Whatever oil you use ,try tapping the wrench with a BFH as this will shock the :poo: out of it and break it loose.
And by tapping I mean wack it like it owes you money.
Are there any glass shops near you that can install those rivets?
I'd hate to see you bust up a new glass that took you a year to find, not saying that a shop can't bust it but at least they would have to replace it.
Seems like a stand up guy, most would have put a lien on it and owned it.
Who gives a :poo: how he gets paid( youtube,sponsors, ect.) He gave it back to the owner,weather he deserved it or not.
I got to agree with the general. I've seen my share of rusted out freeze plugs ,and have a tool to install new plugs while engine is still in the car.
Seems They should have replaced the freeze plug and been done,sometimes greed bites them in there ass.
If I'm in your shoes I am going to take anyone of those blocks to a machine shop, have them clean it up ,bore it ,line hone ,new cam bearings,ect. Then new forged pistons and rings gapped for boost. Then you can use whatever heads and cam you have and have some fun.