Cars I had a couple years in college were a learning experience.
If I didn't learn to make 'em go, I wouldn't experience driving them.
I do remember getting help in an emergency, rod knock developed on a return trip from visiting my older brother & the folks helped out with emergency repairs/overnight motel. (not enough funds with me) I'd paid for a rebuild on that straight six flathead (Continental in a '53 Willys Wagon) but it turned out the mechanic from a shop specializing in 4WD couldn't count to six. Caps weren't matched to the rods despite numbering.
Welcome to FF, sounds like we'll get a few more third hand diagnosis questions (grin).