We have it easy

[Minderbinder3]

I am sure most of you are aware of this but we have it easy finding parts and accessories for our TJ’s. Same is true for most Wrangler models. For most mechanical stuff we can go to local auto parts store and we can accessorize in a million ways from tons of online sources. Prices are reasonable because of the number of us out there willing to do this.

I recently acquired a 1966 Ford Bronco and am starting to restore it. Although there are a few online suppliers…the parts are super expensive. Can’t go to the local O’Reilly’s for anything.

To top it off the 1966 had some unicorn stuff that was changed the next year. I am trying to keep it as “original” as possible but it has quickly become a much more expensive venture than my TJ will ever be.

For example the 1966 only Bronco hub caps (not wheels but hub caps only) can go for $1500-3000. I need to replace the manual steering box and it will be $500+.

 

[Minderbinder3]

Here is where I am so far.

 

[sab]

You're talking about a vehicle that's 31 years older than the oldest TJ. Time is a huge factor in availability of vehicle parts due to the laws of supply and demand. In 31 years, it will be very hard to find parts for a 97 TJ because there won't be very many left. When demand drops, so does supply...

 

[707kevin]

You're talking about a vehicle that's 31 years older than the oldest TJ. Time is a huge factor in availability of vehicle parts due to the laws of supply and demand. In 31 years, it will be very hard to find parts for a 97 TJ because there won't be very many left. When demand drops, so does supply...

Well sure....duh??? That was his point. We have it easy with a tj.

 

[707kevin]

I am sure most of you are aware of this but we have it easy finding parts and accessories for our TJ’s. Same is true for most Wrangler models. For most mechanical stuff we can go to local auto parts store and we can accessorize in a million ways from tons of online sources. Prices are reasonable because of the number of us out there willing to do this.

I recently acquired a 1966 Ford Bronco and am starting to restore it. Although there are a few online suppliers…the parts are super expensive. Can’t go to the local O’Reilly’s for anything.

To top it off the 1966 had some unicorn stuff that was changed the next year. I am trying to keep it as “original” as possible but it has quickly become a much more expensive venture than my TJ will ever be.

For example the 1966 only Bronco hub caps (not wheels but hub caps only) can go for $1500-3000. I need to replace the manual steering box and it will be $500+.

Absolute beauty. Good job!!

 

[sab]

Well sure....duh??? That was his point. We have it easy with a tj.

Really? Have you tried buying an OEM heater core lately?

 

[Chris]

It won’t always be this easy, unfortunately!

 

[sab]

It won’t always be this easy, unfortunately!

This was my point. All vehicles eventually become hard to keep running. Duh.

 

[RINC]

Easy peazy aftermarket support for my pick up. Plus, many thousands of parts still in the junkyards.

 

[Chris]

This was my point. All vehicles eventually become hard to keep running. Duh.

Absolutely, it all depends on how old they are. The simpler they are though the easier they are to keep running. When a new JL is 60 years old it’s going to be a lot harder to keep ruining than a TJ, especially with all the plastic parts and electronics.

 

[Minderbinder3]

Easy peazy aftermarket support for my pick up. Plus, many thousands of parts still in the junkyards.
View attachment 441660

Is that a ‘69 or ‘70? My 1st vehicle was a ‘72 and it had the turn signals in the front bumper. It also had the gas tank behind the seat.

They have become super popular as well. I wish I had kept my ‘72 around for now.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Love your early SWB Bronco!

 

[Daryl]

Here is where I am so far.

View attachment 441650

View attachment 441651

View attachment 441652

Don‘t see many uncut early broncos. Nice.

 

[Danarch]

Great looking Bronco. I understand the age difference but I think in general Jeep parts are cheaper / more available then other types of vehicles. For instance in the early 90’s I restored a 55 Willys pick-up truck, I was actually surprised how easy it was to locate parts. For the engine I was able to order the original flat head through Kragen‘s, a shop in Marysville did the work. I ordered a lot of parts from Walck’s 4WD in PA (great company). For the most part is was all stock / original, down the glass fuel bowl. I did change the 6 volt to 12 volts and the brakes were from a early 70’s CJ.

 

[RINC]

Is that a ‘69 or ‘70? My 1st vehicle was a ‘72 and it had the turn signals in the front bumper. It also had the gas tank behind the seat.

They have become super popular as well. I wish I had kept my ‘72 around for now.

It's a '69. Had a '72 also but sold it.

 

[L J]

not a shiny hood in the bunch







I keed I keed. Nice collection!

 

[DavidBT]

It's a '69. Had a '72 also but sold it.
View attachment 441681

My First Father-in-law had '71. I still remember my oldest son falling asleep standing up beside me with his head on my shoulder driving down the road. Long before seat belt laws. And in Komiefornia, no less.

 

[RangerTJ]

Absolutely, it all depends on how old they are. The simpler they are though the easier they are to keep running. When a new JL is 60 years old it’s going to be a lot harder to keep ruining than a TJ, especially with all the plastic parts and electronics.

I don't think a JL will make it to 60 as by then all the brilliantly engineered TIPM boxes will be shot, and the Chinesium replacements won't sync with the vehicle VIN.

 

[Chris]

I don't think a JL will make it to 60 as by then all the brilliantly engineered TIPM boxes will be shot, and the Chinesium replacements won't sync with the vehicle VIN.

Yeah it will be interesting to see how well modern cars can be restored over time. It’s not terribly hard to restore classics from the early and mid-1900s. I say that because they’re so simple and basic that most of the restoration work is the body. The interiors are very basic and the engines are too.

 

[Mike_H]

My 45 year old motorhome is still pretty easy to get parts for as well. The key is to work on enthusiast vehicle with a strong following. Sure, the parts might be expensive, but at least you can get them. The TJ issues with parts supply happening now will probably become less so as enthusiasts decide that they can make a batch of 20 or 50 and sell them for enough money to make that endeavor worth it. We’re not quite there yet, but it’s not far off.