Well I'm about to buy a bunch of misc. parts for my vette and just so happens that Ecklers is having a 20% off sale (order 650+). All in all this translates into a savings of ~150 bucks for me. HOWEVER, I've heard so many complaints about Ecklers as far as poor customer service, bad business morals (showing things in stock that they have on backorder for months), and shipping wrong items, that I'm going to ignore those substantial savings and order from the other two. That is unless the consensus is that they've become a better business recently because everything I've managed to read up on them has been at least 6 years old. Let me know of your guy's opinions soon, the deal only lasts till' April 1st.

Also, as far as shipping charges go, are they all about the same or?

 

I buy from all three. All have provided excellent customer service when I've had an issue.

 

I go with the one whos offering free shipping

 

Eckler's recently changed hands. They promised to maintain their quality and standards. From my experience that would be a good reason to go elsewhere. I personally like Willcox. Much of what you get from them is from Corvette America but at a lower price and their customer service in amazing. I just had an instance where while replacing the weatherstripping I realized I had 2 A pillar strips for the passenger side but none for the driver's side. I called them and they replaced it at no charge even though I bought the parts a year and a half ago.

 

I have never used Ecklers so I can't say from personal experience but I have heard much the same. The two primary vendors I use are Willcox and Zip. Both are good and sometimes it just comes down to who has what. I will say that Ernie's (Willcox) customer service is second to none. There is also a wealth of technical material available. Zip - also good. Just got a great deal on seat belts manufactured by Seat Belt Solutions. Competitor in California sells them for $489 - Zip's price was $369 (in fairness, I understand Zip's price now is $399 - still a $90 savings). Willcox has a very good deal right now (expires 3/31/13) and given what you plan to spend I think you will save 20%. Another nice thing about Willcox is that they run periodic specials. Hope this helps!

 

I've used all three and some others too. I have had good experiences with almost all of them. The one exception is Willcox.

I have had "superior" service from them!!!! They continually monitor the forum and will be there to help at the drop of a hat. As I mentioned, the others are a pleasure to do business with but the Willcox group will put themselves on a personal level with you and get you through whatever problem you are experiencing.

Terry

 

Here is a link to the current sale thread.. Thanks for the kind words you guys.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-p...hlight=willcox

 

My pleasure Ernie. Just want to check...do you have all of the parts needed for a J50 conversion? Thanks, Larry.

 

You're welcome. When can I expect that free offer in the mail?

Kidding everyone!

Terry

 

Willcox it is... don't suppose there's any way to get in touch with you guys over the phone this weekend as I would like to place an order to take advantage of the sale but have some questions about some of the parts.

 

I've bought more from Ecklers than any of the other suppliers. Mainly because they've had more of the smaller, 'unusual' items that some others don't always carry. That, and often they will offer Free shipping and that helps on larger items. Never had the backorder issues some complain about, but then again, I try not to order items at the last minute either. I order well in advance so if an item trickles in a week late or so, it doesn't disrupt my entire life. But anyway, they've taken care of me when I had problems, and I have had to work with customer support a few times. They replaced items no questions asked when an item was in question. Ecklers has a really good catalog and probably the easiest to use, straight-forward website.

Corvette America is good and never had problems with Corvette Central either. Back in the deep, dark days of the 'resession' I got a sweetheart deal on a complete interior kit from C/A. I've used Zip a couple times. Doc Rebuild has done a good job and I've called and had some questions that the good Doc took the time to steer me in the right direction. I've ordered from a place called Smart Parts and they've taken care of me too, Paragon has some items others don't seem to carry. I've actually never ordered from Wilcox but you've read all the feedback here and customer service REALLY has a price tag when your items don't show up or you have to wait and don't get the responses you need to plan your next project.

I wouldn't be hesitant to order from any of the corvette parts suppliers. I'm kind of like you, I look for sale items and shipping perks too.

 

I have used all 3. I don´t use Ecklers anymore because of some problems I have had with them. They are also more expensive. The 80 I am doing now I have used Wilcox and Corvette Central for just about everything. I have bought most of my large parts from Wicox, never a problem. And most small parts from Corvette Central. CC has a better web site.

 

I`ve just started building our 71, but have used Willcox for about 80% of our parts orders so far. The other 20% is ALSO going to Willcox from now on, based on the prices, and service we`ve gotten from them. Really enjoyed talking with Tom on the phone the other day. That helps a lot, to know that they are willing & available for tech support if needed! No other vendor that I`m aware of, has put together the amount of drawings, videos, and helpful information like they have.

 

Who is the one that always posts on this site the (How to do things )? with videos and personal replies ?

That would be Ernie Willcox, they get my vote for sure

 

In over 38 years with vettes i have ordered from most of the suppliers.

My # 1 is Wilcox, they get the stuff here in two days, its what i ordered, they called me when there was a problem with my new cc card and asked for the correct info to get it cleared up.

Mid America, Corvette America, Zip also do work.

 

Placed my first order with Willcox on Friday. Called on the phone, as I needed a little help picking out which yoke's to buy for my rear diff. Dude on the phone made it an easy decision. A+ in my book. I like the fact they are active here on the forum as well. Adds a personal touch.

 

Willcox and ZIP

 

These are my vendors of choice. I do check other prices but between these two I find good service, advice, and availability for most items.

 

Willcox have great discounts and Corvette Central are a great bargain when they offer free shipping.

Les

 

Wilcox, Corvette Central, & Dr. Rebuild!