update
so the radiator fan needed to be coaxed into running- only broke two of the four studs that hold it to the radiator- found the brushes jammed with gunk, the wiring was all hacked up to fit another relay, but i made it work anyway.
did an oil dump, put the coolant hoses back on, new thermostat, filled it with water and ran it for @1/2 hr.
motor sounds good, oil pressure is good, temperature gauge doesn't see a sensor, but the radiator fan kicks on after warm-up.
i had hooked up an electric fuel pump for this test, and, while it was running, started flushing out the stock pump with solvent. it began pumping, so i switched back to it.
the distributor vacuum pot is bad and the carburetor needs attention(i have parts, and probably a newer model replacement).
the tachometer is not hooked up, as it was confusing me.
i found four forward gears in the gearbox. i couldn't find reverse and the linkage is real stiff(at least it moves).
i am quite pleased.
i have a scatter of sub-projects underway-
i have repaired the dash enough to support the windscreen frame(yes, it does!).
note that the right door has no latch, or cut out for one.....
a small repair to some dash support.
here's the windscreen frame problem. i will fix it and find a new windscreen and try and put it in.
i haven't started my pedal assembly solution yet, but the time has come to deal with it. i suspect the clutch plate is frozen to the flywheel.
the throttle, choke, and heater valve(which leaks thru some) cables are frozen.
i peeked at the rear brakes, since i had the wheels off, and saw they were in good condition once. i don't think the handbrake cables want to move.
she will be on the blocks for a while.
all in all, i'm o k with it.