Not looking to trash any of the sponsors, just looking for some that many on here have had good dealings with.

1. Best overall for just about anything related to Corvettes
2. Brakes/suspension
3. Interiors--carpet/steering wheel/door panels/etc
4. Engine/drive-train components

I know no one is perfect, but just looking for someone reputable who delivers what they say at a decent price.

Thanks!
Brian

 

Willcox is always there to help

 

Ive ordered through Wilcox Corvette, Zip Corvette, and Full Throttle Corvette. All three where great.

 

I've been impressed with Corvette Central and especially VanSteel

 

 

I have had good luck with all the major vendors out there. These days with shipping costs so high, you have to look at that as a component of the expense of repairing your corvette. I try to choose a vendor that has everything I am looking for (and in stock, hopefully) and buy in large batches, rather than buy a few parts from this vendor and a few from that vendor. The S&H will really add up over the course of a restoration. Then, I also try to wait until one of the vendors has a sale, which you can pretty much bet will coincide with any major holiday. So, make sure you sign up for the vendors' newsletter or to be alerted of any 'specials'. Generally this boils down to Corvette Central, Corvette America, Ecklers, sometimes Zip. Wilcox also has sales that are ongoing for forum members. Most sell the same parts, but things like weatherstripping are not equal and that's one area to do your reasearch and call ahead and know what you are getting. Ecklers seems to have the largest selection of products - they sell just about everything down to the smallest clip or screw, if and when you need it. For interior products, try to put together a "Kit" and usually you can save some additional money. Corvette America has interior kitsm which they actually make many of the parts, and they will work with you to mix and match in case you don't necessarily need everything in a 'typical' kit. If you can put together a 'kit' price at Corvette America AND get a free shipping bonus (pretty important on bulky interior items), then you hit the jackpot. I'm sure Wilcox will also work with you too.

Anyway, if you adopt this strategy and try to incorporate discount incentives and one-stop shopping, you can save a significant amount of money over the course of a restoration.

 

In addition to the ones previously menitoned, I have had good experiences with VBP and have had no problems with their stuff.

 

Many thanks!!!

Exactly what I was looking for!!

Brian

 

I have had absolutely terrible experience with one of the vendors listed in this thread, and they are popular on this site.

My point is, there's plenty of experiences pro/con with a lot of the same vendors by people. I've been buying parts since the 70's and have had both good and bad times with a few.

That said:
1. Al Knoch Interiors
2. the Search function is your friend

 

Everyone has pros and cons about all of the vendors. Best to shop around and go for the best product available until YOU have problems with a vendor then mark them off your list.

I have had issues with a major vendor on this list also and refuse to do business with them unless absolutely necessary. Many others love the same one.

As Vettebuyer said, for specific parts run a search to find feedback from posts about them for that type of part. Any of the ones on the lists so far are ok, depending on what it is that you are looking for.

Another one that seems good so far is yearone, if they have what you are looking for.

 

Brakes and suspension-

Hands down...without a question- VanSteel



I'm using Full Throttle- local to me- Sam and Dave are great at following up!!!

Hot rod stuff- Summit- get the stuff next day and they seem to have everything in stock!!!

For the engine? German Auto Parts....


Richard

 

Summit Racing... great fast service, broad selection and good prices.

I have also had good experience with Corvettes South and Rock Auto. No significant complaints about any of the major Catalog companies after owning 3 vettes since 1993.

 

It might be easier to mention the not so good vendors. Most seem to do a good job on everyday items. I have always been loyal to Willcox because of their service however I just ordered something fron Dr. Rebuild and was OVERLY PLEASED.

 

Wilcox for general stuff as their discounts, forum support, and prompt service. However, I wished they would send tracking numbers with the orders.

Dr. Rebuild for very correct specific pieces.

Summit Racing for aftermarket stuff. I'm in California and I get my orders delivered in 1 day with ground. Ships out of their Nevada warehouse I assume.

 

I shop around for the best price, so I've ordered from pretty much everybody, and they are all pretty good.

My most recent order was with Keen Parts, and I was very happy with it.

Have ordered from Wilcox many times - they do seem to have the lowest prices most of the time. But, as mentioned earlier they can't provide shipping tracking #'s (I think it's because they drop ship almost everything) - so if I can find it with another vendor for about the same price, I go with the other vendor.