OK, this is Steve from GET BENT! Exhaust in Clackamas, Oregon. The "Nailheaders" that I posted on Ebay and shown at the Portland Swap Meet were a huge success! Whilst at the Portland Swap Meet, I met quite a few guys asking if the headers will fit the 322, 364 as well as the 401 and 425. The Answer is YES! Upon inserting the headers on a few vehicles, I found that the design not only fit the "X" bodied frames up until 1965, but actually they fit all Buicks from 1953-1966 all makes and models! To have them fit the 322, I have to weld up a small corner in the flanges so the round ports match up. otherwise, they fit the vehicles with the steering box in the inside of the frame as well as the outside. I was looking at a few earlier posts on headers for the nailhead, and found out that some people were hacking thier frames or beating up the headers they bought from Sanderson to make them fit per thier application. Well, no more. I made these from 3/8" steel flanges, custom mandrel bent tubing and a no leak, no gasket ball and socket style collector that I had to make since the header companies do not want to help us nailhead guys.. Currently I made 3 of these sets and sold one set on ebay. I had 1008 people looking at the add! That was tremendous. Currently I am looking for a better manufacturer that can handle the large amounts of volume I have been getting regarding these headers. I also bought another 1962 Buick Wildcat, and will be installing these headers, a custom dual exhaust (I will be making a 2 1/2" kit for the 61-64 buick full size), installing a 1965 T-400 Variable pitch Tranny that I rebuilt, plus I will be installing a dual quad manifold w/carbs, polished valve covers, polished valley pan and MAYBE a Crower 2x6 intake and carbs for all to see. (got that from the PDX swapmeet) So, if you need more info, please don't hesitate to ask.. One last thing, The pics enclosed are the prototypes before the collectors were finished. I will be posting a new set of the headers that are done when I get back to work.... The headers are finished and ready for bolt in. Please write me at mr62buick@yahoo.com
If they fit a 401 in a 64 lark, I will need a set next year! Awesome job, by the way, very nice looking headers.
Steve i'm in Salem and have a 66 GS with the front clip off the car. I will be dropping the 401 back in the chassis soon and if you wanted to test a set of your headers in a 65-66 GS this would be an ideal opportunity. not having front sheet metal in the way will make it easy and quick to install them. I'm not in the market for a set now but maybe it will help sell them . Bob
Hey Steve, I had to come up with short 12" pipes to bolt to my Sandersons for the Dyno so they will fit into the flex hose that exits the dyno room. They were a little tricky because they have to have about a 70' bend as close to flange as possible to clear the dyno and bell housing on the starter side. The reason I am telling you this, is because if you plan on testing your headers we will need the same piece made for yours since the pipe and collector is different. Can you fab something up before you come down? Take a look at my photos I've posted and you should see what I'm talking about what we will need. Oh... and be prepared to leave the set of headers we are testing on my nail. :Brow: I was hoping to get to the Portland swap meet but I was busy with my own project on the dyno. I will look forward to meeting you and seeing your headers soon! Erik
WHere were you 8 years ago??? I had to build my own. If they fit all the models you listed, you should have no trouble selling them. Hell, I may even be interested when I get my daughters 55 4dr Hardtop together-( will be several years before it sees the road). They look great, the auction should give a fair indication of the interest in them. Good luck, thanks for spending the time to develop another new product for an 'outdated' engine. Seems like we are gaining a little more each day for these ole Nails. Roller rockers, mini starters, headers that fit, 2x4 intakes-soon the Chebby guys won't have anything on us:Brow:
Yes, from what i have seen the skylarks just go straight down int he back then turn 90 degrees to the backside.... i looked at a set of those at the PDX swapmeet and sure 'nuf these would work.
Actually, when I raced my 62' lesabre (401 +.040, RV3 Cam, with the stock 4 bbl carter, T-400 and a 3:42 geared rear) against chevies, I NEVER lost a race against them. I had a guy pull me over after blowing his shoebox away, yelling at me to lift the hood thinking I had a Hemi in it. After lifting the hodd, he said "what the hell is that?" I told him it was a stock buick, and it just smoked your car! He was quite pissed! Anyways, i just bought a 44,000 original miled 62' wildcat at the PDX swapmeet. i will be putting on a set of these headers, custom dual exhaust with maybe the flame throwers, T-400 switch pitch trans conversion, and a 2x6 intake and carbs I got from the swap meet too! Yee haw!!! :3gears:
