Ecklers vs Willcox vs Corvette Central
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
Ive had nothing but top notch service from Zip. That said, I deal with them face to face, as I pass by there to and from work every day, and know them by name. I've read nothing but excellent things about Willcox here. It's very obvious that they too go above and beyond to make a customer happy.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
From: las vegas nv
I have been buying parts from Willcox and the bags come with Corvette America stamped on them which didn't make me to happy,i thought Willcox carried better parts then the others .They should let you know first before placing your order .
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
old thread,
I used to drive over to ecklers to get stuff but after ralph sold it wasnt the same, last I called about a part they didnt know if they had it or not...
Wilcox on the other hand got what I needed and sent it right out, for me I will buy from wilcox, I do not care where they get it just happy they get it...
I used to drive over to ecklers to get stuff but after ralph sold it wasnt the same, last I called about a part they didnt know if they had it or not...
Wilcox on the other hand got what I needed and sent it right out, for me I will buy from wilcox, I do not care where they get it just happy they get it...
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 194
Likes: 11
From: Tennessee
I've used all three, a lot from Ecklers due to quick service and the discounts aligned with my needs. I needed some emblems last week, approx $200 worth, paid full price and was charged $31 for a 13 oz package shipped via postal service. In fairness, I knew the shipping price in advance, but after seeing how small the package was I inquired if they could help me out. The customer service rep agreed it was too much but he wasnt empowered to do anything. He put in a help ticket and passed on my concern. It's only been a few days, if after a week I don't get an answer or they say "sorry", I will consider scratching them from my go to list of suppliers.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 279
Likes: 14
From: New Britain Connecticut
old thread. my first experience with Ecklers was not good. Mislabeled product after several calls and 2 weeks waiting I had to file a PayPal dispute. Scratched them off. Willcox has been great to deal with but for some reason the last 5 orders took about 28 to 35 days to get here. I do appreciate all the tips and help they provide but, it's way to long for me to wait. I have been going with corvette central or corvette America.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 425
Likes: 3
From: Jefferson City Missouri
After reading all of this, one thing is for sure. Customer service stands out as being the top deciding factor and second is shipping costs. I don't know why some of them charge so much for shipping. I can buy just about anything car-related from JEGS and the shipping is free while some of these other charge flat-rate shipping such as the $31 13-ounce package; that is a huge rip-off!
I completely understand having to charge for shipping, but keep the cost down and reasonable. Work with the shipping companies to get good rates. We do at work and the rates very reasonable.
I completely understand having to charge for shipping, but keep the cost down and reasonable. Work with the shipping companies to get good rates. We do at work and the rates very reasonable.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 987
Likes: 7
From: Surrey British Columbia
Wilcox, Corvette America, Eckler's, Paragon, Corvette Central. But the jury is currently out on Corvette Central. I've been pretty happy with them, but recently I purchased two diff side yolks and even though I ordered them for an 1980, they don't fit my 4 speed half shafts. I'm following C.C.'s return policy. If they refund me with no issues, then Corvette Central gets jacked to the top of my list.
Last edited by 80Baby; Jun 1, 2015 at 11:14 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 131
Likes: 26
From: Fort Valley Georgia
I started with Ekler's when I first started. Nothing big just little small items. They were tearing me up on shipping. I have had nothing but good eexperiences with Corvette Central and Zipps. Have not had the chance to use Wilcox yet.
Advanced
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 71
Likes: 6
From: Ray Twp Michigan
An interesting aside...
I was taking my daughter to a field trip yesterday when I passed this home in the wall place that said "Corvette Parts" or "Corvette Shop".
SO after I dropped her off I went back to the place and was talking with the owner, a nice guy in his early 70's. They had the pace for 30 years and said if I heard of Eckler's etc... and get catalogs from those places - that they supply them! I said ( a little skeptical ) You mus have a big stockroom back there. He then says there are 5 buildings in the back some down the road and a 5 story warehouse in downtown Detroit at I-75 and I-94!
I think I stumbled n the Arc of the Covenant!! Right in Lake Orion / Oxford Michigan!
I was taking my daughter to a field trip yesterday when I passed this home in the wall place that said "Corvette Parts" or "Corvette Shop".
SO after I dropped her off I went back to the place and was talking with the owner, a nice guy in his early 70's. They had the pace for 30 years and said if I heard of Eckler's etc... and get catalogs from those places - that they supply them! I said ( a little skeptical ) You mus have a big stockroom back there. He then says there are 5 buildings in the back some down the road and a 5 story warehouse in downtown Detroit at I-75 and I-94!
I think I stumbled n the Arc of the Covenant!! Right in Lake Orion / Oxford Michigan!
Pro
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 535
Likes: 8
From: London Ontario
Because of Ernie's participation on this forum and their regular sales I have tried to use Willcox as much as I can. Unfortunately the time to ship "in stock" items can be really long and customer service is not the best at times. I placed a $400 order before the Memorial Day weekend and its still "On Hold" while they "wait for the shipment from their supplier". These items were, and still are, shown as being in stock! I have already called twice and Monday will be the third call. I have even been told that the bulk of the order would ship out last week, but, its still sitting "on hold". I have never had these issues with Corvette Central or Zip!
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
Its interesting to see that a 2 year old thread still has the same issues when dealing with some of the vendors.
I think some of us have a particular vendor that we like, and do most of the dealing with them. As long as your favorite treats you good, provides good service, and has decent pricing, then they will be your favorite.
I like to order from various vendors depending on their sales and shipping service. I prefer to spread my vette money around to continue to get the free catalogs for future sales and parts reference.
kdf
I think some of us have a particular vendor that we like, and do most of the dealing with them. As long as your favorite treats you good, provides good service, and has decent pricing, then they will be your favorite.
I like to order from various vendors depending on their sales and shipping service. I prefer to spread my vette money around to continue to get the free catalogs for future sales and parts reference.
kdf