"Halibrand Cobra II wheels in......MAGNESIUM

[ACademic]

Mark IV, your efforts are admirable.

It's clear to me that Mr. Kress needs willing depositors just to gather the needed working capital to even pour the first cauldron of molten magnesium. Add to that his less-than-adequate attempt to conduct business transactions with well-heeled people and without any internet knowledge in today's age, and me thinks he would have better chances at selling ice cubes to Eskimos.

If you build it (and build it right), they will come.

[rodneym]

Just a little perspective...

When I spoke to Fran last, about 8 mos ago, the magic number was 10 sets, full deposit, $5k per set to run. Things may be different now.
He's run them before and I'm sure he'll run them again but that's too much faith for most.
I also contacted Richard at Halibrand with a couple options on making it happen. You know, the 'put up' part of 'put up or shut up'. He declined.
And communicating with Fran was inconsistent. He'll get there but in his own time. Even though I have a set now (thanks, Colin), I still hope it happens.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by bliss

Don't forget, they aren't Halibrand's, never will be.

And I won't forget that my Cobra is Kirkham either, not an original.

The newer versions say "Halibrand II", so they're not original Halibrand's either.

Seriously, I don't give two "expletive deleted" that they say Halibrand on them. Like they made a great original wheel in the first place (see DXMF's comments). But, if the new wheels, if and when made, are produced to modern 2013 standards and they're more accurate than the other previous "II" runs, then I'm "there" and happy as a clam.

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by ACademic

Mark IV, your efforts are admirable.

It's clear to me that Mr. Kress needs willing depositors just to gather the needed working capital to even pour the first cauldron of molten magnesium. Add to that his less-than-adequate attempt to conduct business transactions with well-heeled people and without any internet knowledge in today's age, and me thinks he would have better chances at selling ice cubes to Eskimos.

If you build it (and build it right), they will come.

Trust me.......Fran does NOT need the "working capital" to do this. He recently disposed of a rather expensive automobile and has been looking for others in addition to one he has recently purchased. Now if it were me doing the wheels I would likely need "opium" (Other Peoples Money) but that is not the case here. Say what you want about Fran, he is "special" but he is straight up to deal with.
He has owned a lot of Cobras, some GT40s and a Kar Kraft MK IV.

He is just tired of wannbees saying "yeah, I want some" and then disappearing when the pony-up time comes. I have had the same experience with reproducing parts.....everyone wants them until it is time to buy.......................

[Mark IV]

Oh I forgot,.....I asked. $4800 for a set of four. I can't say if that is low, high or whatever, I am not a potential buyer.

I would suggest not wasting time b!tching about the price. I would think if you really want a set of mag "Halibrand" type Cobra IIs and this price is too high, you likely are not going to ever own a set.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

Trust me.......Fran does NOT need the "working capital" to do this. He recently disposed of a rather expensive automobile and has been looking for others in addition to one he has recently purchased. Now if it were me doing the wheels I would likely need "opium" (Other Peoples Money) but that is not the case here. Say what you want about Fran, he is "special" but he is straight up to deal with.
He has owned a lot of Cobras, some GT40s and a Kar Kraft MK IV.

He is just tired of wannbees saying "yeah, I want some" and then disappearing when the pony-up time comes. I have had the same experience with reproducing parts.....everyone wants them until it is time to buy.......................

The old list of "wannables" was ME, rodneym and Lew. Unfortunately, as Fran told me back on July 25, 2012, he needs to make at least 100 wheels, 50 fronts and 50 rears, so 25 sets. And 3 is not 25. Furthermore, he said backspacing is a huge problem since everyone is different. However, rodneym, Lew and I all have Kirkham's and we all wanted the original backspacing specs, since Kirkham's are copied from an original Cobra.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

Oh I forgot,.....I asked. $4800 for a set of four. I can't say if that is low, high or whatever, I am not a potential buyer.

I would suggest not wasting time b!tching about the price. I would think if you really want a set of mag "Halibrand" type Cobra IIs and this price is too high, you likely are not going to ever own a set.

Oye vey.

I don't think anyone was "*****ing" about THE PRICE. We just wanted A PRICE. Then, and then, the "*****ing" could start.

