a 2x4 setup question

I'm going to have to go out and look at my base tomorrow. I thought it had more water outlets than what you have.

Since I have a TIG in the shop I'd make a bung and weld it to the drivers side of the thermostat housing. Even if you don't have a weeds and a lathe to make a bung (luckily I have both) you can buy a bung for not much money and welding shouldn't be more than 30 bucks. Maybe a bit more in places like California.

That thing looks great.

To mount the pivot, can you just drill through the flange and use bolts that don't go through the flange?