Project Update October and November 2016:
Engine and Trans are installed and bolted in for the last time (fingers crossed).
Threw on a new starter, oil filter, rotor/cap/points, spark plugs and wires, alternator and headers (switch to block huggers since the last picture cause the long tubes i had weren't clearing the frame on the drivers side). The torque converter was a little tricky as I had to re-thread one of the bolt holes, saved by Helicoil. My buddy wasn't around to help this time, so i risked the solo install with my sketchy cherry picker (two wheels don't rotate and one doesn't spin...) here is the video:
https://youtu.be/61QrMdg9BKE
Once the engine was in I remembered that I still needed to drill two holes for each engine mount. Luckily i was able to lift the engine up high enough to get the drill under without having to pull it all back out! My buddy did make me some slick 3/4" aluminum spacers so I could use the old mounts. There was enough clearance above the cross member to low mount the alternator on the driver's side. At some point i'll think about upgrading to power steering and will have to relocate it.
The new wiring harnesses came from ClassicParts.com (
http://www.classicparts.com/Wiring-H.../products/205/) I had to use the '63 version since i now have an alternator not a generator. The plugs match and everything has a place to go so i'm thinking it's going to work out fine. The previous-previous owner did quite the hack job on the wiring so i'm sure i'll run into some problems under the dash, but at least the engine bay looks super clean!
A spark plug wire kit from JEGS (
http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performan...40200/10002/-1) allowed me to cut the wires to lengths i wanted. One of the header tubes was running tight against the number 3 plug so i had to break out "the persuader" and make room for the plug boot. I'm hoping the high temp boots do well as they are still a little closer to the headers than i'd like.
As I expected there are lots of little things that I wasn't able to foresee as i'm trying to button up this swap. The Edlebrok intake doesn't have the same mounting location for the automatic-mechanical choke, so now I have to figure out what to do about that. Making progress forward and it now looks a lot closer with an engine sitting in it!