I wanted to respond to the questions regarding AP/Goerlich exhaust quick. Yes, I know that AP/Goerlich was huge back in the day as well as now. From the info that I'm receiving, I think AP was much more of an aftermarket company until they purchased Arvin and Maremont. Arvin and Maremont gave them a long list of exhaust assembly plants and allowed AP to begin manufacturing oem assembly plant systems. I am an older past Ford dealership master mechanic, and I remember looking under the first few 1992 Crown Vic's which had a strange looking muffler that AP produced. Ford continued using that same muffler on all Crown Vic's (less Marauders) until the Crown Vic was retired. So, I think AP plays a large roll in current oem exhaust production, but not in the 60's or 70's.......or even the 80's. AP was large, and they produced exhaust, shock absorbers, and many other components!

Interesting to note that AP produced an aftermarket muffler called the Golden Ram. It was painted gold ( imagine that) and looked virtually like an original Thrush. In addition, the Goerlich division of AP produced a muffler called the Roadrunner..........another Thrush look alike painted red. The Roadrunner mufflers were actually produced in Defiance, Ohio at the old Compo muffler plant which has been long closed.I suspect that many other mufflers and pipes that AP marketed were produced at the Compo Defiance plant.

I feel certain now that Walker was the primary supplier to GM/Chevy. I still have no idea about AMC or Chrysler in the day, but I suspect Arvin/Maremont/Walker?

There are plenty of holes in what I suspect with regard to oem exhaust systems. I'm trying to fill the gaps.......because I truly enjoy doing this. I can also now say with much certainty that Arvin was Fords main supplier for literally decades. I spoke with someone literally this week that knows for sure.

Just having fun,

Thx,
Brian N

Hey there, and I appreciate all of the response!

I suspected that Arvin was the originall equipment supplier to the assembly plants by virtue of the fact that Arvin provided Ford with the "Arvinode" exhaust system on 63/65 Fairlanes as well as early 64/65 Mustang Hipo models. I must say that I am am far away from knowing everything.........thus asking on this excellent forum.

Walker was large in the exhaust world, but again, I suspect they were tied to GM. I mean, the Walker chamber pipe muffling system for 69 Chevelle and Camaro.

Here is what I believe with very little other than what I've suggested to support it;

Ford, Long time Arvin supplier

Chevy/GM, Walker with maybe a secondary source

AMC, whatever was cheap???

Chrysler, two exhaust companies that I have no info on yet. Possibly a combination of Arvin and Walker or even Maremont?

Thanks much,
Brian N

I am restoring a 69 Cobra formal roof car and I have wondered who the original exhaust supplier to Ford was in the 60's and 70's? I mean, I am aware that Arvin was involved with this, but I am not certain they were the principle supplier? In addition, who was the secondary supplier of which Ford certainly had?

Just curious about this. Any thoughts?

Thx, Brian

Several years ago I had a "faux" 428SCJ built for a 69 Mach 1 Drag Pack clone. The engine builder was based in Arizona and had good feedback, seemed to know what he was doing. Keep in mind that this was before I knew that there was an FE power forum or any other related forum. Anyway, a while after I received the engine, I decided to trade out the stock oil pan for the Milodon deep sump SS style pan. I thought it was a good idea considering I was gonna run the oil cooler. When I had ordered the engine, the builder gave me the choice of an original service block or a mirror block. I chose the service block. So, I go to replace the pan only to find that once removed, the block was non reinforced. I tried contacting the builder whom is now out of business or retired. I have little doubt that this block is a 390 service block. I know that Ford made many different iterations of these blocks in standard or service block form. I guess there is a possibility that this block was conceived as a non reinforced 428 service block, but I find that unlikely. The pistons he used are Probe 428 .030 over. I am somewhat surprised at this, I mean if it is a true 390 service block, not sure why it wouldn't have machined to 428 standard bore? Anyway, for good or bad, this is the block that I have. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated! Thx, Brian

Hello folks! I apologize if I've put this under an incorrect topic, but it seemed my best choice. Ok, I have a 69 Torino Cobra formal roof car I'm restoring. The 428 engine is done and I'm currently finishing up things with the C6 trans. I am having a terrible time finding anyone willing to do the body work on this car. I am located in central Ohio and virtually everyone I've contacted so far prefers to do collision work. My car needs to be smoothed out for paint, all rust repair is done and was nicely done. The body as the car stands is not bad, but again will need some work. At last count I've spoken with about 25 places in central Ohio or in Ohio in general. Would anyone have any suggestions? I would prefer to stay within Ohio. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thx, Brian

The picture that fairlaniac posted of his crossmember looks very close to the one I have. I appreciate the picture!


I suspect my best move is to wait and do the engine/trans install and see how things line up. I try to be proactive when I can.........sometimes it works, other times it does not. If I had one that I knew was specifically for a big block car, well, that would be great!

Again, thx much guys!

Brian N

I am (still slowly) restoring a 69 Cobra hardtop clone. I bought from a 69 Cobra parts car what I believed to be the correct transmission crossmember..........I simply assumed it was since it was in the trunk. I am now virtually certain that it is a small block crossmember and obviously someone had a small block in this Cobra parts car at one time.

Could someone please show me a picture of the correct 66/69 big block FE/C6 crossmember? I cannot find a correct, or what I believe to be a correct picture. I have also heard that some of these crossmembers can be installed reverse and made to work?

Thanks much!

Brian N

Working on a "clone" 69 Torino SCJ car and need a few items. If anyone has a damaged or leaking ( drag Pack) oil cooler assy, I would be interested. In addition, upper and lower oil cooler brackets. The upper bracket is 69 Torino specific, but lower bracket is same as Mustang. Again, a clone car, these do not need to be concours parts. I will consider any and all!

Also, a decent used 3.89 ring/pinion for 9 inch. I usually hesitate on used, but, on this forum, I would trust the parts.

Thx,
Brian N