sorry I didn't give an actual update. after a short time sitting around this has kicked along again. 50,000 new hoses ordered from a ST lunatic in japan and the old engine is out. need to assemble new engine, replace heaps and get it rolling again.
unfortunately I have a "too many projects" issue. while this is a cool little car it is not first on the list (3rd, actually, behind finishing the ute, and the race car)