Yeah, the front sockets are always in bad shape. I was debating about trying to get the '63 and '64 housings reproduced (which wouldn't be an easy or cheap project) because people are always looking for good ones, especially on '63's. I probably can't swing that any time soon... What I've done in the past on "driver" cars is to remove the factory socket, which as you said is permanently crimped into the housing, and then make the hole the right size for a good quality aftermarket socket. With a little well-placed JB weld to hold the socket and prevent water from getting in, plus some silver paint, you've got a nice socket again. Done well, at first glance its hard to tell it's not factory, but obviously that route doesn't work for everyone.