Register now to get rid of these ads!

Technical Vintage Hardware & Multi-carb Linkages

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Ziggster, Jan 14, 2026.

  1. Ziggster
    Joined: Aug 27, 2018
    Posts: 3,171

    Ziggster
    Member

    Wrapping up my 2 x 2 Edmunds intake with dual Holley 94s and started thinking about what type of hardware was used back in the day. I got my stuff from Vintage Speed, and although it seems to be of above average quality, it does not look the part if you’re wanting a vintage vibe.

    IMG_4126.jpeg
    IMG_4130.jpeg
    IMG_4131.jpeg
    IMG_4133.jpeg
     
    hrm2k and williebill like this.
  2. Moriarity
    Joined: Apr 11, 2001
    Posts: 38,199

    Moriarity
    SUPER MODERATOR
    Staff Member

    I would get an another arm like the on on the rear carb and just run straight linkage
     
    VI Lonewolf, jet996 and hrm2k like this.
  3. RodStRace
    Joined: Dec 7, 2007
    Posts: 9,322

    RodStRace
    Member

    Another way to go if you want the progressive is to run it as-is and make sure it's tuned to your preference, then use the arm as a guide to make a new arm or find one with the same dimensions that matches the shape and look you want.
     
    RMR&C likes this.
  4. Ziggster
    Joined: Aug 27, 2018
    Posts: 3,171

    Ziggster
    Member

    Will try progressive first. I have another smaller arm identical to the one on the rear. Was looking at the 440 - 6 pack/bbl setup. Almost prefer to do something like that with a slotted disc.
    Will likely cob up something down the road to look more vintage. No time for that now.
     
  5. Ziggster
    Joined: Aug 27, 2018
    Posts: 3,171

    Ziggster
    Member

    Attached Files:

    jet996 likes this.
  6. 1952henry
    Joined: Jan 8, 2006
    Posts: 1,611

    1952henry
    Member

    I don’t mind. Enjoy following your thread in the ‘Barn
     
  7. 2x2 runs better with both carbs operating at the same time, no progressive linkage needed until you get to 3 or more carburetors.
     
    rod1 and Moriarity like this.
  8. tubman
    Joined: May 16, 2007
    Posts: 8,301

    tubman
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Not all dual carb manifolds are the same. He has an Edmunds where the front carb is almost in the stock location, while the back carb is nearly behind the back ports. Several of us are curious as to whether this particular manifold might benefit from a progressive linkage, especially during the 98% of the time when the engine is not in maximum performance mode. The front carb being the primary will function like a stock setup during normal operation, with the back cutting in only at full throttle. It is our thought that the uneven fuel distribution inherent to these manifolds will be least deleterious during periods of high mixture velocity. This is to test the theory that this type of manifold may benefit from using a progressive linkage, because it sure has lousy fuel distribution otherwise.

    In case you are unaware, here are pictures of the three types of normal dual flathead manifolds.

    Biased (which we are discussing here; the Edmunds versions are worse; if possible) :
    Biased.jpg
    Regular :
    Regular.jpg
    Super :
    Super.jpg

    Of course, am not referring to "Hi-Rise" manifolds such as Tattersfields, Thickstuns, and the Edelbrock "Slingshots".
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2026
    clem, GuyW and Pocket Nick like this.
  9. Ziggster
    Joined: Aug 27, 2018
    Posts: 3,171

    Ziggster
    Member

  10. Ziggster
    Joined: Aug 27, 2018
    Posts: 3,171

    Ziggster
    Member

    Not having much luck in finding actual vintage photos of multi-carb linkages, but here is one.

    IMG_4164.jpeg
     
    jet996 and GuyW like this.
  11. Ziggster
    Joined: Aug 27, 2018
    Posts: 3,171

    Ziggster
    Member

  12. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 22,830

    alchemy
    Member

    Nothing against 1952Henry, but his linkage is way more artful than anything from back in the day. Not really traditional.

    I’d say to find an old Eelco catalog on Ebay to research what was really used back then. You’ll probably see it’s not too different than what Stromberg sells now. Maybe not as shiny though. Lots of Eelco stuff was actually aircraft surplus.
     
