Today I removed the carb and treated it to a complete rebuild. After cleaning everything as best I could on my bench, I pinged down the original well plugs on the bottom of the main body, then cleaned these areas again, finishing with some brake cleaner for a residue free surface. I then applied some JB Weld to the plugs and surrounding surfaces to seal them up, hopefully for good.
After allowing the JB Weld to setup firm, I reassembled the carb and reinstalled it on the motor. I will have to wait until midday tomorrow before I can put some fuel to it and see how well it responds.
Next on my list is to remove the old points style distributor and install the HEI distributor out of my Chevelle.
I will be picking up a freeze plug block heater tomorrow to install when I remove the manifolds to install the headers.