225 timing cover question

I'm trying to get the timing cover off of the V6 in my '68, but it's stuck on there pretty good. Does the oil pump cover/drive gear need to come off first? If so it's a pain, too, because it is fixed on with flathead screws instead of regular bolts. Everything else is off. Any suggestions?
By the way, this forum rocks. Thanks again.

 

Oh yeah, I also wanted to ask if the pan needs to be dropped or just the two front bolts removed. If its just the two front bolts, does the whole gasket need repalced?

 

The cover is held in place with 2 dowel pins, they are sometimes a pain in the butt. You can leave the oil pump assembled but it would be agood idea to pull the distributor. The oil pan does not need to be removed but it makes the job alot easier and the gasket will probably not seal up right when put back together unless it is removed and the gasket replaced.

 

Awesome. I hope the new timing set gets it running. Now I'm off to the woods with no internet. Untill the next hitch...

 

"The cover is held in place with 2 dowel pins, they are sometimes a pain in the butt. "

Does one need to punch these out, or just pull really hard on the cover?