HAMB exhaust fabbers....tips ?

Hey guys,

Im about to fabricate some Fenton style tubular headers for the 8BA in my Deuce. I have all the mandrel bends, straight tubing and flanges I need.

Im gonna run 1 3/4" bends outta the ports to 2" OD tubing.

Both sides of the engine have fairly good room, except the drivers side obviouly to allow for the cross steering setup.

Any tips from the experienced exhaust fabbers on the HAMB ?

Rat

 

try el polacko's post

header how to

 

Here is my home made flatty header. Unlike conventional headers you don't have a lot of tube to tube fitting. (if you go this old style) 2" trunk line with 1 3/4 primary tubes. Heat and shape the end of the 2" with a ball peen to get a good fit where the 1 3/4 enters the 2" trunk line.

If you've never made a "fish mouth" (tubing stabbed into another tube on an angle), take a scrap piece of 2" and cut a hole large enough for the 1 3/4 tubing to go into it. Put the tube in the hole. Hold it on the angle you want and then mark around the intersection with a sharpie. Cut the fish mouth with tin snips. When you get a good fit, wrap the end with a piece of poster board. Trace the end profile on the board and cut out a template. You can then wrap the template around the final tube you are fitting. It takes time but it may save some tubing and frustration. The key to a good look is getting the fit right first. 1/4" gaps can be welded up but they show up in the finished product. The fit is everything!

After you get the tube fitting the trunk line, mark the hole around the 1 3/4. cut the hole a 1/4" inside the mark. File and trim the hole to get the best fit.

Getting a good fit at the flange usually takes some heating and shaping with a ball peen hammer from the block side after it is tacked in place from the outside. Heat the end of the tube and tap it to fit the flange. I like to weld them up on the inside and then grind the welds smooth with a die grinder. Gas welding is slower but it lets you sculpt and mold the welds. I cheat by going over the welds with just the torch to smooth and shape the welds. It saves time with the die grinder.