my 68 cuda engine compartment

You know you are driving FABO members in the north and Canada crazy with the minimal rust in your photos. Nothing like starting with a CA car, even NorCal. I did the same engine bay repaint, but with engine in car. I stripped everything else out. I found more rust under the paint, mainly below the cowl lip. I suspect my car was actually from Reno since I found some dealer cards, etc. The passenger's floorboard was rusted thru. I wish there was a way to treat the inside of the frame rails. I blew them out and sprayed rust converter, best I could do.

Good you are rebuilding the wiper pivots since that is an over-looked area that often causes drips. I got the kit with grease fittings. Grease prevents water from running down the shaft. In a western car the wiper system is barely worn.

I am working similar radiator hose issues. Amazing what isn't available. I figured out the Autozone radiator I got was intended for a slant six w/ heavy duty cooling option. I got the earliest they showed (72 Dart?) The top inlet is on the passenger's side, but works better to miss the compressor anyway. Many engine swappers do like you, with a metal coupler. Some buy the 95 Ford F-150 V-8 upper hose since it is long with many bends. Instead of a plain coupler, a 1.5" in-line strainer is available, usually shown for 60's Mustangs (~$40). Better than your radiator being the filter. There are also couplers with vent valves or temperature sensor fittings. Another thought is to get one for your other cars, so if it doesn't work you can still use it. It looks like the upper hose for my 65 Newport will work for my 65 Dart setup. With a metal coupler, you can afford short sections of the expensive, silicone hose for a colorful tuner look. I saw one like that at a recent show, with coupler painted green to match the hose.