Halibrand Turbine Wheels

Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Custom Wheels

Halibrand Turbine Wheels are an iconic custom wheel that have been popular in the hot rodding and racing scene since the 1960s. Known for their unique turbine-shaped styling and lightweight construction, Halibrand wheels can completely transform the look and performance of your vehicle.

But with so many styles, sizes and finishes available, choosing the right set of Halibrand wheels for your ride can be overwhelming. This definitive buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know before investing in these legendary wheels.

What are Halibrand Turbine Wheels?

Halibrand Turbine Wheels were originally developed in the 1960s by racing legend Tex Halibrand. Tex built an ultra-lightweight magnesium wheel specifically for Indy race cars that became known for its unique styling with curved spokes that looked like airplane turbine blades.

The Halibrand Turbine wheel design proved incredibly popular and soon expanded into the hot rodding market. While the original competition wheels were made from exotic materials like magnesium, Halibrand began producing more affordable aluminum alloy wheels with the same distinctive turbine styling for street use.

Over 50 years later, Halibrand Turbine Wheels remain one of the most iconic wheel styles on the market. They are available in both vintage-inspired designs that emulate the original race car wheels, as well as more modern interpretations with contemporary finishes.

Where Can I Buy Halibrand Turbine Wheels?

Halibrand Turbine Wheels are sold by specialty retailers that focus on wheels and accessories for hot rods, classics and muscle cars. Here are some of the top places to shop for Halibrand wheels:

• Jegs: One of the largest retailers of Halibrand wheels, with a huge selection of sizes and styles. Free shipping on most wheels.
• Summit Racing: Another top retailer with frequent sales and promotions on Halibrand wheels.
• Hot Rod Hardware: Great source for vintage-styled steel Halibrands and knockoffs.
• CJ Pony Parts: Good selection of Halibrand wheels for Mustangs and other pony cars.
• Halibrand Wheels: You can buy direct from Halibrand through their own website.
• Local hot rod shops: Check with custom car builders and parts shops in your area. Many carry Halibrand wheels or can special order them for you.

For the best selection and prices, shopping online is your best bet. But if you want advice on fitment or to see wheels in person, local specialty shops are a good option.

Are Halibrand Turbine Wheels Suitable for My Vehicle?

The iconic styling of Halibrand Turbine Wheels looks great on almost any hot rod, classic or muscle car. But you need to choose the right size and specification to properly fit your vehicle.

Some key factors in choosing Halibrand wheels for your car:

• Wheel Diameter: Halibrands come in sizes from 13” up to 18”. Consider your tire size and desired look, along with brake clearance.
• Bolt Pattern: Match your vehicle’s factory bolt pattern (usually 4×4″, 4×5″, 5×4.5″ etc). Some Halibrands have universal bolt patterns.
• Offset: Pick an offset (how far the wheel sits in or out from the hub) that fits your wheel wells.
• Backspacing: Backspacing needs to clear your brake calipers and suspension components.
• Width: Wider wheels can require wider tires and fender modifications.

With so many sizes and customization options, there is a Halibrand Turbine wheel perfect for everything from classic street rods to Pro Touring muscle cars.

How Do Halibrand Turbine Wheels Improve Performance?

Halibrand Turbine Wheels are designed first and foremost for performance. The curved spoke design minimizes weight while retaining strength, reducing unsprung mass for better acceleration, handling and braking.

Compared to many stock steel wheels, Halibrands offer:

• Less Rotational Mass: Lightweight alloy construction significantly cuts down rotating weight.
• Reduced Unsprung Weight: Decreases wheel/tire mass not supported by suspension.
• Increased Rigidity: More rigid than steel wheels for improved handling response.
• Better Brake Cooling: Open design allows more airflow to cool brakes.
• Allows use of Sticky Performance Tires with lightweight rims.

For street cars, this means sharper turn-in, harder braking, quicker acceleration and an overall more responsive feel. On the track, less unsprung weight can translate into improved lap times.

What Sizes Do Halibrand Turbine Wheels Come In?

One of the best aspects of Halibrand Turbine Wheels is the huge range of sizes available. Halibrand offerings include:

• Diameters from 13” to 18”
• Widths from 4.5” up to 14”
• Universal bolt patterns and offset options
• Backspacing ranging from 2” to 7”

With dozens of stock sizes, plus fully custom wheel builds possible, Halibrand has an option for everything from period hot rods on tiny bias-ply tires up to modern Pro-Touring cars running massive performance rubber.

