Buick Nailhead V-8 engine rebuild time-lapse: from rusty to roaring | Redline Rebuilds - S3E3

There were many trials and tribulations along the way with our 401 Buick Nailhead engine rebuild, but it's finally DONE! The engine is together and running like a dream. And now, for your enjoyment, we present our latest Redline Rebuild time-lapse video. We pulled this iconic V-8 from a 1965 Buick Wildcat that had been sitting in a field in Northern Michigan for the better part of the last 3 decades. While the car was completely unsalvageable, we thought we'd take a crack at resurrecting the engine. Unfortunately, the block and heads were junk, but we managed to use a few parts off the original engine to bring a trusty American V-8 back to life. Enjoy!
Thanks to our sponsor RockAuto.com. RockAuto.com is an auto parts retailer founded in 1999 by automotive engineers with two goals: Liberate information hidden behind the auto parts store counter (by listing all available parts, not just what one store stocks or one counter-person knows), and make auto parts affordable so vehicles of all ages can be kept reliable and fun to drive. Visit www.rockauto.com/?a=HG-21Q3-ASRR to order auto parts online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and have them conveniently delivered to your door. Need help finding parts or placing an order? Visit our Help pages for further assistance!
HUGE shoutout to all the folks who helped make this project happen:
Russ at Centerville Auto Repair (centervilleautorepair.com)
^^^Russ is THE guy to talk to about Buick Nailhead parts and service!
Joe, Mike, Mark, and Todd at Thirlby Automotive (thirlbyautomotive.com)
Doug at Allshaft Repair
Jon at Apex Competition Engines (www.apexcompetitionengines.com)
Blain at MSD (www.holley.com/brands/msd/)
Jeff at Holley (www.holley.com)
Drew at West Michigan Cerakote (www.westmicerakote.com)
Subscribe to our KZbin Channel! | bit.ly/2iooBxJ
#RedlineRebuild #HagertyDriversClub #RedlineRebuildBuickNailhead #EngineRebuild
LIKE us on FACEBOOK | / hagerty
FOLLOW us on TWITTER | / hagerty
FOLLOW us on INSTAGRAM | / hagertyclassiccars
Check out our most popular video series:
BARN FIND HUNTER | • Barn Find Hunter | Tom...
REDLINE REBUILDS: Automotive Time-lapse rebuilds | • Redline Rebuilds | Aut...
WHY I DRIVE | • Why I Drive | Unique s...
FLAT OUT: Pushing classic cars to the limit | • Flat Out | Driving cla...
Find out more about Hagerty | www.hagerty.com
Hagerty is your definitive source for all things classic: compelling stories about cool cars and the people who love them; the latest on collector car values and market trends; and all the eye candy, roaring engines and nostalgia you can handle. So strap down, settle in and cruise with us a while. We’re glad you’re here.
Contact us.
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Suggestions and/or Complaints: [e-mail]
Marketing & Event Inquiries: [e-mail]
Media Inquiries: [e-mail]

[@Hagerty]

New Redline Rebuild video! Complete restoration of a 1957 Cadillac 365 V-8: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5fEp4iooppsbc0

[@thechuckster6435]

want to do that to my 54 chevy but keep it old looking , i would like to contact you to set up a price.

[@sumikhatun6421]

।।।।।।।।।,।m। N m

[@tjlqk3]

Who ever does the editing and stop motion needs a raise. The quality is fantastic.

[@marcusglover9614]

The editing is ridiculous!!!!

[@dannyboy163]

It's not stop motion. It's a video camera mounted on a VERY slow moving track, and the footage is played back in fast forward

[@tjlqk3]

@@dannyboy163 oh okay

[@anthonychavez2715]

@@tjlqk3 i thought it was stop motion too

[@philurbanski]

Agreed.

[@concreteboard5098]

The video production on this video is crazy good

[@eleonik76]

Have you seen the other Pennzoil videos? You get your mind blown.

[@aduptuniform2647]

@S.T T. Hell ya dude

[@mrnobody1037]

What music 1:17?

[@janlehur4820]

Couldn't agree more

[@JesusRoman]

👏👏👏

[@jerzygoworski4992]

Hi folks, i am just a random guy from a country called Poland, it is located in Europe. You just brought another legend to life by splitting it to small piecies and reassembled it all again. Thanks for such videos. Cheers - Jurek

[@mloutherback]

Not sure who's more skilled at their craft... the engine builder, or the cameraman. Amazing video.

