Buick Straight Eight Plug Wires - do they make 'em?

Hello, new to the forums. I have a 49 Buick with an inline 8 engine and can't seem to find a place to buy a set of 8 wires. I can get plenty of straight 6 cylinder sets, but the V8 wires are way off on the sizing (too long and/or too short). Any ideas? Thanks in advance.........Rick

 

First thing do an intro. Buy a universal set for a v-8 parts stores have them.
later mike

 

Hey Rick
Welcome to the HAMB. Go to a spe******t -hot rod/speed shop/spare parts or auto electricians place. You should be able to buy a length of cable(measure up your total length) and the terminals. You may also need a crimp tool for the terminals. While you're at it, think about how the leads will look when installed and grab yourself a spacer bracket to make the leads look neat,and not hang on the exhaust headers!!
RodL

 

Make them. Making and repairing plug wires is pretty simple stuff.

 

Thanks guys, the engine has a tin cover that holds the wires in place and acts a splash shield, so I don't think I'll need looms. I used to make wires and have problems with the ends always coming loose (poor quality I suppose). I'm still up in the air over solid or suppression wires. My 1949 AM radio doesn't work, but I'd like to get it going some day and stick an old school FM converter on it. Right now I drive around using my iPod and a set of headphones.....doesn't really cut it for the p***engers though! LOL

 

AC Delco also used to sell wire by the length and you cut it to fit as you needed (100ft rolls) and you either re-used or bought the ends. I think I have a roll around here some place but can not put my hands on it right now. If you get in a bind send a PM and I will find the roll and send you what you need.

 

I use Packard 440. I solder the ends. You might be able to find Rajah clips for the plug end and be very cool and period correct. The Buick came with solid wire. I would stick with it.

 

check out thehotrodcompany.com. They sale plug wires, rajah ends, etc. Make them yourself is the only way to go IMHO.

 

goose-em is right. This is Hot Roding. Not Power shopping. We all buy lots of stuff for our cars. But some of it is just easier to make than to track down and pay to much.

 

I needed solid wire for a 1947 outboard engine , and my noname local autopart could have wire and terminals for cheap .
Build you own .

 

I get lots of part for my 49 Buick from: http://bobsautomobilia.com/

Good guys and helpful

 

had to book mark bobs automobilia hadnt heard of this store before , might come in handy

 

You really have no idea what a straight eight Buick motor looks like do you? The advise is good but the reasoning is flawed.

 

X2 best to make your own. As mentioned above, you can also get the fabric covered plug wires in different colors.

 

bingo!

yep

Sounds more like operator error than poor quality... I've been making wires for years and have had no problems.

 

try local mom & pops motor cycle shops,i bought some at a small indi shop.by the foot [$1-ft] W/ boots & clamps.

 

call em up and tell them what motor you have and they will sell you a set or sell you the parts to make your own set. I have had great support from these guys . . .

http://www.magnecor.com/magnecor1/main.htm

 

OK. What did I muss that was flawed in his reasoning. Buy enough wire to make your set. Make your set. Maybe use some looms to make your set neater. I believe the OP wanted to use the OEM plug wire cover, so the plastic things are unnecessary. Where is the reasoning flawed, if you don't mind showing me.

 

I think it just has to do with the exhaust remark, since the exhaust is on the other side with the intake. All the "enough wire and connectors" is sound though as you said...

 

the trick to custom sets is the right spark plug boot and the right dist. ends ... so two four cyl sets or six may work just fine


geez a couple extra wires is ok

you do not need a high performance wire set or the new carbon core ... but they will work

surprisingly you should be able to find a ready made set thru a major parts store napa .. auto zone they just will not have it on the shelf

take one off at a time and match the length or make a new one ... remember the firing order its on that cover and dist spin direction

I had two wires switched on my 52 buick for 6 years ran okay but when corrected it was really quite peppy
always twist plug boots a little first before pulling them off... also check that fragile hot lead coming into the dist as its likely gonna break


good luck and post some pics

 

OK. That makes sense. Thanks. RF

 

No offense to rodl , but this is really funny

Nice . I must admit I didn t search yet . Are they easy to find , or obscure specific dealers ?
I love yellow wires , but they may be OT on a stock straight 8 ...