Congrats on the score!! Pick-a-part junkyards are a new idea around here, and I also went to the only one by me to get a big block push button trans out of a 63 Newport. I dont get the "core charge" idea though...I mean, you need a trans but you have to pay a core charge or bring in a core trans?? If I had a core trans I wouldn't need the one in the car!!!
I didn't get that idea, and didnt buy the trans as it's a lot of work to pull an engine and trans in a junkyard with no help...or tools...or a hoist...or...well, you already know that firsthand!!
Good luck on the project, Geof
