Step-by-Step: Building Your Own Custom Headers
Slide Show
No matter what kind of vehicle you're building, chances are the big header companies have pipes on the shelf, ready to bolt on to your car or truck. And what applications the big boys don't cover the specialty header companies often do, especially street rods, circle track cars, and offbeat engine swaps.
But there are applications where there are no pre-made headers available from anybody. That leaves two alternatives: custom-built headers or home-built headers. The first type, while usually top-quality, is often expensive. The second type can be cost-effective, but a lot of people get nervous at the thought of cutting and welding tubing.
To prove our point, we present Charlie Schmidt. His tube-frame 1967 Chevy II has a small block with Trick Flow 18 Degree cylinder heads, and big surprise--nobody makes headers for the combination. So, Charlie rang up the folks at Hedman Headers for an assortment of their Husler mandrel bends, flanges, and slip-on collectors.
Once the pipe arrived, Charlie began cutting, fitting, and tack welding. He did the majority of the work in his home garage, then took the headers to a friend's shop for final welding. See what it takes to turn a box of tinker toys into power-building pipes. It's easier than you think!
| HED-12024 | Hedman Husler Mandrel Bends 2 1/8" O.D. (box of ten 180°, four 120°, four 90°) |
| HED-12057 | Hedman Husler 180° Mandrel Bends, 2" O.D. (10 total) |
| HED-14048 | Hedman Husler Collectors, 2 1/8" O.D./3 1/2" collector (2 total) |
| HED-11492 | Hedman Husler Flanges for Chevy 18° Cylinder Heads, 2" tube (2 total) |
