I think dropping the pan was the smart move. I am currently retro-fitting a splash-oil pan for my '54 and there are 38 spot welds for small metal paticulates to hide between nooks and crannies. I think you'll just have the baffles to contend with. This would be IMHO, a great application for Glyptal, a paint that would seal the inner surface of your pan. What's $16 bucks or so for a little peace of mind?

~ Cosmo
1949 Chevy Half Ton
Rocinante, like Don Quixote, he is awkward, past his prime, and engaged in a task beyond his capacities.
"...my good horse Rocinante, mine eternal and inseparable companion in all my journeys and courses." ...Don Quixote, Cervantes
"If you come to a fork in the road, take it."...Yogi Berra
"Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength." ...Eric Hoffer