The pressure plate went in correctly. I flipped the pressure plate around to show the ugliest side.
I'm motivated to replace the pilot bushing at this point just because I'm there. The input shaft looks like it's not had the easiest of times at the bushing. I'll measure the hole in the crankshaft to see if it's sized for a standard transmission pilot bushing. I have a transmission parts layout pic from the overhaul and the input shaft shows some discoloration at the same point. Although the previous owner put fewer miles on the car in twenty years than I put on it in two weeks.
I'll give the grease method one more try, though hammering on the end of a crankshaft gives me the willies!
I've never indicated a bell housing, but I'll research it and get 'er done. There has been enough wonky stuff found on this car, I couldn't blindly trust anything I could verify.
I'll torque the pressure plate back down on the flywheel and take the measurements before I talk to Brewer's so I can fully inform them. I agree though that the wear marks show one finger being worn much greater than the other two.
Thanks you guys!