[Fred K-OR]

Mike, I am no mechanic so take my comments for maybe worth $.02. But I would be all for dropping the pan and checking for stuff there. When I started to rebuild my huckster, it had oil in it but it also had mice nest on the splash pan part of the oil pan and a lot of gunk in the bottom of the pan. My engine sat for 30 years or so.

It would seem like an compression test would be a good start doing it like described above. With a test like this, as you know, it would tell the shape of the valves and rings. My old engine turned over great but the valves were all rusted around the stems and some would not function at all. When turning it over with the starter, it sounded like it had no plugs in it.

Again just some basic stuff from a guy that does not know much about these things. Also welcome to the Ford Barn. These guys will give out would a lot of good ideas.

BTW I have an extra battery box. So PM me if you don't find yours and if you are interested in it.