> There is no way to allow mods to approve new members without opening full permissions and group control to them.
There is no recovery unless new users can sign up. This should be #1 on the list before anything else. I am not web dude so I can't contribute anything on the "how", but a group that can't invite new members can't last.
> We've declined this far already, how do we come back?
Short answer, modernize existing content and diversify. The tech threads we have here are invaluable to the community in large part because of the conversations. The problem is, without already knowing most of the answer they are looking for it takes a new person a huge amount of reading and effort (by today's instant gratification interwebz standard) to find what they need. A more modern Wiki style setup would fix a great deal of this. Particularly a section specifically for known compatible parts, common conversions, and their sources. All with links back to the detailed threads where the information came from.
We already acknowledge that our already niche car of choice is diminishing in numbers so overlap with other vehicles is an obvious place to start. Engaging the international community could help too but I know there is some historical beef there. Always directing people here from farcebook is good practice as well.
> How do we handle generating more users when our favorite car's simple existence is declining?
Focus on expanding content about other vehicles with compatible parts. Try to get some of those communities to dabble in ours as well.
> How do we locate the best tech articles to create a wiki style repository of S12 knowledge?
We already have the content. Not sure how to consolidate them into a Wiki format. Web dude I am not.
The To Do List
I am still willing to do basic 2D CAD work for folks here who are designing custom parts. That includes reproducing any decal/sticker that somebody can provide a picture of. My core skill set is more aviation based but I can source damn near any custom part for those willing to pay aircraft prices. I still have three teenagers in the house and 2 jobs so funds and free time are not things I have available in abundance but I am still happy to help the site and community however I can.