[Spridgets] '74 Midgit overhaul questions

[ryan.kubanoff at comcast.net]

This past friday at the MG2008 John Twist of MG mechanic fame ripped my car to shreds.  The only thing that wasn't commented on was my tires.  It was so bad that people came up to me the nest day and said things like " wow john really ripped you a new one, how are you feeling?".

so combining that with a radiator that I am now convinced needs to be recored I am taking it off the road for a variety of repairs and modifications starting tomorrow.

this brings a littany of questions:
1. anything I should know about removing the radiator, little tricks etc.?  Any recomended places to send it? to stay away from?
2. while I am removing the radiator should I replace the water pump?
3. I am also removing the oil seal on the rear diff.  any tips anything else i should replace while I have it apart ie. front bearings etc.?  what torque setting when putting it back together?
4. I removed the air manifold and the vacuum connector on the intake manifold and replaced them with zinc bolts from home depot. John said I have an air leak and I am guessing its coming from here.  I probably should have used something different to plug the holes.  What did you use /what should I use or add to seal the air leaks?
5. My front bumper mounts are bent from PO can I try and bend them back or find new ones? recomendations as to where sisnce moss, BRG, and VB don't carry them?
thanks
ryan