Whew...what a journey. last count I laced my rear wheel 7 times only to finish it up back at the original lacing. I found an original wheel laced (see post regarding 53K sold at Mecum) and it had the same wheel laced "cross 3" on non-sprocket side and "cross 2" on the sprocket side....just as I originally thought and laced it. So, I was told it was not uncommon for the spoke threads to extend beyond the nipple and I should just grind and smooth them off...that is my current path. I am also trying to buy the "brand new" Avon tires on the 53K sold at Mecum since he is taking them off to put more "modern" tires on it. If he decides to keep them, I plan to put Heidenau K34 tires on it.
Thanks for everyone's help, non-help, and inputs helping me grow from this "wonderful" lacing lesson!