VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 exhaust and steering box clearance

I have a 49 chevy truck with a 57 235 engine with fenton headers. I put a patriks stainless exhaust on it and I am wondering how much clearance I should have between the pipes and the steering box right now I have about three to four inches. I already spent $800 on just the exhaust pipes so there really isnt much I could do except put a plate in between to block the heat. Does anyone see this being a problem? There are pics on my webshots album on link below. I want to make sure I have everything covered before I put the cab on.

Hi Dave, very nice job on the truck so far.

I can see no problems with 3-4 inches of clearance. If it makes you feel better, install heat shields on the exhaust pipes, there are stainless steel reproductions of original heat shields for 55-57 Chevys with power steering and would fit your pipes neatly. I can send you a pic of the shield if you want.

Again, very nice work on the engine and frame.

I just seen what you are talking about at a car show this weekend. I compared the pics of the stock manifold and it really doesnt look to be much further away so I think it will be fine. I just want to make sure I have everything done before I put the body together.thanks for looking.