Showing posts with label Jeep Wrangler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jeep Wrangler. Show all posts

Friday, June 26, 2020

How to Use Ebay to Find Old Automobile Parts Reviewed

blue jeep with gray top
My husband recently purchased an older model jeep that needed a lot of repairs and restoration.  He has spent the last few months under the hood or under the jeep assessing, then replacing worn or rotted parts.  The interior also needed a tremendous amount of loving care.  This jeep sure chose the right new owner!  My husband is meticulous and dedicated.

As for me, my job with this restoration has been to assist in finding replacement parts.  I'm not very keen on walking junkyards or old vehicle graveyards to find parts.  However, I am extremely familiar and experienced with finding impossible things on Ebay.  Locating the needed parts for his jeep on Ebay has actually been a lot of fun!

Because of the needed work, this pretty Jeep Wrangler will always hold a special place in our hearts.  You can't focus and work on something for so long without becoming attached to it.  We have already enjoyed a day out exploring jeep trails in one State Park and we look forward to spending a lot more time having fun with our restored jeep.



How to Find Replacement Automobile Parts on Ebay


You might not even realize that Ebay has old automobile parts listed.  However, there are several sellers who tear down old or wrecked vehicles and sell individual parts separately.  For us, those sellers were essential for our jeep's restoration.

Almost every dashboard trim piece on our jeep had to be replaced.  One of the previous owners had painted them white with splatter dots.  The paint job didn't appeal to us.  We purchased and replaced every individual trim piece that was painted.  The dashboard area looks a million times better.


jeep dashboard trim piece - replacement found on ebay


In order to find the correct trim pieces, my husband removed each piece and wrote down the trim piece number which was found molded into the backside of each piece.  In several cases, it was as simple as typing in the year, make and model of the vehicle, plus the trim piece name and number in the Ebay search bar.  Then making our selection by color and condition.  

Before we embarked on this restoration, I had no idea each trim piece had an identity number stamped into the molded piece.  That makes finding a replacement much easier than simply matching by looks.

Example Search:  "2004 Jeep TJ Wrangler Knee Bolster 5G00TRM" 

stamped identity number on jeep molded trim piece

The part number was not always listed in the title.  Details in the title vary by seller.  However, we were always able to verify those numbers in the photos provided by the sellers.  That guaranteed the piece would fit our jeep when it arrived.  

I found the Ebay parts sellers usually know more than I do about piece numbers & names, therefore whatever I put in a search, as long as I included the year, model, and name of the piece, I could find what we needed.  The sellers pictures for proper piece identity made it easy!

We also replaced the wheels, several engine parts, and the jack tools by finding them on Ebay.  The OEM jack & lug tool set had a few rusty areas, but my husband cleaned them up like new by letting them soak in Evapo-rust overnight.  

Example Part Searches
  "Jeep Wrangler TJ OEM Tire Jack Tool Set",

  "Jeep Wrangler TJ Heater Drain Tube", 
  "2004 Jeep Wranger 15" Refinished Steel Wheel"



When Total Price Matters


hawk
When restoring an old vehicle, you can find yourself financially upside down pretty quick.  We didn't want to spend "new car" money on an older jeep.  

Purchasing the exact individual used part on Ebay and replacing it ourselves was a lot cheaper than buying new parts, if available.  

Keep in mind though, not all parts are even still available.  That is another reason we love shopping for vehicle parts on Ebay.  The sellers competitively price parts, therefore price gouging is minimal, if even existent. 

If you are buying several parts from the same Ebay seller, contact them and ask for combined shipping costs.  That literally costs them nothing and can often save you a lot.  Why pay more when you don't have to?

If you don't find exactly what you want on Ebay today, go back tomorrow. 
There are new listings daily




 






House of Sylvestermouse





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Friday, May 22, 2020

Bartact Mil-Spec Super Seat Covers for Jeep Wranglers Reviewed

bartact jeep seat covers
We recently purchased an old Jeep Wrangler and my husband has spent a great deal of time restoring it.  I only had one request when he purchased the old jeep.  I asked him to buy new seat covers for it even though the original seat covers were still in good shape.

The jeep was very dirty inside and out when he got it. Apparently, the previous owner drove on muddy trails with the top off and the windows down, often.  The seat covers were filthy.  

My husband took the seats completely out of the jeep and spent three days vacuuming, cleaning, disinfecting, and cleaning them again.  He let me pick out the new seat covers which would slip over the original covers.  I spent about as many days looking at different options, but always returned to the Bartact seat covers.  They were more expensive, but there were excellent reasons for the price.  I felt the extra cost was well worth the added benefits.


jeep seat covers - old compared to new

Features of the Bartact Mil-Spec Super Seat Covers


Because I compared them to several other brands, I will tell you the features that stood out to me and influenced my final choice decision. 

back of bartact jeep seat covers with storage bag attached
  • Two Storage Packets (placement adjustable & attached to seat backs) 
  • Zippered rear pocket and zippered front pocket.  If you want to ride on jeep trails, having permanent zippered storage pockets is essential.
  • Easy Installation - It took us approximately 15 minutes to install both front seat covers. 
  • High grade waterproof-backed polyester fabric which is cool to the touch
  • Pre-cut slits for the seat belts and seat adjustment latch levers
  • Foam backing for added comfort
  • Mil-Spec - means made to US military standards 
  • Front Seat Covers are Sold in Pairs of 2
  • Made in USA

I listed the pouches and the zipper pockets first because I consider them essential.  In the jeep, there is very little storage.  Only a glove compartment is in our jeep.  There is no center console.  

My husband enjoys the jeep "feel" when exploring off-road jeep trails in our National Parks.  Me, I like to take pictures.  Therefore, I carry my camera supplies, like various size lenses and a spare battery.  The pouches on the seat backs are a better option for my camera than a separate camera bag bouncing around in the floor.

I also carry my "go bag" with us on our day trips.  Public restrooms are a necessity when we are out and about for 8 - 12 hours and I am a firm believer in carrying my own supplies.  (You can read about how I assemble my own public restroom survival kit here.)

Because the top and the windows on our jeep are removable, having waterproof backed seat covers is also essential.  You never know when a little black rain cloud will float overhead.



Installing Bartact Mil-Spec Super Seat Covers on Jeep Wrangler Seats


Installing the Bartact seat covers is super easy!  

You simply pull them over the existing seat covers, lining up the holes with the seat belts and the seat tilt levers.  Pull the velcroed panels between the cushions and press the large Velco pieces together.  

In minutes, you have beautiful new seat covers beckoning you to go for a ride.  

Watch this guy put on his seat covers.  
 


Limited Availability on Amazon - For a larger variety of colors, I recommend Quadratec.com

 Bartact Front Seat Covers Compatible with 03-06 Jeep Wrangler TJ, Tactical Series - Black/RedCheck Price Bartact Rear Bench Seat Covers Compatible with 03-06 Jeep Wrangler TJ, Tactical Series - Black/RedCheck Price

 






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Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


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