Fenton headers on 46 Merc.
- Thread starter trainguy
- Start date
Vic Piano
Well-known member
I installed a set of Red's headers on our '47 Ford convertible and had no problem with the dip stick however, the extension pipe from the header to the muffler had to be massaged around the clutch and through the cross member. I think most of the problems with Fenton's relate to steering box clearance.
Bruce Lancaster
Member Emeritus
On my '48 the left headpipe needed a real fast double bend to get around everything right off the header. This was back before repros, and I was lucky enough to inherit a pre-fab pipe from a friend whose '48 had been wrecked.
Are headpipes available now from Red's or anyone out there??
Are headpipes available now from Red's or anyone out there??
37 Coupe
Well-known member
Before I ever got 59AB in my 37 coupe I gave up on Fenton headers when it was still on engine stand. I couldn't get dipstick tube anywhere near screwing into oil pan even after "altering" a couple. I never liked tubular headers so I just used original cast iron manifolds with dual exhaust to them. Fentons too me seem "fatter" then they used to be, years ago I had a NOS set of Fenton's from the fifties and never had any issues,I wonder if moulds are much bigger from cleaning or just made bigger now.
Bruce Lancaster
Member Emeritus
Mine on the '48 were originals, the only sort that existed then. I'll have to look at my dipstick, but I do not remember there being any problems there.
I believe that there is now more than one manufacturing source for the things. No idea how any of them compares to original, but they do look fat.
I believe that there is now more than one manufacturing source for the things. No idea how any of them compares to original, but they do look fat.
37 Coupe
Well-known member
I have read post in past years that Fenton's catalogue in the fifties showed different cast iron headers for the earlier and later flatheads and that the ones offered last 25 years or so were a combination of the two. I have never been able to find an old ad or catalogue that shows this,for instance Honest Charley. I regretfully remember seeing a NOS cast iron and a NOS also Fenton set of tubular headers at a swap meet years ago for $100 each pair,regret because I mulled it over too long and they were quickly gone.
Bruce Lancaster
Member Emeritus
My regret...the guy I got my originals from had several sets. After I recovered from the crushing $20 I spent (starving student, 1972...) I ran into him again at a show and bought a second set...I thought. Turns out, I bought one Ford header and one similar looking mystery 3-port, probably '49 Oldsmobile. Never found him again...someone out there with a mixed set needs to find me!