Quality parts source wanted

I was wondering if anyone knew of a good parts source for my 56 willys. A place I could order cosmetic items and OEM parts. I have looked at a few websites but don't know if the items are cheap knock offs. Also, I read on the dauntless V6 page that Sparky wanted intake casting #'s. According to the info I got here I have a 198 in my jeep with an intake casting of b1851573-8 last number could be a 3. thanks

 

http://www.earlycj5.com/tech/general/general_parts_sources.shtml

Welcome from Ohio! Where are you from? Would love to see some pics of your '56.

 

I'm from Redwood Valley California (northern). How would I go about posting pics?

 

I just got a catalog from a place on Oklahoma. They sell alot of body panels and parts. I will get you there info. I also bought alot of stuff from a place in Ohio I believe the name is 4 wheel drive. I have a link to a place in canada On my home computer, just let me know what alll info you want, and I will get it all togother and send it your way

 

Websites will be fine. I appreciate yor help.

 

here's a website i like http://www.jeep4x4center.com/cj5/menu.htm

 

The supplier in Oklahoma is; JEEP PARTS WHOLESALE DIST. Phone number 1800-449-6649. The 4 wheel drive hardware website is 4wd.com. I have purchased a few things from them but there shipping system is extremely slow to pacific northwest, (approx 10 working days) They are in ohio. Standard ordering, the order is delayed at least one day to get a post it note from the receptionist put to the warehouse, but they do have alot of stuff. Good luck with the jeep.

 

I've found that most all suppliers who carry OEM stuff for our old jeeps get it from Omix-Ada which in most cases is junk. But more often than not they are the only choice.

 

some omix-ada is good, some is junk. try www.milehighjeeprebuilders.com or willys-overland in toledo, ohio. If unsure, ask away.

 

A few years back I was in Tulsa and there was a place called Harmon 4WD.

They had a junkyard of willys jeep parts, most of which were rust free.

for new parts you can't beat Turner 4wd 1-800-the-jeep

I stay away from part vendors that aren't first mechanics, then part sellers.

With experience you can outwit the slick sheet catalog sellers, but 'till then you are looking for former jeep mechanics.

 

I kind of divide internet jeep part seller into 4 categories:

a) has parts for old and new jeeps. but not a detailed selection in old section.
b) has alot of older jeep parts, and a decent selection
c) has a very good selection of old jeep parts, but expensive.
d) has very hard to find parts that no one else seems to have.

price a simple part like the bearing and race for a transfer case. one place sells both for $30. most places sell them separately. why? I dont know. I dont think you should replace a new bearing on an old race or vice versa. when sold separately they are in the $13 -15 range.

some of the places I like are: (google for the link)

Rigid Steel
Brent Mullins Jeep parts
Rock Auto
Herm the overdrive guy

another type of part seller, as mentioned by another poster, is the dyed in the wool jeeper. they dont answer the phone cause they are turning wrenches. they have an excellent selection with great prices. mainly M38(a1) type parts.

I wanted to make a remote reservoir for my brake master cylinder. I finally found a place that had a mc cap for under $40. (around $8) and when I called him to order it, he asked why I wanted just a cap. when I told him I wanted to make a remote reservoir, he said "why do you want to do that?".

 

It's always good to ask if the supplier is sending Crown Automotive parts or Omix-Ada. In general I've found the Crown Automotive stuff to be superior.