Did I get ripped? 292 clutch link q's

[69_hafton]

I went and pulled this linkage for my 292 I-6
on Friday, and was lucky to find the pieces.
The bracket that mount to the engine seems to
be a weak point and is not available thru LMC.

When I brought everything to the counter, he
says $35. I wasn't happy with the price, but
didn't say anything, instead asked what he
wanted for ps gear box. $75 was the price.
Told him all I brought was $100. He wouldn't
take it. I didn't go back for the ps box.
You'd think $10 wouldn't be that much for a
place that doesn't take checks or credit cards.

Went to another yard on Saturday and got the
ps gear box for $65 from some guys I've done
business with before.

Sorry for the rant.

I should have asked before I bought the linkage,
but what are my options? I'm thinking of cleaning
up the welded bracket and using it.

The rod that comes thru the firewall
is also worn (as they all seem to be).
Any solution for this? Custom fab a rod
with a sealed cartidge bearing sounds
good to me.