NASCO meaning

[Eeek]

just wondering what does NASCO actually stand for?

[smooth]

National Automotive Service Company

Regards, Smooth

[oldnek]

Thanks for clearing that up Smooth.

I always thought it stood for National Aftermaket Spares Company.

Regards John

[smooth]

NASCO was an "in-house" spares and accessory supplier for all things GM and GM recommended. 100% General Motors and only distributed "Approved GM Accessories" All General Motor Holden dealers sold product from the NASCO devision of GMH. On top of that some non GMH spare parts outlets were authorised to sell NASCO approved products even though they did not sell cars.

Many, many Australian and non Australian companies supplied parts and products to NASCO to be sold either solely under the NASCO badging or in some cases under original branding like "Holts". Still these were "approved" NASCO and therefor Holden products and didn't void warranties etc.

NASCO was no small identity, it was a very large part of GMH here in Australia. All parts supply, picking, packing and promotion was done through the NASCO building and warehouses to supply GMH dealers and approved re-sellers (Agents).

Some of the better know brands distributed via NASCO was Cool-A-Ride, Warm-A-Ride, ACDelco, AC Spark Plugs, Air Chief Car Radio's and a full car cleaning range.

The NASCO branding turns up on some amazing products. I have a pretty big collection and have been collecting for many years and I still find things I didn't know existed!

Click hereand watch an early NASCO commercial.

Regards, Smooth

[Trev]

What happened to the NASCO company then, did they go bust?
Trev

[smooth]

Well I don't know the official reason but it would appear it wound down in the mid 1970's towards the end of the HQ and early HJ range. You will most likely find this was a business restructure and around the same time a complete change in trading names. Over the years Holden has had many different trading names. General Motors - Holden's, Holden Limited etc. Around this time we seen the change in the Holden Lion form the older style to the more modern "Rory" lion design.

From collecting NASCO products and literature over the years I'm pretty sure the latest fitting instructions I have seen with the NASCO label still on them was for Mud Flaps and Weathersheild for a HQ - HJ two door Monaro.

Maybe others can shed some more light on this subject?
I'm sure Holden "Accelerator" Magazines from this era would show a clear change in sale marketing. I simply don't collect bits or magazines that modern. I'm sure there are some HQ heads out there that do!

Regards, Smooth

[smooth]

Further to the information SunnyTim has supplied. It is not uncommon for the same product to have been manufactured in different states by different suppliers with no connection at all. I.E: Parcel Shelves that are 100% correct and supplied by NASCO can be made in a totally different style and made from different material like Steel, Aluminum and even Masonite.

Same goes for Venetian Blinds the Queensland supplied version differed from that supplied in SA, Vic and most of NSW. Finding and comparing these items I find interesting.

It seems to have become common for people to associate any kitsch aftermarket product as NASCO and even advertise it that way when talking about it or promoting it for sale. I've even seen Commodore parts advertised as NASCO

It was to my surprise to hear known FB-EK enthusiasts discussing the "Alloy" rocker cover in my Station Sedan engine bay and one saying to the other "I don't know why he has an alloy rocker cover fitted on a stock car, it's not like NASCO ever had them!" Which of course is totally untrue and NASCO did offer a alloy rocker cover (in fact it's badged) It was promoted and sold as a tappet silencer and was not polished.


NASCO Badging on the "Firewall" end of the Cast Alloy Rocker Cover.

As I have stated, NASCO offered so many objects that I'm still finding them to add to my collection. I'm continually amazed at what turns up.

Regards, Smooth

[Thommo]

Great Stuff Smooth

This has been a great read.
Could you share some pics with us, of any of your favourite or
most unusual pieces you've collected please.

I'd love to know what is out there

Cheers Thommo

[smooth]

Way too many hours went into this. . . . . .

For those who don't own a FB NASCO Sales Brochure you can download my electronic version here (right mouse click "Save File/Target As") <1.4MB and designed for a screen resolution of 1024 x 768

It requires a password = earlyholdens.com

Download the fb_nasco_brochure.exe file and save it to your computer so you can access it anytime you like.

"If" enough people are keen I'll do the EK version.

Regards, Smooth

[smooth]

Sorry, I forgot to mention how to close the brochure

For those who emailed me I'm sorry.
For those who need to know.

Simply mouse right click on an image/page and choose "Exit" from the menu.

Regards, Smooth

[parisian62]

Very nice job Smooth. I'd like to see an EK one for sure.

regards
Stewart

[Eeek]

Thanx for clearing that up it got a lot better response than I thought it would. I bought a donor EK this week and it had Nasco mud flaps, side mirror and rear window louver. I see ebay has some and they are all still worth the coin. Thanks all.

[smooth]

Download here

Same deal: Save to your computer (Right Mouse Click>Save Target/File As)

Password = earlyholdens.com

Please note: Lazy arse graphic designers left in the FB interior on the cover shot and the other exterior shot and Holden didn't bother to give it a new Part Number # making FB and EK NASCO Brochures the same!

Regards, Smooth

[Eeek]

Thanx again for the brochure Smooth it seems my donor ek has more nasco parts than i thought. I never would have looked for wheel embellishers for my car! but ive got some now

[smooth]

Ah yes! Wheel Embellisher's - damn mighty fine NASCO items. LOL

You should ring Holden and ask if they sell Restoration Polish for your Wheel Embellisher's.

Regards, Smooth