norcal49er,

As Fred states, some gaskets indicate 'engine side' or 'this side up'. I looked in an old book I have and it clearly states the head gasket will only fit one way to allow all the coolant holes a clear path. Maybe the '58 has done away with this requirement. Check real close and look at all the holes, I'll bet some are covered when they shouldn't be with it flipped the wrong way.

Stuart