May be in over my head?

Amen, brother. When I do a car these days, I replace all the things that could leave me walking unless they are obviously new. The take offs make good spares if known to be good.

That's exactly what I do. I want to be able to drive it anywhere and not worry.
My Valiant was 51 years old when I got it and had been off the road for 32 years before I completely went through it. Drove to Carlisle and back last year, maybe 750 miles total. The only thing I remember doing was adjusting the idle speed down a bit when I got there. Also cruised up for the Woodward Dream Cruise, top down of course.

This year my big trip will be down to Clay City, KY for the /6 drags.