Just a minor update,

The new (Chinese) starter is advertised as able to handle up to 18:1 compression ratio engines so my 9:1 SBC now starts easily with a turn of the key! I took it for a short test drive and found the brakes were dragging. Then I found the brake pedal return spring had broken off one end hook. I checked the Internet for experience of others and one site suggested a set of assorted springs available at O'Riley's and at the same time I ordered the $5.05 spring kit from Bratton's Model A shop. Surprisingly my son helped me this time doing the under frame work. We tried two different springs and found the Model A spring from Bratton's to be better. Evidently with a power brake set up and no spring there is enough vacuum to partially apply the brakes upon decelerating! Another test run showed the problem is solved for now.

Don Shillady
Retired Scientist/teen rodder