ok so... thanks to all the folks on this forum because after many problems and countless questions, i've just driven the old panel out of the shop and around the block. although the thing was running with open hedders and i didn't have the floor pan installed over the trans, it was the best ride i've had in a very long time!
i'm not finished yet and i don't want this to sound like an acceptance speech. i just wanted to say thanks to all the folks who helped.
so, thanks.
