Shovelhead spark plug inserts

[Pete Engelman]

I removed the heads from my 1966 FL Police Special to replace the buggered thread inserts. I removed the top portion with an easy out but a few threads remained. A previous owner installed long reach inserts. I was able to get the bottom portion out. It appeared that a pin was holding the bottom of the insert. I gave it a tap with a punch and it came out easily but left a hole about 1/4'' deep and 1/16'' wide at the bottom the hole a couple of threads above the combustion chamber I'm going to have to run a long insert again to cover this hole to prevent a hot spot. I'm running 8:1 pistons so I have a bit more room and thought I would run a medium reach plug to get closer to the combustion chamber. I use J12YC plugs that work great in an old Shovel does anyone run a good medium reach plug in a shovel that doesn't foul easily? or has anyone had to deal with this with a better idea. I'm going to try and attach a couple of pix
Thanks
Pete

[TomL]

Long reach thread inserts in 66 Heads? Are you sure you have the correct heads?

[Pete Engelman]

yes they are early short reach heads but I had to use a long insert to cover the hole at the bottom a previous owner drilled in the head to install a pin to hold his spark plug inserts in. I installed long reach but cut the bottom portion flush with the combustion chamber to cover the hole