  13. Ziggster
    Joined: Aug 27, 2018
    Posts: 3,171

    Ziggster
    Member

    True, but I still found it really cool. Who knows what someone might have done back in the day, hence the reason for my search as I thought there might have been a lot of “hand-bombed” creations. I’ve never heard of Eelco before, so I’ll see what I can find. The shaft collar stops from the Millworks site shows a little creativity vs a “commercial” one. Haha!
     
  14. Moriarity
    Joined: Apr 11, 2001
    Posts: 38,199

    Moriarity
    SUPER MODERATOR
    Staff Member

    man, really?
    I bet there are thousands of mentions of Eelco here. Here’s a link to images from their 1962 catalog some of the linkages there look a lot like what you have. I would still run straight linkages. Unless you’re regularly using the secondary carb, fuel will stagnate there especially if you’re running gas with ethanol in it.

    https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1962-eelco-catalog.1340951/
     
  15. jimmy six
    Joined: Mar 21, 2006
    Posts: 17,237

    jimmy six
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    The Kinsler fuel Injection site has a lot of neat linkage parts.
     
    19Eddy30, Ziggster and jet996 like this.
  16. Ziggster
    Joined: Aug 27, 2018
    Posts: 3,171

    Ziggster
    Member

    Very nice! Thanks! I’m a hot rod virgin. lol! Only got the itch in 2018. Haha! Looked at the fuel in my sediment bowl on my flathead today and it is already dark. Engine was last used in Oct. crazy!
     
    RodStRace and Moriarity like this.
  17. Kevin Pharis
    Joined: Aug 22, 2020
    Posts: 741

    Kevin Pharis
    Member
    from Califunny

    Straight outta the Winfield ‘30 catalog. Blocky shaped cast br*** levers and 90 deg ball links

    IMG_3531.jpeg
    IMG_3532.jpeg
     
    GuyW, rod1, williebill and 3 others like this.
  18. NealinCA
    Joined: Dec 12, 2001
    Posts: 3,534

    NealinCA
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Here are some I've done. The linkage is all old hardware.

    IMG_20260116_154229.jpg
    IMG_20260116_154235.jpg

    These heavy bronze arms are some of my favorites. They are so shapely!

    IMG_20260116_154242.jpg

    This engine now has heavy bronze arms, as these zinc ones would not hold the load trying to pull 4 carbs.
    IMG_20260116_154249.jpg

    I search for old linkage and hardware at swapmeets and estate sales. It's hard to beat the look of the old stuff!
     
    Last edited: Jan 16, 2026
    kadillackid, skooch, 19Eddy30 and 5 others like this.
  19. Moriarity
    Joined: Apr 11, 2001
    Posts: 38,199

    Moriarity
    SUPER MODERATOR
    Staff Member

    Look ^^^^^ all straight linkage, not a progressive in the bunch. As it should be!!
     
    19Eddy30 and williebill like this.
  20. Ziggster
    Joined: Aug 27, 2018
    Posts: 3,171

    Ziggster
    Member

    As someone who majored in drafting back in high school, I can really appreciate the hand drawing and lettering.
    Like most things today, the selection and quality appears to be much better back then.
     
    williebill likes this.
  21. Ziggster
    Joined: Aug 27, 2018
    Posts: 3,171

    Ziggster
    Member

    Thanks for posting. That’s some quality looking stuff as well the engines. I’m going to keep an eye out for that kind of stuff as well, but it must be hard to come by.
     
  22. Ziggster
    Joined: Aug 27, 2018
    Posts: 3,171

    Ziggster
    Member

    Haha!
     
    Moriarity likes this.
  23. Kevin Pharis
    Joined: Aug 22, 2020
    Posts: 741

    Kevin Pharis
    Member
    from Califunny

    This kinda stuff is out there, but may have to buy a carb to get it. I make some of what’s listed above, and a lot more, new if you need some IMG_3387.jpeg
     
    kadillackid, GuyW, skooch and 7 others like this.
  24. Ziggster
    Joined: Aug 27, 2018
    Posts: 3,171

    Ziggster
    Member

    That is a thing of beauty! If I need anything, I’ll PM you. If I go direct linkage, I guess I’m good as I have another diecast arm, but if I go the dreaded progressive route, it would be nice to have a similar looking diecast arm vs the billet aluminum one I currently have.
     
