Cobra replica knock offs

DanEC · #1 (**permalink**) 04-24-2009, 05:39 PM

I shouldn't be ignorant of knockoffs having owned two old Corvettes with knockoffs over 25 years. But I am as far as the Cobra world goes so I need some education. It appears there are three different patterns of repro type wheels/drives available - real knockoff/pin drive with no adaptors - knockoffs with adaptors (like Corvettes) - and bolt on replicas. Is this basically correct? I think some confusion comes from references to 6 pin and 5 pin drives. Are the 5-pin drives the knockoff type adaptors and real pin drives were 6-pin. Is any of this correct?

Also any favorites amongst the manufacturers (Trigo, Vintage, etc). Provided I understand this halfway I'm probably leaning towards the Corvette type wheels with adaptors rather than go to the expense of real pin drive supsension parts. I'm pretty comfortable with them.

Any comments and suggestions are appreciated.

Dan

marcalan · #2 (**permalink**) 04-24-2009, 05:57 PM

I believe that the originals came with 6 pin knock offs.

The 5 pins that I know off require an adapter that mounts onto the threaded bolts on the hubs.

patrickt · #3 (**permalink**) 04-24-2009, 06:00 PM

This page http://www.erareplicas.com/427/wheels.htm helps show the difference between true 6-pin drive hubs and the "next step down" at 5-pin. Bolt-on wheels are just like any other car. It's easy to mix up the two pin drive systems when giving advice on CC -- we had a thread not too long ago having to do with torquing drive pins and several of us (including me) did not notice that the poster had 5-pins and we were responding with 6-pin answers.

Of course, not all systems are the same between different Cobra makes, but those are the three basic wheel systems.

undy · #4 (**permalink**) 04-24-2009, 09:01 PM

I just ordered a set of 5 pin wheels with adapters from Vintage. Their reputation is outstanding, reportedly great wheels (I'll let you know soon), a board sponsor and best of all their customer service/prices can't be beat.

I have a C6 Z06 and coming from $8K for a set of decent aftermarket wheels $2K is an affordable breath of fresh air for a complete wheel/adapter/spinner/lead hammer/aviation wire pliers kit.

mickmate · #5 (**permalink**) 04-24-2009, 09:11 PM

You have a good handle on it already. Originals were 6 pin, aftermarket are five pin to fit the two most common bolt circles for the 5 pin adapters to bolt to. Vintage are the best, no doubt.

mpanten · #6 (**permalink**) 04-24-2009, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by undy

I just ordered a set of 5 pin wheels with adapters from Vintage. Their reputation is outstanding, reportedly great wheels (I'll let you know soon), a board sponsor and best of all their customer service/prices can't be beat.

I have a C6 Z06 and coming from $8K for a set of decent aftermarket wheels $2K is an affordable breath of fresh air for a complete wheel/adapter/spinner/lead hammer/aviation wire pliers kit.

I just got mine on and so far they are great. Nice fit and finish, Bob Lacey was very pleasant to work with.

kbutler971 · #7 (**permalink**) 04-25-2009, 06:07 AM

Hi:
Vintage gets my vote. Great customer service, and Bob was right on in explaining my wheel/hub options. Although my wheel upgrade is still a ways off (brakes and transmission come first) for my early CCX with Jaguar/bolt-on FIA Compomotives, my plans are for returning to Vintage when the time comes. Thanks again Bob.
Kirk

slithering · #8 (**permalink**) 04-25-2009, 08:11 AM

I bought the bolt on from Team 3 Wheels in San Leandro, CA. I didn't want the expense of the Trigo's and bolt-ons are basically maintenance free. Team 3 Wheels custom makes your wheels just give them your offset dimensions.
www.team3wheels.com

Rickd · #9 (**permalink**) 04-25-2009, 08:15 AM

I have a set of Vintage "427 SC" style on my FIA. Excellent wheels, finish is superb, great service from Bob Lacey. One advantage of the 5 pin adapter is if you also want to prepare a set of racing tires, you can use inexpensive, good quality, 5 bolt steel wheels - removing your knock offs and adapters.

