Needed every one of these suggestions, except removing the starter, to get the crankshaft bolt out.  Bumping the starter with the breaker bar against the bulkhead worked like a dream although I was apprehensive about doing that. The timing chain cover oil seal came out in chunks so I guess it needed to be changed after these 36 years.  Now to put it all back together.

The sum total of all your knowledge is invaluable!  Thanks again.

Garry

You can also put the socket on the bolt and rest the breaker bar against the bulkhead with a bit of wood between, then hit the starter (with coil lead removed). Shadetree mechanics, but it works.

Yep, done all the things recommended and have a clear path to the nut.  Now off to find the proper socket.  Thanks again for the help.

Garry

Last one i did i removed the radiator and bracket and also disconnected the motor mount (needed changing) jacked it up slightly and managed to get an air gun on it with an extension through the inner wing, make sure the lock tabs are out of the way.

Yup 1 5/16 it is! It is difficult in the car... have you managed to remove the lower rad support which is in the way of getting a socket on the bolt head?

By default it must be 1 5/16". It could also be metric so an imperial socket might not be an exact fit. Take the starter out and jam something in the ring gear teeth. There might be a lock tab on the bolt.

Does anyone know the size of the bolt that holds the pulley to the crankshaft?  And maybe any easy way that it can be removed by an ordinary human being approaching his expiration date.  The motor is still in the car.  So far I have purchased a 1 1/4" socket (too small), a 1 1/2" socket (too large)  and a 1 3/8" socket (also seems too large).  As always, your assistance is greatly appreciated. 

Garry