[@pan4909]

I am not a car guy or mechanic, but youtube recommended me this video and I am not at all disappointed.

[@kelleytm57]

I am a car guy and let me tellya! This was a great video and thorough rebuild.

[@kevinmencer3782]

There's just something so darn satisfying about watching that rusty piece of trash turned into a work of art.

[@tomk4t]

Now go and watch their Flat head V8 rebuild video.

[@bryanphillips6666]

@@tomk4t I have it's a grrreaat video

[@gabrielmuthler2101]

I like how in the last video, they bait is with the starting, and then the next day release the video with the starting, and not make us wait forever like certain other channels

[@infiniti3787]

Unbelievable, it's like resurrecting a dinosaur from prehistory and putting it better than ever!!!👏👏💯

[@ChubbyGames]

Editing is amazing well done

[@N-Scale]

I do not recall EVER seeing an engine that nasty inside and out. Man I would love to see that Wildcat running again !!!! Great Job Guys

[@jimmski9908]

truth, I am with you, I never seen such a messed up engine get rebuilt like that.

[@SteveBrecht]

@@jimmski9908 They actually didn't use the original engine. The block and heads were too far gone. They had to source a new block and heads and then used whatever good parts they could from the original motor.

[@vtr0104]

What the hell even was that, inside the cylinders!? And how did it get in there, through the heads?....

[@N-Scale]

@@vtr0104 That is what I thought as well.

[@flyingpirate0456]

@@vtr0104 It's not as if the insides are airtight. All that gunk is from the engine sitting for 30 years

[@user-sr7jx5zs2z]

All I see is one INSANE videographer behind a bunch of more INSANE mechanics and engineers. Insane in a good way of course.

[@SantanaTelevision]

The guy who built it did the video/photo editing. He's a hell of a dude.

[@PatrickBateman88]

Nah they are insane but not harmful

[@tonychavez2083]

Nailhead 401 was one of the best motors GM ever made. High compression and big torque. Had one in my 62’ Electra 225 w/ dynaflow transmission. A real joy to drive..

[@joebone3151]

My dad has 66 wildcat sedan withe bigger big block of the two. Seafoam green

[@menwithven8114]

Such a good engine that 2 were put together and used to start the engines on the SR-71 blackbird!

[@michaelmcglothlin366]

@@joebone3151 401 was the green color, 425 is orange/red

[@luisbasaldua9463]

These videos are fantastic... my 5-year old daughter gets mesmerized just like me watching them. The quality of this work it's out of this world.

[@NewJoker93]

This is by far, the best time-lapse since KZbin was published. Wonderful.

[@losttiming5873]

@earthly firefly5 what dude? Just enjoy the video... or dont

[@oregonmadden8693]

Not sure how anyone would thumbs down!? The production value is through the roof!

[@iammaximus614]

Oregon Madden Probably jealous because many of us don’t have a skillz & a shop like theirs ✌️😅💦

[@muhaalhmoud906]

they're so stupid that they don't appreciate such art .

[@wmonroe21]

Women!

[@JeffDeWitt]

Probably guys who's answer to every question is "put an LS in it".

[@theprojectproject01]

@@JeffDeWitt Yeah, I get that. It's an easy answer, too. Just not always the *right* answer.

[@Tony-dk3vq]

The cameraman has just as much skill as the mechanics. Both are very talented!

[@BloxerAiden]

I own a 1964 Buick Wildcat with a 401 Nailhead in a junkyard. These cars are very unique.

[@erivanspe]

Man, I know timelapses should be extremely dificult to produce, but the result is awesome. Hagerty came with one more work of art, the machine itself, the way you tear it down and rebuild it and the video quality, all perfect, that's inspiring.

[@nobody-xu8ju]

no matter how many engines u build the first start up is so nerve racking

[@orppranator5230]

no body As someone who recently bought a 1992 Yamaha wave runner, (the first jet ski you could sit down in) you are absolutely right.

[@dolfan13jmb]

And satisfying.

[@kenjsr1]

I still remember, I'm 72 by the way, my first engine rebuild. It was a 61 falcon 6. I was only about 14. Did a perfect job of assembling the engine except for one detail, forgot to tighten 1 connecting rod. 😖

[@ricmahurin7535]

GETTING TO HEAR IT AT THE END WAS FANTASTIC.

[@falloutpc1]

Those old nailheads are a thing of beauty.

[@sergiosoaresbarrossergio9066]

Bom dia, eu sou de Angola preciso um carburador v8

[@numbnutz9398]

That is one of the sweetest sounding engines. Love that mellow low rumble. The kinda sound you feel in your chest!

