Sorry for my general slowness in replying. I've decided to just push the "easy" button on the steering cable and replace it. My attempts at soaking in penetrating oil have been futile. I'm going to place order with Skidim shortly. Unfortunately, they don't have rudder packing or anything to rebuild rudder.
In the meantime I've ordered a new bilge and new blowers. One blower was dead, the other looked original and sounded 30years old .. I just bought some budget stuff off Amazon, but looks like it'll fit the bill. I intend to add inline fuses and plugs to all wiring too. I've got some wiring gremlins to work out I'm afraid....
Does everyone generally run a strainer? I'd like ability to hook up a hose. If I get a decent day I'd like to see if I can get it running.
Are oil changes with these things done exclusively with a topsider? Hope to get some more pics up soonish.