Lynn,
Thanks very much for your kind comments.
It really does help spur me on, seeing my efforts are looked on favorably.
I'm heading out right now to take rear axle/diff housing to sandblaster. Will be waiting while they do it then pick up some bearing cups from town, and return home to etch/prime the axle.
Shouldn't get any grit inside. I wrapped sensitive areas in 10 layers of gaffer tape (with rags beneath), and the larger openings are covered with plates of MDF I made yesterday morning.
Lets see if it does the job.