A fuel pressure gauge is the proper way to test, and the pressure on a Ford is not particularly high as I recall. But if your lines are original, it is a bit of a pain in the ass trying to match up those goofy compression fittings to a pressure gauge.
Part of the problem with the afterboil, I believe, is todays fuel. More modern (and here I am talking pre-fuel injection days) utilized a return line from the fuel filter or pump to help keep the pump and lines cooler. Not so back then, and having the pump above the engine like a Ford did, or even worse, next to the exhaust manifold like a Dodge flathead, in no way helps keep the fuel system cool.
An electric pump further back and lower in the system helps a lot too, but isn't original.
