Intake/Exhaust manifold removal & reinstall

It's been a while since I have posted, but now I am working on getting my '79 Midget road worthy for the coming driving season. I removed the carb to investigate the source of an exhaust leak and found out that the exhaust manifold is cracked almost all the way through between the front and second ports. I'm sure if I gave it a little tap with a hammer, it would fall apart.

First question: Is a cracked exhaust manifold repairable? I have a welder but I have not welded this kind of metal before. If not, then I will be in the market for a used exhaust manifold for a 1500 engine.

Second question: How do you get the manifolds back on again? The two bolts on the bottom center were nearly impossible to get off and I'm not sure if I can do the gymnastics to position them and turn them to get them back on again.

Have read can be welded. Way I understand heat it up. Then Mig weld it. Do a search on cast iron welding on web. That is where I read it. And yes a real pain to get to. I can't remember how I did it. Sorry.

Those two bolts are a real pain.

Small hands, patience and a lot of swearing helps.

if you need one I have a 79 midget that I am making a lot of changes to so I have a manifold you can have for only 32.17 plus shipping. Let me know.

Can you replace with a header - is there a big benefit?

I use anti-seize on every nut and bolt I put back on.

Jon - PM Sent. Thanks