[pdawg]

FYI- this spring I purchased a set of these headers to install on my ZZ383 crate engine in my '72 C10 Custom Deluxe. I was assured by the Hedman tech. line that there were no fitment issues, so I had them ceramic coated by a local shop that does a great job. The headers slid into place with no problems & all was good until I tried to bolt them up. The clearance was so tight I could not get many of the bolts in the holes, as the 1 3/4" tubes were interfering with the heads. I submitted pictures to Hedman & they were quick to respond & agree that there was an issue with these headers. They offered to clearance them if I sent them back, or exchange them at the parts store for a new set. Since I had invested $240 getting them coated, I decided to try some ARP header bolts ($42). It took an hour & a half but I got the drivers side on with an open end wrench, gradually turning each bolt a fraction at a time. I emailed Hedman back & explained that I was successful, but maybe they could cover the cost of the bolts, which would have been more practical & economic for both of us, given I'm way up in Canada. They would have mist certainly damaged the finish trying to clearance them & then there is the down time & shipping costs - both ways. Their response was to advise me it's not their policy to reimburse customers for these costs. These headers have great clearance for spark plug access & should have been easy to install, if not for this defect in manufacture. I could only get a 1/4" drive 3/8" socket on the four outer bolts. The rest had to slowly get eased in with a wrench. Any lesser quality bolts would have rounded the heads off installing them. So be careful if you purchase Hedmans, as their quality control is lacking - as is their customer relations!
Posted via Mobile Device