Some of the most popular sizes are 15×7” and 15×10” wheels for a staggered classic street rod setup. 17×7” front and 17×9” rear is a common modern fitment.

Are Halibrand Turbine Wheels Lightweight?

Thanks to their hollow-spoke design reducing material, Halibrand Turbine Wheels are quite lightweight for their size while still maintaining strength.

Here are typical weights for popular Halibrand sizes:

• 15×7” – Approx 13 lbs
• 17×7” – Approx 15 lbs
• 17×8” – Approx 16 lbs
• 18×8” – Approx 19 lbs

The larger the diameter and width, the heavier Halibrand wheels become. But they are still significantly lighter than comparable steel wheels across all sizes.

Some ultra-exotic magnesium alloy Halibrands weigh as little as 10 lbs per wheel! But for most applications, aluminum alloy provides the best balance of strength, weight and cost.

How to Clean Halibrand Turbine Wheels

The intricate hollow spoke design that makes Halibrand Turbine Wheels so lightweight also makes them more challenging to clean. Here are some tips for keeping Halibrands looking their best:

• Rinse wheels thoroughly before washing to remove loose dirt.
• Use a pH neutral wheel cleaner safe for alloy rims. Avoid harsh acidic or alkaline cleaners.
• Gently agitate cleaner with a soft brush to lift brake dust from the crevices and spokes.
• Rinse thoroughly after cleaning to avoid spots and water marks.
• For polished lips, use a mild polish and microfiber cloth to restore luster.
• Apply quality wax or wheel sealant to protect the finish and make future cleaning easier.
• For heavy caked on brake dust, a diluted all-wheel cleaner soaked briefly before rinsing can help lift deposits.

Take care around machined areas and avoid harsh scrubbing to prevent damage to the delicate satin finishes of most Halibrand wheels.

The History of Halibrand Turbine Wheels

Halibrand Turbine Wheels have an iconic history and heritage in racing and hot rodding spanning over 50 years. Here are some of the highlights:

• Developed in the 1960s by racing pioneer Tex Halibrand for Indy race cars.
• Quickly gained popularity in both drag and road racing for lightweight strength.
• Became a signature wheel style of the 1960s California hot rod scene.
• The modular knockoff design allowed quick wheel changes during pit stops.
• Used on custom cars ranging from street rods to iconic show vehicles like the Hirohata Mercury.
• Featured in period movies like American Graffiti, immortalizing their popularity.
• Vintage-styled steel and magnesium Halibrands remain popular in historic racing today.
• Modern aluminum alloy Halibrands carry on the iconic turbine legacy on both vintage and modern custom cars.

Few aftermarket wheels have the instantly recognizable look and six decade racing heritage of the Halibrand Turbine.

How Do I Install Halibrand Turbine Wheels?

Halibrand Turbine Wheels typically use a knockoff mounting system for easy installation and wheel changes. Here are the basic steps:

1. Bolt the knockoff hub adapters to your vehicle hubs using the provided hardware. Apply thread locker.
2. Mount the tire onto the Halibrand wheel. Tighten lugs just enough to seat the bead – avoid pinching the tire.
3. Position the wheel on the hub adapter and hand tighten the retention nuts.
4. Use a dead blow hammer to seat the wheel tightly against the hub.
5. Tighten each retention nut incrementally in a crisscross pattern with a socket wrench.
6. Tighten each nut to 85-100 ft-lbs torque for aluminum wheels. DO NOT overtighten!
7. Spin each knockoff for alignment and tighten through the knockoff holes using provided spanner tool.
8. Give each knockoff a final check with the spanner wrench to ensure it is locked.

Always inspect components for damage during install. Have a professional install if uncertain. Use proper tools to avoid damage.

Are There Reviews for Halibrand Turbine Wheels?

As an established market leader with 50+ years of heritage, Halibrand Turbine Wheels are widely reviewed by hot rodders, car enthusiasts and specialty wheel sites. Some examples:

• HotRod Magazine reviewed the 15×7 and 15×10 Polished Halibrands as “An old school hot rodder favorite with lightweight vintage styling.”
• Custom Classic Trucks tested 16×7 and 16×10 Chrome Turbines, rating them 4.5/5 stars for their fitment, looks and quality.
• Speedway Motors customers give the Black Anodized Halibrands 4.8/5 stars, praising their durability and lightweight strength.
• Jegs customers rated the Executive Series Polished Halibrands 5/5 stars, calling them “perfect for muscle cars seeking a vintage look.”
• YouTube install videos showcase Halibrands getting rave reviews for improving both looks and performance.

The overwhelming consensus across reviews is that Halibrand Turbine Wheels deliver great styling, performance and durability at reasonable cost.

Do Halibrand Turbine Wheels Come in Different Finishes?

While chrome is the traditional finish, Halibrand Turbine Wheels today come in a variety of coatings and metal finishes to complement both classic and modern custom cars:

• Polished: Bright mirror-like polished lip and satin aluminum center styling. A classic look.
• Chrome: Triple plated chrome is brilliant and durable. Most iconic Halibrand finish.
• Brushed: Directional brushed grain finish adds contrast on center sections.
• Black Anodized: Black coating won’t peel or fade like paint. Aggressive look.
• Gray Anodized: Contrasting medium gray tone. Subtle but stylish.
• Bare Alloy: Raw aluminum look popular on street rod builds.
• Coated Colors: Some sizes offer red, blue, gunmetal and other powdercoated colors.
• Two-Tone: Mix and match polished, chrome and coated finish combos.

No matter your wheel finish tastes, from traditional to modern, Halibrand offers choices to give your custom build the right look.

How Durable Are Halibrand Turbine Wheels?

Thanks to their solid aluminum alloy construction, Halibrand Turbine Wheels offer excellent durability for street use as well as moderate track days and racing.

• Hollow-spoke design maintains strength despite removing material for lightness. No major structural compromises.
• Forged aluminum alloy is highly resistant to cracking or fatigue damage from pothole impacts.
• Anodized and chrome coatings avoid corrosion and protect the alloy from curb damage and wear.
• Modular knockoff mounting system allows for easy wheel removal to inspect or service components.
• Thick wheel lips stand up to scrape and scuffs. Polished and chrome finishes can be restored.
• Proper maintenance like regular cleaning and avoiding extreme torque keep Halibrands looking good for years.

Many vintage Halibrands still on collector cars today attest to their longevity. With proper care, a set of new Halibrands will last for the life of your custom vehicle.

What Is the Price Range for Halibrand Turbine Wheels?

As a premium aftermarket wheel targeted at the hot rodding market, Halibrand Turbine Wheels range from around $300 up to $700 per wheel depending on:

• Size – Larger diameters and wider wheels cost more.
• Finish – Chrome and polished finishes command higher pricing.
• Coatings like black anodized add cost over brushed alloy.
• Accessories like knockoff hardware kits also impact the budget.
• Retailer promotions and availability affect pricing.

You can expect to budget $1000-2000 for a set of four basic Halibrand wheels in 15” or 17” sizes. Bigger 18” wheels or exotic finishes can cost $2500-4000 per set.

Given their quality and reputation, Halibrand Turbines provide great value for the money versus other premium wheels. And the improvement in looks and performance over stock wheels is dramatic.

How Do Halibrand Turbine Wheels Compare to Other Brands?

Halibrand Turbine Wheels stand apart from other aftermarket wheels with their unique history and iconic styling. But they stack up nicely against competitors on performance and quality:

• Lighter than most aluminum wheels except exotic forged racing rims.
• More affordable than “knock-off” brands copying the turbine look.
• Better blend of vintage and modern design than brands like Billet Specialties.
• More made-in-USA heritage than foreign brands like Weld, Foose, or BBS.
• More street/track versatility than dedicated drag racing rims.
• Less costly than big names like Forgeline or HRE while offering similar performance.

For custom builds wanting great performance with genuine Halibrand styling, nothing else really compares. The turbine look is worth the small premium over mainstream wheel brands.

Can Halibrand Turbine Wheels Be Customized?

One great benefit of Halibrand Turbine Wheels is the high degree of customization options available:

• Custom paint colors to perfectly match your car.
• Contrasting multi-piece color combinations.
• Unique billet center cap designs to personalize.
• Diameter, width, offset and backspacing can be tailored for fitment.
• Vintage-style magnesium or steel wheels can be built.
• Practically any bolt pattern can be accommodated.
• Knockoff mounting studs are configurable for various applications.
• Additional options like beadlock rings or accessories available.

The modular Halibrand design allows for a great range of sizing and finish choices right off the shelf. And their US-based manufacturing enables full custom orders as well.

What Is the Warranty on Halibrand Turbine Wheels?

