Hexagon tool intake

[Tom's36coupe]

Just wondering if anyone else is running a Hexagon tool intake, have had mine for over ten years and really enjoy the look and comments it gets at car shows. Any history and cool facts about them?

[Fordors]

The Hexagon was produced by them for the 1935 Miller/Ford Indy car and with that being a front wheel drive effort the engine blocks were reversed. Why Hexagon, or Miller, or Ford for that matter thought the carbs needed to be mounted conventionally is anybody's guess. Hexagon was a Detroit tool & die shop, possibly had history with Ford, and produced the patterns and machined the manifolds. The Hexagon was faster in qualifying, with Ted Horn being second fastest at 113MPH.
There was another manifold, a four carb, open plenum design (Miller?) that ran experimental Strombergs (some say Miller's) on most of the cars. It had a reversion problem with a fog of gas forming over the carbs and blowing back at the driver and riding mechanic. I'm no expert but I think reversion is caused by a "mismatch" in the intake tract length and RPM peak of the engine.
The Hexagon wasn't marketed for street use until the '40's and was popular for the backward facing carbs which afforded room for the generator in it's stock location.

[Tom's36coupe]

My intake has a date stamp near the front, 4-10-46, might be 48. Wonder how long they made them?

[lonewolf]

now you just need the hexagon tool air cleaner to really set it off........there is a guy in ca that repops them I bought one and it is top notch..........

[1952henry]

What do you do for linkage. I have often thought it would be fun to do a custom one-off for this manifold.

[Tom's36coupe]

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Hey Lonewolf, when you can get me the guys name who remakes the air cleaner. Thanks! Tom

[J & D]

I would like to have that info on the air cleaner also. Thanks, John.

[Tom's36coupe]

Richard Williams 1450 east 3rd st Pomona CA 91766 Phone (909)865-0375 email is [email protected]

Just got this from Lonewolf, He got one from him 2 years ago. Thanks for the tip!

[Doodlrodz]

I got this one at Hershey this year.

[Tom's36coupe]

Looks very cool, I would like to have one with my intake! Does yours have a date stamp on it?

[Doodlrodz]

Yes mine does have a stamp, I think it was 47 something it is out being polished right now hope to get it back in a week or two.

[Tom's36coupe]

That should like great all polished. I like my air cleaner that I got years ago from Motor City Flathead, but the original style Hexagon tool would be very cool!

[Doodlrodz]

I'll try to remember to post some pics. when I get it back.

[Tom's36coupe]

Great, keep us posted!

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by lonewolf

now you just need the hexagon tool air cleaner to really set it off........there is a guy in ca that repops them I bought one and it is top notch..........

Yep, I have one of his. They look great and really sets it off.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by Doodlrodz

I got this one at Hershey this year.

That's awesome. The intakes are around, but an original air cleaner is boss.

Great find!

[Doodlrodz]

I was thrilled, went there looking for an intake that was a little different and found the Hexagon in the first half hour we were there. Pretty much made the whole trip.

[Tim Ayers]

Cool. Plus the spacing of the carbs only allow the air cleaner to be used on this intake as is. I think it is it 5 1/4" or 5 1/2" C to C spacing.

[Doodlrodz]

I have a question for you guys regarding the cabs on this set up, it's going on a little 21 stud that's pretty much stock as far as I know and the manifold came with a real nice set of 94s on it, the engine has a 97 on it now so can the 94s be jetted down enough to run on the 21 stud or should I be looking for some 81s to run ? Or just block off one of the 94s ?

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by Doodlrodz

I have a question for you guys regarding the cabs on this set up, it's going on a little 21 stud that's pretty much stock as far as I know and the manifold came with a real nice set of 94s on it, the engine has a 97 on it now so can the 94s be jetted down enough to run on the 21 stud or should I be looking for some 81s to run ? Or just block off one of the 94s ?

Depends on what model 94's they are. Do you have another 97? If so, pair them up and jet them down. Seems like it would a be better route than trying to round up some good 81's.

Plus, this intake ran on an 21 stud Indy engine with 48's. Mind you it was race prepped engine (what ever that meant for that time period), but still a 21 stud engine.