Hooker Headache
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: York PA
Hooker Headache
Installing hooker sidemounts on a 74. Every single bolt goes in fine, except for one. The only thing my father and I can determine is that the hole in the header was misdrilled. Seems to be off very slightly. With all the other bolts started, it seems to be angled ever so slightly. Anyone ever experience this p.i.t.a. problem??
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Macon, GA
A jig is used to drill the holes during the manufacturing process so I would guess against them being in the wrong spot, but anything is possible I guess. Those headers are a complete pain in every aspect. Have you tried removing all the bolts and starting them in a different sequence? Make sure NONE of them are threaded in more than 1 turn. You'll have to wiggle the header to get them all in and wiggle as you tighten them (each a little at a time). You can't tighten any of them all the way and then just go to another. You have to do this very slowly. I hope I never have to do that job again.
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 56
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From: York PA
Well, it seems that a hole was misaligned. We reamed out two of the header holes and it went right on. I bought the stage 8 bolts, but they, along with the whole header configuration, make it darn near impossible to tighten anything with ease. 
Now onto the next problem.... I mock fitted the sidetubes, but they seem to be sitting two high where the door will make contact with them. ugh!
Now onto the next problem.... I mock fitted the sidetubes, but they seem to be sitting two high where the door will make contact with them. ugh!
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,554
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From: pasadena in the great state of TEXAS
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
i had a muffler guy put mine on and he mentioned no outstanding problems. i did not use stage 8 bolts at his recomendation just longer bolts and lock washers. i love em!!! 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,638
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From: Ann Arbor Michigan
You should have a inch or so clear between the bottom of the door and the pipe unless your body mount rubber bushings are gone which would move the body closer to the frame. Do the holes in the pipe mounts line up with the keyhole shaped frame holes?
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
secure a header gasket to the back side of the flange, and any holes that are out of whack....enlarge them...this should be the very first step in header installation, will save a ton of work and frustration.
