Old Headers

Jeff Norwell · 2016-03-21 21:09

Anyone know what this tube is for on these Old Hedman headers?..... sorry for the dumb question.

BWhitmore · 2016-03-21 21:47

The only thing I can think of for the use of the tube is a smog pump hook-up. Smog pumps were used to dump fresh air in to the exhaust manifolds in order to re- burn the exhaust gases. On brand x cars they had metal tubes that went into the exhaust manifolds that were fed fresh air from the smog pump. After looking at the picture more closely it appears that the tube does not enter in to the exhaust headers, but is simply attached to the outside of the headers. Could be some sort of racing application?

Jeff Norwell · 2016-03-21 21:55

Quote from: BWhitmore on 2016-03-21 21:47
The only thing I can think of for the use of the tube is a smog pump hook-up. Smog pumps were used to dump fresh air in to the exhaust manifolds in order to re- burn the exhaust gases. On brand x cars they had metal tubes that went into the exhaust manifolds that were fed fresh air from the smog pump.

I was thinking the same thing..... but that tube has a small 1/8 hole at either end and is just welded to the header tube.Not an integral part....Not entering the header tube at all.I thought it may have been a warming tube that would feed up to the carb..... just guessing at this point.

lalessi1 · 2016-03-21 21:55

Choke tube? Heat to the choke... Air pump doesn't fit the era...dunno.

Jeff Norwell · 2016-03-21 21:56

and these were made before any smog control was used on earlier FE's....(am I incorrect on that?.... ) Thinking 1962-1968 here.

BWhitmore · 2016-03-21 21:59

With an 1/8 " hole in the end of the tube, it could be used to provide heat to the carburetor as others have stated.

Ford Blue blood · 2016-03-21 22:05

Choke tube heat source, fold some small copper tubing, stuff it down the tube and hook up to the chock on the carb. Works well, had one of those on a set of headers on a F-100/360.

Jeff Norwell · 2016-03-21 22:07

I think you guys are right.. and thank you!
An older friend of mine put me on to these a while back.He ran a 57 Ford with a 427 back in 62 and told me he had an identical set.....But He is not on a computer an has no email.
I really like older speed equipment and will plane done the mating surfaces for a clean fit.I really like the y-header look.I am sure they will not "perform" like a much more newer header set up.... but they are a nice tight fit and clear all of the problems that we have with FE/Exhaust issues.
I really dig the rectangular collector area.

Jeff Norwell · 2016-03-21 22:09

Quote from: Ford Blue blood on 2016-03-21 22:05
Chock tube heat source, fold some small copper tubing, stuff it down the tube and hook up to the chock on the carb. Works well, had one of those on a set of headers on a F-100/360.

Awesome Bill!!!!..... thank you!!

hiball3985 · 2016-03-22 07:49

WOW! I have never seen a set like those. It appears the flange that bolts to the head is cast, that should make for a good seal. It must be a custom gasket between the cast and steel flange. Do you know who made these?

Jeff Norwell · 2016-03-22 08:58

Quote from: hiball3985 on 2016-03-22 07:49
WOW! I have never seen a set like those. It appears the flange that bolts to the head is cast, that should make for a good seal. It must be a custom gasket between the cast and steel flange. Do you know who made these?

Jim....
As far As I know it was sold to me as a Hedman Header set up.I was told they were made specifically for a FE/57-58 for swap.\
Yes.... I will have to make custom gaskets.... but I want to plain the mating surfaces to ensure a clean tight area.

lalessi1 · 2016-03-22 09:10

Up until a few years ago you could buy Hedman Headers for a '58 FE. I still have the Summit PN#. They looked nothing like those though. The set you have are absolutely the coolest ones I have ever seen! I have never seen anything like those even going back to the early '60s. Congrats on a great find...

Jeff Norwell · 2016-03-22 09:18

Thanks Lynn!!!

RICH MUISE · 2016-03-22 09:20

plane=wood stuff
mill/grind/lap/machine= metal stuff
com'mon Jeff get your stuff together! lol
I looked to see if there was a tube on both headers. If there was I would have suggested maybe a cable guide for opening an exhaust dump valve thingy.
"thingy"...common name for car part often used by folks with bad memory.
Be careful, btw, with machining the flanges if they have not been previously machined. Removing cast "skin" from a casting can make it warp/twist.

Jeff Norwell · 2016-03-22 09:22

Lol..I am a Canuck... all we got is WOOD! Rich!!!
LOL
I have a very competent Machine shop that will Plane...errr..... Mill the areas hahahahah

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Old Headers