If your headers weren't already coated, I would say cut the flanges. That would fix it. I chopped the flanges completely off my Dougs except for around the ports. Knocked off over a pound. Headers are also easier to install with the flanges gone. Especially the LH side. Less likely to snag on things when trying to slip them in place. Imo, it's not a good idea to buy cheap headers already coated. Better to buy the uncoated versions, install them, make necessary adjustments/modifications( because cheap headers almost always need at least a ding or two), remove and have coated locally if possible. I feel your pain. I installed a poor fitting set of Heddmans on a 318 Duster a few years ago. My experience is mostly with big block B bodies and header installations on them was always much easier, even with cheap headers.
