Thanks guys.
Talked to the shop manager at work and he's going to allow me to use the shop to pull the engine and get into it this winter after his dirt track season is finished. This will give me lots of room to move around (and, knowing him, a good extra set of hands too!). I've helped him rebuild his dirt track car enough times so fair's fair, right?
This means I'll be able to remove the front clip and not worry about the paint so much. Also means I should buy a body bushing kit while I'm in there I suppose...
But the bright side is that I'll have LOTS more access and can really get in there to clean and inspect things. I'll have access to the fork truck so I won't bother with an engine hoist. Probably buy a cheap leveler and engine stand, though, just to make life a little easier.
