The Ford Barn

Trekemeyer · 03-03-2018, 01:41 PM

Has anyone used center drop exhaust manifolds on a 1938 Ford pickup truck? After looking at my truck, they don't appear to have enough clearance with the steering box. I would like input as to what to use and would be interested in buying an exhaust manifold setup. Mine is a flathead motor and am running a stock frame and front end.

39portlander · 03-03-2018, 06:31 PM

According to the 38-39 book the same pair of exhaust manifolds were used 78-9439/9431, these may be the same for the commercial (trucks). There were some "experimental" 91A engines and it is currently unknown what those 500 or so were like, more Ford folklore.

Pictures would be helpful, also what is the flathead. My 39 had a 59AB and have those manifolds taking up space somewere. I resurrected my truck with Reds headers and those sweet sounding Smithy's

Not sure were you are located but the spring swap meets you may want to try. If I locate my old manifolds and they're not what you already have, you can have them, just pay for shipping. Scott

Tinker · 03-03-2018, 09:31 PM

No experience with the center dump headers.

Fentons (newer versions) on the drivers side usually need to either be milled a bit or a little grinding on the center output to get some space around stock steering box. Also have to remove them anytime you pull the engine.

Not sure about Reds availability or fit. But I have not heard anything negative about them.

38bill · 03-03-2018, 10:49 PM

I have Reds headers in my '38 pickup and they fit perfectly and are very well made. Dont know if they are still making them.

jimTN · 03-04-2018, 07:32 AM

This is a good thread as the question actually concerns 36-40 both cars and trucks because the frame and steering gear dimensions are the same. I too have wondered about those "center drop" headers fitting earlier Fords. Maybe someone will speak up that has actually installed a set.

39portlander · 03-04-2018, 07:47 AM

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I got looking through more books and the above mentioned exhaust manifolds may be for a 60 H.P. those are a center drop.

52-9430 same manifolds used on both sides of the engine for 38-39.

Trekemeyer · 03-11-2018, 12:01 PM

Hi Scott would be interested in those exhaust manifolds if you could find them . You can reach me anytime at 518 573 7447 thanks Trekemeyer.

03-03-2018, 01:41 PM	#1
Trekemeyer Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Posts: 133	1938 Ford Pickup Exhaust Manifolds Has anyone used center drop exhaust manifolds on a 1938 Ford pickup truck? After looking at my truck, they don't appear to have enough clearance with the steering box. I would like input as to what to use and would be interested in buying an exhaust manifold setup. Mine is a flathead motor and am running a stock frame and front end.

03-03-2018, 06:31 PM	#2
39portlander Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Suth'N Maine Posts: 2,010	Re: 1938 Ford Pickup Exhaust Manifolds According to the 38-39 book the same pair of exhaust manifolds were used 78-9439/9431, these may be the same for the commercial (trucks). There were some "experimental" 91A engines and it is currently unknown what those 500 or so were like, more Ford folklore. Pictures would be helpful, also what is the flathead. My 39 had a 59AB and have those manifolds taking up space somewere. I resurrected my truck with Reds headers and those sweet sounding Smithy's Not sure were you are located but the spring swap meets you may want to try. If I locate my old manifolds and they're not what you already have, you can have them, just pay for shipping. Scott

03-03-2018, 09:31 PM	#3
Tinker Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: MN Posts: 7,063	Re: 1938 Ford Pickup Exhaust Manifolds No experience with the center dump headers. Fentons (newer versions) on the drivers side usually need to either be milled a bit or a little grinding on the center output to get some space around stock steering box. Also have to remove them anytime you pull the engine. Not sure about Reds availability or fit. But I have not heard anything negative about them.

03-03-2018, 10:49 PM	#4
38bill Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,200	Re: 1938 Ford Pickup Exhaust Manifolds I have Reds headers in my '38 pickup and they fit perfectly and are very well made. Dont know if they are still making them.

03-04-2018, 07:32 AM	#5
jimTN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Powell, TN Posts: 2,617	Re: 1938 Ford Pickup Exhaust Manifolds This is a good thread as the question actually concerns 36-40 both cars and trucks because the frame and steering gear dimensions are the same. I too have wondered about those "center drop" headers fitting earlier Fords. Maybe someone will speak up that has actually installed a set.

03-04-2018, 07:47 AM	#6
39portlander Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Suth'N Maine Posts: 2,010	Re: 1938 Ford Pickup Exhaust Manifolds Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I got looking through more books and the above mentioned exhaust manifolds may be for a 60 H.P. those are a center drop. 52-9430 same manifolds used on both sides of the engine for 38-39.

03-11-2018, 12:01 PM	#7
Trekemeyer Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Posts: 133	Re: 1938 Ford Pickup Exhaust Manifolds Hi Scott would be interested in those exhaust manifolds if you could find them . You can reach me anytime at 518 573 7447 thanks Trekemeyer.