It threads into the steel not the aluminum.
Ahh, ok, so the stripped threads on the bracket are no biggie then? I couldn't get the bolt to go through the rearmost plate, but I think I just never got it lined up correctly. I'll try again the next time I'm out there, I packed up for today and got some other errands done.
I stopped by the hardware store to find parts for the heater hose fitting. I found a 1/2 x 3/8 Hex Bushing along with some threaded 3/8 pipe, it screwed right in to my old water pump so I think I'm good to go. Just to double-check though, are galvanized iron fittings OK to use? My local hardware store didn't these parts in brass, so I just went with what they had. If it has to be brass, let me know and I'll do the 40 mile trip to Home Depot and get the right stuff.
Pics, because without pics everything would be a lie:
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If something here is horribly wrong, warn me now. Otherwise, next time I'm out there I'm RTV'ing the $#!* out of both the pipe threads and the fitting and slapping it on there. Then I have to fix that bracket, put the pulley back on, radiator back in, hoses on, and see if she holds water. Almost there!