"Then I found I was a MILE away from the correct freeplay, even though I thought I set it right.
What happens if you wind in the wing nut another 10 full turns?"
Ding ding ding. I feel like a dumbass for not checking that more. It's just so fun to pull the engine, carbs etc for the new clutch. Another 10ish turns and it was there.
Clutch tube is good to go, access holes have been cut and patched or I made covers and the tube is reinforced with brackets I made up.
Clutch- Check
Engine/Carbs- Check
Brakes- Check
Steering wheel nut- Check
Just need wheels and gas!