Here is a pic of Bob Wilsons Backing Plates. This is the first set I got to see. Very nice. A friend is doing these wheels up for his roadster. The tires are the new Cokers mounted on handbuilt wheels based off of motorcycle blanks. The Halibrand parts mount onto the hubs that were threaded for the knockoffs.
The front. The builder Dean, made these wheels from blanks on his own equiptment. THEY ARE NOT BOUGHT BILLET.
So they just look like bought billet then? I think I missed something in the discription - those are real knockoffs? It's always baffled me how those little things withstand the beating they'd receive with a hammer to get the wheels on and off. I think I would destroy knockoffs if I had them.
those Wilson finned aluminum brakes are super. i used a set on a `32 ford roadster and i'm impressed with how well they work.they are self energizing and self adjusting. the price of $425 ready to go(less your paint/polish) makes them a real buy. your friend will be happy with them
If you're not into so much bling, Wilson also makes a re-pop 48 Lincoln backing plate that gives you the self-energizing feature.
this is really awsome. they look like old indy wheels! perfect for a 27 roadter with tracknose and hood.
Kevin, those are 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern wheels. The Halibrand lug cover and knockoff are the ornamental kind. The knockoff holds the cover on. Dean is the guy I mentioned that can carve his own crankshafts from raw billet. He can make anything look professional. I will try to keep some photo updates of his little 27 Roadster.
Don't remember you mentioning the guy but it sounds like he's a fabricating machine. Hmmm... so what do these wheel "blanks" look like when you get them, where do you get them, and what do they cost in round numbers? Wheels are turning.... Also, how come everyone has to run the Buick drums with those backing plates? I think the aluminum plates would look great with a plain drum. To me it looks overdone with the backing plate AND drum.
Grim, those blanks are the type of thing that you just cant buy. I might be able to scam a set for my personal project but the wheel mfgr just doesnt want people modifying them to suit their needs.
The Lincoln brakes were around $390 if I remember right -- backing plates, wheel cylinders, floating adjusters, etc etc plus shoes to match up with whatever drum width you're running. Had to do a little grinding on the top of the spindle flange to make 'em fit, no biggie. Bob Wilson is a good guy to deal with. 972-539-2305.
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