Well, I'm wide awake as usual. Just found your message from 2 weeks ago! Happy New Year to you as well.
I tried to fire the engine in early December, but the fan blade just touched the power steering pump. Finally found the correct fan spacer, but then the thermostat housing started leaking, even before startup. Took that apart and could not believe how warped it was. Flattened out the gasket surface and re-assembled, re-painted, and that's where I am. I know all of this was just an hour's work, but I just don't get too excited about working on cars when it's below 0 deg, C. anymore. (and yeah, it's probably 40-C where you are, and you're still changing engines and stuff!)
Anyway, hope you had happy holidays and your beast is back on the road. All the Best, Bob.