wow brad, what a thread...and what a saga. Its June now, and 6 months ago you said "Maybe by spring we'll resume marital relations!!"
Well, is it working for ya now?
btw, my mom died summer 2007 also, and your story reminds me a LOT of mine over the past 2 years.
I may still decide to use DAS, because you had a couple situations working against you, mainly the importing part. If I do use them, I will definitely get an upper spot, have delivery condition very well documented at each end, and of course the insurance. I'll sleep on it a night or two before deciding, but frankly, joy riding can happen with any shipper. Its the luck of the draw.
And FJ5, your comments are exactly my sentiments too. You only live once, and specifically the 4 speed and rimblow...something about them...they are truly art in my opinion. That shifter, and the wood rimblow are the sexiest and best looking things to fill each hand of ANY car ever made. And the shaker, and then under it the 6 pack!!! Again, a couple of the greatest and most beautifully engineered parts ever to adorn an engine IMHO!