I'm a newb here but I now that bicycle chains "stretch" when the holes in the links and/or the link pins wear and allow the links to pull further and further apart. 1/8" per foot is the standard wear limit but I've seen them almost 3/8" to the foot to long.
Whether due to bearing wear or rod stretch, it's a good theory. I've heard it applied to "Gramma" cars of other makes. I'll look into that and if I do get it running, I'll drive it gently when I first get it going.
I have the car in my driveway now. I'll post pictures when I get a chance. Of course there was a discrepency between the title and the bill of sale so I'm waiting on the post office to bring me the corrected forms. Fortunately, the guy is friendly and cooperative.