Which hood supplier?

Good morning guys.
I'm in the process of rebuilding my 75 232 I6 CJ6.
I'm in need of a new hood, as mine is beyond saving.

Is there any preference in a supplier for body panels, or are they all more or less the same?
Transport to South Africa is killing me, so I need to do it right first time around!Transport will be almost the same price as the hood, if you get what I'm saying!

Any comments welcome!

 

The original panels are the best quality. A hood from any CJ from '72 on will fit. I'd think there has to be a hood or two already in South Africa.

 

No opportunity for salvage in your area I suppose? I think most suppliers will have the same ultimate source for the hood, so shopping price and shipping will probably be your best bet.

Of course maybe someone can offer some comments on how well one of the suppliers packs their product, wouldn't want a damaged hood upon arrival.

 

You could also try J&W or Scotty's in CA - they are sure to have a very nice hood for you.

http://www.jwjeep.com/
http://www.scottysjeeptruckand4x4.com/body parts.html

 

Too bad you don't have ready access to the junkyards we've got, a used OEM hood is the way to go. I see them at least once a week on my local Jeep forums, usually very cheap. The aftermarket hoods are both substandard quality and extremely expensive. Even shipping a new one will be painful. Is fixing yours completely out of the question?

Most aftermarket Jeep panels are made in the Philippines by MD Juan. Shipping to RSA from Philippines would probably be cheaper than getting something from USA, and thus paying for twice as much shipping. You might check on that as an option.

 

Thanks for the info.
Finding a secondhand one in SA is first prize for me, but the only one I could find is rusted badly as well.
There is not a lot of CJ's around here, and those that are, the owners hold on to tightly.
I envy you guys for the availability of secondhand parts!
My project is still far from finished, so I will search localy first then.

Cheers,
Okkie.