Finished installing the drivers side FPA header on my 57 T Bird today. Had to remove the plugs to install the headers. Went to reinstall the plugs and none of the sockets in my collection would work. All too long and could  not get a ratchet or wrench on the plug to tighten it. Asked John Mummert because I have his heads and he thought Matco may have one.  What are you using ?  Considering cutting down a socket short enough to clear and welding a small nut on the end so a wrench will turn it. Will call FPA Monday and see if they have any ideas. 

I did exactly that for installing plugs with another brand of headers.  I use a ratcheting box end wrench along with my custom socket.




Lawrenceville, GA

Various solutions for plugs and headers. The short one is a snap on, it’s what I use on the FPA bird headers. There’s a variety of thin wall box ends that have been heated and bent, not shown

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

Found a modified one on E Bay for about $30 tax and shipping.  Found a U tube video showing modifying one. Found a socket in my collection that I should be able to modify. Will probably go that route. Thanks for the input. 

No need to modify.
Allen set screw studs with 9/16th nuts. 1/4" drive thin deep socket with extension or swivel possibly but otherwise fits every one of mine, every time. Don't be deceived by the mighty 1/4" drive. It gets 'em every time. And if the ratchet scares you off use the small breaker bar.
71% of original size (was 711x19) - Click to enlarge

71% of original size (was 711x19) - Click to enlarge

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

opps, sorry misread your post and issue.
However, on the plugs issue I still don't recall having much of an issue installing plugs. It is a tight fit though. Most of the time I can get them all with a thinwall socket that has been customized.

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

I like the set screw studs. Still fine tuning the modifications on my plug socket.