Hi kelico,
You are correct. These parts are pot metal. Your proposals sound very interesting indeed. I know from this site that there would be some keen interest in getting some decent ones scanned. Very interesting idea!
Thanks,
Pritch
--Pritch--
'76 Cougar XR7 (original owner); '52 Mercury Monterey 2 dr HT (Future Project)
2013 Mustang
2010 Ford Ranger
'93 MX5
'64 Custom Sport Ragtop (Factory M20)