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Old 04-21-2021, 12:05 AM   #1
coxswain98
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Default headers that work with original steering box

I've seen a number of headers that say 'may not work with original steering'

What are the headers, if any, that will work with original steering box?

Should I just get a Vega steering box?

Where is the best source for the pipes to fit the frame? Can they be purchased bent to fit?
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Old 04-21-2021, 03:49 AM   #2
51 MERC-CT
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Default Re: headers that work with original steering box

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Originally Posted by coxswain98 View Post
I've seen a number of headers that say 'may not work with original steering'

What are the headers, if any, that will work with original steering box?

Should I just get a Vega steering box?

Where is the best source for the pipes to fit the frame? Can they be purchased bent to fit?
Until you reveal 'what vehicle' you are taking about, to me at least, it will remain a 'mystery'.
But, either Red's Headers or Fenton has headers that are 'tucked' in on the passenger side.
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Last edited by 51 MERC-CT; 04-21-2021 at 05:40 AM.
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Old 04-21-2021, 06:57 AM   #3
mfirth
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Default Re: headers that work with original steering box

Have used Red's on two flathead fords...good product & easy to talk to folks.
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Old 04-21-2021, 08:12 AM   #4
coxswain98
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Default Re: headers that work with original steering box

1939 Standard Coupe

I see it can be done. In this picture, does anyone recognize those headers or steering box? Do you think those pipes are custom bent, or can I find them for sale?

Thanks for the help

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Old 04-21-2021, 08:16 AM   #5
aussie merc
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Default Re: headers that work with original steering box

after cast or tube ? if cast Fentons
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Old 04-21-2021, 08:29 AM   #6
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Default Re: headers that work with original steering box

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I now have Sanderson block hugger flathead headers on my 32 5w coupe. No issues with stock steering box. I don't currently have a picture of them in the 32 5w photo album. Will try to add a pictures later today into the MISC album. They exit straight down.
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Old 04-21-2021, 08:42 AM   #7
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Default Re: headers that work with original steering box

Red's Headers also has the connecting pipes from the headers to the mufflers available.
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Old 04-21-2021, 08:53 AM   #8
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Default Re: headers that work with original steering box

Here is 1 picture, 2 others in my MISC album. Stock frame, stock steering box 3/16 clearance to rear tube.

Last edited by deuce_roadster; 04-21-2021 at 09:10 AM.
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Old 04-21-2021, 09:00 AM   #9
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Default Re: headers that work with original steering box

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Originally Posted by deuce_roadster View Post
Here is 1 picture, 2 others in my MISC album.
Yep! 'Center dump' as you have is another way to go.
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Old 04-21-2021, 09:05 AM   #10
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Default Re: headers that work with original steering box

Original manifolds will work as it is possible to bend a “U” in the exhaust pipe.
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Old 04-21-2021, 10:34 AM   #11
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Default Re: headers that work with original steering box

Did I miss something, or we are flinging solutions at something for we know not what. Depending on what it is, Red's is the best choice for tubular headers and the exhaust pipes as stated.
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Old 04-21-2021, 10:50 AM   #12
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Default Re: headers that work with original steering box

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Did I miss something, or we are flinging solutions at something for we know not what. Depending on what it is, Red's is the best choice for tubular headers and the exhaust pipes as stated.
He posted 39 std coupe. But did not add details like ordinal engine or later model, stock transmission, original steering box, etc.
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Old 04-21-2021, 10:58 AM   #13
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Default Re: headers that work with original steering box

When I got my '51 in 1987, the first thing I did was buy a set of Fenton headers and install duals. I remember the drivers side headpipe to be a challenge, but I got them installed and loved the sound. About 20 years later, I remember reading on one of the forums (I believe it was the H.A.M.B.) that Fenton's don't fit "shoebox" Fords.
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Old 04-21-2021, 11:26 AM   #14
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Default Re: headers that work with original steering box

My ‘41 coupe came with a set of Reds headers on it when I bought it, I had to remove the drivers side to weld up a hole in the header, unfortunately I had to cut the pipe between the header and muffler because of rust, but I was able to order another pipe from Reds to replace it. I had to remove my horns from the inner fender in order to get enough room to get the header out then in but everything fits fine. Email Reds they will answer your questions promptly.
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Old 04-21-2021, 12:32 PM   #15
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Default Re: headers that work with original steering box

[QUOTE=coxswain98;2009451]1939 Standard Coupe

I see it can be done. In this picture, does anyone recognize those headers or steering box? Do you think those pipes are custom bent, or can I find them for sale?



I'm seeing a stock '39-ish steering box. It looks like the exhaust MIGHT be something like the pictured (BELOW) "MERCURY 8CM" type exhaust manifolds which exit toward the front. They would bolt-on to your engine. I believe the rusty head pipes are "custom(?)" bent. ANY decent exhaust shop could do that in a jiffy. DD


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Old 04-21-2021, 02:31 PM   #16
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Default Re: headers that work with original steering box

Back in 2009 I had a 36 5W. I replaced the '36 steering with a '37-'38 unit along with the bracket.I then installed a 59A motor.I bought a set of Reds headers and on the drivers side the header touched the steering box.I had to do some pry bar tweaking to get clearance.
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Old 04-21-2021, 03:15 PM   #17
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Default Re: headers that work with original steering box

Duece Lover, did you buy headers for a 1936 or 37 since the steering box was changed?
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Old 04-21-2021, 03:54 PM   #18
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Default Re: headers that work with original steering box

"W" type will SOMETIMES solve the steering clearance problem.

It is not pertinent to a street engine but W type headers will make more hp on a race engine.
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Old 04-22-2021, 12:04 AM   #19
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Default Re: headers that work with original steering box

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Duece Lover, did you buy headers for a 1936 or 37 since the steering box was changed?

I bought them for a stock '36.That might have been the problem.
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Old 04-22-2021, 01:14 AM   #20
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Default Re: headers that work with original steering box

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Originally Posted by JSeery View Post
He posted 39 std coupe. But did not add details like ordinal engine or later model, stock transmission, original steering box, etc.
It is a STANDARD as evidenced by the front bumper, and the absence of a crankshaft-mounted fan. The engine is definitely an early one (BEFORE 8BA) as seen by the oil pan, and the trans is definitely a 'top shifter' type like in '39. It even has the '39 "leaning" clutch arm. Steering box is stock '37-'48-type. And, I'd be willing to bet this car is also equipped with a Columbia rear end. DD
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