Hi Guys, I received a phone call this morning, a guy that works for Cartech books was calling to see if I had any interest in writing a nailhead book. Not sure exactly what he wants, whether it be a history of them, parts identification, or a how to manual, but I suspect it will be a mix of all of it. I stopped him before he got too far into his spiel, since I am not at all qualified to write such a book, my nailhead knowledge is extremely limited. I did tell him that I would make this post, to see if I could round up someone who would be interested in the task. His name is Wes, and his email is wese@cartechbooks.com. You should contact him directly if your interested. Tell him I sent you. Thanks JW
Just took a look at their website. They've got quite a few books out and I own a couple of their out of print ones. So they're legit; and it's one facet they don't cover. It'd be a great idea, considering Nailheads have next to nothing written about them. I'm a bit of a writer, but I don't have the background knowledge to write credibly on the topic. I'm sure there's at least one Nailhead expert here who can both write and has the requisite experience to make it credible.
What do you say Tom?(telriv) I'm sure you would be up to the task, just make sure that Wes guy makes it worth your while. Derek
Since I'm kinda computer illiterate I'd need to make a phone call. Besides it would take me HOURS typing with one finger!!! Tom T.
I think it would be worth the discussion Tom. In my years reading V8Buick, if not an author, you'd be one helluva consultant at the very least. Devon
That wouldn't be a problem, you could probably dictate into some sort of a recorder(probably not a real to real though :laugh and they'll have someone type what you said in the recording device. :TU: Derek
For me, with all that's going on/happening, this would be a HUGE under taking for myself. If it comes to it Rhett I would take you up on your offer. Tom T.
Then Carmen Faso maybe: Nailhead committed, savvy and technically sound. They would have to call him though: no computer and all - (716) 693-4090.
Another name that comes to mind is Dennis Manner, who also worked for the Buick Motor Division ? o No:
Hell, he's got the thing half written on his website already! Whoever does write it will have to spend time with Dennis, Carmen, Tom and Russ as a baseline, but there's probably a few others that should be consulted too - some people who worked with Max Balchowsky and Tommy Ivo must stilll be alive...
This is a book that absolutely needs to be written. From an engine building standpoint, from what I understand from this forum, there are so many mistakes being made. Engine builders around the country that may have decades of experience could learn from the wisdom of the experts of this forum. It won't be long and a generation of experience will soon be lost with no written history of the lessons they learned. Though my opinion is lightweight compared to many on this board, I beg of the experienced nailhead folk that they collaborate in the making of this book. Many a future restorer and hot rodder would be forever grateful, as would I. So to Tom, Russ, Carmen, and the many others that have countless hours of experience and wisdom, please consider contributing in any way you can to this effort, I for one would be in your gratitude.
On this subject everyone has their own opinions. Some are old school, like myself, but there are FEW that can/will think out of the box, like ones self. One is more stock. One is more High Performance. One who mostly just wants to sell parts & on & on. No one recipe can cover ALL aspects. Like the forged pistons I sell. If I have ALL the specs. required you will get EXACTLY what you are looking for. No machining, just file fit the rings. Some don't even want to file fit rings or do this. The problem becomes when they don't have or are unwilling to spend the time getting the specs. & want something that's universal & end up with an off the shelf, readily available piston .065"-.075" in the hole. Then use composite head gaskets & WONDER why the rebuild doesn't perform as well as the old worn out engine did. It's all about details & detail is time which = $$$$$, which most aren't willing to spend. We aren't talking SBC here. There aren't thousands of parts being made at the same time. It's usually one on one or a few at the most. $$$$ tied up in stocking parts that may or may not sell isn't good for business. If I stocked a THOUSAND Mini-Starters at a time I would be able to sell them for less $$$$, but who has the 30K+ I would need to do this????? Not me that's for sure!!!! This is just the hobby side for myself as a home & business are the MAIN PRIORITY'S. Parts in inventory cost $$$$ to keep on the shelves & if X amount aren't sold within a reasonable time frame it's a loss of $$$$. I WOULD LOVE TO DO THIS!!!! Just have to see what's involved & the time that's needed. Tom T.
Just FYI. Dennis has called & asked me questions. On another note to make this a possibility. THOUSANDS of books would need to be sold & I just don't see the volume that would make it worth while for someone to take on this MONUMENTAL TASK. At the volume that MAY be sold who would spend a $100.00 or more for such a book? I was thinking of doing this some years ago & it would have ended up to be MUCH TOO COSTLY to produce. As I said I do this as a hobby & a PASSION, not as a $$$$$ aspect of the hobby that I rely on to pay the bills.
My thoughts as well. Have a professional writer spend time with Tom on an actual build. The writer writes and Tom provides the information and approves the final draft to ensure it's all correct. I have no idea how Cartech conducts their business. Do they have writers? Would they pay for the consultation and give Tom a cut of the sales??
Because of the passion I'm not so interested in a cut of the sales, although it would be nice, it's getting the info out there. Like I said some may/may not agree on the different things that can be done to make an improvement. For me it's all about the fun & not so much the $$$ aspect of things. I will say that there have been quite a few who have appreciated my thoughts & advice they sent me some $$$ for my time & or troubles. This I REALLY admire from those few. We ALL need each other. Time for bed, good night. Tom T.
It would probably be best if the writers knew the subject they were interviewing. If they don't the passion tends to go missing. Someone like Tom has the passion and the knowledge, he'd need someone he knows and is comfortable with to do the interviews and record what he'd have to say. And since Tom isn't comfortable with a computer and typing, if he did it it would come off as stilted and formal and the passion would be lost. I think if he tried it a laptop or two would end up in a landfill or become part of a neighbor's fence before the first chapter would get done. So those of you who know him and can write or type well, (transcribe, whatever,) should probably engage him. A pro writer would have to get to know him first, which would mean getting in the way and hanging around, and the reality of it is those relationships very rarely work out.
