36hp top center head studs - can't get socket on 'em

[fl59bug]

Please see the picture. None of my sockets will fit on the top center studs (particularly the right-most one) due to the intake manifold studs being in the way.

This is on my January '59 36hp engine. Do I need to remove the intake manifold studs, torque the heads then replace them?

[mukluk]

It looks to me like you should be able to get a shallow well socket in there. If not, you could try finding another brand of socket that has thinner walls than the one you are using, otherwise pulling the intake manifold studs may be your only option.
_________________
1960 Ragtop w/Semaphores "Inga"

[Cusser]

Thin-wall socket, grind narrower.

Or possibly a wobble extension (e.g. Harbor Freight) or socket with a built-in universal joint.
_________________
1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297

[60ragtop]

I have a vintage 1970 set of Craftsman deep sockets that fit just right.
Might be thinner wall than what they are now?
_________________
Rick
Certified Mechanic by the State of Michigan in 1977
ASA certified in 1987
Certified Hunter Wheel Alignment Master Technician 1986

[fl59bug]

I ended up double-nutting the intake studs out, torquing the heads then threading them back in.

I can't imagine this is how VW intended for folks to do it, but I dunno Just got to roll with it I guess.

[lovethatconvertible]