Masterdave;
You sound determined to learn about your engine and you can do some of the work yourself such as assembly, after the machine work has been done by a shop familiar with Model A engines. Take the engine apart yourself and inspect everything that moves and wears. Mark the position of each part and label them accordingly.
You may have to beg, buy or borrow some specialized tools to dissasemble and inspect it properly, such as a head stud removal tool,valve spring compressor,feeler guages, sockets to fit the Crankshaft bolts/nuts etc.
Some of the things you should note are the following:
Is the block cracked anywhere? After cleaning a machinist would magniflux the block and crankshaft for cracks and repair if feasible.
Are the cylinders scored (vertical scratches or scuff marks the length of the cylinder bore) ? Are they worn larger than the piston size ?
Are the crankshaft main and rod journals worn > Measured with a caliper or micrometer ?
How does the babbit material look on the rods and main surfaces. Look for loose,cracked or missing pieces of babbit and measure the fit of all the bearings with plastigauge or tinfoil as described elsewhere on this site.
Check the valve seats for pitting or wear and have new hardened seats installed along with one piece valve guides and modern valves and adjustable lifters if necessary.
Measure the journals on the camshaft and check the lobes for wear and replace if necessary with a regrind or a new one from Bill Stipe.
Many of the above machine work steps could be done at a machine shop in your area. You should look for someone who seems passionate and interested in working on an 80 year old engine.
You can rebuild the oil pump yourself with a kit from suppliers and check the gear that drives the oil pump and distributor shaft and replace it if questionable.
You should buy some of the available books on "how to" regarding this work on the Model A or seek assistance from local Model A club members as there is usually at least one "go to" guy in each club for such advice.
There are several competent Model A engine re-builders within a 2 hour drive from you who could do the babbit work if needed or the whole job should you decide the task is beyond your ambitions.
Good luck !