[@andrep7757]

So beautiful. Since Motortrend is constantly losing more touch to subscribers I'm digging Haggerty more than ever. Love your vids keep it up.

[@robertlee9395]

What is Motortrend? Lol

[@Freedomquest08]

In my opinion, the Hagerty guys are in this for the love of cars, not the love of $$$ as that other channel is that isn't worthy of mention. It shows through their vids.

[@archangelspythons]

I only like 3 of MT's channels and thats as much because of the cars as the personalities. Most of the rest ive seen acted a bunch of 12 year old girls

[@fatcat4155]

Motortrend is very biased , same ole crap year after year. Do they even know cars ? I really have my doubts.

[@meh431]

Mt are just a bunch of douchebags that don't know a thing about cars they just pretend they do for the green

[@mariusvanniekerk7707]

You know what feels advanced? Your workmanship and skills. Love to watch this, and listen to the music. 🎸🎸🎸

[@siddharthkrishnan3317]

This is lovely! I remember watching Car Masters: Rust to Riches and seeing that he had an old Nailhead. I wondered what it was like to run an old engine. Thank you for answering that question!

[@cwiggy34]

That was fricken awesome. Great job on the build guys.

[@meikasroom851]

The stop motion emplimented here was absolutely amazing.. Hands down one of the best examples of a creative engine rebuild video!!

[@Cartier_specialist]

The video editing crew deserve a 21 gun salute for the editing job -- that's pure art.

[@clifford4081]

It was interesting watching that top hose expand and deflate again, during the stop motion.

[@Spaceghost918]

You guys never cease to impress. The time lapse photography is top notch and it's so satisfying seeing these old engines come back to life the way you film it. Really hope you guys keep the series going!

[@Adriano2741]

zQ

[@priscillavaldez4010]

Will you all be overhauling an 383. 440 soon

[@phantonsnake2009]

What for many was rubbish for you becomes raw material to do this beautiful job. Congratulations!

[@FR3WY]

That editing is awesome and great to see the old cars getting a second chance 🤙

[@LoveSoLost]

Inspiring. Thank you so much for having a pure breakdown/rebuild of the engine, though I do enjoy the series as well. HUGE PROPS to the still motion crew!!! Super fun!

[@peteranninos2516]

Not only does my 65 Riviera have a 401 that lasted 250K but as a professional "video guy" I'm ultra impressed with not just the production value with the time lapse video but even more so with the stop motion animation! You ought to teach a course in this. NICE WORK!

[@virtualgarage7341]

0:29 wow, your tools are obediently!! I have to get mine myself, every single time!

[@sparkplug1018]

Mine seem to hide on their own. But never come when called.

[@oldcroneysgarage9739]

My 10 Mm just vanishes if I leave it out of the tool box for 5 seconds

[@05ducc]

@@oldcroneysgarage9739 I- oh, I Was just gonna type something about the 10mm, but you seem to have it covered already 😂

[@oldcroneysgarage9739]

@@05ducc your 10mm has legs to huh?

[@hisaanhaq4116]

Subscribed love the way the parts move themselves and especially the tape when peeling back, just shows how much time you guys put into the editing process and of course the build is top notch 👍🏼

[@chetmanley8755]

Best part of these classic American builds? No metric tools in sight.

[@cardguys]

Really amazing video. Fantastic camera work and such skilled mechanics. Truly the pentacle. SUPER COOL!!!

[@trikael]

Mark McKelvy “pinnacle “

[@geos0711]

Dude, I love word games. Tentacle!

[@hafidsyehab670]

The most satisfying time lapse video on KZbin. And those stop motion editing is frickin awesome!

[@62harleyboy66]

So much work done in high speed! Beautiful rebuild on an almost forgotten engine. Thanks Hagerty!

[@Bikewithlove]

Great videos! The time-lapse crane shots are choice. I did this kind of full restoration in 1997 with a 1981 Volvo 4-cylinder VW engine & manual 5-speed transmission, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I can’t imagine going through life without fixing up a car. It’s the coolest feeling.

[@inbound_alex]

At long last, the moment we've all been waiting for!

[@Sandler23]

I love watching these rebuilds. So clean when its all done.

[@TheDejectedArtist]

This man showed more love to that motor than its previous owner.

[@beans350]

the cam motions the editing the time laps the stop motion u guys r crazy awesome at this

[@currencylab]

The video quality and production is just as impressive as the restoration being done.

