A small air-driven grinder...
A small air-driven grinder with a carbide tip was used in the hard to reach areas.
It was now time to address the stock factory alternator. Following the theme a Powermaster chromed PowerGEN alternator was used. Combining the classic looks of a generator with the output and reliability of an alternator makes it ideal for this application. Since we are applying a part that wasn't originally intended for the Nailhead a custom bracket was required. Nick Acton of Acton Custom Enterprises designed the custom mount to get the alternator as low as possible on the block while also incorporating a belt tension system. Nick also created a custom stainless steel fuel line running from the carbs to the polished Edelbrock high-flow fuel filter, then on to the fuel pump. The crowning touch was a pair of original Cal Custom air cleaners that Steve modified to fit this application. When combined with the custom-made lake pipes by One-Off Technologies, the overall appearance of the engine takes you back to the mid '60s. Mission accomplished!
(Editor's note: for those looking for more information on the Nailhead as well as the Buick try one of the following websites: www.buickstreet.com; www.classicbuicks.com; www.ranchoriviera.com; www.oldbuickparts.com)
It is easy to see the differences;...
It is easy to see the differences; at this point we hit the intake with some red gloss but decided that we had to take it a step further to give it a perfect glass-like sheen.
Peter Newell of Competition...
Peter Newell of Competition Specialties got busy with a selection of carbide grinding tips. The intake is made of iron and it takes time to bring it from its original rough casting to a smooth finish.
What a difference a few hours...
What a difference a few hours makes in the overall appearance of the intake.
The engine was brought to...
The engine was brought to Eli English to prepare it for paint. Eli deburred the block and heads to give it a show-like quality.
Joe Hunt Magnetos was selected...
Joe Hunt Magnetos was selected for one of their high-performance electronic distributors. Identical in appearance to their well-known magnetos it was the perfect compliment to the 7mm satin black woven spark plug wire and knurled spring-clip Rajah spark plug wire ends from The Hot Rod Company.
The satin black wires, along...
The satin black wires, along with the knurled Rajah spring-clip ends, compliment the polished stainless head bolts and red gloss.
The body had a roll set into...
The body had a roll set into its custom firewall to accommodate the distributor. The team at Joe Hunt Magnetos polished the case of the distributor.
With the engine in the chassis...
With the engine in the chassis you can see many of the custom touches starting to come together including the detailed starter, polished head bolts, and plated factory valley pan and oil pan. Checkout the Nailhead spark plug wire looms that Steve Pierce modified to fit the application.
The stock engine parts were...
The stock engine parts were chromed by South Shore Plating. For contrast, a hint of red was used to accent the chromed parts. The water pump is a performance upgrade from FlowKooler.