Author Topic: Excellent Nailhead Rebuilder Needed (Read 3900 times)

Chris · « **on:** January 04, 2010, 11:36:09 PM »

Anyone know of any really good Nailhead rebuilders in the Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Kentucky areas?

I'm planning a rebuild on my convertible engine either this year or next (roller rockers, improved oil pickup / pump, better cam) and will be in need of a engine rebuilder that knows his way around the Nailhead and can be trusted.

Before you guys start busting my nads about doing this myself, I'll admit that I realize my limits and I have a lot to learn about engine rebuilding and this is not the engine I want to cut my teeth on.

Since this is my baby.. I want to make sure the work is done right the first time and the car is super dependable for a future Ames Iowa type road trips.

Thanks,

Chris

Brian · « **Reply #1 on:** January 05, 2010, 02:38:23 PM »

I can do it, but am a little further away down in NC.

Chris · « **Reply #2 on:** January 05, 2010, 06:23:44 PM »

Brian, I'd totally trust you with my engine and it's really worth considering making the drive just to have you rebuild it.

To make it worth while, I should also consider bringing you the engine from the lastest post car I bought. The car has 45,000 original miles but hasn't been run since 1974. I'd really like to have this engine back to running condition before selling the car as it's the matching numbers engine for what I consider a pretty rare four speed car.

How does two engines at the same time sound?

I'll send you a PM for to talk estimates.

Thanks,

Chris

PGBuick · « **Reply #3 on:** January 05, 2010, 09:22:29 PM »

Talk to Carmen Faso near Buffalo, NY. Tom Telesco (Tom's Roller Rockers) is really good too and can prob help you find someone of he won't do it.

Chris · « **Reply #4 on:** January 05, 2010, 09:56:00 PM »

Pat,

Tom's roller rockers are a must have for sure!

I've heard nothing but great things about these and I think the only downside is not being able to use the factory valve covers which I plan on replacing with a decent set of repo finned covers anyhow.

I didn't think of Carmen as a rebuilder since I only thought he was selling parts these days. He would make another excellent choice as I've only heard excellent things about him and he's certainly got the Nailhead history behind him.

Thanks for the suggestions buddy.. keep them coming guys.

Chris

WkillGS · « **Reply #5 on:** January 06, 2010, 10:38:01 AM »

Toms Roller rockers WILL fit under the stock valve covers

It's the TA rollers that will not fit under the stock Alum vc's.

There is a Nailhead guy, Mike, that works at Mondello Tech center in Tennessee. It's a VERY well equipped facility.
http://www.mondello.com/
I haven't heard from him in a while, but maybe Tom T has kept in touch.

Chris · « **Reply #6 on:** January 06, 2010, 09:37:22 PM »

Thanks for clearing this up Walt.

When you say Tom's roller rockers will fit under "stock" covers, does this include the steel stamped valve covers or are you referring to the finned aluminum covers (or both?)

After seeing how TA treated Dan Habel over the Nailhead headers he bought from them, I'll personally go out of my way and even spend a little extra money to avoid giving them any more of my business.

As I've said a million times before, the Buick community is just way too small to do someone wrong on a parts deal and expect that it won't matter later on.. word gets around fast... especially with the 64-66 guys!

For those who want to care to read the history, here's the link..

http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=177012

Chris

WkillGS · « **Reply #7 on:** January 07, 2010, 08:58:41 AM »

Quote from: Chris At 65GS on January 06, 2010, 09:37:22 PM

When you say Tom's roller rockers will fit under "stock" covers, does this include the steel stamped valve covers or are you referring to the finned aluminum covers (or both?)

According to TT, TA rockers will fit under the steelies but not the BUICK aluminum covers.
The BUICK aluminum covers are a tighter fit than the stamped steel covers.
Toms rockers fit under both styles.

I personally have the TT rockers under the BUICK vc and they fit fine.

Joe65SkylarkGS · « **Reply #8 on:** January 07, 2010, 09:13:41 AM »

Thanks for the link Chris. But I didn't have enough time to read the last page.

wildcat65 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 07, 2010, 01:45:33 PM »

Hi Chris,
Carmen is pretty much out for building a complete engine, but he does great work on heads/dist/carbs/parts.
I've gotten my local shop to do a bottom end and that has worked well.
Automotive Machine & Performance in Philpot KY are true Buick folks and great to work with...they have
a dyno and the parts (headers w/bungs for ex temp, o2 sensors that I gave them) to get the engine broken in and tuned up.
I plan on taking a couple nails there this month to dyno, and i know they are working on a couple builds.
I'm excited to get back down there.

Ted

Chris · « **Reply #10 on:** January 07, 2010, 05:38:34 PM »

Howdy Ted.... haven't seen you on for a while and was getting worried about you.

I'm working with Brian right now on possibly having him rebuild my engines when the time comes however I'd also like to check out the guys in KY you use in case I need some emergency work done and I have to delay a rebuild this year.

When you say you are heading down there in a month or so, are you up to having a tag along make the trip with you or meet you at their shop? I'd really like to see their facility and of course talk Buick.

Any chance you are a Bengals fan? (plug your ears Tony and Joe!) A buddy of mine gave me four tickets for Saturdays game so I'll be down there with some friends to catch the game... should be fun.

Thanks for the posting..

Chris

dsags · « **Reply #11 on:** January 08, 2010, 05:47:58 PM »

Chris, the guys at Automotive Machine are the ones who helped me when I had my broken pushrod a couple of years back. Really class people. They are the GS Nationals every year. Here's their website http://automachperf.com/services.html.

wildcat65 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 18, 2010, 04:54:45 PM »

Sorry I missed this post Chris! I'm still working slowly on the 425, down to cam installation and timing cover though.
I'll let you know when the Philpot trip is happening. THanks, Ted

Quote from: Chris At 65GS on January 07, 2010, 05:38:34 PM

Howdy Ted.... haven't seen you on for a while and was getting worried about you.

I'm working with Brian right now on possibly having him rebuild my engines when the time comes however I'd also like to check out the guys in KY you use in case I need some emergency work done and I have to delay a rebuild this year.

When you say you are heading down there in a month or so, are you up to having a tag along make the trip with you or meet you at their shop? I'd really like to see their facility and of course talk Buick.

Any chance you are a Bengals fan? (plug your ears Tony and Joe!) A buddy of mine gave me four tickets for Saturdays game so I'll be down there with some friends to catch the game... should be fun.

Thanks for the posting..

Chris