Buy New or Buy a Parts Car

Dare I mention the Turn-Signal switch? New aftermarket ones are typically "junk". That 45 year old one probably has another 20 years left in her. What's that worth? Not a G, I know, but it's very frustrating to bolt a new one in and have it fail in less than a week, then have to do it all over again. Not going thru that crap is worth Something!
But I must agree, we all have spare stuff available, often at fair prices. And to drag another eyesore onto the yard is not always the best idea, especially one as mundane as the one you describe. For me it would have to have pristine parts on it.