i'm glad to hear it shipwright because i left the gasket on the manifold and just put the plastic spacer and another gasket on top. i haven't fired her up yet, so i'll advise when i do. thanks to all for your help
tony

Overland Blue, 1953 GMC 1/2T, 100-22, 228/1bbl, 4sp/4.10 6v, shortbed/fender side/5-window.