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.
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"
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
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!
There are new listings daily!
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.”
FOLLOW US ON:
