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Old 10-05-2009, 03:55 PM   #2
Jeff Lee
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Anthem, Arizona
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Default Re: Gibson Racing Wheels

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I bought a pair of Gibsons. One trick wheel pair of wheels! 6.2 #'s each. Not much lighter than the Monocoques they replaced but I was after a different look. They are offered in raw billet or anodized. I went billet as these are very nice right off the lathe. They start with a 100# chunk.

I was working Gibson pretty hard for rear wheels. I needed them ASAP as I wanted to mount my new 14.5" x 31.5" slicks and get all the measurements down for chassis work. He didn't seem keen on 15" diameter rear wheels, sounded like he wanted 16" for Comp and Pro racers produced first. So I gave up. Maybe now he's changed his tune? So I went to Bogart here in Phoenix. We came up with these rear wheels, a custom set of 15" x 14" using 16" wheel center to get the right proportions on the spoke compared to the front wheel spokes and then milled the spokes as the Gibsons. These are welded 2-piece. I didn't want those little bolts as a 3-piece has. After polishing they were scuffed w/ scotch-brite, looks like the satin finish of the old Center Lines. We'll do the same to the front so they have the same texture or finish. Finally we'll coat all 4 wheels to a "light titanium" color which will only need a hose and towel to clean them up, no oxidizing or polishing needed.
I did sacrifice weight on the rear wheels, about 1.5 #'s heavier than the lightest 3-piece Bogarts. But I absolutely did not want those little bolts and the larger 16" wheel center added some weight. But I got the look I was after.
Let me know if your interested in a set of rear wheels like this.

FYI - if you want to go all out, get your timken wheel bearings replaced with ceramic ball bearings. I'm getting them done by Performance Bearing. They advertise in ND.
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Last edited by Jeff Lee; 10-05-2009 at 04:42 PM.
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