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

The old list of "wannables" was ME, rodneym and Lew. Unfortunately, as Fran told me back on July 25, 2012, he needs to make at least 100 wheels, 50 fronts and 50 rears, so 25 sets. And 3 is not 25. Furthermore, he said backspacing is a huge problem since everyone is different. However, rodneym, Lew and I all have Kirkham's and we all wanted the original backspacing specs, since Kirkham's are copied from an original Cobra.

Backspacing will be done to order thus the requirement for backspacing in writing ("They don't fit.....no, I said 3 inches...") and yes he needs commitments for more than 3 sets. Fran does not want to die with 15 sets of magnesium wheels (although if my wife makes more cookies and lasagna for him, I could end up in the will)

[DougD]

I can vouch for Fran as well. Not that my 2 cents means anything. But I can tell you that he is an honorable man and won't cheat you out of your deposit. I have bought several high-dollar parts from him. I called, he shipped, and the parts crossed paths with the check in the mail. He's a stand-up guy and has the connections to get this project done. He may not be internet-savvy, but his freakin' phone number is in the first post. Give the man a call, for God's sake, and quit jawin' about it. There. I'm done.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

Oh I forgot,.....I asked. $4800 for a set of four. I can't say if that is low, high or whatever, I am not a potential buyer.

I would suggest not wasting time b!tching about the price. I would think if you really want a set of mag "Halibrand" type Cobra IIs and this price is too high, you likely are not going to ever own a set.

And one last thing Rick. Honestly, you use words like "*****ing" and "wannabes" and, when I read words and phrases like these, I just roll my eyes and say when will this gentleman learn to use the English language in a way that won't belittle folks.

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

And one last thing Rick. Honestly, you use words like "*****ing" and "wannabes" and, when I read words and phrases like these, I just roll my eyes and say when will this gentleman learn to use the English language in a way that won't belittle folks.

Perhaps I don't parse things as well as some of the Ivy Leaguers here.........no slam intended at any individual, I am just putting in the vernacular. I didn't mean to imply that YOU are a "wannabee", just that for some people the only investment they will make is to call and say "yeah, I want some" and then vanish when they are ready to ship.

And you called me a "gentleman"......yeah, I like that!

Again, I am just a messenger. Call Fran and find out the real details.

[RodKnock]

Are these wheels in production yet?

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Are these wheels in production yet?

Well as of two weeks ago Fran told me he had not received ONE phone call regarding them so I would assume no.

It seems there really isn't a demand for them at this time....no one asked for details, no one tried to negotiate, no one told him was nuts or the price was too high, etc.

At this point I doubt Fran will bother but that is just my guess. I'll call him and see what he thinks.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Are these wheels in production yet?

No, no, and... no. There will be worm holes in your coffin long before these wheels will ever see the light of day.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

Well as of two weeks ago Fran told me he had not received ONE phone call regarding them so I would assume no.

It seems there really isn't a demand for them at this time....no one asked for details, no one tried to negotiate, no one told him was nuts or the price was too high, etc.

At this point I doubt Fran will bother but that is just my guess. I'll call him and see what he thinks.

I sent him an email to kresscobra@gmail.com that wasn't returned. He has previously returned my emails, but not this time.

Sets exist, so I'll keep searching for an old(er) set. rodneym recently found a set with a "Wanted" ad on the SAAC Forum.

[fordracing65]

There are so many companies out there right now that make magnesium wheels, it should'nt be that difficult to get them made correctly,it was even an option on the 1998 Corvette...

[joyridin']

Getting them made doesn't see to be the issue. Getting people to actually buy them is.

[601HP]

Originally Posted by joyridin'

Getting them made doesn't see to be the issue. Getting people to actually buy them is.

From where I sit, IMO:
a. Locating enough buyers @ $4K+ per set IS an issue. I jumped ship over a year ago because of price.
b. Getting them made IS an issue that is driven by (a.), and other factors.

David

[Nedsel]

I know. Let's ask Fran to switch over to the idea of making up some sunbursts instead of the Halibrands. That ought to be simple. And no doubt lots of people will pop for the deposit right away. Uh, we haven't been down this road before, right?

[fordracing65]

It was a $3000 dollar option on the Corvette in 1998, so the price seems right on with inflation and all...