Thanks, L90. I already considered the need for "acceptance" that the engine will get dirty. I'll probably never have the chance again to do so much cleaning and care to detail. As Spring arrives, my focus will turn to the paint job: half the truck was repaired at one time and the paint doesn't match.

It's a project truck, those things will happen. But no point in a project truck that doesn't run. First things first, as they say.

We've had 8" of snow, now, and garage activity is out of the question. Got plenty to do in the house, and since I was out earlier, I'm prepared to hunker down for a few days. The mountain-ish backroads to get in here are very treacherous in these conditions, even for a sure-footed F-150.

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