Updated: June 04, 2007
Background
I bought this black beauty when I was in high school in 2003 off a nice old guy in Indiana. It ran a little rough, but the price was great and for the most part it didn't need too much work to enjoy it on weekends. It's a 1956 Buick Century 4dr hardtop with 322 CI Nailhead motor with the 4 barrel option. I'm the third owner of the car with all the original paper work.
The Nailhead
The 322 CI runs a 9:5:1 comp ratio producing 255hp @ 4400rpm and 341 tq @ 3200 RPM. Connected is the Dyna-Flow 2speed transmission. Last summer the motor got a new timing chain, cap, plugs, wires, points, air filter, water pump, and battery. The 322 has run fine with the exception starting issues. This was solved once I found the bowls dry and poured some gas in the carb. Now it starts fine. Would like to set up a 3x2 intake sometime in the near future. 3 deuces with 2G Rochester�s seem like a possibility. It will depend on pricing since I am on a tight college budget.
Here you can see the carb, heads, new wiring and such. Yes that is windshield wiper fluid in the glass bottle. I don't have the pump hooked up but I leave it there because people always get a kick out of it
The Body
The paint is alright, but then again I might be too picky. It has swirls in it and a couple of scratches. The chrome needs to be redone since some areas are pitted. From 10 feet it looks great. I apologize about all the dust on the car in the pictures. It is stored in a garage all winter round and from the other cars it can get dusty. I really should buy a car cover for it. The tires are new Corker Classic whitewalls. I fixed the headlights so now I can actually drive at night (and with brights!)
I love the pillar-less windows
The exhaust is in rotten condition with a few leaks right under the drives seat. Fumes can get annoying when parked too long. The muffler (not sure what it is) needs to be replaced. Last summer I looked into getting a 2" custom dual exhaust built for it. I've been holding off until I find the right mufflers.
the Interior
The inside looks great with all the chrome complete, working gauges, great upholstery. There is a rip in the stitching in the front bench seat however. The driver side door handle also needs to be redone. But eh that�s last on my "things to do list".
Future Plans
Since it�s a four door I'm not going to do anything to extreme, but maybe slam it. I think with the whitewalls it will look hot rod/rat rod-ish.
-New Exhaust setup
-New intake
-Redo the brakes, shoes, lines, ect
-Lower the car (not sure if Air Ride is the way to go)
-Replace some pulleys, new fan
-Fix the horn
-Fix rear pass. Side window since it won't fully go down