Halibrand Turbine Wheels are backed by a standard manufacturer’s warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for one year from purchase date.

This covers any cracking, bending or damage to the structure of the wheel under normal use. Anodized surface finishes are also covered against flaking or peeling.

The warranty does not cover superficial damage from scraping, curbing, improper installation or maintenance. Customer-induced damage like extreme torque or corrosion from chemicals are also not covered.

For a wheel with the quality reputation of Halibrand, most customers are happy with the basic warranty protection. Given proper maintenance and avoidance of abuse, Halibrand wheels typically enjoy long service lives.

Are Halibrand Turbine Wheels Suitable for Racing Use?

Halibrand Turbine Wheels were originally designed over 50 years ago specifically for professional racing applications. So they are more than suitable for any racing use today given proper sizing, offsets and fitment.

Key advantages of Halibrands on the track:

• Lightweight alloy construction reduces rotational mass.
• High strength design withstands cornering forces.
• Open design allows better air circulation for brake cooling.
• Knockoff mounting makes rapid tire changes easy.
• Validated over decades of use in Indy, NASCAR and drag racing.
• Larger sizes accommodate massive racing rubber.
• Durable finishes that can stand up to brake dust and abuse.

Thanks to their impressive balance of strength, light weight and cool styling, you will still find Halibrand Turbine Wheels on all types of racing cars today – from drag cars to historic F1 and everything in between.

How Do Halibrand Turbine Wheels Affect Fuel Efficiency?

The primary goal of Halibrand Turbine Wheels is reducing weight and maximizing performance. But the lighter weight also benefits fuel efficiency versus heavy stock wheels:

• Weighing 25-40% less than cast steel wheels cuts rotating mass.
• This reduces the engine power required to accelerate the wheels.
• More responsive acceleration allows easier maintenance of momentum and speed.
• Lower drivetrain loss and rolling resistance equate to better fuel economy.
• High-strength design allows for more inflation than stock wheels, further reducing rolling drag.

Of course, most buyers care more about looks and performance than MPGs when choosing Halibrands. But the lightweight alloy design still provides efficiency benefits over bulky steel wheels.

What Vehicles Are Compatible with Halibrand Turbine Wheels?

The versatility of Halibrand Turbine Wheels makes them compatible with almost any hot rod, muscle or custom car. Here are some of the most popular applications:

• Classic and modern Ford Mustangs
• Chevy Corvettes and Camaros from 1960s to today
• Vintage hot rods like ’32 Fords and rodded Chevys
• Mopar muscle cars including Chargers, Challengers and ‘Cudas
• GM G-Body vehicles like the Monte Carlo, Cutlass and Regal
• Ford Falcons and Fairlanes perfect for a 1960s NASCAR-inspired build
• Early Thunderbirds and retro-modded versions
• Jeep Wrangler rock crawlers and overland rigs

With the huge range of sizes and customization options, practically any custom vehicle can benefit from the iconic style and performance of Halibrand Turbine Wheels.

How Do I Maintain Halibrand Turbine Wheels?

Halibrand Turbine Wheels require minimal routine maintenance to keep them looking their best:

• Wash regularly using pH-balanced soap. Avoid harsh chemicals.
• immediately Clean brake dust off the wheels to prevent buildup in the spokes.
• Wax or seal wheels regularly to protect the finish from corrosion and curb scratches.
• Inspect knockoff retention nuts often and re-torque if necessary.
• Check wheel alignments as uneven tire wear can damage wheels.
• Refinish any scratches or scuffs on chrome and polished wheels to prevent corrosion.
• Consider wheel bags when storing the car to prevent dust buildup on the wheels.

With proper cleaning and precautions against cosmetic damage, Halibrand alloy wheels will provide many years and miles of great performance and style for your custom car build.

Conclusion

For over 50 years, Halibrand Turbine Wheels have been iconic in the world of hot rods, muscle cars and racing. Their unique styling, lightweight performance and made-in-America heritage make them ideal for any street rod or resto-mod build.

This definitive buyer’s guide covers everything you need – from sizing and fitment recommendations to finish options and proper maintenance. Hopefully this provides helpful insight as you shop for the perfect set of Halibrands to give your custom car the right stance, performance and personalized style.

Once you experience the improvement Halibrand Turbine Wheels make in acceleration, braking, handling and looks, you’ll understand why they have been a staple of the racing and hot rodding scene since the 1960s. Take your car to the next level with a set of these legendary wheels!