I know this has been discussed here already but I found a video on line I though some people might be interested in seeing it. I dont believe it was in the previous posts. If you go to the link below its the 3rd video down. The video talks about new Edelbrock flathead products for 2008. http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_new/misc/multimedia/videos.shtml I called Edelbrock to get some info about another intake and asked the tech guy about price and availability of the new heads. He told me they would be available in 90-100 days but didnt have a price. Chris
I just found this... http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10002_959519_-1?CT=999 Jegs $552.99 Chris
What happens when a manufacturer re-releases a product that has been asleep for 40+ years. Do the original parts lose value because now they can be purchased "new" again ?
They become very expensive wall hangers, These heads will be better than the originals because they can be readilly used right out of the box. and a customer doesn't have to spend a few hundred bucks fixing the old ones and the alloy quality is far better than what was available back then. I welcome them back, Personaly being a mfg'r I know that there is alot of work in this endeavor, With Edelbrock owning their own foundry, many costs have been cut here, They used to have the flathead equipment machined by Dusty Offenhauser, but I don't know where they get it done now since Dusty's place CTO machine closed. This may be done in house or perhaps abroad since it would be a low production volume. I have no idea how they can sell them for this & make a profit, so the above would be my only explanation. Good wishes.
I'm not to sure about originals being wall hangers just because a "new" part becomes available and seem like they would work better, through all the things we see reproduced it still seems that the originals are worth more money and guys still line up to buy them. Edelebrock is simply jumping back on the wagon because they know the movement in period cars right now. As far as the original molds being used I believe these were made from new molds, Vic had stated a couple years back that the originals were gone, I'm not sure if that is 100% true or not since I did not hear it out of his mouth.
CNC-dude: To answer your Q : No..., and Yes . Original ( pre `49 ) Block-Letter heads in nice shape will keep their value. Bad part : B-L Heads in need of much repair might end up as wall-hangers . It all depends on how accurate the new heads are : Details count ! The Eddie Meyer dual Highrise was (still?)reproduced , Same with Tommy Thickstuns PM7 ( And the Thickstun "Water-proof" head covers ) , The Harrel Dual & Harrel heads , Ardun OHV heads (!), Halibrand Quick-changes , halibrand wheels ( Both Alu & mag ) ...... LOOONG List .... Bottom line IMHO ) FINE parts made available ( After a loong sleep ) because we kept this traditional Hot Rod "thing" alive ( Supply & DEMAND .. ) If you like the " Block letter dezign " , then your in luck Klaz
They will be distinguishable from originals, hence values will remain...I think they said tops of letters will be milled, for one thing. Also, I haven't seen any recent castings from anybody with the satin smoothness that many old unpolished speed parts were cast with. Moden stuff is all grainier or slicker...
I personally like seeing parts like that brought back into the mainstream.! I have been personally criticised for attempting to restore a long lost automotive icon myself. Saying that most people that try to do that are just opportunist trying to ride off the coat tails of the original namesake holders, and trying to cash in on "their" name, instead of creating my own style of parts. I think it just preserves our rich automotive heritage, at least thats my motive. Who really makes "money" selling car stuff anyway. Money is not my motive!
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