[@thegame3216]

Easily my favorite video of 2019. 8 minutes and 16 seconds of pure satisfaction.

[@mrnobody1037]

What music 0:30?

[@danielbennion80]

Hearing that engine run was music to my ears! Those old nailheads are awesome. I wish I could be driving one around.

[@chrisgreen1904]

This is my dream car. Can't beat the old Buicks. I love em.

[@luism8034]

Absolutely espectacular, how they rebuild the engine. Piece of art!!!

[@JiveDadson]

They replaced all the parts. Like grandpa's axe. The handle has been replaced three times, and the head twice. But it's still grandpa's axe.

[@greggacek1655]

Absolutely great job guys. I've never seen an engine that bad brought back to life, but you guys hung in there and did it.

[@biotonne477]

Thank you for this great show! I have to rebuilt this engine for a Buick Riviera the last years......Its great!

[@camfauslron1321]

I'm 37 years old and had a 65 Riviera , love the nailhead

[@gandharvmohan9572]

This channel is in its own league. Excellent craftsmanship and top notch editing. Music is hell awesome 🥰

[@djtheshooter6748]

Sweet! I'd love to see the car fully restored driving down the street singing, "Wouldn't you really rather have a Buick"?

[@philipancell516]

The rear view in my dad's 65 Wildcat said Oh what a beauty on it. Just happened to remember that when I saw your post

[@carlspackler9550]

Enjoying these old rebuild vids. I mostly worked on small block Ford and Chevys in my hot rod days. Never got exposed to some of the older designs you show on this channel. Interesting head design on that Buick.

[@b4rnutsofficial98]

A loyal fan from 🇵🇭 for almost a year ! I studied Automotive here you've been an inspiration for me

[@valex7246]

I have rarely seen technicians of this level and with this equipment !! .... true professionals .. with great knowledge. Well done.... from italy

[@SilentHunterYakfishing]

You’re a genius! It’s more than a restoration, it’s a creation and the best filmmaking project at the same time.

[@Kyle_Nelson]

Finally someone shows a proper break-in.. so many "car shows" skip over this critical part

[@RandyClassicCarsFan]

proper break in is 5000 km's buddy. when you have you first oil change break in is over

[@Kyle_Nelson]

@@RandyClassicCarsFan While I happen to agree with you, that wasn't what I meant. I am referring to the initial start break in. Camshaft / ring seating/ ETC. Break in period of 2000 rpm for 20 minutes. On these old flat tappet camshaft motors it is very critical and you must use a high zinc oil to do so or you have a flat cam and metal in your new bearings.

[@RandyClassicCarsFan]

@@Kyle_Nelson oh ok i did not know this. well then disregard the comment i guess.

[@fabiojesus1307]

I really am in awe of these very perfect works of yours! Greetings Brazil.

[@andrewjames4346]

Forget the engine. Your video production is amazing. You need to give your camera operator a big raise. He done such an amazing job. Well done him!

[@LeglessWonder]

Seriously y'all, the production of your videos is amazing. Keep up the good work.

[@CHEPEX1024]

I love the technique of making the video as a frame by frame !

[@hamailianis1128]

I will never understand how can someone dislike amazing videos like this one

[@inglewoodcompton]

This channel's professional video production sets the new standard. Sometimes I wonder whether more work was put in rebuilding the engines, or making videos thereof. Amazing quality.

[@jaysondilao2129]

A lot of hours later, another masterpiece! Congrats to you guys!

[@Draxindustries1]

Great quality rebuild and superbly finished. Love the green paint.

[@dalelallred]

It is refreshing to see someone that takes pride in their work and save some vintage engines. To many people go for the easy way out with a "crate" engine.

[@AwesomeShotStudios]

Best rebuild videos around. Kudos to the entire rebuild and production team.

[@lincolnzation2958]

That what I’m talking about.Outstanding work.

[@ignaciosanchez5813]

I love your work man! I have a 68 firebird and every time I watch your videos I get fulled of motivation to work on it. thanks for sharing!

[@kevingoodwin6349]

Great video. Im a pickup man, but had a 401 in a 1964 electra 225 2 door hardtop in 1977. That was the only car I ever owned ,and what a beauty. It was labeled 445 wildcat on the air cleaner.

[@nepicness]

It’s cool to see the coolant lines expand and contract as the thermostat opens and closes at 7:34

[@jasonhayes9776]

Really cool video series. Thanks Hagerty!

