....continuing, after tack welding the unit together, it seemed a bit unstable, so I made a brace to support it from the backside. The brace rod is secured to the valve cover mounting hole.
I cut the opening for the chain access after welding it together. Painting wasn't necessary, but it looks nice. Hopefully, it'll do the job of keeping the chain on the sprocket when I get up the balls to put in the new chain.
I still have to replace the driver's side guides, so the chain job will likely be in a few days, at which time I'll post a follow-up on how it went.....
BTW, if anyone wants the dimensions to make one of these, just ask