ditto, and to second that thought, any current reproductions of stuff they've been making for years would be on existing tooling......so, highly doubtful a major decrease in quality will be seen. I mean, it's the quality of that tooling that makes the difference, and even a lower skilled operator I would thing wouldn't have much of an effect on product.

Elevation was a bummer at 9360 ft! I got there about 7 after driving again thru some gorgeous scenery. I've been there 6 or 8 times. Anyway, tried sleeping, from 9:30 to 2 am, couldn't fall asleep, even with my Oxegen attached to me. Finally thru in the towel and drove 45 miles to Cimmeron, where the elevation is 2500 feet lower. Got 3 hours sleep, made it back to Red River in time.The car didn't do well at first, but after 4 or 5 starts, it ran great even over a few mountain passes at 10K feet+. 700 miles roundtrip, and the first long voyage for the replacement engine couldn't have gone any better.
Typical New Mexico show........11 tri-five chevys in the 100 or so cars. Mine was the only 50's Ford.

And the photos just came in while I happened to be sitting at my computer. So...here ya' go!

Problem solved!
I installed 10-24 Nut-Serts and #10 Socket Head Cap Screws.
The rubber bumper fits tight on the cap screw head. All is good!

I sent photos to Hugh and I'm sure he will post them, when he checks his E-mail. One photo of the nut-sert and the #10 screw, and one with the rubber bumper installed on the screw and the third photo shows where the strap would rest without the bumper.
John

Good!!! Much cheaper fix! And easier! WHEW!   

I used EMS stuff a few years ago.  I doubt they have let their quality slip given they are making improvements to pieces they already have.  The lower front fender patches are a great example.  Their new patches are perfect replacements.  They aren't even in the same ballpark as their old pieces that the new ones replaced!  I just can't imagine they would let quality slip.

Have fun Rich.  Red River is really nice scenery.

turned out to b a  bad bearing,  waterpump

Gerry, you said the noise got louder when you installed aluminum valve covers.  Is it possible that the rocker arms are hitting the covers?  I seem to remember having this happen to me in the past, I don't remember what brand covers that was.   John

Thanks Abe, I will check it out.