Elementary My Dear Watson!

Well we've solved the quandry.  My new torque wrench measures inch pounds rather than the foot pounds needed to torque head bolts.  Instead of the 35 ft/lbs that should go on the first time through, I was actually putting about 3 ft/lbs, which would explain why there was no clamping pressure.  Now that the problem is solved the only thing is putting the engine back together for the last time haha.

In other news, I've decided on a front bumper, and am also going to take a leaf out of another guy's build book to solve my floorboard/rocker boxes/rock sliders/rocker panel problems.  I'll use 4"x2" 1/8" wall rectangular tubing and weld everything up like he has, but not put the insane jeep-like lip that his has.  I will also anchor it straight to the frame after deleting the rocker boxes. I also want to herculine the bed and tub exactly like what he has done.  Check out these pictures from colbystephen's build thread in the CK5 forums:

Nice Huh?  Very similar to what I plan to do.