Technical Vintage Hardware & Multi-carb Linkages

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

The reason I started this thread is that @1952henry posted a link in my carb thread on the Barn which had pics of what he did for linkage. Pretty cool stuff. Hope he doesn’t me posting the link here.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/album.php?albumid=188&pictureid=17586

 

I don’t mind. Enjoy following your thread in the ‘Barn

 

2x2 runs better with both carbs operating at the same time, no progressive linkage needed until you get to 3 or more carburetors.

 

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) :

Regular :

Super :


Of course, am not referring to "Hi-Rise" manifolds such as Tattersfields, Thickstuns, and the Edelbrock "Slingshots".

 

Yeah, my thoughts exactly. I have another thread on the dual carb manifold. I’ll start with the progressive setup, and if doesn’t work, easy to switch to the straight setup. Link below to the other thread.

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/flathead-dual-carb-questions.1343799/

 

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

 

From Millworks Hot Rods & Supply Co. Looks a little more vintage than what I have.

https://www.millworkshotrod.com/products/stromberg-progressive-3x2-linkage-with-kickdown-4-3-4in

 

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.

 

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!

 

The Kinsler fuel Injection site has a lot of neat linkage parts.

 

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!

 

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

 

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




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



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


I search for old linkage and hardware at swapmeets and estate sales. It's hard to beat the look of the old stuff!

 

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.

 

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.

 

Haha!

 

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

 

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.

 

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 ?

 

Can I ask why if would not work? I could probably make the part(s), but it becomes a time issue.

 

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

 

^^^^^^
& 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 ..

 

Great info !!!

 

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 .