1963 choke heat tube

[Timothy B.]

I am going to replace the inside choke tube on the right hand exhast manifold because the parts are off the car to have the surfaces broached. What is the best way to remove this tube? It is the original tube and it looks as if it's almost rusted through at the bottom. I have read about a step on the top of the manifold so I am thinking about cutting a section out of the tube in the middle and driving both ends in. Is this correct? I am going to purchase the tube from Paragon, do they sell a correct replacement?

Thanks for your help, Tim Barbieri

[Jack H.]

Re: 1963 choke heat tube

Yes, the Paragon replacement tube is spot-on for the job. Problem with removing the original tube is they're pressed in and over the years of heat/cool stress, there's a good chance the original tube will be pretty tightly in place!

Some get lucky on removing an original tube by pressing from the bottom with the top side 'popping' free from the step bored upper hole in the manifold casting. But, if the center section of the tube is rusted/weakened with age, it may simply bend & break in the center when you press from below.

Another approach is to cut the tube inside the manifold and remove the original tube in two pieces (pull the bottom side inward and press the upper half outward).

If you don't feel comfortable doing this job, hand carry the manifold to your local machine shop with the replacement tube and they'll knock the job out for you fast & cheap!

BTW, replacing the factory original fresh air tube inside the exhaust manifold with a fresh/new one deserves an ATTABOY! It's cheap insurance against a major fault (red hot exhaust gasses getting up/into your carb through the choke) and you'll sleep better at night for the effort!

[Eugene B.]

Re: 1963 choke heat tube

Tim,
If you do this job yourself, don't be surprised if you find no stepped hole in the top of the manifold. I replaced the tube in a '65 manifold last summer.

What I found was the upper and lower holes were bored straight through. The new tube had a slightly larger diameter on one end versus the other. The larger diameter is the top.

Insert the smaller end of the tube through the top hole and when the larger diameter belled end comes into contact with the top hole, gently seat it home with a drive pin punch and your favorite hammer.

From previous posts, I expected a stepped hole, but in reality, there was none.

For additional info. I cut the tube in the middle and carefully drilled each end out of the manifold. Started with small bits and worked my way up until I was able to remove the frozen ends from the manifold.

Good luck with your project.

Regards,
Gene