Well that didn't work. He took one piston out of the box and said 'NOPE'. Coincidentally I had my consult with the financial department at the university my son will be attending the same day (sigh).
He estimated that he could get it done for around $4500. I realize that is similar to a new 'built' crate 350 so wouldn't be completely out of the arena of possible engines but I wasn't really in the engine mindset yet anyway. Add that to the fact I can't do it now that I've got a massive college bill to prevent massing student loan debt for the boy...I'm going to have to put the brakes on this for a while.
I will continue to finish the front end and blast/paint the frame and the park it back in the garage for the summer. I'll be looking for maybe some NOS pistons to show up on eBay...? etc. If anyone comes across any and you're not too greedy
please let me know.
Thanks all!