looks good! What is the water pump adapter- a flat plate with holes to suit?

If so, then thats my vote as best way to get 261 to fit earlier bods. and I guess it cools good that way? Any difference between the 216 water pumps and a '54 235 water pump?

I see the late model water pump big hole and the later full flow filter with its "small" (hah) hoses, the road draft tube, but whats that standing next to it (the vertical tube)? Maybe this is a later calif. road draft tube. Yeah it dont dump out the bottom.

Sure looks good dressed in black kinda like Johnny Cash.