The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1941 PU Headers

I have a 1941 1/2 ton pickup with a 350 crate engine. I would like to replace the existing headers with stainless or coated units. Any suggestions as to what is available that will provide spark plug clearance.

Thanks

Meant to say chassis clearance

Ed, here are stainless headers on ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/bhp/chevy-350-stainless-headers

It's astonishing how inexpensive they are. Over the years I've contemplating making stainless headers for my '32 Ford roadster street rod so I've looked at the prices of stainless steel tubing and U-bends. Just the materials to make a set of headers would have a retail price of about twice what these complete headers cost. It makes me wonder what stainless alloy* they are made of, the thickness of the tubing, the quality of the welds and the flange fitment. If those issues all check out favorably they look like a really good way to go.

Stainless steel does yellow slightly from exhaust heat and the weld areas get that same yellowing during fabrication. If the weld area is overheated it varying shades of blue, not yellow.

* I'm told that not all stainless is really rustproof and 304 is the best alloy for exhaust use.

Thanks for the reply. I will look into some of these.

You're very welcome Ed. My son has a '66 Chevy step side 1/2 ton. A buddy of mine gave my son some "block hugger" headers to use in the '66 and I made an "H" pipe to go with the headers. My son took a picture of the headers and H pipe before installing them. I think you'd be impressed how compact that header design is. If you give me an email address I'll send you the picture.

Before I restored my '36 Chevy PU I had a small block Chevy engine in it. I made my own headers and found that there was more than ample room to accommodate the "Tri-Y" Doug's Headers copies I made. I had a summer job in 1967 at Doug's welding the year before so copying Doug's product at home was easy. Fifty years later Doug's is still in business.

edlepelis@verizon.net

I'll email you the pic Ed.