Thank you everyone. I bought one of those heli-coil kits online and it worked. Another thing I am learning about working on an older car, is all the plastic stuff is brittle. I had to replace the coolant tank (already cracked, I just helped it along) and the radiator (same deal). And the rubber hose...

As you know, the location of those bolts is not easily accessed. I dread pulling this head off again.

If anyone has some kind of magic self tapping bolt suggestion, I would be elated.

... Now I have a major coolant leak, but I will track that down. Seems like it's from the water pump. ... Check on the side of the head near the passenger side firewall, where the water pipe connects. Pesky and inaccessible, the paper gasket often gets folded or dislodged causing a leak there. Well...

bent exhaust valves Valves
Lifter Piston Cleaned and Lapped

... Now I have a major coolant leak, but I will track that down. Seems like it's from the water pump. ... Check on the side of the head near the passenger side firewall, where the water pipe connects. Pesky and inaccessible, the paper gasket often gets folded or dislodged causing a leak there. Ugh!...

I will post some pics as well, just to help flush out the thread, if any would find it helpful. Just need to figure out how to post pics... lol.

Sorry, I have moved very slowly on this. Update. I ended up ordering new exhaust valves. Then continued from there. Sorted out the lifters, ensured the timing was set up (made a cam locking jig) and just put it all back together about 2 hours ago. I really can't tell you how amazing it was that it a...

I was able to remove all the carbon with the right wire wheel and patience. Lapped all the intake valves. Started on the exhaust valves and they seemed out of round. All of them. Looking at the pistons, I can see some marks on the exhaust side. Must have slammed those valves into the pistons when I ...

Thank you. No luck on oven cleaner. Brass brush is not effective either. I also tried seafoam as suggested elsewhere on the net. No luck. The intake valves are not bad, I already cleaned 4 without too much trouble. The exhaust valves are just baked on there https://photos.app.goo.gl/bz3HdyplabsZsKHG...

No worries. It's great to get all feedback and impressions. Every time the timing is described, I get a little more insight.
I truly appreciate every one here and their support.