Head gaskets, '32 VL

[loch]

The old head gaskets are soft metal. I think maybe aluminum (shiny). I have copper gaskets but I'm not sure if there should be something else that should help create the seal. Maybe a cork gasket is better?

And what's the best way to get the old gasket material off the cylinder and cylinder head mating surface? I'm using a plastic knife and carefully soaking the gasket material with carburetor cleaner. Making sure to keep it and the flaked off material out of the cylinder and away from the valves - the cylinder I'm working on is TDC and the valves closed.

[1970 XLCH]

I have copper gaskets in my '34 VLD & they work just fine . The head bolt washers you get from Colony are made out of soft material . I made my own out of " D2 " tool steel . As for scraping I use a steel gasket scraper & maybe a razor blade . Good Luck !