In a message dated 12/29/99 7:25:52 PM Pacific Standard Time,
deiland1@elp.rr.com writes:
<< On the backside of my wheels the letters "C.S. I." are cast into the
rim. I did some calling around and several people told me that my wheels
were made by Carroll Shelby Industries (C.S.I.). The center caps say Carroll
Shelby on them along with the CS insignia he is well known for. I've been
told they are rare original Shelby wheels. Even if the story I got was just
that, a story, it sure sounded good enough to repeat here. I hope the people
I talked to are right and the wheels really are original Shelby wheels just
for the nostalgia. If you want my 2 pesos worth, I think they are cast
aluminum alloy. Polished center and rim with the spokes left in there rough
casting form. I still have no idea whether the spokes are painted or
anodized though. >>
Dan-
They are, indeed, Shelby Industries wheels. The point I was making is that
they are not particularly rare, were made for many applications over quite a
number of years (including "uni-lug") and were also popped by at least one
other manufacturer (Western).
I am not trying to be a jerk or a wet blanket. We all want to have cool
period stuff for our Tigers! And, the wheels are period correct and IMHO look
nice on a Tiger.
I just didn't want to see you dump a bunch of money into wheels which are
worth not really that much in the scheme of things. Again, fine wheels as
long as they are true and balance out OK, but not exotic or particularly
unique.
BTW, Shelby had no involvement with the Tiger besides engineering work and
racing (half heartedly) a SCCA B production car for a year and a half. On the
other hand, maybe you have some wheels which Shelby had made for the race
car, but I believe they ran Halibrands.
Bottom line: If you like them, stick 'em on and then drive them out from
underneath the car!
Mike
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