Larry N Johnson · #10 (**permalink**) 04-25-2009, 08:30 AM

I just ordered a set of Vintage Wheels.
That is adding to my wheel collection of
1. Mag Halibrands Cobra II, 5-pin
2. Alum Trigo Chrome plated, 5-pin

Why?

I like the Vintage Wheel
- Perfect look, 6-spoke, right spoke color and all
- Outstanding finish
- Great service from Bob Lacey
- Backspace flexibility for "tight fit" roadsters like mine
- Attractive pricing
- Forum Sponsor
- My neighbor Terry Stapley has a set

My only dilemna: get a third set of tires, or park some wheels in the corner of the garage?

Paul F · #11 (**permalink**) 04-25-2009, 09:02 AM

There is a thread here about adapters and pins. The issue was cracking pins.

http://clubcobra.com/forums/showthread.php?t=93788

jwd · #12 (**permalink**) 04-25-2009, 09:15 AM

Here's one more vote for Vintage Wheels. The quality can't be beat.

Jim

Don · #13 (**permalink**) 04-25-2009, 09:41 AM

Dan, I have the Compomotive wheels , purchased in 1999, seems they are no longer mentioned as an alternative, not sure if they currently have what you are looking for.

http://www.comp.co.uk/

On the Z06, I have the Fiske Wheels, FM/10

http://www.fikse.com/

http://www.fikse.com/products.html

Click on the FM/10:

http://www.fikse.com/classic.html

DonC · #14 (**permalink**) 04-25-2009, 10:09 AM

For 6 pins try
PS Engineering
2675 Skypark Dr. #102
Torrance, CA 90506
310-534-4477
Phil is kind of hard to get a hold of sometimes but his work is 1st class.
ERA uses his stuff on a regular basis.
DonC

patrickt · #15 (**permalink**) 04-25-2009, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonC

For 6 pins try
PS Engineering
2675 Skypark Dr. #102
Torrance, CA 90506
310-534-4477
Phil is kind of hard to get a hold of sometimes but his work is 1st class.
ERA uses his stuff on a regular basis.
DonC

6 Pins are cooler, 5 Pins are cheaper, and if the wheel is on you can't tell the difference. That being said, I prefer my 6 Pins.

jagxjr5012 · #16 (**permalink**) 04-25-2009, 03:23 PM

I have an older (#208) ERA and it had the Centerline bolt ons with the simulated cover. I switched to Vintage Wheels...5 pin with adapters....they are awesome...easy installation great quality and as others have said Bob was great to work with. They transformed the look of the car......I would reccomend them for sure !
Mike

DanEC · #17 (**permalink**) 04-26-2009, 05:18 AM

I noticed that Vintage advertises a complete set of 4 with hardware fur just under $2000, which seems to be the upper range for a lot of similar wheels. In looking at ERA's pricing I notice their price for 5-pin knockoffs is $3000. Do they have additional cost invovled in changing the bolt pattern on the Jag suspension of something?

Thanks for all the replies. Sounds like I need to be looking at Vintage.

Dan

undy · #18 (**permalink**) 04-26-2009, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanEC

I noticed that Vintage advertises a complete set of 4 with hardware fur just under $2000, which seems to be the upper range for a lot of similar wheels. In looking at ERA's pricing I notice their price for 5-pin knockoffs is $3000. Do they have additional cost invovled in changing the bolt pattern on the Jag suspension of something?

Thanks for all the replies. Sounds like I need to be looking at Vintage.

Dan

I honestly think you'll be very happy you did.

Talk to Bob at Vintage, he may be willing to cut you a "special" deal. He did for me...

DanEC · #19 (**permalink**) 04-26-2009, 04:36 PM

Any reason why the $1000 +/- premium of 5-pin adaptor wheels that ERA offers? I know, I know - I should call them.

Dan

patrickt · #20 (**permalink**) 04-26-2009, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanEC

Any reason why the $1000 +/- premium of 5-pin adapter wheels that ERA offers? I know, I know - I should call them.

In order to get closer to that sweet-spot where you say "Ya know, for just a little bit more I could get those gorgeous 6-Pin hubs that I really want....