I'm want to take off, then paint(rattle can) my factory gm headers.
I can't afford a new pair of hookers :( so I'm just doing a crude mock-up.

I just wanted to know if I should expect any surprises or if it's an bolt off bolt on type of operation.

The paint I can handle, I've never pulled off heads before so I don't just want to dive in.

*visual note.... the right side head looks different than the left.
The right head also has a valve handle about an inch long-when moved it feels as if it is opening/closing a plenum or hatch within the head/pipe connection point.
However noticed no visual or audible differance in either each position off said valve.

In my opinion, seems like you want to go through alot of work to (rattle can) paint your exhaust manifolds. Since the paint is just going to burn off in just a very short time. They do make a Heat type of paint, good to aprox 2,000 deg. But it has to be applied correctly, and baked in an oven to cure it. It lasts a bit longer, but will still burn off in time. For the cost of doing something like that corectly, you could get a set of headers. But that's just my 2 cents worth.
If you decide to do it, it is not to bad of an operation, depending on what Engine, accesories, knowledge, tools you have. Also provided your studs, bolts, nuts, are not too rusted, or break on you. You will need a gasket set for it.

thanks for the input. I wasn't sure if spray paint would hold on...but I have a seriouse abundance of time on my hands so I need somehing to do to pass the time.
so as long as I can take a picture of it for either reference-or maybe to find out what color would be best to get done the right way when I have the money.
I don't know.... I get bored so I want to keep my head under the hood as most I can even if it's on mundane mock-ups or gaining expeirance through trial and error projects. I've done all my work this far learning new things about not just my own car but others as well.

Quincy, that's great, that's one way to learn. I commend you for that. There is alot of information to be had on the site, and alot of fine folks willing to help in any way they can.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn18/coyoteon2/Blown.jpg
As far as color choice on the Manifolds, that's endless. Popular choices
are Silver or Aluminum, or Black. And of course chrome plated.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn18/coyoteon2/102-0280_IMG-1.jpg
As far as having time on your hands, you can never do too much cleaning,
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn18/coyoteon2/102-0281_IMG.jpg
There's always somthing that needs to be wiped down, and it gives you a chance to get an upclose look at things to spot possable problems in the making.

Duplicolor makes a nice high heat spray paint with ceramic. http://duplicolor.com/products/engine.html

I like the aluminum look myself, but they also have black, white and a few other popular colors.

I'm going for white. My elk is black with white top white bumpers black grill and white AR 10 spoke mags (general lee wheels) that I had painted.
so I'm doing the engine that in the same scheme. Black block, black headers, white spark wire & white cyl head covers & the black intake. My carb is the normal metal color.....I would spray it white but don't want to screw with a brand new EDL 600 for no visual reason. I would like my K&N filter white or maybe a white hilborn scoop. Oh well...
hopfully I'll get some pics on here one day.
Thanks for the advise guys...till next time

you could just wrap some headers in heat wrap. then you wont have any color concern nor the paint burning off in time.

First off, what you have is factory cast iron exhaust manifolds not factory headers...no such thing. You could have them media blasted and then ceramic coated, but it won't last forever. To 72,76,79El...Although I've never wrapped headers with tape, it seems that guys who have are saying that it causes them to rust out faster...I don't know if that's true or not. Best coating for steel headers is ceramic...how long the coating will last is dependent on how well the coating was applied...Hooker seems to have a better coating than Dynomax...Dynomax has their ceramic coating applied by another company (name slips my mind right now). Eastwood makes a special paint (rattle can) for cast iron exhaust manifolds. Prep before painting is important, any oil, grease or rust on the bare metal will cause the paint to burn off in those spots quickly. When I install headers on any car, I install them with the headers in clear plastic bags to avoid getting anything on them (including my grimey little fingerprints)...once everything is in place and I'm ready to fire up the motor is when the plastic is removed. Painted headers usually require a curing process (for the paint to last) once the motor is started. Stainless steel shorties...no problems.