Update 6/11/2012: Been pecking away at various areas, with a lot of small tasks along the way.

After the transmission install, I dissassembled, cleaned, lubed and reassembeled the Hurst shifter. Using a video on YouTube, it was not too difficult and was well worth it:

After installing the shifter, it was onto the clutch linkage. The rods, pivots and z-bar were in decent shape, but the frame bracket was toast. Using an oversize 1/2" washer, I repaired it. A word of advice if doing such a repair: mock up everything before welding in the washer if you are going to put it on the inside of the bracket. The additional material (washer) might not leave adequate room for the z-bar to fit in the car. DAMHIK. Damaged bracket:

Repair piece made out of a 1/2" washer:

Welded in:

Also I've reinstalled the seats, replaced the rocker arms, pulled the Radiator/alternator/water pump for replacement and started replacing some of the engine bay wiring. The plan as of now is to fire it up on 6/23. There is still a bunch of things to do, but it should be ready by then.