Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1956 chevy 235 6 cylinder, zero leaks, flex hoses

Question
Brad, what is the trick with installing the intake/exhaust manifold gasket on the 235 straight 6? I have done it twice and still get a slight vacuum leak.  Do you have any pointers to get it done correctly, nice adn tight with zero leaks?  Engine idles fast and I am guessing because of the slight vacuum leak.  Also, front passenger drum brake locks up after about 50 pumps on the brake pedal.  New wheel cylinders all the way around and replaced all springs, new master cylinder also.  All other brakes work fine.

Answer
I would replace the flex hoses on the front brakes. They tend to when they get old deteriorate internally and cause a slow return of fluid back to the master cylinder. The intake manifold runners on your car are supposed to have metal O rings between the manifold and the head. Are they there? Also those long manifolds have a tenancy to warp and might need to be planed or ground flat. When tightening the bolts start in the center and work alternating outwards rom the center and tighten in three steps. Finger tight the first pass, then 10 foot pounds the second pass, and finally 20 foot pounds for clamp bolts and 30 foot pounds for stud nuts.