Whats the best place to get parts for a C3
11-16-2017, 01:32 PM
#3
Team Owner
Member Since: Sep 2006
Location: Westminster Maryland
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Hi GF,
People seem to like:
Corvette Central
Keen
ZIP Products
Paragon Corvette Reproductions
Willcox.
I like the first 4 because they have very good print catalogues that make finding things easier.
They also often have good diagrams to help explain what part you're ordering.
Regards,
Alan
People seem to like:
Corvette Central
Keen
ZIP Products
Paragon Corvette Reproductions
Willcox.
I like the first 4 because they have very good print catalogues that make finding things easier.
They also often have good diagrams to help explain what part you're ordering.
Regards,
Alan
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GARYFINN (11-16-2017)
11-16-2017, 01:58 PM
#4
Team Owner
Thread Starter
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Location: S/W ,Fla-Ohio State Football isn't a matter of life or death,Its Much More serious than that
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Hi GF,
People seem to like:
Corvette Central
Keen
ZIP Products
Paragon Corvette Reproductions
Willcox.
I like the first 4 because they have very good print catalogues that make finding things easier.
They also often have good diagrams to help explain what part you're ordering.
Regards,
Alan
People seem to like:
Corvette Central
Keen
ZIP Products
Paragon Corvette Reproductions
Willcox.
I like the first 4 because they have very good print catalogues that make finding things easier.
They also often have good diagrams to help explain what part you're ordering.
Regards,
Alan
11-16-2017, 06:36 PM
#5
Safety Car
Willcox for me. EXCELLENT customer service, pricing below most of the others, and tons of tech videos & PDFs.
11-17-2017, 03:58 AM
#7
Safety Car
Member Since: Sep 2011
Location: Madeira Beach, FL
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2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
NOS, excellent take offs, gently used driver parts...... then repro.
We all have been through the repro no go nightmare.
Most suspension, shocks etc.... new ok as they are alright.
Specific interior stuff is horrible for fit in thee repro stuff.
Marshal
We all have been through the repro no go nightmare.
Most suspension, shocks etc.... new ok as they are alright.
Specific interior stuff is horrible for fit in thee repro stuff.
Marshal
11-17-2017, 04:12 AM
#8
Safety Car
For used parts, you can't beat Carlisle of Corvettes that is held in August. As well, if you have a list of new parts, you can find your favorite vendor and usually get a pretty good deal and no shipping on that list.I ordered brake calipers, hoses, pads and M/C, negotiated a great price and had it delivered to the house with no shipping cost.
11-17-2017, 09:07 AM
#9
^^^^^^This. I'll pay double for a GM NOS part any day.
11-17-2017, 10:20 AM
#10
I have found most of the Corvette vendors quite helpful. Check the prices and see what works for you...but it seems they're quite similar.
I don't buy from rude bastages unless I absolutely have to - just won't support that crap.
Basically, the last few times I've bought from Willcox because they provide lots of guidance and support here.
I don't buy from rude bastages unless I absolutely have to - just won't support that crap.
Basically, the last few times I've bought from Willcox because they provide lots of guidance and support here.
11-17-2017, 11:32 AM
#11
Racer
I have used Eckler's, Zip and WIllcox. However, if I know what I am looking for, I go to eBay first since pricing seems to be significantly cheaper for certain things.
11-17-2017, 11:48 AM
#12
Race Director
GM NOS ?
What is NOS?
Have not heard of them.
What is NOS?
Have not heard of them.
11-17-2017, 03:13 PM
#13
1st Gear
Member Since: Mar 2017
Location: Houston Texas
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NOS, stands for New Old Stock. meaning original parts that have survived since they were first made by GM...
if an old GM dealership was bought out, and someone got rid of all the left over parts from years past.... others will buy these originals parts and sell them.
so when you buy NOS they should fit like a glove. the only problem i can see is if they are plastic or rubber and it has "dry rotted" or got brittle over time. then they wont be much better than what you currently have on your car.
