Today I installed a new fuel line bridge hose - there was no reason to use the old one when a new one was so cheap, and the old one was kinked anyway. New hose clamps too.
Goatracer, the sending unit is a reproduction, but it looks almost identical to the new one (I've posted pictures of both - the old one when I pulled it out, and the new one when it came in the mail). I think it'll work fine on the inside, I'm just wondering how I should best connect it up.
Rachelsdad, that's great advice. I don't intend to show this car, so I don't mind using a modern motor - but at the same time, I'm against drilling holes or making substantial changes. I need a car that works, but I'm reluctant to do anything that can't be undone. Owning a regularly-driven classic car feels like a balance between a motorist's necessity and a historian's responsibility - having been blessed with such a beautiful piece of machinery, it's my job to preserve it, in the best condition possible, for posterity.
Tomorrow, we shall see if we can dislodge any of the coolant ports! If we can, then I'll drain as much coolant as possible and flush extensively. If not, the coolant job will have to wait until I get a replacement lower hose, and we'll get at it that way. At some point in the future, I'll take the car in to a reputable shop to get a tune-up, and assuming any of the plugs remain stuck, I'll see if they can dislodge them at that time.
Today's two questions:
1. What should I do about the fuel line mismatch? Should I try to bend the lines and see what happens? With or without heating? Should I get some extra line and just connect them where they sit?
2. Reading the service manual, it says the oil should only be changed when the engine is warm, as the old oil will flow out better. Originally I planned to change the oil before starting the engine, but now I think I should wait. Recommendations?