Good point Tim, I'm sure it had to have an available rpo for the bypass oil filter. once those rods are pushed in, I doubt they could get them back out without a whole host of issues.
Thanks all for your comments and input all. Even got the water pump adapter ordered from super pre68 Dave.
Knocked about 57 years of dirt of the old boy today, sitting on the engine stand waiting for the next step.
1953 Chevrolet 3100261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done
In the DITY GalleryVideo of the 261 running1964 GMC 1000305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration
