Ask him what he would sell the plate for? If he gives you a number, you know his value. If not, you still know his value.
If he says $500.00, might be cheaper than the yearly fees.
Are you changing the radiator or having someone else change it.
If I was betting, it sounds like an antifreeze problem. Are you using the pink or yellow antifreeze? IMO, you probably need to be using the pink antifreeze. In modern engines there are too many dissimilar metals that react with each other and create a battery. The most recent antifreeze that I am aware of is OAT and it is purple.
In my opinion and many others, an electric fuel pump is a solution looking for a problem.
I would go with the original equipment pump,....unless there is vapor lock issue in hot weather then I would consider putting one at the tank for use only when vapor lock would be occurring to purge the line of air and then turn it off.
No, not the Cadillac Ranch. Somewhere like out in northern New Mexico or Arizona would be my guess.
Cadillac ranch is a graffiti filled "art work" about 100 yards south of Route 66 / I-40 just west of Amarillo, Texas. Been there, done that.
https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2220
One thing that I learned years ago was aftermarket anything. That includes radios.
I had a vehicle that if I did not drive it every day the battery would go dead. I checked the parasitic drain from the radio and found that it was HUGE. Poor design to keep the radio memory and clock alive.
Changed out the radio and never had another problem.
The biggest issue will be the pressure at the needle valve/float in the carb. A modern electric pump might overpower the needle & seat and flood the car. Just a thought.