Starting a company; what parts for Nailhead era Buicks do you want to see?

A few other folks and I are in the process of starting a company/business. We have our first product and are in the midst of patenting and prototyping it. I've started brainstorming on what to do next, and products related to the Nailhead era Buick come to mind.

Heads/intakes are a no go. Way to complicated for us at this point in time. I've got a few things in mind, such as a serpentine pulley kit or the braketry to run a supercharger. Gear sets for the 9 3/8in rear also came to mind, although I don't think it would be possible to make one gearset for the full range of 9 3/8in axles (60ish to early 70's).

And yes, a posi for the 9 3/8in axle was contemplated, but I think that would be more of a job for someone like Richmond, since they could probably retro-fit one of their "lunch-box" style lockers.

Are there any other products that aren't in the marketplace that you'd like to see? Any and all suggestions are welcome. Thanks for the help!

 

I like the part where you are mentioning serpentine pulleys:eek2: :TU:

 

Wow Andy! That's quite an undertaking! There have been many other hobbyists that have made a thing or two, and many of them will never see profits from their investments. Good luck with whatever you decide to make. You have a good list so far.

Here is a few of mine that come to mind that I haven't seen...
Switch pitch switches (and correct linkages)
Stroker kits
The rear A/C bracket for the 2x4 intake (or something better)
Oil pans- center sump and rear sump with p/u tube
Pulleys- 2 and 3 groove (with and w/o A/C sizes)
heat tube replacement kit (manifold to the carb)
Fan shrouds


I might also add that I believe you will need to come up with a reverse rotation water pump for that serpentine kit.


Erik

 

Yea, I realize it's quite an undertaking. It's so damn difficult coming up with an original product, producing parts might actually be simplier. At this point I'm just exploring various options. We definitely need to get our first product done and marketed before any more capital is put toward additional projects.

And thanks for the ideas Erik. Some of those seem really do-able. As for as a reverse rotation water pump, it depends on how the belt is routed. That would be part of the R&D phase of the project. As far as I'm aware, nothing like that has been attempted on a Nail.

We'll see how it goes. Providing everybody else is on board with the idea of producing parts, I might start working on the initial steps in August, but it probably won't be until next year that anything is actually produced. I'll keep you posted, and please keep the ideas coming :beer .

 

I like the idea of the rear sump oil pan since I will need one someday. Also some affordable valve covers that say Buick would be nice. I know you said nailheads but a good disc brake conversion for 55 buicks would be cool.
Thanks
Todd

 

Saw this 27 Buick at the Detroit Autorama in 2009. Serpentine belt, uses the kit from a big block Ford. Owner made a custom mounting plate. Car was absolutely flawless

Roger

 

Better switch pitch control.
Fan shrouds.
Carb adapters.
HEI distributors that look like the factory ones.
Reproduction wire harness kits.

 

I have in my possession a smaller billet alluminum v belt crank pulley for a nail.

 

Switch pitch setups (switches and linkage) are also a very good possibility. Electronics are the specialty of most of the companies people, so that would almost be a no-brainer.

Brian, when you say "better switch pitch control", what are you refering to? Like an electronic control box? Or something else?

Doc, where'd you happen to find that? Sounds like a cool piece. Doesn't a smaller crank pulley overdrive the accesories, thus loosing horsepower? Or does a smaller pulley make is underdriven?

 

Well,,,, Andy, I sat down and drew it out on paper and then had a buddy make it on a cnc machine.... aint polished but works good .... yep, under drives the accessories and gives some more hp but dont know how much.... made it the same size as the hub part on the original.... quite a bit smaller in dia.
also the other pulleys could be made... and exhaust manifold covers...and spark plug wire holders.... radiator covers.... steering box covers...

 

Done. Contact Bruce Roe about his electronic controller that uses throttle position, brake position, engine vacuum, and electronic timers to control the torque converter.

Tell him Schurkey sent you.

bcroe@juno.com

 

If you want to branch out into SBB territory, I have a quick and easy one for you.........

Over in the UK and OZ where Rovers run wild, there is an adapter plate that will allow the use of a SBC valve cover on a Rover/215/300/340 Buick head. Looks like a valve cover gasket with both SBC and 215 hole patterns on it, but made from 3/8 aluminum or steel.

If you got a pattern made, a waterjet machine could make an easy job of blasting out a couple dozen sets. I would take a couple sets if they were reasonable. I would think they would sell well at $30/set and should turn a decent profit for you.

Brian

 

oil pans would be nice

 

I'll look into it Brian.

The partners aren't took keen on getting into the automotive sector at this point in time, but I'm not giving up yet.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. Bruce's controller sounds pretty stout. Is there anything else you'd like to see in a controller?

 

I agree with Doc, an underdrive pulley would be a cheap easy way to free up atleast a couple of HP for our engines. Also, rear sump pans and the oil pump pickups to go with them. Windage trays/crank scrapers for the crank case would be nice and fairly easy to make.

 

serp belt idea i love and want

 

if you guys are into electronics, yes it would be awsome to have someone make us buick guys wiring harnesses. not just the chevy and a body ones but the big car stuff for 225's and wildcats

 

Yep, them too....

 

When Air Ride Technologies redid their Buick station wagon, they used Ford sb pulleys from March. They installed a couple of idlers that allowed the original water pump to be used with a serpentine belt setup. Google Air Ride Technologies Buick and look at the pictures of their engine: New valve covers from aluminum c-channel as well as a later model p/s pump. It runs a Holley commander EFI unit. Cars Inc. has new fan shrouds for 1st generation Rivieras. Dave's Smallbody HEI's can convert your OE distributor to HEI. Lots of stuff you have mentioned is out there already.

 

+1 a serpentine belt setup would rock

but it can't be god-awfully costly either.

I wouldn't buy chrome or stainless pulleys.. I'd prefer natural black cast pulleys to match the original colors of the engine...