Buying parts for Mopars

[Caberocks]

Hey Everyone,
New to this board, have a 1973 Dodge Dart Swinger and I have been upgrading/fixing some things on it and have a couple questions. I am buying parts to help further the restoration of my car, but sometimes I see huge differences in prices. Especially with some items. For example, I want to replace my wiper arms and blades.
I see here on this site I can get the blades and arms as a kit for $249.95
Mopar Windshield Wiper Washer Parts|Restoration Parts|Jim's Auto Parts
Yet, I see what looks like the same parts here (arms) for $19.73 Blades are like 5 bucks each same site:
73 1973 Dodge Dart Windshield Wiper Arm - Body Electrical - Anco, Front - PartsGeek
Are these parts the same? Are the more expensive ones on the first site more desirable? I'm just trying to understand as I go along. I don't want to buy junk parts for my car, but don't want to get ripped off because it says Mopar.

 

[TrailBeast]

That's a tough one for someone kind of new to it, but you got a good start by asking here.
There's always somebody that is asking more no matter what it is.

You can post a wanted ad for the arms here and I'll bet someone has them.
Personally I use the factory arms with the one piece clip on Bosch or RainX blades and even substituted 15 inch blades for the OE 13's
Some might say the 15's are a little harder on the motor and linkage bushings, but I'm ok with that for what I get out of it.

To answer your specific question, Anco has been around a long time and has good quality, and I would be comfortable with those.

As you go on with your project you will find lots of places that decided to make themselves a middle man with a huge profit margin, so when in doubt ask. (like you just did)

 

[Caberocks]

Thanks! I could easily buy the more expensive arms, but I wonder why if the other site has them less than half price. Confusing when restoring parts and you want to get the right stuff.
60 bucks versus 249 bucks is a lot.

 

[pishta]

There are restoration parts (NOS, OEM, $$$) or there are replacement parts (rockauto, partsgeek, Autozone) its all what you are after. As for wiper blades thats an easy one: The cheapest! They only last about a year anyway so spend the $4 wisely....Wiper arms can be bought here or there, but if your looking for OEM, then its time to start looking. Put the call out on the wanted board, lots of us have our stashes.

 

[fratzog lover]

For as often as I use my wipers-after I wash my car and go for a drive, to get the water my leaf blower missed.

 

[TrailBeast]

Thanks! I could easily buy the more expensive arms, but I wonder why if the other site has them less than half price. Confusing when restoring parts and you want to get the right stuff.
60 bucks versus 249 bucks is a lot.

Uh, yea.
Because someone put themselves in there as a middle man and stand to make a lot of money if people are ignorant enough to buy from them.
I have seen complete stock originals arms and blades both go for 20 plus shipping on here.

 

[Caberocks]

Thanks for the advise. I ordered the Anco arms, I think they will work great!

 

[fratzog lover]

Ah, remember the yellow anco wiper station at the gas stations when you where a kid?

 

[Bulldozer]

250 bucks for wiper arms is just plain stupid. they probably don't even come with a jar of Vaseline or send you a reach around.

 

[4spdragtop]

Also beware of Jims auto parts lots of pissed off members here, as well as SOME happy. Educate yourself on them.

 

[TrailBeast]

250 bucks for wiper arms is just plain stupid. they probably don't even come with a jar of Vaseline or send you a reach around.

They give you Vaseline with sand in it. LOL

 

[Bill Crowell]

As TrailBeast and some other posters have suggested, some Mopar parts sellers think their stuff is made from gold and charge completely outrageous prices, hoping that you will pay it because you don't know any better. I am not going to mention names because that might be bad form. Just be aware that some sellers like this exist, and avoid them.

 

[gunbunny]

Keep in mind, the parts geek wiper blades will be black. Not a big deal if you're not to picky. They will be the newer style and wont look like like the older type, but will work. You can find these at most decent parts stores, but rarely at the big box ones.

 

[fratzog lover]

As TrailBeast and some other posters have suggested, some Mopar parts sellers think their stuff is made from gold and charge completely outrageous prices, hoping that you will pay it because you don't know any better. I am not going to mention names because that might be bad form. Just be aware that some sellers like this exist, and avoid them.

Usually if you check their postings, they are all buy, flip, sell. No comments on the other forums, no contributions, just their own mopar ebay of sorts.

 

[Caberocks]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all the advice. When you are "new" at anything, there are people who will take advantage of you.

 

[fratzog lover]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all the advice. When you are "new" at anything, there are people who will take advantage of you.

Good looking avatar car. Can you post any pics?

 

[Caberocks]

New Guy

 

[gunbunny]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all the advice. When you are "new" at anything, there are people who will take advantage of you.

It's like anything else, you're not not born knowing. You pick things up as you go. It's worth it to make it to some of the bigger shows. There you can get a better idea of what things are worth. You'll also be able to see some of the better vendors and get good ideas of what direction to go with your car.