Thanks for the tips! I have read many of the guide pin removal threads, and just wanted to be sure I had a handle on this before starting. I had hoped to have the head out to take it with me to Guard duty this weekend, as the NDI shop has offered to inspect it for cracks for me for free... but I'll just take my time and get this done CAREFULLY rather than hurry the process. It's -13 degrees with wind chill this morning. I doubt it's going to warm up much until the weekend, so it may just have to wait.

Thanks again!

__________________
1992 300D 2.5T
1980 Euro 300D (sadly, sold)
1998 Jetta TDI, 132K "Rudy"
1974 Triumph TR6
1999 Saab 9-5 wagon (wife's)