ubuntu apt-get 504 gateway timed out error

If you are get a response like 504 gateway timed out error on Ubuntu 10.04+ when using apt-get update or apt-get install

0%[waiting for headers] [waiting for headers]
Stop firewall and try apt-get again

To stop iptables do the following:

$sudo iptables-save > /root/firewall.rules

$sudo iptables -X
$sudo iptables -t nat -F
$sudo iptables -t nat -X
$sudo iptables -t mangle -F
$sudo iptables -t mangle -X
$sudo iptables -P INPUT ACCEPT
$sudo iptables -P FORWARD ACCEPT
$sudo iptables -P OUTPUT ACCEPT

To restore or turn on firewall type the following command:
$sudo iptables-restore < /root/firewall.rules



If you are behind a proxy

change proxy settings in /etc/apt/apt.conf