https://www.facebook.com/1624984671085247/photos/a.1625573227693058.1073741827.1624984671085247/1643575775892803/?type=3&theater

It is hard to get some parts, but sometimes you get lucky or persistance pays off. I know how you feel, I have been there, but something will come up.

most of the panels I buy - I buy v cheap - the guards for the orange one - one cost $90, the other $150 - no one bothered to bid (like the panels that finished last night - I scored a guard for $150)  because they have rust etc

this is the pass guard im using - has rust as u see and rust in the lower back - the drivers side was the same but after a day mucking around they are spot on

heres the drivers side ready to go  - people don't seem to be interested in resurrecting them, that's all - $240 for a pair of guards is good money, $150 for the guard last night is good, $55 for a 4 cyl bonnet etc

Maybe - but no one else did bid (on the guard) - and that was the case with the last 3 I've scored. The same with Owens old teal glo in Sydney - no one else bid. I scored a v clean 72 model fr 3500 I think it was - I was v surprised - high back brown interior no bog .... There is plenty of stuff around u buy it when it happens. I know u can't get new stuff like u can fr Aust made cars of the time - so u make do

This is why learning basic metal shaping skills is a must for anyone wanting to resto old cars, unless you have deep pockets.  Also keeping any eye out for people selling anything, I always ring and ask what else they have and often they have something worth grabbing that they haven't advertised.  And donor cars especially 4cyl.  The one I got was on gumtree for $4k.  I told him I would take it for $400 if he couldn't shift it.  A message full of abuse came back but 6 weeks later I got the message bring a trailer and $400.  His asking price had dropped to $1000 but still no one made an offer.  The hunt for parts is half the fun.

Esp in Nz! Got some pre facelift v6 radiator supports, slam panel etc - good fun! Saw a v clean v4 facelift today - Daytona yellow - and a white facelift v6 gt - white is so cool on those!

I think what I did as well was by a running car to enjoy as I am quite impatient as my workers and wife will tell you so that I could to renovate one but drive the other. You become more price conscious then and can work on everything else while the right part comes along. As for donor cars I have sent you a PM.