That's downright tragic in so many ways, Professor Brown. But it will make you life a lot easier not having to deal with it.

Jay, it's good to see that you are back on the big cammer!  Regarding the rod, do you think there could be some kind of harmonic that caused the crack?  I'm not an expert, but I think Magnaflux only finds cracks on the surface.  If it were me, I would look into a more thorough crack check, maybe an xray in case the crack is starting inside?

I'm surprised at how much the adjustable rocker pushed the valve tip sideways. It highlights the value of roller rockers.

Professor Brown, what will be the rocker ratio?

I'm in for Sick 66 as well. Some of us are planning to start at the beginning of Route 66 in Chicago a couple days before the event, and then after racing at 6 tracks, finish the route to the Santa Monica pier. I'm REALLY looking forward to that adventure.  See you there, Alan.

I do have a Ford 9" in my car, so I think I am clear to post this. 

Wow, Professor, this is an amazing project. How many copies are you going to make? I would think at least a dozen would easily sell for big $$.

THe continued story on this is really interesting. The folks who salvaged the boat tracked down the original owners, who related how they got caught in a big storm with a dead engine causing the boat to become swamped by large waves and sinking. The man, woman, and little kid on board barely escaped with their lives and did not want the boat back due to memories of the horrific experience.
The finders got the boat cleaned up, and most surprisingly, they got the 460 running with minimal effort! They were also able to figure out why the engine stalled on the lake in the storm. Then some petty, jealous, government bureaucrat gave them infinite grief and tried to charge them with violating some regulation while recovering the boat so they had to get an attorney and fight.  It's all on youtube.

It was like watching a train wreck in slow motion.  Jay, since you didn't /couldn't watch to the end, he got fired before he was done and the customer took the cammer back.  It's a sad thing when that happens, but at least he owned up to it, admitted he was to blame. Not too many would do that.

I don't think the curvy lines of the Mustang fastback top and rear window work with the angular line of the Cougar. Something with straighter lines is needed. Maybe take the top from a 64 Comet, cut down the width, flatten the top a bit, flatten the back glass and inset it a bit like a 68 charger.