[@EvilMouse068]

Oh wow cool! I've never seen a boat anchor disassembled before!

[@imrancapricorn78]

He has magic in his hands. He is a special person. Man I solute you.

[@chintuischatting]

This is most amazing restoration i have seen.

[@reggierico]

So awesome! Great crew, great production/editing, great engine!

[@riadenchong770]

You are absolutely amazing at what you do........ and what you know.....just watching you work is fantastic love what you do love the knowledge that you have I wish I could do a third on what you could do a great job... Keep up the absolute fantastic job.....I wish I could take a class from you and how to do that from scratch.... Thank you for taking the time to read this

[@dimonfallout101]

Great professional work & great workshop. Stunning video editing, pure pleasure to watch how real men work in their true vocation. Big respect from Russia & Kazakhstan)

[@hellorsanjeev11]

Finally KZbin recommended me something good. 🙂

[@charlesedney1802]

Awesome. I love to watch your engine rebuild and overhaul videos. Keep up the great work

[@billbright1755]

The Nail Head was one of the engines used to help start SR -71 Black Birds J-58 turbo jets. That V-8 run up sound to the transition to those jets was unreal. 🇺🇸AMERICAN engine manufacturing .

[@Ryan-yj6nb]

Watched this because the head design caught my eye. Cool engine, great video.

[@bhumiriady]

Cool and awesome as usual! That Nailhead rebuild looks awesome! Been waiting for this one for a long time and it's awesome! Good job! Keep up the great work. Warm regards to everyone at Hagerty from Indonesia.

[@gerymcknight5943]

Wkwkland

[@mrnobody1037]

what is the name of the track 0:30?

[@ferasrefae1106]

Pavel did you find out?

[@mrnobody1037]

@@ferasrefae1106 no!😭

[@zaucethesaucebauce527]

I need to entirely rebuild a 97 mustang. These videos have helped me learn a bit how engines work.

[@frankieford7668]

Just a Beautiful Job rebuilding this classic Buick Nail Head....👍👌

[@shayneculverhouse2854]

You guys are simply the best ,with the best info available anywhere in earth ! Genius’s ! So so good ! You are so far ahead of the rest !

[@kaabunnie]

Looked like the cylinders were used as trashcans before the rebuild

[@fishfire_2999]

Right ,what was that ? I picture a little homeless mouse standing over the cylinder warming his hands over a small far of twigs and McDonald's bags ?

[@JeffDeWitt]

I think that's what's left of aluminum pistons after a few decades of exposure to the elements.

[@kenjsr1]

@@JeffDeWitt lots of rust buster and a big dead blow will fix that. 🤨

[@dickJohnsonpeter]

so rats and squirrels are capable of quantum tunneling into the inside of the engine? Or maybe they shrink themselves down to a few millimeters to fit through some open valves and get in the cylinders?

[@samleen]

wasp nest?

[@sharidzzaeddie5119]

Thats legend wake up again..thanks hagerty...keep it up..fine some legend car out there and resque that legend car..besttt!!!!!!

[@SoylentGamer]

What a fun video, it's cool seeing old engines see new life instead of being swapped out for an LS.

[@lefzer7713]

i am a heavy metal fan and usually i mute videos on you tube because of the stupid new age music....but in hagerty videos the music is cool and appropriate for the subject of the videos!!!!...nice work,keep going!!!

[@VasilyBuilds]

Everyone has differing tastes, but I dig this music

[@ililiililliliill9498]

Agreed, this kind of music fits perfectly for the content

[@daviddefortier5970]

Haha, i do the same as you... Just realised from your comment that i didnt mute this one because i was truely enjoying it

[@cadman10000]

The music was awesome. You need to just open you mind to something different.

[@lefzer7713]

@@cadman10000 i have open mind especially in music...i just dont like the music....

[@batware]

I need to says, You are Awesome!!! MUSIC, VIDEO And CARS.... Keep Forward.

[@DrivenMad-]

Never ceases to amaze me how next level this quality is scary good

[@timtaylor1365]

These time lapse videos are great, make watching engineering fun!

[@MrVovaaa]

Это просто прекрасно!👍

[@amir7078]

Как-же приятно смотреть на работу профессионалов. Я просто кайфую.

[@Edyth_Hedd]

These are by far the most entertaining rebuild clips on KZbin. Your video production team has mad skills.

[@angargoy7181]

*Excellent work. Making it possible for so many hours of work to be reduced to a few minutes is not easy. My congratulations on the video and the rebuilding of a good American engine. Angel*