Scott
if an old GM dealership was bought out, and someone got rid of all the left over parts from years past.... others will buy these originals parts and sell them.
so when you buy NOS they should fit like a glove. the only problem i can see is if they are plastic or rubber and it has "dry rotted" or got brittle over time. then they wont be much better than what you currently have on your car.
Scott
11-18-2017, 12:15 AM
#14
Race Director
NOS, stands for New Old Stock. meaning original parts that have survived since they were first made by GM...
if an old GM dealership was bought out, and someone got rid of all the left over parts from years past.... others will buy these originals parts and sell them.
so when you buy NOS they should fit like a glove. the only problem i can see is if they are plastic or rubber and it has "dry rotted" or got brittle over time. then they wont be much better than what you currently have on your car.
Scott
if an old GM dealership was bought out, and someone got rid of all the left over parts from years past.... others will buy these originals parts and sell them.
so when you buy NOS they should fit like a glove. the only problem i can see is if they are plastic or rubber and it has "dry rotted" or got brittle over time. then they wont be much better than what you currently have on your car.
Scott
Ebay etc???
11-18-2017, 07:13 AM
#15
Melting Slicks
eBay is one source, another is www.partsvoice.com. Partsvoice lists GM dealers and other suppliers that have the part.
To use these sites it is helpful to have the original part numbers. The Parts and Illustration Catalog which is what GM dealers used before computers, lists all the original numbers. These catalogs are available used.
The original numbers have often been changed, but if you do a google search, the newer numbers can often be found, or a GM dealer can enter the original number and provide newer numbers.
To use these sites it is helpful to have the original part numbers. The Parts and Illustration Catalog which is what GM dealers used before computers, lists all the original numbers. These catalogs are available used.
The original numbers have often been changed, but if you do a google search, the newer numbers can often be found, or a GM dealer can enter the original number and provide newer numbers.
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OldCarBum (11-18-2017)
11-18-2017, 07:50 AM
#16
Race Director
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I am so darn jaded to some things i know any remark i make likely will be as smooth as shark skin on 80 grit,
But this is one of those sad things that happen with changing times, progess has a cost,
Its hard to find good parts, and paying top dollar doesnt mean anything much anymore, how every much you pay you have to just hope you do get what you pay for,
The top parts houses of yesterday are at the mercy of the owners retirement or sadly passing like ecklers who is now just a pep boys if that,
Mix that with a simple lack of manufactures of good parts, we live in a throw it away world, cars, razors, cell phones, people, you name it, use it a while and its over the shoulder
When i need parts i look on fleabay, i will even hit my local chain stores,
Look at threads on here about c3 calipers, why would anyone mail order such a part when the chains carry it, same day. Same price or cheaper better warranty, easier to exchange,
There is no best place for parts its a bit like going fishing,
But this is one of those sad things that happen with changing times, progess has a cost,
Its hard to find good parts, and paying top dollar doesnt mean anything much anymore, how every much you pay you have to just hope you do get what you pay for,
The top parts houses of yesterday are at the mercy of the owners retirement or sadly passing like ecklers who is now just a pep boys if that,
Mix that with a simple lack of manufactures of good parts, we live in a throw it away world, cars, razors, cell phones, people, you name it, use it a while and its over the shoulder
When i need parts i look on fleabay, i will even hit my local chain stores,
Look at threads on here about c3 calipers, why would anyone mail order such a part when the chains carry it, same day. Same price or cheaper better warranty, easier to exchange,
There is no best place for parts its a bit like going fishing,
11-18-2017, 10:56 AM
#17
Race Director
It's the same throughout the industry. I'm building my motor and it's expensive. Most of the top manufacturers buy through China and lie that their parts are made in the USA. It's was hard to find a crank that wasn't shipped from China, but turned and finished in the USA. I'm glad that I'm working with someone who has been building top performance race cars and engines for close to 50 years, knows who is and who no longer manufacturers quality parts.