkadawg Yeah I will go out to my car and post some from my phone. they really are a decent wheel for the price. If you are thinking about Torque Thrusts, they are 100 bucks each from Jegs right now...
@tonkadawg here is a side shot of my 51 I put on the Old North State Invitational thread. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/old-north-state-invitational-2017.1068938/ This is after I lowered it 1 1/2 inches in the back. If you go for these wheels PM and I can give you the specifics on how to fit them in your 53 with this size and backspace. They don't fit the stock width rear at all. And You need to come to Old North State with the rest of us VA Hamb guys! Killer show!
I like Halibrand Sprints but I Love Halibrand Champs and even better is the American Rebel Champ exact copy done in aluminum. No more polishing magnesium.
I put Rebel Sprints on my '31. The JD's with the exaggerated windows and lips just didn't look close enough to Hal's for me.
I like the torque thrust D wheels. I can get them in 3.75 BS. My aviator has them on the front, 15x4.5.
That's sweet. I'm going to try and have mine ready to make some passes by May or so. Then I can work on the stuff to be street worthy. Once I quit spending money on some of this other stuff, I can hit the swap meets and find some parts to make her perrrty.
I'd have to second what Kan Kustom is saying.........the American Rebel Champ is an exact duplicate of what is sometimes referred to as a Halibrand "Big Window" and is a great looking wheel. I think it only comes in 16x11 or 16x13 though.
Will any of the companies drill them for 6 pin and real knockoff hubs? Looking for some 15x5 and 15x7 or 8" for a project. Thanks, SPark
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