Man, Ive been getting such a kick out of watching you rebuild this motor. If I lived close enough, I'd come over and give you moral support !! :>)
I'm going to have to do it at some point next year on a motor I have with 275k on it. First I have to build the garage to do the work in... I've been getting the equipment together. I picked up an engine hoist, an engine stand, etc. I used to have my own body and collision shop back in the 80's and saved all my tools.

Looking at you standing next to your truck, there is a panel up on the wall behind you. Is that a fender off a 65 Chevy or is it a Corvair rear quarter panel?

Jesse