header help
 

hi i recently got new summit headers for my 69 shortbed. i got the one on the passenger side all bolted down and all, but on the driver side it is much harder. for some reason i can't get the header on right....i can maybe get one bolt in, but then i can see that i probably wont be able to get the others in. and i think it is because its hitting part of the a-arm or its because my flange of the header is hitting the big piece of metal under the tranny that connects the frame....anyone else have this problem with headers? what should i do, all i need is a tiny bit more room, and i can get it on right. thanks.

Man, I had just the opposite problem with my Hedmans. The driver's side went in no prob, but the passenger side took quite a while. I had to jack up the front end as high as the jack (and the multiple blocks of wood underneath it-not safe) would go and work them in from the under side. I also had to remove items like the starter, spark plugs, etc. If you can't get any help on the message boards, I'm sure there's a tech help line at Summit to help.
That's what we need around here- more Alice fans!

I put in a set of headmans no problem, i got a smallblock w/auto. Did you put a small block in place of an inline 6?

When I bought my 70 last year, it already had a 350 in it, I'm not sure what was in it originally. I then swapped out with a rebuilt 350.

my block is a 327 (or 307?), but my heads are from a 350 i know for sure. anyways, the fit is really really tight with my headers i could actually get all the bolts in, but then i tighten it, it wont go in all the way because the header is hitting the lower a-arm, should i just get a hammer and make a dent where the a-arm touches it, or should i just put another gasket to cover for the extra space, either way seems like it will work, but i don't know just wanted to get another opinion. thanks.

I would try to do a combination. I'd try to trim with a grinder, maybe dent a little with a hammer, only if it was on a spot on the a-arm that was just extra metal. You could also get some thicker gaskets. I have some from Earl's Performance. Didn't have any clearance problems, just got them for extra sealing power. Also, check your Tranny mount. If its crushed then it could be letting your motor sag. Do the same with your motor mounts.

It's a pain in the A but sometimes you have to go in from the bottom. You need to jack up the front end as high as possible, just support it real good and it will get in there.:bowtie:

if the interferance is with the a arm bushing(top edge,nut side),you could probably grind a little clearance on the nut.....just dont get too wild with the grinder. Good luck,crazyL:bowtie:

The engine could be in the wrong holes when put in the truck. May need to be moved back..........

Most of the problems with headers on the right side................

I put hedmen elites on my bb and had to grind the frame member on the right side an eighth or so. No problem on the left side. Good luck.

Try installing the driver side from the bottom of the truck.