Anyone rebuilt a Nailhead harmonic balancer?

Hi,All i have been thinking about tackling the job myself ,i must say although it's riveted it don't look too hard.I thought perhaps a couple of sheets of rubber and tap the rivet holes out then just bolt it together.Anyone had any experience?what kind of rubber ?advice and so on....................Marq

 

FYI
My Caddy ate the balancer and when I can get it off I'm sending it to

Damper Dudes
6180 Parallel Rd
Anderson, CA 96007-4832
(530) 365-2144
damperdudes.com

for a rebuild.

I realize this does not answer your question, but it is a source.

 

Yeah i heard of them guys but as i live in the uk it's quite a heavy item and would cost a fortune to send so i thought i would try fix it myself.............Marq

 

what size nailhead? I might have a spare if you need one.

 

The hit for the rebuild at damper dude is only about 80 bucks and they'll mark the 90's if ya want.It's really a pretty sweet deal all things considered.

T.OUT

 

A harmonic balancer is specifically designed to couteract your reciprocating assembly's harmonics while it's rotating. The reason an engine comes with a damper is because without one, cranks tend to crack.
A whole bunch of engineering went into designing those dampers so that they are balanced properly to the reciprocating assembly.
Threaded holes will change the balance, bolts will change the balance, and the rubber you use will change the balance. Not to mention that the two halves of the piece are bonded together with the rubber between them.
I'm not sure you want something cobbled together on the front of your engine spinning at 4500-6000rpm. The resultant damage could end up costing a lot more than shipping, or just buying a rebuilt one outright.

Just my opinion.
-Brad

 

I had the guy's in Calif. rebuild the balancer for my 303-324 olds and they did a great job, so they are on my recomended list.

 

It's a 401,the whole thiong is together it's just that the rubber is on it's way out ..................Marq

 

Nailheaders,

I work for BHJ Dynamics and we came out with a Nailhead harmonic damper (harmonic balancer). It is SFI certified, so all billet steel and is of a OEM-style, elastomer design. It is external balance and timing marks have 2's and 10's to 50 degrees BTDC and 90's for cam timing. No photo on our website yet, but check out specs here. It looks pretty much the same as our external balance 455 damper, which is in the same section of our website, so you can look on that page to see it.

This damper is probably overkill for most folks, but it's always good to know what's out there, just in case you plan on running it hard.

Cheers,
chrx