the darker rod sort of on it's side is the bent one, and it is noticeable by eye. I don't plan on using the rods at all, I was more interested in just the pistons.
I have rods on the both possible engines that I "trust" to some degree, new wellworthy .040 rings, and what appears to be a nice .040 barrel set (I should take that to the shop for verification...)
I just put in a bid on fleabay for new pistons, so we'll see what a nice overbore set is worth to the world.
thanks for all the advice, especially the info on how to check rods. I wish I had a lathe, but just to confirm, you want the mandrels long enough to exaggerate the bend in the rod, correct? an unnoticeable bend at the head will be more measurable six inches out, right?
Thanks again!