I just install my motor as a long block, then assemble it in the car. It is a PITA, but I hate cutting 57 year old metal if I can avoid it

is it hard to put the engine seal in, if you do it that way.

Maybe hard but very possible. No reason to cut anything.

I know, like I said I like easy. If I thought it would stay in the car for years with out issues I would do it in a heart beat. Im actually on the fence about it. If I dont find a ghia that fits my needs in the next coulple of weeks or so I will move forward on this idea.