Need some help Nailhead Guru's

So what I have is a 322 Buick Nailhead, Crager adapter, and a 39 Ford toploader transmission. I did an extensive search and found a ton of links (Thanks to Fat Hack and others) of Buick Nailhead tech.

What I need is to know with the set up I want to use, exactly what Flywheel, Pressure Plate, Clutch, Throwout Bearing and Starter do I use to make this work? I want to run this setup. I know there are people out there that are running this combo.....please help me!! Thanks a ton.

 

Any '53-'56 starter should work, as Buick went 12V in '53. The stock standard shift flywheel used a Ford type Long pressure plate, which should be compatible with the stock Ford throwout bearing that was used on the transmission, but check the contact area of the throwout fingers to the bearing surface just to be sure. Any of the '53-'56 Buick aftermarket flywheels I've seen were drilled for the Long style pressure plate as well. You'll need a special pilot bearing adapter to make it all work out.

 

Thanks HEATHEN. That is awesome info. That gets me in the right direction. I will have to search for the flywheel then. Anyone else use anything different?

 

Also, if you find an early Buick flywheel that's drilled for a 10 inch Borg&Beck or diaphragm pressure plate (six equally spaced bolt holes), it's from a '54-'55 264.

 

they also had a stepped nailhead flywheel, if you find one of those make sure you get a psi plate with it.

JEFF

 

Thanks ***us! Much appreciated.

 

Russell Martin at http://www.centervilleautorepair.com/

He helped me with my stuff, very knowledgeable, and has a lot of parts as well.

 

Thanks FEDMAN. I just sent an email to the company. Hopefully they have what I need and the good thing is they are only an hour away!

 

Well, I just went thru that on the Wildfire - used an aluminum Scheiffer flywheel that was drilled for an 11" Ford truck clutch , with an 11" Ford truck clutch pressure plate and disc. Aftermarket flywheels were generally drilled for this combo - very common in the day. Or you can get your Buick flywheel redrilled. Used stock Ford throwout bearing. I never found any other way - tried other pressure plates - like GM parts to match the Buick flywheel - and had problems with fingers grounding out on throwout.

 

Thanks FMS427. That is exactly what I needed to know. I cant wait to put this together! I love the HAMB. I will make sure I share all the knowledge with others in the future that may want to do this combo.