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Update on side mount header install and a ?

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Old Feb 25, 2006 | 10:18 AM
  #1  
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Default Update on side mount header install and a ?

Ok I have a bolt started on each end of the header flange on the driver side. it does not look like the lower head bolts are gonna be a problem. However, I cannot get any other bolts to start. I drew the header up to the head with the bolts but now it is really tight and I am afraid of pulling the threads out if I go anymore. After looking around for the bind point I noticed tat the outlet side of the header is up agains the lower rocker where the chrome rocker mounts. It looks like I am going to have to clearence this area. i knew that I had to clearence the chrome strip but didn't know that the actual body would need some cutting on as well.

Is it expected\normal to clearence the bottom fiberglass are where the chrome rocker mounts? Note , this area although part of the body is hidden by the rocker strip and not a part of the finished body.

Thanks
Wade
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Old Feb 25, 2006 | 10:36 AM
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Wade I Had to cut the body of my car right behind the front wheels to get the headers the clearance they needed to mount correctly to the head. I used poly motor mounts, I read somewhere that poly mounts may be taller than the factory rubber mounts and may have contributed to my problem. I am not sure if anyone else has had to trim the fenders to get the headers to bolt up to the heads. I have looked at a lot of sidepipe photos on the forum and it looks like there is a large difference between cars on the height of the headers from the fender to the header. I can take pics of my car were I had to trim if you would like.

Neal
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Old Feb 25, 2006 | 11:55 AM
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When I put mine on my 71, the instructions did not indicate a body clearance issue, only the rocker cover needs relief around the header as it exits from under the car. It is tight though and I can possibly see needing to trim back a little glass in that area. I'm sure it varies some from car to car. Nothing structural though.
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Old Feb 25, 2006 | 12:17 PM
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When I put mine on my 71, the instructions did not indicate a body clearance issue, only the rocker cover needs relief around the header as it exits from under the car. It is tight though and I can possibly see needing to trim back a little glass in that area. I'm sure it varies some from car to car. Nothing structural though.
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Old Feb 25, 2006 | 12:18 PM
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I had to trim a little glass under the front of the rocker cover. Strictly non-structural.
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Old Feb 25, 2006 | 04:19 PM
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Thanks guys. I clearenced the area and was able to free up some space. I also had to increase the dent on the pipe that runs next to the steering box. I wrapped a rag around it so I wouldn't hurt the finish when I hit it with a hammer. I have 3 header bolts started now but the others just want start. the flange is flat against the block so I would have thought that the holes would finally line up. I am going to keep trying.

Neal, i have the poly mounts as well and I bet that has lead to my problem to.

Thanks
Wade
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Old Feb 25, 2006 | 08:16 PM
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clearancing that area is actually in the '69 AIM for the factory side pipes. So I'm not surprised to see it needed on hookers too
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Old Feb 25, 2006 | 11:25 PM
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yep had to clearance my fiberglass also.
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Old Feb 26, 2006 | 04:31 AM
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Originally Posted by BlackRat
Thanks guys. I clearenced the area and was able to free up some space. I also had to increase the dent on the pipe that runs next to the steering box. I wrapped a rag around it so I wouldn't hurt the finish when I hit it with a hammer. I have 3 header bolts started now but the others just want start. the flange is flat against the block so I would have thought that the holes would finally line up. I am going to keep trying.

Neal, i have the poly mounts as well and I bet that has lead to my problem to.

Thanks
Wade

How did the coating hold up after denting?
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Old Feb 26, 2006 | 10:10 AM
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Loosen up the bolts so that you can move the header around to get the bolts started.
If you tighten up the bolts before all are in any misalignment will be fixed
You should be able to start each bolt by hand before snugging them down.

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Old Feb 26, 2006 | 10:49 AM
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Originally Posted by Jughead
How did the coating hold up after denting?
It scuffed a little bit but did not come off. I only had to increase the dent a little bit. Once in the car you cannot see it as it is up against the steering box.

Also I finally got all the bolts in!!!! Moving on to the passenger side today. Hopeully I will have some pics to post tonight.

Wade
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