  25. 19Eddy30
    Joined: Mar 27, 2011
    Posts: 4,122

    19Eddy30
    Member
    from VA

    If intake that is in post #1 is being used You will not use a Progressive linkage ,it will not run right nor distribute fuel evenly,
    Intake design & carb's location reflects if progressive used.

    Why not make / cast parts wanted ?
     
  26. Ziggster
    Joined: Aug 27, 2018
    Posts: 3,171

    Ziggster
    Member

    Can I ask why if would not work? I could probably make the part(s), but it becomes a time issue.
     
  27. jnaki
    Joined: Jan 1, 2015
    Posts: 11,498

    jnaki

    upload_2026-1-17_5-30-49.png One of the first Isky Gilmer Belt Drives for a 671 mounted on an SBC motor, made in So Cal.

    Hello,

    My brother found a linkage set up at Reath Automotive that was strange, but it worked on the 6 carbs we had for our "original carb only" build of a 283 SBC motor. The linkage was separate from the actual carbs on a 6 carbs SBC set up, sitting on a counter next to the manifold in a different small neighborhood speed shop. We bought the carbs at one place and they did not have a linkage system. Reath Automotive happen to have a 6 carb linkage that worked well for us.

    By the time the photo was taken, the 6 Strombergs and the modified linkage was used on top of our new 292 c.i. SBC blower spec motor and 671 Isky Gilmer Blower Drive with our new Reath modified 671 blower.

    Jnaki

    As far as progressive linkage, the system for 6 carbs was instant use of all Strombergs upon flooring the pedal. It was not the most fun driving it on the street with stop lights and traffic. But, it was instant "shove to the back motion" for the driver and p***enger, when the gas pedal was pushed to the floor.

    For the street, I had a progressive linkage system we tried on the 348 three carb motor for the Impala. It was the worst set up for daily driving on the street. No amount of fiddling around was the best spot to have a nice drive anywhere to school or cruising around.

    The center carb worked most of the time, but the linkage was adjusted so the outer two would come in when full throttle was pushed. It was not good. So, for the rest of the history of the 348 powered Impala, we used the stock vacuum system for best results. YRMV
     
    GuyW, Ziggster and 19Eddy30 like this.
  28. 19Eddy30
    Joined: Mar 27, 2011
    Posts: 4,122

    19Eddy30
    Member
    from VA

    ^^^^^^
    & I do not understand why so many
    Think that back in 30's & maybe 6o ish
    That all parts where Bling !!!
    Rodder's / Racer's made & used what ever from junk , farm, Aviation ect.
    I do not know for sure about magazine subscriptions out side of Drug store,
    Paper stand or
    Who all carried Magazine's ?
    I am not that old to know before 70.
    But I think from what I Believe I read
    Most automotive magazines where a
    S Calif , then more Calif awareness
    Write ups , pictures of racing , hot rod's
    Reporting.
    Then around mid 50's or 58 or 62 photographers , writer's then started
    going adventuring out side of Calf
    Then I am thinking wants that happen
    more people started seeing more manufacturers & more innovation commercial produce parts.
    But still many made, used what ever
    Work for there needs .
    I think there's many buy & also make many of there own mix match of parts to this day ..
     
  29. joseph lamb
    Joined: Aug 5, 2018
    Posts: 1

    joseph lamb

    Great info !!!
     
  30. 19Eddy30
    Joined: Mar 27, 2011
    Posts: 4,122

    19Eddy30
    Member
    from VA

    Try the Digital archives for HotRod
    & other magazines..
    Do not know if still works ,
    Last time I tried was difficult for me to access,
    My self I have every issue HR from 48 to 72
    But they are boxed up .
     
    Ziggster likes this.

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.