I still don't get it. Dick, among the many methods I tried, i did try with the blocks of wood as you described. On the upper flange with the turned up lip, I used a narrow block that fit between the lip and cover as a backer. No matter how hard I pounded on the reverse, I saw no change in the dimple or flange. Didn't matter if I used a block of wood or hit the dimple directly with a hammer against the wood backer. Same for trying to flatten the dimple with the ball peen hammer laid in the hole and whacking it with a 2nd hammer.
I honestly don't know how you can move that metal without a sizable press given the forming of the cover around the holes. I feared I would tear or crack the metal around the dimple while beating on it so I stopped and concluded that the dimples at the holes created a gap between the cover flange and the head gasket surface so much smaller than the gasket thickness (even if I was using 3/16" thick gaskets in lieu of the 5/16" thick gaskets I installed) that the gasket would easily seal.
In hindsight, I suspect the original leak might have been sealed by retorquing the bolts although the worst leak was the RH cover and on removal it appeared that the gasket was cut/split in one spot and sealer used to seal that area. Even so, it might not have leaked if the bolts were retorqued. I'll never know now but I feel better having carefully done it myself, removing any doubts I may have had about the workmanship or quality of materials used.
Dick, interesting point about the factory use of black finish on the bolts. Good to know but I doubt I'll ever have my GTO points judged. I once hoped for that but it just didn't turn out nice enough and still has numerous issues.
I just checked Ames.
Looks like the short bolts used on mine with the 3/16" thick gaskets were from Ames, as they have the same "W" head marking. No surprise, we used a lot of Ames parts in the resto.
https://secure.amesperf.com/qilan/De...A&web_access=Y
But Ames might have discontinued the longer 21/32" bright zinc bolts.
https://secure.amesperf.com/qilan/De...A&web_access=Y
If these are the ones you mentioned, the FN651C shows Discontinued when I looked on-line.
However, they do show these:
https://secure.amesperf.com/qilan/De...A&web_access=Y
They say correct plating and length for the RAIV and 455HO application but no specifics. I assume 21/32" length. $14 for the set. NL head marking also claimed to be correct but I'm guessing would not be correct for a '64.
Of course, I don't know if the "E" head marking on the bolts I got from Inline Tube are correct on a '64 either!
I'm good with my repair outcome but one day, maybe somebody will post pix before and after flattening the dimples at the bolt holes for the '64-'66 valve covers. I'm feeling a bit inadequate because I was unable to flatten the dimples on mine.
