How-To Model A Bucket Re-Creation Project: Megaphone Headers

Make your own lakes style megaphone headers at home

- Larry O'toole

There’s no doubt lakes style megaphone headers are more popular now than ever. I have always liked the style and decided early on in this Model A bucket re-creation project that I would like to make a set for this car.

In 1974 I removed the flathead engine and fitted a 283 Chevy engine to the original bucket and made a set of headers for it of the style that featured four pipes extending out over the chassis rail from the heads then down at right angles to another right angle bend and extending back to a four inch diameter collector. From the collector the exhaust went straight into four inch diameter side pipes with mufflers hidden inside. Those headers turned out great but when driving they were very loud (despite the mufflers) as the exit was just in front of the rear wheel – right underneath your ear!

These days, such headers have to be protected with some form of guard to prevent innocent bystanders burning themselves on them. That was partly my reason for opting for the megaphone style this time – they still have to be fitted with a guard but it looks less intrusive on this style of header.