Just a quick update on the build progress -- tl;dr unfortunately not much new.
The summer has been packed with kid stuff, vacations, and a kitchen remodel so I have not had much time to make progress on the engine. The car has been painted and returned to ERA though, which I am quite excited about.
At Connecticut Custom
Back at ERA (pic thanks to Gregg who visited ERA recently and posted on the FB page)
Also, I have been using the time to build on my collection of 289 original-style parts. Not show are the washer jets and charge light which are at ERA, and the jack (shh, its a 12dl with the right saddle) that is out for refinishing along with various other small items. The clock will be getting cleaned up and going out to get chromed here soon. I have not decided if I will go to the trouble of refurbing the grease gun though.