My guess is that if you wanted to replicate a mid-60's vintage Swan 350
from scratch (but using actually obtainable final tubes rather than
sweep tubes) you'd be looking at several tens of thousands of dollars
in up-front tooling and it'd cost about $2000 or $2500 for each one you
produce.

That's really not what I want to do anyway. I don't want to build a
true replica transciever. I was only intending to make a clean,
rugged, glass transceiver that has a 60's to 70's interface. Big
difference, I think.

What makes you think that the sheet metal, transformers, parts, etc. are going to be cheaper today?

Because they were made from America with union labor.

If you're looking to do a Collins-class rig, you'll never get the extra
$ for the effort because it's still "not a Collins", and even at
overinflated E-bay prices the Collins rigs will still be cheaper.

Yup, I agree. Scratch that idea.

The Eternal Squire