Just got a 72 convertible and I was wondering where was the best place to get parts. Ive looked at zip and corvette guys... anyone have a preference? Thanks

 

Welcome to the forum. This is a great place for info and you are starting off with a good question. My suggestion is that you sit down and decide what you want to do with your car. Do you want a factory correct restoration? a good driver? a sharp custom? Your decision will help us lead you in the right direction. There are numerous parts vendors out there offering many levels of service, quality, and price.

You have NOS parts, used parts, reproduction parts, and a whole variety of replacement parts.

 

I have been using Zip and my main supplier for 20 years now. Never had an issue with them. Corvette central in another. There are others, do your research on this. I use Summit and Jegs for my aftermarket high performance parts.

 

I use all the vendors. Plus this forum is a great place for used / hard to find parts.

 

Thanks for the info. The car is a nice driver, it really doesn't need too much. I was thinking more of the future when I start tinkering.

 

In just one word......Willcox...

 

I personally like to use Paragon and DR. Rebuild. In my opinion their parts are the closest to looking factory correct and are usually quality parts. Many of the parts are made by the same manufacturers and distributed by different venders.

 

I have used Willcox and Zip many times and have been happy with their service and the quality of their parts. Willcox also has good prices.

 

Willcox.

 

I agree with Red70Vette, you should consider all sources. There are times that NOS parts are the best when they are available within your budget, so Ebay would be a source. NOS will generally be the best quality. Other times, you need to look at what the items is your'e after, then fit the supplier. For example, maybe you want the best interior, then you would consider Al Knock interiors. Doc Rebuild makes and distributes high quality aftermarket parts that, in many cases, they produce themselves and are of very high quality. Aftermarket items like door gaskets vary widely in quality. Some are darn hard and you would do wise to avoid these if you want your doors to close properly. Different vendors have different quality and they all say theirs are premium OEM quality. Best I've seen are the ones I bought from Smart Parts (866-600-Vette). Still, as close to OEM as they are, I have OEM weatherstrip and it's still better than the best aftermarket I've seen. I've bought from most of the suppliers like Ecklers, Corvette America, Corvette Central, Mid America, Paragon, Zip, Doc Rebuild, and a few others. Seems like each has a certain type of part/s they produce or specialize in. But most of these outfits sell to each other. For example, I've bought door gaskets and some interior parts from Ecklers that were manufacturered by Corvette America. Ecklers manufactures fiberglass parts, so you might be getting an ecklers fender when you order from another supplier ...things like this. Over all, I've had no problems with any of the vendors I've listed. Looking back, I've probably ordered a lot more from Ecklers than any other place just because they typically have the largest inventory and selection from what I've seen, and the best catalog and best website in terms of online ordering and ease of use. In many cases there are some parts you can buy at Autozone that are a fraction of the price of the vette parts suppliers. RockAuto.com has a lot of GM and Delco parts.

Next piece of advice I would offer is to keep a running list of parts you need and order as much at one time from a single supplier and time your orders when they are offering 10-15% discounts and sometimes shipping breaks, usually around a major holiday, like valentines/easter/Memorial day/4th July/Labor Day/Thanksgiving /Xmas/New Yr. Otherwise you will end up paying a good deal of cash on shipping and handling charges if you order a little here a little there...

Best of luck,

Mark G

 

Can't go wrong with ZIP...........

Hammadown

 

Mostly Ecklers and Willcox. Some items from Corvette Central.


Larry

 

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your purchase of a great automobile.
Go to the website for every Corvette vendor you can find and order their free catalogs.
This will allow you to shop for best prices. Also, many have great illustrations that show you how the parts go together.
When you get ready to purchase, ask on this forum who is best for what you need as some are better for certain parts than others.
This is a great place to get help with anything Corvette related and the answers are usually quite fast as there are many on this forum daily as compared to some other forums that don't get many participating.
Kurt

 

Many vendors offer a lot of the same stuff, often drop shipping from the main providers. Ive had good luck with Smart Parts, ZIP, Corvette Central, Paragon and Ecklers. I love Al Knoch for interior parts, but people who shop for price instead of quality make other choices. Specialty stuff like fiberglass, smog, repro tires, and other low production stuff generally requires specific vendors.

Try different vendors to see how they treat you. Everyone has success stories and bad experiences with many vendors, so get a feel for them yourself. There are vendors I will never use again becuase of my personal experiences, while other love them. You will hear these stories from everyone.

 

 

WILCOX!

 

How about repair manuals? Is Chiltons still the way to go? Its been a while since I had an older car. Thanks!

 

but spelled "Willcox"

 

Copy of the AIM - Assembly manual specific to your year is invaluable! All the vendors can supply it in paper form; Willcox has it on disc!

Chilton and Hayes are "OK" if looking for basic information. The GM manual is also available from most suppliers and is a good technical source.

Welcome aboard!

 

I have bought all of my parts from both Willcox and Volunteer Vette.

Both vendors have been very reliable and helpful... Very good customer service and prices..