Update.
got my blast cabinet setup. took a while, and I had to modify it with better parts for it to work well. after I got the blast cabinet setup, I decided to clean up some parts - which lead me to blasting everything that is going in the ski. turns out the Coffman pipe has a very very tough powdercoat, so I may just scuff it and paint it when the time comes.
got my extra thick cometic base gaskets, so the engine went to the machine shop for cylinder boring & decking.
when I stripped the hull, I broke a bolt in the front engine mounting plate insert. thought I could just heat it up and get it out, but it turns out it is actually broken at the insert plate inside the hull. So, now things will get delayed even more - as I have to send it to a mutual friend (Ross) to be repaired. I am really debating having the front under hood air vents glassed over and the top deck painted a new color while it is getting the engine mount insert repaired.
I also picked up some skidoo mxz reeds for my single pipe rxx rebuild