What color should my carb be? and air cleaner Q

IIRC, Carter didn't put any coating on their carburetors as Holley did.

The valve covers and and air cleaner combination you have will look good when everything is cleaned up. Your solution of a 2-bbl housing cut down for a base is as good as any. It avoids linkage interference that sometimes frustrates homemade bases.

If you want some color, talk to CudaChick1968. She and I did a set of finned aluminum covers for my 318, (now used as her avatar, too). She's a straight talker, will work with you, and cut you a better deal as a FABO member.