Question: Hello I have just bought the eight exhaust gaskets from you to change on my silver shadow 2 1978
My local mechanic wont do the job ,he is telling me if very difficult to do and can damage the alumimum head if the bolts break,and he needs a gas bottle to heat up the bolts which he dosent have.
Its the same answer from two other mechanic`s near by ,so im going to have to give it a go myself
Can anyone tell me a step by step guide to change them and are there any tips like heating up the bolts in a certain way?

Answer: I am not surprised that people are cautious but it is one of those jobs where you can see exactly what is required and as long as you are careful and don't rush you will be fine.

This is what we recommend:
we would suggest running the engine for a short while to get some heat in the bolts (be careful not to burn yourself). Then apply a lot of lubricating fluid, and carefully using a 6 sided spanner or socket & remove the bolts one at a time. We usually remove the bottom bolts from under the wheel arch. Once removed fit gaskets working from the middle out locating with top bolt. Tighten up evenly and check for leaks.
I would suggest using new bolts and spacers as well.

Any further questions please ask.

Question: Thank you very much for the reply. Do you know what size spanner it should be? I gone through the whole range it me box .af ,whitworths,imperial ,metric 
A 12mm metric is tight but the ring is to small should i try a 6 sided metric 12mm

Answer: The size of the bolts should be 1/2 in but if they are corroded a 12mm might fit better. I hope this helps.