parts suppliers
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9,063
Likes: 2,736
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I have not bought anything from them, but have been to their place in Cincinnati area. Truth is, most all these parts are made by the same manufacturer. Do not think that each of these outlets are manufacturing this stuff, although some of them do. So, the relative point is what is their service, the handling / shipping costs, etc. I have used almost all of them at some point, but my primary go to is Zip Corvette. When I have had any problems, their service is top notch. I also look at pricing, and find that there is some variation on the same parts, so that comes into play as well. I recommend getting all their catalogs, as you said, Keen's diagrams are great.......it helps with working on the car if nothing else.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 113
Likes: 22
From: New York
Beautiful '71 convertible. I have used Keen a few times. I found their customer service to be excellent and many parts are less expensive than the other Corvette suppliers. Their folks have called me (and emailed me as well) when parts were shipping late and waived shipping costs on one occasion. You are right about their diagrams, I found them very useful. Ask for their parts catalog it is full of diagrams.
Dave D
Dave D
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Also be aware of the Willcox Corvette Parts website, It has LOTS of good information about various testing and repair processes for C3's.
Also, shipping costs are major issues when you purchase online. Group as many parts as you can from single suppliers to minimize costs. Also do some checking for which sources have shipping cost discounts or periods of 'free shipping' before you select your vendor[s]. As mentioned, most of these aftermarket parts are manufactured by single-source operations and sold thru many vendors. Find vendors that provide good SERVICE and customer support to purchase from. It will save you time, money and grief in the long run.
Also, shipping costs are major issues when you purchase online. Group as many parts as you can from single suppliers to minimize costs. Also do some checking for which sources have shipping cost discounts or periods of 'free shipping' before you select your vendor[s]. As mentioned, most of these aftermarket parts are manufactured by single-source operations and sold thru many vendors. Find vendors that provide good SERVICE and customer support to purchase from. It will save you time, money and grief in the long run.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Oct 6, 2021 at 10:02 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 195
From: Englewood FL
I have also had good success with Zip Corvette. I like that their web pages show when items are in stock and when they will ship. Some suppliers do not stock much of the product and have items drop shipped. Of course they charge you as soon as the order is placed. Corvette Rubber is a manufacturer quality of weather-stripping and they sell direct. They also sell some of the guides that the windows rest against.
I have only ordered a few times from Keen Corvette and have had good success. The parts diagrams on their web site are very helpful.
The local auto parts stores are a good source for parts as well. You do not have to pay shipping which is a savings for heavy items like brake calipers. I also like that you can receive instant credit for cores and do not have to pay return shipping.
I have only ordered a few times from Keen Corvette and have had good success. The parts diagrams on their web site are very helpful.
The local auto parts stores are a good source for parts as well. You do not have to pay shipping which is a savings for heavy items like brake calipers. I also like that you can receive instant credit for cores and do not have to pay return shipping.
Last edited by mark79,80; Oct 6, 2021 at 10:25 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,818
Likes: 470
From: Wichita Kansas
There are a couple of vendors out there who i won't use because they do not tell you what the shipping cost is until you have bought and paid and they have shipped. I will let you find them, don't what to say who they are.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 410
I too prefer to buy from supplies who stock their own inventory as too many times have I ordered something only to have half the parts to be on back order.
Sometimes buying from someone who inventories is a little more expensive, however carrying costs on inventory are REAL so I don't begrudge having to pay slightly higher prices for something I know they have sitting on their floor and is ready to ship.
Sometimes buying from someone who inventories is a little more expensive, however carrying costs on inventory are REAL so I don't begrudge having to pay slightly higher prices for something I know they have sitting on their floor and is ready to ship.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 44,693
Likes: 1,834
From: Huntsville AL
All Corvette supply vendors for the most part (there are some exceptions) are the same and cost points are pretty close. Find one that is close to you to reduce shipping cost and NEVER accept a back order unless you don't need the part in the near future.
I tend to use Volunteer Vette because their stuff hits my door step in 2 days. I think Corvette Central has the best tee shirts (and parts as well). Ecklers is ok if you're shopping for bling. For C2 parts LICS is my go to place, never disappointed with the quality of parts.
Now having said all of the above there is the "reproduction part" side of all this in that nothing fits as good as OEM and some reproduction stuff is just crap.
I tend to use Volunteer Vette because their stuff hits my door step in 2 days. I think Corvette Central has the best tee shirts (and parts as well). Ecklers is ok if you're shopping for bling. For C2 parts LICS is my go to place, never disappointed with the quality of parts.
Now having said all of the above there is the "reproduction part" side of all this in that nothing fits as good as OEM and some reproduction stuff is just crap.
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