MM,
you may consider this:
a. Take your head in to the machine shop and have it planed for the surface to block and the exhaust/intake side.
b. Have them tank it for clean-up or get you some solvent and do it yourself.
c. Ease each piston out and clean out the return holed in the bottom ring groove. Stick in a new set of rings. Steel will be just fine.
d. Cut the ridge out of the top of each cylinder.
e. Adjust the rods to proper clearance.
f. Blow out the block and radiator.
g. Get youself some valve grinding and a hand tool and grind the valves. Just make sure the surface is smooth the entire seat. Put the same push-rods and lifters in the same hole they came out of. the rockers too.
h. Clean out the pan and use Gene's method of reinstalling the gaskets and rope main seals. This step is crucial so get it right.
That about all I can think of that would constitute a mild refresh of the engine. If there are no attention getting items then the engine should last through your Route 66 tour and some 4 hour trips too. Say about 50K miles.
next time figure on maybe a full engine rebuild at the machine shop.
Use any oil as long as it is 10w-30. keep the oil pan full to the mark on the dip stick. i would use a 180 degree thermostat. it may not be best for you but it is best for the engine.
Good luck,
Charlie
BTW: If you are coming to Charlotte next week then stop and see me at my spaces. you can help me look after my stuff whilst Chip is there.
BTW2: If you need any technical information from the shop manual, such as torque values, etc. let me know.