Victory was mine this morning. L/H drill bits did it for me. Started with the smallest to get the hole centered. Stepped up one size, and voila, it backed right out. Man, this is a load off my back. Thanks again to Frank and Eddy for talking me thru it. And to all those that responded with ideas.

Now that I have everything off the front, I think I'll replace the serp belt pulleys, boil out the radiator and install the electric fan I got for it. Heck, I may even rewire the electrical grounds and starter leads with that 2/0 wire I got laying around.

Fasteddy's advice is occasionally sound...