Project "Chihuahua" '65 Formula S Restoration "Estilo Mexicano"

I need to drive the vehicle about 10 miles over to the glass shop where the original "green house" rear window and new windshield await us. Actually want someone to come by first and install the headliner.

Did some "roadworthy" checking out before the drive planned for Sunday morning. Findings:
Replaced the Champion spark plugs (RN14YC) which were dry but sooty black with Autolite #66 (Mexican AutoZone did not stock the Champion) Gap .035"

Initial timing with vacuum advance hose disconnected: 10 degrees BTDC. (same reading with hose connected to front port of AFB). Vacuum advance definitely kicks in as soon as throttle is opened.

Adjusted AFB air valve and idle mixture screws to obtain hot idle speed in neutral of approx. 550 RPM (digital read on multimeter varies 550 - 580). Throttle response in neutral seems crisp. I see one website rated this factory AFB at 480 CFM.

Dwell reading 27.5 degrees with the single-point distributor (a little low but close enough).

Warm engine readings: 48 PSI oil pressure @ idle and 195 degrees coolant temperature.

ATF fluid at the full mark idling in "neutral" and a definite slow drip below the flex plate/torque convertor. A less worrisome drop of ATF fluid at the Torqueflite tail shaft seal (has the bolt on driveshaft set-up, not the later slip in style).

Crankcase oil (20W-50 Castrol) just a hair above the full line).

Both valve covers just beginning to leak at the center bottom bolt hole. All five bolts gingerly re-tightened using a 1/4" drive ratchet (or 7/16" combination wrench for the driver's side rearmost bolt). I had some valve cover spreader washers, but they didn't work (I forget if they didn't fit or if the factory bolts were too short).

Two gallons of gasoline added (factory gauges not operating). Odometer 83,787 (no speedo cable, therefore no odometer readings for now).

No visible brake fluid leaks (single master cylinder for now). Power brakes work (but missing a hose-installed check valve).

There is a slight exhaust leak at the TTI "H" pipe connection. This was previously torn apart going over a high speed bump years ago. I decided not to tighten the clamp any further in case we need to remove exhaust to repair ATF leaks, etc. Part of the reason the "H" pipe snagged on the speed bump is because the shop that installed the clamp had the clamp threaded ends pointing straight down which reduced the clearance. I have re-installed them at a different angle to avoid a repeat incident.

Power steering OK. Horns and lights OK. (windshield wiper motor and heater/AC box not installed). One bucket seat installed (need seat belt). Need to install rear view mirror. Registration expired 3 years ago.

Tires look a little low, but no air compressor onsite.