Made some more progress today......decided to dive in full bore on the drum brake conversion.
Jacob decided to come home for a visit and he didn't get any work assignments today so he was able to help a bunch. Dad would be over the moon ecstatic knowing his grandson was helping turn wrenches on this project.
We were able to get both disc assemblies off along with the requisite bracketry and related. Also took off most of the brake lines (I ordered all new stuff) with two exceptions. Didn't take the front crossmember line off as I need to spend some time strategizing how to do that with limited access to the fittings on the driver's side - and I still have some challenges with the front to rear line (a la the Chevelle project a few years back......). Whoever installed the disc conversion kit did some bubba engineering to the front to rear line. I have the new line here. I was able to get the front half (it was sectioned into 3 pieces vs. 1 and crossed over the transmission to go from the passenger side to the drivers side

) of the old line removed but need a fresh mind to figure out how to get the rest of the rear section out and install the new one piece line. I haven't had to cut anything yet and I think it can be done - just not today......
I will need to spend some time cleaning things up before any reassembly (30 year old restoration showing its age) but was able to mock up the driver's side backing plate assembly to make sure everything lines up - and it does. So once I figure out the brake line challenges it will hopefully come back together reasonably quickly.
If anyone needs a compete and good functioning front disc brake conversion kit I will be listing it for sale soon.