1969 302 headers with working reverse lock out linkage and power steering

[WaltZ]

let's try this heading.
Anybody able to have 68 style factory headers on a 69 Z with the reverse lock out modified to work and also with power steering
Thanks in advance

[169INDY]

Kustom Repop version from Colorado; (KH37)

I am not sure "IF" they have some still avail or had to mfr. another batch of these.

[WaltZ]

nice, but can you still leave the reverse lock out linkage functional.

[169INDY]

I am installing them on a 68.
I have a friend (& CRG-Member) that was interested in the same question. He consulted a crg core member whom indicated that even use of these on a 69 would require removal or major linkage Mods.

[camaroboy68ss]

I am installing them on a 68.
I have a friend (& CRG-Member) that was interested in the same question. He consulted a crg core member whom indicated that even use of these on a 69 would require removal or major linkage Mods.

yeah I dont see those fitting with the lockout and without taking a the ballpeen hammer to cleat a power steering box. Curious as well on the fit in a 68 as I have tossed the idea around on my car a few times.

[Jonesy]

I dont know of any headers made that fit a Camaro without removing the reverse linkage

[Z10Mike]

Agree with Jonesy. I installed my first set of headers on a '69 in 1974.  And I've never had headers that were compatible with a reverse lockout rod.  That lockout rod just wasn't a concern to us back then.   We would just wire up the lever so the column wouldn't lock and that was that.  The rod went into a take off parts box with the smog pump, tubes and manifolds for "someday". 

[WaltZ]

does anyone have pictures of the 68 headers installed on a 69. looking for driver side to see if a linkage rod can be made to work.
thanks

[jdv69z]

I have Dougs 1 5/8 headers, and my reverse lockout works. I do have a bell crank that I had custom made with an offset for the rod which goes to the reverse lever. If interested, I can take some pics.

[x77-69z28]

I have Hooker headers, and my reverse lockout has always worked. I have power steering as well.
Buddy

[WaltZ]

Hey Jimmy and Buddy, could I ask you to post some pictures of the driverside and linkages,
Thanks
Walt

[jdv69z]

Will Do; Give me a couple of days.

[x77-69z28]

I can send them to you. Not smart enough to post pics! Send me your email.
Buddy

[Stingr69]

Seems to me we just tied it up at the steering column and added a backup light switch to the shifter linkage, but it has been a few years. 

[x77-69z28]

Got your email Walt. I'll get pics out to you tomorrow!
Buddy

[plumL78]

I have hooker headers . I took my orig. bellcrank off and bought a ropo one . turn it around backwards and cut one arm off and welded it back where it needed to be  to work. I believe i also made the rod to the tranny a little longer becaused the bellcrank lever is futher away once it turned around.  That was 20+ years ago and still on the car working

[vabeach56wagon]

Can you share the PN and specs of the Hooker headers?

Thanks

paul

[melav8r]

Buy a reproduction bell crank (#3 in AIM) and cut off the arm/lever which attaches to the reverse rod (#6 in AIM) and weld it to the side closest to the frame. Basically reweld the arm outboard away from the header.
And I also run power steering.

[jdv69z]

Here's pics (not the clearest) of my 69 Z with Doug's 1 5/8 Headers. Fit without any issues. I used to have hooker headers, and I had to make a slightly modified bell crank to clear, but with the Doug's there were no issues.

[plumL78]

no part # on my headers just says hooker competiton

[red69]

Thank-you for the info, I've been running my car without lockout linkage since 1975. On my list to modify now!

[WaltZ]

Great replies and pictures. not sure when I will get to this, but when I do, I'll be sure to post the updated steps I uses to accomplish this.
I am still deciding on which headers to use, I would prefer to use the 1968 Z28 headers as first posted. 

[Stingr69]

That is just so darn simple....I wish I had known that 40 years ago.  I run a smog type setup currently so I don't need it today, but who knows?  I still have some headers.... 

Great post.

[WaltZ]

installed Hooker Super Comp Headers #2131HKR on my 69 Z with power steering.
Fit pretty well with a minor pinch for the pitman arm screw and nut and another minor pinch for steering box clearance.
Pinched done with a block and a hd C clamp.
Factory Lock Out linkage no alterations needed and plenty of clearances.
The head shields went back on also.
By now, you think hooker would supply the 3/8 x 5/16 head header bolts instead of the 3/8 x 3/8. added another $25.00 with shipping for arps for 6pt heads
And why can't they have the necessary bends or pinches so they can just be installed with no alterations.
Otherwise, Happy with them!
Pictures are before I changed out the header bolts to the 5/16 heads.

[cook_dw]

Part # ?

[WaltZ]

2131 HKR
replaced recall lift kit with this one I fabricated

[johnny_slade]

I would appreciate seeing the pictures also, please. I am currently working on a 69 Camaro 4 speed and lost the reverse lockout swivel bracket that mounts onto the subframe.

[johnny_slade]

I discovered this community a couple weeks ago and was all over this post... but no pictures appeared until now. Thank you for all this valuable info as I put my engine back in my fine 69 Camaro.

I would appreciate seeing the pictures also, please. I am currently working on a 69 Camaro 4 speed and lost the reverse lockout swivel bracket that mounts onto the subframe.