Howdy All:
The carb spacer/adapter plate served several functions from '60 to '69. I was a hot water heater to help carb warm up and prevent carb icing, it was the pivot point for some mechanical linkages, and it provided taps for several vacuum functions. The critical use is to orient a variety of carbs. You will not that the mounting studs on the log, do not match the orientation of the stud holes on the carb. This allowed FoMoCo to change carbs without changing the head castings. You will need to retain the spacer plate for correct carb orientation.
On the heater hose that passes to and through the adapter plate and then on to the heater behind the firewall, being in mild So Cal, you can do without the extra heat. I seem to recall that you have a manual choke too.(?) So you can disconnect the hoses front and back and reconnect with a section of pipe and some hose clamps. Check the coolant level and refill, as necessary.
Please note that while removing the hot water from the carb base you may gain a little in performance. You may lose a little in economy and efficiency of carb warm up. The proximity of the center exhaust ports directly below the carb make this a minor issue in all but the coldest climates.
Adios, David
