Newbie looking for guidance on buying parts

[marculan]

Hi. I just purchased a solid but tired 85 CJ7 with the goal of restoring it. I would appreciate guidance on the best way to get replacement parts. A quick search shows many vendors, but I would really like to learn from the experience of others regarding which vendors to use for which parts. Also, are OEM parts still readily available for older CJ's? Where can I find quality repop parts? What about used OEM parts?

This is my first Jeep resto, but I've restored first gen Camaro's, and it took a lot of trial and error to find quality parts. I'm hoping to learn from others if I can.

I apologize if this has been discussed before but I couldn't find this specific topic.

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[gert]

Welcome aboard from Texas, we would love to be able to follow your retso if you would share your adventures

I haven’t really found the type of quality reproduction parts for CJs like you can find for muscle cars unfortunately

Omix Ada and Crown are your 2 biggest resto suppliers and their products can be hit and miss, specifically the throttle cables, heater cables and dash light boxes are not great, the plastic knobs come right off so most people buy the aluminum knobs to replace them

I have also heard people complain about the gauges as well

There is one company that makes a really awesome gauge cluster for the CJs and their names escapes me currently

Painless and a few others make really nice wire harnesses

JB conversions in Louisiana makes really awesome parts for the Dana 300 Transfer Case

Morris 4x4 (Jeep-CJ discount) 4wd.com and Quadratec carry a whole lot of the parts you need for your resto


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[coldair]

There is one company that makes a really awesome gauge cluster for the CJs and their names escapes me currently

Dokota digatal makes an awesome set of gauges. 1955-86 Jeep CJ Dakota Digital Gauges VHX System, Black Alloy Style Face, Blue Display
I installed a intellitronix all LED gauge in mine we will see how it works.

 

[gert]

Dokota digatal makes an awesome set of gauges. 1955-86 Jeep CJ Dakota Digital Gauges VHX System, Black Alloy Style Face, Blue Display

I installed a intellitronix all LED gauge in mine we will see how it works.

That’s cool I’ve heard good things in the past about Dakota digital

Speed hut is the one I knew of from a member on the forum

https://www.speedhut.com/jeep_cluster.html


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[coldair]

I looked at speedhut and Dakota digatal when I was looking at replacing my stock gauge im not that rich to pay that much for a gauge. I payed $250 for my intellitronix

 

[gert]

I looked at speedhut and Dakota digatal when I was looking at replacing my stock gauge im not that rich to pay that much for a gauge. I payed $250 for my intellitronix

Dang that’s a huge difference in price


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[RiverandSand]

Welcome to the jeep obsession.
A few other jeep part places are Rockauto, J&W auto wreckers (used hard to find parts) oh and Collins Brothers. So as others have said use omix and crown as a last resort, very low quality.

 

[jakeh937]

Welcome from California. As far as parts goes, like gert said, crown and omex are the biggest but they do have fitment and quality issues on certain things. I’m not sure where you’re located but there’s a place in Sacramento called jw jeep. They have ALOT of jeep parts and services. You could look them up and give them a call.

Another really good useful piece I use a lot is Willies works out of Tuscan AZ. Guys name is Rob and is super helpful and knowledgeable.

For Transmission and Transfer Case stuff I used a lot from Novak. They are extremely knowledgeable and helpful in those areas.

Welcome aboard and have some fun!!


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[shum8]

Also, are OEM parts still readily available for older CJ's? What about used OEM parts?

Greetings from Va. Welcome aboard. As Gert stated, a build thread would be great - helps us with our Jeep porn addiction, and allows you to get help and advice (whether you ask for it or not LOL) as you go.

As for OEM parts - stick with em when you can. New OEM parts are super rare, but there are many Jeep boneyard that part out CJ's and some have quite a selection of parts. There are a couple in NC I have used in the past. Watch Craigslist as they will often post listings there.

Good luck and keep us in the loop!!

 

[marculan]

Thanks for the help, it's much appreciated.

 

[bbbobbb]

I think the number one thing to start with is POR 15 the frame and all exterior parts. A great product. You must do all the steps. Its well worth it.

Also I get mostly my used parts off craigs list. Good luck from Bucks County PA