1953 322 nailhead, not mine $250

[NC-car-guy]

https://reading.craigslist.org/pts/d/1953-buick-nailhead-322ci/6283695628.html

 

322ci Buick nailhead, be cool for a traditional hotrod build. She is tight but valve train doesn't look terrible. Pretty saught after motors the heads alone are worth what I'm askin. I have no use for it I got it in a vehicle I bought. Can't need much it's all there for the most part. Call or text 610-568-2618

 

[MrEarl]

 Not sure why he thinks the heads are worth so much as they along with the pistons are a one year deal and weren't that great. Maybe for a 53 skylark or Roadmaster purist.  Or am I missing something. 

The intake and Stromberg Aeroquad carburetor  on the other hand are well worth the asking plus some. The Aeroquad alone can bring 2 to 300 bucks if free and rebuildable. There's also a couple one year only parts on there worth somethin to a '53 owner, such as the water manifold crossover, the right side exhaust manifold and the bell housing.

Re his comment "she is tight" is he saying it actually turns? 

 If I was close I would probably grab it. 

[MrEarl]

He says

 

I tore it down just to see how it was and its not bad like at all. Walls aren't torn up, a honeing brush will clean it up nicely 

 

 

no spark plug covers, says he never heard of such a thang

[NC-car-guy]

is that a 3spd bell housing?     I didn't realize the 53 waterneck was different...  If he'd be willing to drop it off at fastenal I could get it here for $100 so probably not much more to GA.   Did he say what he did with all the nuts and bolts?

Edited September 20, 2017 by wndsofchng06 (see edit history)

[g-g-g0]

3 hours ago, MrEarl said:

 

3 hours ago, MrEarl said:

 If I was close I would probably grab it. 

 

I agree! If it were closer I would pick it up also. 

[old-tank]

3 hours ago, MrEarl said:

He says

 

I tore it down just to see how it was and its not bad like at all. Walls aren't torn up, a honeing brush will clean it up nicely 

 

 

no spark plug covers, says he never heard of such a thang

That is a later 322 block and pistons.  Carb is a Carter WCFB (early tall one).  Probably a replacement for a dead 53 engine.  Get an engine number...

[Fr. Buick]

Is that an aftermarket trans adapter bolted to the back of the engine?  Must have had some history in racing or hot-rodding.

 

And the right exhaust manifold and gen bracket are 54 and later.  Carb is a Carter WCFB, but with a front fuel inlet.  Maybe from a Cadi?

[MrEarl]

 So I see says the blind man.!  A real Frankenstein 322 in other words. That is a Offenhauser Ford transmission adapter  but is not included with the engine and he says he has a use for it. The engine came out of a 49 or 50 F1. 

[NC-car-guy]

Oh Willie's truck had a cousin!  Now i want a nailhead powered ford.  I've got a 68 sitting out back and a 322 in the machine shop.... hmmmmm.  ??

No... focus.  But really this would be worth its price in parts 

[MrEarl]

 Just judging from the fuel pump I'm going to say it is a 54. I've asked him for the serial number. Re what it's worth, I don't know Matt. The exhaust manifold s are pretty pitted  and unless that carburetor is worth a good bit it be tough to make anything on this one. 

What would be a fair price for the bell housing adapter?  An if you change your mind and decide to sell price/offer  

 Looking at going to Hershey and might swing over and pick it up if he will get right 

[MrEarl]

 Does this look like what is on the back of the engine to y'all? It would be for an old flathead ford tranny. Definitely old school 

[old-tank]

48 minutes ago, MrEarl said:

Does this look like what is on the back of the engine to y'all? It would be for an old flathead ford tranny. Definitely old school 

Yes, and should Offenhauser/Cragar 0309 adapter.  Wonder what he needs it for other than another sale?

[MrEarl]

Yep, most likely.