LAROKE, You mention the frustration of having to drop the pan to get the front timing cover off.
If you're not already aware of this simple modification have a look at the tech tip
http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/timing%20cover%20mod/

Likely you've thought of it but is the little crankshaft snout stout enough for the blower pulley so far out past the end of it? At first glance it concerns me but perhaps there is not much belt tension as result of driving the blower?

Thanks for the updates, I'm enjoying following along,

Grigg

•1951 GMC 250 in the Project Journals
•1948 Chevrolet 6400 - Detroit Diesel 4-53T - Roadranger 10 speed overdrive - 4 wheel disc brakes
•1952 Chevrolet 3800 pickup
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"First, get a clear notion of what you desire to accomplish, and then in all probability you will succeed in doing it..." -Henry Maudslay-