N.O.S. will almost always be high priced, unfortunately. With places like Brads, GLNOS, Mitchels, etc. figuring they wont sell many but if they are the only game in town and someone HAS to play...well.
The aftermarket doesnt see the value in reproduction parts for the FMJ since they dont see the completed/restored cars bringing the $'s the E and B bodies have. I've spoken with a couple of them and thats the jist of the conversations.
I've checked on the tooling costs to just make a lower 1/4 patch panel. Its insane unless I off-shore it and deal with the extended back and forth when it inevitably isnt correct, doesnt fit right and in the end its not that much cheaper. I certainly cant afford the potential loss of a 6 figure outlay to get it up and going. When selling over 1000 pcs is the break-even...gulp...Its well beyond my comfort zone.
When I get my hands on a car to part I try to save every piece thats good/useable, not just sheetmetal and other steel parts. Every nut and bolt, clip, clamp, cable, screw and bracket. Bag it and tag it! Who knows what odd-ball part someone (or myself!) might need. There are literally hundreds of labeled boxes/containers on the shelves of my shop, shed and garage.
I get more looks when I'm out and about in my 76 Aspen wagon daily driver than I ever imagined I would. People coming up to me in parking lots telling me about the one they rode around in when they were a kid. Of course I would rather they didnt say things like "Oh, my grandfather had one just like it"...that doesnt do well for the ol' ego, does it? :sad1: :icon_biggrin:
I have yet to see another F wagon on the road here in Phoenix. I know one guy who has a gorgeous red 78 V wagon but he doesnt take it out a lot.
Sorry if I got to rambling...:sleepy1: :icon_biggrin: