Question About Libre Wheels

[Dave]

Hi all,

I have a question about Libre (Hope I'm spelling that right) wheels. I've got a set on my roadster and am considering selling them. While I have not inspected them closely, I have never noticed any sort of manufacturer's markings on them. What I'm wondering is, are all Libre wheels created equal? In other words, were there multiple companies that made them, some being authentic "Libres" and others being cheep imitations? If so, how do I tell what I've got? I want to make sure I know exactly what I have so I can sell them at a fair price.

Dave

[datsun65]

Brian Hollands did a nice write-up on the Libre wheels. It can be found on 311s.org under wheels...

excerp->

The classic roadster wheel--These(and the similar LeMans) were used on the BRE cars. Beware there are lots of imitation copies. Real AR's have "American Racing" cast into the back side of the rim. Jim Crawse is running the 195 series Anzenis Falken's with stock springs cut one coil. He indicated that the right front rubbed at the outside edge duirng close to full lock. This was fixed by adding a 1/2" thick rubber spring seat on the RH side. This problem may have been peculiar to this car. Also note that the rear fender lips were mostly cut away. Rollig these lips would most likely provide adequate clearnace. Steve Allen is running these with 185/60-14 Dunlops with zero problems. Robbie Harrison also runs these with competiton springs.

[spl310]

There were a few manufacturers of Libre style wheels. The true American Racing wheels have that cast in script on the back side. US Mag wheels made some as well - also marked - as did Trans Am wheels. There were also some that had no markings which are reportedly a bit heavier than AR Libres and may have had quality issues (I don't know of anything more specific than that - sorry) Kurt Haefer's 510 wheel site talks about the quality issues.

Either way, they sets (regardless of Manufacturer) seem to go for around $500ish

[S Allen]

I have a real set and they do have the American Racing cast on the back side of them. Sid is right-a real set in good shape goes for around $500.00.

Steve

[SLOroadster]

My wheels have american racing stamped on the back as well. The Shelbys are a close match but are different if you look at both next to each other. The ARE wheels are lighter than the others.

Will

[Dave]

Thanks for the info guys! I'll take a look tonight and see what I've got.

Dave

[wineguy]

If they are true libras, let me know, I'm, interested.
Thanks.

[Dave]

OK gang, the mystery continues. There are only a couple of casting marks on the back of the wheels. There's the maximum weight, the size (14 x 5.5) and a Mercedes emblem. Yes, a Mercedes emblem. One circle with three lines, converging in the center that divide the circle in three equal slices. Bizarre.

Any ideas?