I've noticed that we in Pinto-dom tend to talk about parts that are difficult, if not impossible to find (without mentioning that). And to someone who doesn't know, Id think they would assume the parts are readily available - when they are not.
Just recently it became know how difficult it is to find windshields. Then there are gear sets for the smaller 6-3/4" rear end. My own experience with Turbo Coupes is that I haven't seen one in a junk yard for well over 5 years. A Merkur..., it has probable been 10 years. After an absence of a number of years I did stumble upon four in a Pick A Part (again about 10 years ago) but the forklift was cleaning out the row as I was contemplating if there was anything I wanted. That was the last time I saw one. And this is in sunny So. Cal. where cars linger longer and should be more readily available.
Yes, there was a time when these cars were more available. In 2007 I'd see 3-5 Turbo Coupes and a Merkur every month when I went to Pick Your Parts 50% off sales. But it seemed within 6 months that diminished. A few years later they were a rare sighting. So, I hope I don't come across as scolding anyone (I'm not trying to) but I feel when we give out information that these parts exist we need to also mention the difficulty in finding them.
I've been searching for an 80-86 Jeep T-178 transmission (Toploader) for my Sunbeam Tiger for nearly 20 years. It has an every so slightly wider ratio than the wide ratio Toploader which today is a $1,200+ transmission. I was hoping to find one at Pick Your Part for $150. The Jeep people always want the granny gear T-176/T-177 transmissions and I thought it would be an easy find - NOPE.