One option may be to keep your eyes open for a complete control box (or whatever the proper terminology is). I was fortunate in January to pick up a NIB complete control box with all gauges, switches, wiring, boards, etc for just over $200. The tag on the side said that is was made in Fort Drum in 2005. I bought it so I would have spare parts for my MEP-002A. I've seen new boxes come up at other times, usually a bit more than I paid, but available nevertheless. Earlier this week, 4 lots of control boxes, each lot with 15 control boxes sold out of Oklahoma City. The bidding was a bit high for my tastes, but two of the lots appeared to have an equal mix of new and refurbished units. You may want to ask around and see who bought them up. Maybe you can cherry pick a new one for reasonable money. Bolt it on and connect the cannon plugs. Done.
John