Technical Fenton Headers - Ford 59AB in '32

I've heard a number of times that the Fenton headers that Speedway sells have interference issues with the steering box on LHD.
Anyone have some specifics? Wondering if minor grinding is a fix or major with through wall grinding?

This is what Speedway sells



Here is a similar version of an original



And here is another original version with the exhaust dump facing down



The interference for my 59AB in a '32 roadster is on the lower corners of the steering box. There is also potential interference with the original starter switch.



So which version of the originals has no interference and how bad is it with the Speedway and originals that are configured like Speedway's?

Glenn

 

I had a problem with the Fenton's on my '37 1/2 ton, had my machinist buddy angle mill the mounting flange and spot face for the mounting bolts.
Tom

 

The second pic with pointing down has been cut and rewelded or braised. Braising WILL break. Different expansion rates.

 

Yes, I just used the picture for reference.

 

Hi Tom, was the facing across all three of the block mounting or just for the collector flange?

Glenn

 

The three block mounting flanges were angle milled and the six bolt holes were spot faced. It doesn't take a lot to provide clearance for the steering box.
Tom

 

Fenton ignored the most popular use of those cast headers ( the flathead ford v8 in a `32 Ford) they made them to fit something else. I've seen those flanges milled on an angle to make them miss the `32 steering box. But the flanges sure do get thin in the process. Even a set of "Red's" tubular headers aren't much better.

 

Thanks Tom

 

Yes they're bad. That's what I have now with denting I did on the left rear.

Glenn

 

I did some measurement this after and figure that moving the contact point inward 1" MIN, which is 7" below the top of the exhaust ports. This gives you about 8°. So if you angle the header flanges by 8°, this is about .344", a little under 3/8", assuming the flange height is 2 1/4", a lot! I might try grinding the flanges off and re-shaping the flanges and pipe ends instead or a combination of the two.

 

I just completed a set of modified Red's Headers in a stock 32 frame - with a 59AB in it. The headers fit just fine with the 32 steering box.

I do make modifications to the outlets in that I like flanges and the way that the original Belond and now Red's headers dump the exhaust right into the K-member makes absolutely no sense to me. So, I modify every set and TIG weld mandrel bent pieces and flanges to make it easy to route the exhaust and to remove the headers.

Slip joints are a TOTAL waste of time - yet everybody seems to use them . . .

Here are some pics of some mods I did to another set of headers (not Red's - from Dave Havlir).



Here they are ceramic coated and ready to install:



Note: I also added EGT bungs for the middle and rear cylinders - I use these as part of my tuning process.

Here is how the flanges look from underneath:

 

Those look great B&S! Good mod on the outlet flange.

This is what I made.