Can anyone recommend a "One Stop" shop for ordering restoration parts for my 1978 with reasonable pricing? I’m looking for mostly interior parts at this time. I have restored vehicles in the past and find it much less aggravating to deal with one vendor. This is my 1st Corvette. THANKS!

 

A lot of guys here swear by Dr. Rebuild for the quality of his parts, his website is not user friendly or up to date price wise, you have to call.

Corvette Central is someone I use regularly and am happy with. There is also Zip Products and Ecklers, all 3 have good online stores but some guys here have issues with the last 2.

G

 

Willcox Wholesale Corvette Parts

Maintained by: willcox_inc( 7725)
Willcox Inc. Wholesale Corvette Parts. Willcox Sells All Corvette Parts at Wholesale to the public! We can cross most major vendor part numbers, so send us your list... It Will Save You Money!

Call these people. I have purchased over 3000 in parts and the quality and prices are excellent. They supply complete interiors for most corvettes. Most on this site will agree. They are also on e-bay.

 

In a word...NO! There are a lot of vendors out there and youo will probly find that shopping around you get a better deal on some parts at one dealer and other parts at another dealer. This forum is by far THE best resource for that kind of info.
Make yourself a project list for your car on what you want to do, I made a list for each section on a different page, that way you can keep up with what you need and where to get it.

I use Ecklers a lot because they are here in Florida and I have always had good luck with them. I also use VBP for brake parts, also in florida. I get a 1 or 2 day delivery here with no extra charge.
Wilcox seems to have the best deals on interior parts, Dr has great prices, but you do buisness his way. Zip is a good one, Corvette Central is ok, but I hate their website. There is a list of supporting vendors on the left of the screen, so just start shoppin.
You got questions, we got answers, some are even right

So fill out your profile, what car ya got, location etc, it helps

 

Try Gulf Coast Corvettes; , distributors for Corvette America. These guys know corvette parts, and also have a stock of good used parts....

 

I buy most of my parts from riksvet they have the same parts, and for less.

 

Justaguy,
Where are you located? Shipping plays a big part in pricing. Although dealing with one vendor is easier it's not always in your best interest. There are alot of good parts and some not so good. Pricing does not always follow suite. For instance one company, not a vendor here has a good price on front end rebuild kits. But the ball joints are very poor quality with lifespans in the 1,000 mile range even though they are described as the best you can buy. For interior I would have to say Al Knok and Dr. Rebuild for almost everything else if cost is not a factor. I would use the experience of the forum for what parts to buy from what vendor. I can also help you with this.
Mike

 

As said, no single distributor can provide the best quality parts and best price. There may be one manufacturer or multiple manufacturers for the same part. The Vette distributors (Ecklers, Zip, Corv Central, etc.) usually buy parts from the cheapest supplier or manufacturer. For your major purchases use the experience from this group to help guide you, but I have found that Resto parts distributors can change suppliers at any time, or suppliers/manufacturers go out of business, so don't count on the same quality time after time.

A couple quick recommendations:
Stick with GM Restoration Parts as much as possible. They are not OEM quality but they will be a step above any other manufacturers part.

For chassis parts, find an auto parts store near you that stocks Moog and other quality name brand parts and avoid shipping charges. You won't find these parts in the advertised rebuild kits. There are specialists for rear suspension parts that are not available at auto parts. Find them through this forum or an internet search.

Interiors; Al Knoch is the best quality at a premium price but well worth it if you plan to keep the car for a long time. Other brands available through the Vette distributors may be suitable enough, but you never know who makes them and how long they will last.

 

In reality, MOST parts are the same from any vender, so go with the cheapest reliable company. After buying from many other venders, I check with Willcox now. Not every part will be the cheapest every time, but overall, they will be. Unless you have the time to go through 8-10 different venders catalogs to get the best prices. If you want Al Knoch interior parts, check with Wall Knoch, Ironcross, on this forum. You might get a better product for about the same price.

 

TRY TRACDOGG2, AT CLASSIC CORVETTE PARTS www.classiccorvetteparts.vstore.ca

MIKE HANDLES ONLY THE BEST QUALITY.

BEST OF ALL, MIKE IS AN ATHORITY ON VETTS AND WILL GUIDE YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION,

GM

 

Corvette America or Corvette Central is who i deal with and have never had a promblem with either.

 

Thanks for all of the advise... I'm new in the Corvette World...

 

Look over in Australia I hear there are a bunch of Stingrays were the tails were cut off, so there must be lots of parts cars on the market

 

For interior, Al Knoch. Very high quality. Corvette America is good too, and most other vendors sell Corvette Amerca interior parts. Shop around though. Corvette Central, Paragon and Willcox all offer package price savings.

 

paragon

 

quality parts and the knowledge to back them up

 

I have had good experience with The Last Detail for good prices on original GM parts and Wilcox Corvette as well. However, I would STAY AWAY from Keen Parts he has high prices, poor quality (repops made in china) and bad customer service and does not accept returns even if he tells you he will.