GM Apparently Won’t Sell C8 Corvette Structural Parts to Just Anyone
Only certified GM repair shops can purchase structural C8 parts, but is it a safe move or a total overreach?
Over the last several years, cars in general have become much more technical and complicated. In some ways, this is a good thing, as cars like the C8 Corvette offer up a ton of performance bang for your buck. The C8’s structure itself is a complex mix of aluminum, carbon fiber, and fiberglass, which makes it lightweight and stiffer than its predecessor, all while generating less noise and vibration. But if something happens to your fancy C8 structure, you won’t just be able to take it to any old shop for repairs, as Corvette Forum member Phil1098 discovered while perusing GM’s TechLink site.
“Interesting news if you crash your C8. I found this article to have some good info including tips on brake pads, but the collision info is different to me. I’ve never seen where GM won’t sell parts to somebody.”
The paragraph in question is quite specific, and pulls no punches outlining the fact that GM intends to keep C8 structural repairs in-house.
Structural repairs must be made by certified GM Collision Repair Network (CRN) or Cadillac Aluminum Repair Network (CARN) shops. Non-certified shops will not be permitted to receive the restricted structural part numbers from a GM dealership. The majority of the structural frame components for the C8 Corvette will be put on parts restriction. GM dealerships with body shops can enroll at www.genuinegmparts.com/for-professionals/general-motors-collision-repair-network.
Quite a few fellow members are rather upset about this news, which is understandable. Most people feel like they should be able to choose the shop they want to fix their car, but rrsperry makes a good point about why this could be a bad idea.
“So you guys are fine with Billy Bob or Jose’s “we fix it cheap” YouTube body shop welding an unknown aluminium alloy structural member in his dirty shop? Using who knows what filler rods and methods and processes? You really going to trust your safety and anyone else’s on the road after that? I think I’d rather have trained and certified structural repairs. Aluminium is hard to fix correctly.”
Regardless, many aren’t fans of a company dictating where they must go to for repairs, including ArmchairArchitect.
“Ultimately, it’s the consumer’s choice. GM should have no business dictating where a repair occurs on a vehicle they don’t own. This is yet another example of manufacturer creep on property rights. It’s akin to what John Deere and Apple have been doing. Secondly, GM can (and should) make the frame repair manual available to any body/frame shop, for shops to follow and for consumers to ensure the proper methods are used for the repair.”
So far, this thread has developed into quite the fascinating conversation. And there are plenty of people on both sides of the argument. So we want to hear what you think. Is it OK for GM to have this much control over who can and cannot get parts for the C8. Or should they sell them to anyone? Head over here and join the conversation!
Photos: Chevrolet
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