Is there any trick in getting the timing cover to go on? I tried dry fitting everything and if the pins line up the bottom pushes out. Is just a lot of pressure on the top necessary to decompress the new gasket somewhat to make it all align?

Yes downward pressure. Put a SMALL amount of sealant in the corners where the bottom seal meets the head. Make sure the part of the head that the seal on the bottom of the slides across is very clean and smooth. That surface could be lubed with WD40 if needed. The sealant is only needed in the corners. If the head was resurfaced it is even more difficult.

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

I guess you have to be Hercules. I pushed very hard and did not get there. I'm concerned because of the kick out on the bottom. I will try again tomorrow after I'm rested. TY!

Wondering if there are any clamps or harnesses that can be used to get the compression needed? Admittedly I am not the strongest person but if needed I will get some assistance even though I'm trying to avoid that. It's a new gasket so it doesn't give.

Test fit it without the gasket to confirm the gasket is the only interference. Was the head resurfaced?

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

Fits perfectly without gasket. It's very close with the gasket, but the bottom kicks out. I do angle the bottom in first and then work on aligning the top. Head was completely redone. If the only option is applying a lot of pressure on the top of the unit I may have to enlist help because I don't think I can maintain the amount of pressure necessary to line up the holes and get the bolts started simultaneously. Any further suggestions?

A thought... get long bolts, cut the heads off, install them loosely in the head then slide the cover into position. Holding the cover in place remove one of the long bolts and replace it with the correct bolts and repeat on the other bolts.

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

All installed and went fairly smooth. I enlisted the help of my neighbor who had the strength that I needed to push down while I threaded the bolts. Gasket stayed in place and all went well. Thanks again for the advise. Hopefully this time next week it will be up and running. Ordered another part for my distributor this morning because I didn't like the age and the cracks that I saw. Minor delay, but worth it to make sure the job is doen right.

The large round disc behind the rotor?

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

The part I ordered is called the "Protective Cover" for the high voltage distributor. It's the black plastic component that surrounds the distributor cap. I noticed that it had to many hairline cracks for my liking.