First Project - 61' Invicta custom. What do think?

Here is a little project that I have going. This is my first Nailhead and first Buick for that matter but I am hooked! This project is a 61 Buick Invicta custom that I inherited from my grandmother. I have been working on it for almost 2 years now and I finally have a rolling chassis. Now comes the body work and it will be extensive. This chassis consists of:

401 bore .060 over and a TA-30 cam, SS valves, Stage 1 springs, hardened valve seats, 3 angle valve job, port and polished head.
SP400 switch pitch transmission with PAE4000 torque convertor (4000 hi stall/1400 low stall) and B&M shift kit.
Dual Edelbrock 650 AVS Thunder carbs
EELCO dual quad manifold
MSD Pro Billet distributor
EELCO finned valve covers with Buick bagding from a 88 Grand National inlayed
Fined valley pan and plug covers
100amp chrome plated alternator
Saginaw type II chrome power steering pump
4 core radiator with dual electric fans
Hi torque mini starter
Air ride suspension front and back
Front disc brake conversion with slotted rotors
new stainless brake lines throughout
Rebuilt 3.23 Posi unit

Many other things but the list is getting pretty long. Here are a few before and after pictures:kodak:.what do you guy (and gals) think?

Do you dig the snow tires????:laugh:

 

Nicely detailed 'after' shots!!:beers2:

Powertrain looks to be well built. Love the Air Ride on those old Buicks!!:TU:

 

If the car turns out like what you already have it is going to be an AWESOME. I am dreaming about the same thing but my car is a 1962 Invicta SW it has a 1993 Corvette front and rear suspension. Keep the pictures comming.

 

Thats cool :beer Buick with Vette suspension!!!!

 

It looks like you planned your work and worked your plan; very nicely done so far. I'm sure that the rest of the car will be just as nice. One personal opinion - ditch the Fram filter; Fran is a great marketing company, but not much on filters. Look for a Wix or some other quality brand. Hopefully this won't start some big broo haw haw but I would be interested in other's opinions.

Be sure to keep us updated on your future progress.

 

Nailheadnut :gp:

Opinions are what this is all about. I have never personally had problems with Fram....I would love to know if others have?
Anyone have part numbers for other brands. As much time and money I have in this I would hate to use an inferior product on something as important as the oiling system.

I am completely opened to any constructive criticism or help....like my name say.....Nailhead Newby!

Rob
Spokane, WA

 

TONS of people have had issues with the poor quality of Fram oil filters. I try to only stick with Purolator or AC.

Buick engines are especially prone to problems with the Fram filter. It's very common to hear one side of the engine ticking right after an oil change.

The car my brother is driving now has a Buick 3.3l V6 in it. The previous owners had an oil change done on it and had a Fram filter put on it. Sure enough...it was ticking pretty good. As soon as he put the Purolator filter on it, the ticking stopped. Coincidence.....I think not!!

 

Engie - I'd love to see some pics of your 62 wagon. My brother also has a 62 Invicta wagon. Has the original 401".....we picked up a switch pitch tranny for it to replace the 2 speed (not installed yet).

If you ever run across a solid rear bumper - please let me know. That's the only major piece he needs.

Shoot me a PM or email. Thanks

 

Here's what I think.... I HATE YOU!!!!!







No really I'm just really jealous of you since I want one.

 

Engie,
I would love to see pics of your wagon...it sounds like an awesome project. I have a 62 Electra that will be much more stock than your wagon. I am working toward a Megasquirt fuel injection system for it.

Nailhead Newby,
Keep the pics coming...they are great motivation for those of us who aren't making such great progress on our projects.

 

You know you're a Buick nut when you drool over an Invicta. :Brow:
When I first started looking for a Buick I lusted after Invictas...until I saw how hard parts were to come by.
For years I kept a Car Craft mag where they featured an Invicta as a project car. They painted it bright yellow, but I'll be damned if it didn't look good on it.

 

If you really want to know the low down on oil filters, start cutting into some of them. [your favorite brands] We were required to do this in Fomoco mechanics school. The key words are ''full flow''. So far all I have ever used since that class is Motorcraft.

 

Fram = Bad. I had two Fram filters implode on a 455 engine in short order (I thought it was a fluke and they gave me another). The same engine never ever had a problem with AC.

BTW - Your project is comming along very nicely!

Cheryl

 

I think you ruined it and should put it back the way it was! :bla: :moonu: JUST KIDDING. That is sooo beautiful it's mesmerizing. One of the best looking Nailheads I've seen. No, one of the best engines I've ever seen. VERY, VERY NICE!!!!

 

hey Rob,nice job.looks like 2 years of dedicated work:TU:allways liked the invictas. are you painting the car the engine color & what color is that? btw,note where i live:laugh: love to see your car sometime:beer

 

Absolutely beautiful! I can only imagine the time and money you have sunk into this project, but fantastic job! NO ENGINE dresses up better than a nailhead, and this is one of the best I've seen. Keep the pictures comming, I'd really like to see the finished project. :TU:

 

I will definitely keep the pictures coming!

65SpecialConver - I've been to Usk a few times and maybe when I get this project done I take it for a little cruise that way. Yes that is going to be the car color....Its called Copperhead Pearl

I am ditching the Fram filter!!!

 

I've always been one who favored restoration over customizing. That said, I think you've done a superlative job on that Invicta. :TU: I'll always have a warm spot for that model. After all, it is the forbearer of the Wildcat! How about an overall "before" shot?

 

Looks sweet!

 

email me some pics for the site. Looking good.