Keep at it ...
I'm visiting machine shops next week. Contacted 7... had 1 immediately answer the phone (surprised me) and another respond to my email later in the evening. They're actually about a mile apart from one another. I'm both dreading the price tag and looking forward to getting this thing moving again. If they are 6-8 weeks out on work, that'll get me on a schedule to have the engine bay cleaned up... wiring harness and radiator set and the V8 PUSHBUTTON 904 :D rebuilt and ready... probably do a rebuild on the steering gear as well