Source for Whitco Jeep OEM soft top hardware

I've just spent hours reviewing threads and checking at least two dozen web sites to no avail. I am trying to find the hardware, including door frames, for my 1973 CJ-5 and the Whitco soft top that I just bought. I thought I had found a deal and was going to be able to keep my CJ stock, but for the life of me I can't find the parts anywhere. I don't think I could even afford them if I could find them based on how rare they must be, but I at least want to know the possibility is there.

I found door frames on craig's list, but the guy hasn't responded so they may be gone. My only other lead are a few of the parts on ebay, but I don't even know what I am looking for. I even started scouting military sites for M38A1 top parts, but didn't have much more luck there. Is there a complete kit available anywhere?

Thanks,
Jason

 

Thanks. Yes, I haven't found a single source, likely because there aren't any. Even the surplus/salvage shops I have called don't know where. Another option, is to partially fabricate myself. Are there parts from any of the after market tops that would work with the Whitco top? i.e. bows from a tiger top, etc...

 

They are really not to hard to fabricate. I made up the framework for my soft halftop.The bows can be made from electrical conduit and the door frames from round stock. I have a set you can copy.

 

Excellent, thanks. If the leads I have out there don't pan out I'll get in touch to copy your setup.

 

There are two easy steps to getting an originial Whitco top kit.

1) hit the lotto
2) contact this guy: http://www.austinjeeps.com/tops.html

Also, since I plan to hit the lotto first and you may have to wait a little while, you might want to scan the Colorado Craigs List especially Denver. I dont know why but there seem to be more jeeps and jeep parts that come up there than lots of other US areas. There were some used soft doors on the Denver list in December so they do show up.
Good luck with that project. Given some time you will be able to find the stuff.

 

Try this site. Type in Whitco

http://www.jaxed.com/cgi-bin/sd.cgi?cat=pts

 

This seems to have some whitco stuff all the time. Might want to check him out.

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/merchant/kgt0001

 

Thanks for the replies. I had actually already contacted Mike at Austin Jeeps and he was very helpful; the only frame he had was out of my price range though. I've also been exchanging emails with ebay guy as well. Right now I am second in line for a complete set that isn't cheap, but is at least affordable. I've tried most stores, and am scanning Craigs list. Something will come up eventually, it's just that it drives me crazy to have the top lying around while it is cold and not be able to use it.

I'm just waiting for one of you rat packs to fix yourself a jumbo cup of coffee and start digging through those years of accumalated parts.