Rear exhaust manifold bolts

[Lamar Wadsworth]

Is there a trick for getting a wrench on the exhaust manifold bolts closest to the firewall on a '55 Y-block? The rest of the exhaust manifold bolts are no problem, but the only wrench I can get on it is a box end, and there's not enough to swing a box end more than a few degrees before it hits stuff. I can't get a 3/8 drive 9/16" socket in there and there's no straight shot at the bolt to get in with a ratchet and extension. Is there something I'm missing?

 

[Daves55Sedan]

I have often used a 9/16" offset 12-point box end wrench. You can both tighten the bolt and loosen the bolt after it had been tight, but my wrench is fairly short, which is good because you have the ability to turn the hex head more in this tight space.
I also have a 9/16, 12-point curved handle wrench that I have used for this bolt too, but the offset wrench is more efficient and removes the bolt faster.
Sorry, I don't have photos of the two wrenches.

 

[paul2748]

They make "shorty" wrenches which will help with the swing. I recently changed the manifolds on my Tbird and 54 - on the left side I could use a socket. On the Tbird, I went underneath to tighten the right with a standard box wrench. Can't remember what I used on the 54 right side

 

[KULTULZ]

- ford special service tool -​

 

[Lamar Wadsworth]

Thanks!

 

[Ole Don]

Swap meet shorty wrench set is the answer. I use them so often I wonder how I ever got along without them.

 

[Gene F]

Hmmmm, my Dad has a manifold wrench in his tool box. I have never seen one used.