You're making amazing progress there and that's a nice solid looking frame. Like gtohurstjudgeI said, also agree about the inner fender being cut prior to gain access to the blower motor. Common procedure back in the day and some of those marks on the axle could be from someone looking for another shortcut torching off the inner bearing race.
As for the lifters, looks like you have the same product that I had. From my experience I feel they're of poor quality with questionable metallurgy. I should first tell you that I have many years behind me working on the bench and later, owning my own shop.
I know and understand the procedures involved in valve train replacement. Also fully aware of the additives needed in todays oils. Having said all this, I encountered two lifters in the first set that internally leaked down losing their prime. The second set under warranty was no better, but also wiped two cam lobes during break in .
When you have to deal with these issues, it's a real Pain. Not only the loss of your time, gaskets, oils and additives but the additional time involved in having to flush out the oiling system and clean the block. It's a PAIN.
If you read some forums here and everywhere, you'll start to see this as a common problem. Some blame the installer, others the locations of the oil bands and others on off shore quality. I did look for and never found any markings on the packaging indicating where they are made.
"Back in the day" I honestly never encountered such problems as we rarely had issues with part quality. But products like McQuay Norris, Sealed Power, TRW and Delco were all made somewhere in North America. But in the past ten to fifteen years however, I've seen this numerous times, be it a GM, Ford or Chrysler engine.
So my advise is to toss those wire clip lifters and upgrade to a premium "C" clip, race style lifter. Companies like Sealed Power, Rhoads and Johnston make quality parts.
Carlos
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