The History of CJ Pony Parts

CJ Pony Parts is one of the oldest Mustang parts retailers in the world. Founded in 1984.5 by two friends who wanted to expand on their automotive hobby, CJs has remained dedicated to helping enthusiasts find quality parts for their Ford Mustangs and other performance and collector vehicles.

Since its founding, CJs has grown from a two-man operation in a barn to a company with hundreds of employees and multiple locations. Take a walk down memory lane with us as we relive some of CJ's biggest milestones.

1984.5 - The Start of a Dream

On April 1st, 1984, Jay Zeigler purchases a $400 1968 Mustang coupe. With help from family and his friend Creed, Jay restores the car and sets his dream into motion.

1985 - CJ Pony Parts Is Born

Jay and Creed realize there's a high demand for early model Mustang parts in Central PA while restoring their 1967 and 1968 Mustang coupes. CJ Pony Parts is founded in Harrisburg, PA, in a 10’ x 10’ barn space.

1989 - On the Road

Jay and Creed quit their full-time jobs and purchase a brand new F-250 and a 30-foot enclosed trailer to take the show on the road. CJs visits 26 car shows along the East Coast to promote the new business.

1992 - First Expansion and New Employee

CJ Pony Parts moves to a 1,000 square-foot location in Mechanicsburg, PA, and the first full-time employee joins CJs.

1996 - Growing and Expanding Further

CJ Pony Parts moves to a large 5,000-square-foot location in Harrisburg, PA, and the employee count grows to five.

1997 - Speeding into the Digital Age

The cjponyparts.com website is officially established.

1999 - Hello, Harrisburg

CJs buys a Harrisburg, PA property at 7461 Allentown Blvd. and builds a 19,000-square-foot office and warehouse facility. It houses a total of 6 employees and features a 4,000-square-foot showroom and a restoration facility.

CJ Pony Parts begins selling late-model Mustang parts.

2000 - First Online Order Received

The website receives its first online order and can accommodate online ordering 24 hours a day.

CJ Pony Parts begins offering on-site car restorations in the new garage.

2001 - First Customer Appreciation Day is Held

CJ Pony Parts holds its first-ever Customer Appreciation Day (CAD). The event is a way to say thanks by giving back to loyal customers. It includes a people’s choice car show, free giveaways, door prizes, and facility tours. A donation is also made to a local nonprofit organization to help children and families in need.

2007 - Expanding the Harrisburg Facility

CJs builds a new 44,000-square-foot office and warehouse space on the neighboring property to accommodate our continued growth and expansion.

We launch the CJ Pony Parts YouTube channel, making CJs one of the first automotive parts companies to feature their own restoration and install videos.

2013 - Industry Achievements

CJ Pony Parts’ YouTube channel hits 1 million views.

We add Ford Focus ST/RS and Fiesta ST categories to the site.

2014 - Our SEMA Debut

CJs builds their first SEMA Show car, the Ford Mustang 50/30. The 1965 Mustang goes on display in TMI Products’ booth at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

We launch the Ford F-150 truck category on the website.

2015 - 30 Years and Counting

CJ Pony Parts turns 30 years old!

The main warehouse at the Harrisburg, PA facility gets a new, automated shipping line. It greatly increases the shipping and productivity output of the facility.

We launch the Ford Bronco category on the website.

2016 - CJ Classic Trucks Is Born

CJs adds the Ford F-100 classic truck category to the site.

2017 - Las Vegas Facility Completed

A 100,000-square-foot facility is built at 2730 N. Lamb Blvd. in Las Vegas, Nevada. It houses more office space and extra warehouse storage for automotive parts. More importantly, it opens up faster shipping to the West Coast.

2018 - New Video Studio

CJs buys an 1880’s farmhouse in Hummelstown, PA to accommodate the entire video department. It provides the extra garage and office space the department needs.

CJ Pony Parts adds its 100,000th part to the website!

CJs gets a new vehicle category by adding Chevy C10 classic truck parts to the site.

2021 - 3D and AR Products Added

CJs adds 3D product images to the website. This makes us one of the first automotive parts websites to have 3D and augmented reality capabilities, offering enthusiasts the chance to better understand how their parts fit before they buy them.