"Tricks" for pulling a "stuck" head off a 500

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

UPDATE:
Back together running like a dream. 
Greg Surfas

[chrisntam]

For those who pull cast iron heads (or intakes) off these motors, do you do it all by yourself or do you get help?

Seems pretty heavy for one, but I'm starting to turn the corner from young to old(er).

chris.

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

Chris,
My thrice weekly work-out routine is intended to allow me to continue to work on my cars.  I don't believe it but my last birthday was #76, and I just changed the heads myself.  The hardest part is the re-installation and I have made that a lot easier by cutting the heads off a couple of head bolts and using them as a guide for installing the "new" head.
Pulling and replacing engines by myself is getting a bit harder though, so next time I will probably get some help.
Greg Surfas

[Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373]

Pulling and replacing engines by myself is getting a bit harder though, so next time I will probably get some help.

I'm in!
Jeff

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

Jeff,
45 West to Dallas and then 35E South to San Antonio.  It's only 904 miles. LOL
Greg

[Scot Minesinger]

Greg,

Great idea about using a set of cut off head bolts as a guide to re-install the heads - thanks for that tip!  The angle and precise alignment of putting the heads back on a 472/500 is not an easy one man job for guys who might do it once a year - like me.  The first time I did it messed up the gasket. 

My workout routine also allows me to still manage the bull work of the 1960's/1970's Cadillacs, changing head gaskets, 115ft-lbs torque, control arms on suspensions, and etc.  Working on these older Cadillacs keeps us young and interesting.