When buying Willys jeep parts many jeep enthusiasts face a common problem - they end up buying the wrong parts for lack of knowledge. A lot of the younger jeepers run on pure adrenaline and don't often realize the necessity to arm themselves with relevant information.
The first and foremost thing that anyone looking for Willys jeep parts to restore their rig, is to get a few good books on how to restore jeeps. Also, when talking of Willys parts here the reference is primarily to parts that are required to keep the rig in running condition. It does not include accessories and knick-knacks.
Once you know the Willys parts that you are looking for here are some other things to keep in mind when buying used jeep parts.
It is difficult to get used Willys parts because mostly the same parts get damaged on all the rigs. Since fenders and body tubs are prone to rust, they are hard to come by. Very often owners end up purchasing another Willys jeep just to get their hands on the parts!
Get the exact make, model and part number for the Willys parts that you want to buy. Knowing that you want a new windshield is considerably different from knowing that you need to buy replacement windshield hinges.
Understand when it is ok to go with new parts and when you should stick to the original, old ones. For smaller things and cosmetics you can shift to new jeep parts. However, when it comes to the base of the rig and it's very core then you definitely want to look for used Willys jeep parts.
While one may be forgiven for thinking that used jeep parts would be much cheaper than new jeep parts, that is not necessarily true. Since Willys jeeps would put you in the category of antique car collectors, you may end up paying premium prices for used or original Willys jeep parts.
Once you do get your hands on rust free parts, ensure that you coat them with a nice rust resistant primer to keep them shining clean.
To find the best Willys jeep parts at the cheapest prices log on to the Internet and post your requirements on a host of Jeep related websites. Once you connect with the thousands of eager jeepers across the globe, getting your parts will seem like a piece of cake!
Also, as a reference, a regular grill from a 53 Willys would go for about $50 or so. A blackout guard on the other hand would cost about $40 or so. Thus, buying Willys jeep parts is more about finding them than anything else!