Help for parts!!!
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 11
Likes: 3
From: Barcelona
Help for parts!!!
Hello everyone! I hope you are well!
I tell you that I live in Spain, I have a 1975 corvette and I am appealing to your experience regarding where to buy new parts for my vette.
I was googling a lot and it is incredible the big difference in prices between the different sellers.
Do you have websites to recommend me? I have never bought in the USA and I don't want to make mistakes.
The issue of shipping would be within the USA because I have a friend who receives it at his house but I am bothered by the price spread on the same pieces.
Thank you very much to all!!!!
I tell you that I live in Spain, I have a 1975 corvette and I am appealing to your experience regarding where to buy new parts for my vette.
I was googling a lot and it is incredible the big difference in prices between the different sellers.
Do you have websites to recommend me? I have never bought in the USA and I don't want to make mistakes.
The issue of shipping would be within the USA because I have a friend who receives it at his house but I am bothered by the price spread on the same pieces.
Thank you very much to all!!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 807
Likes: 802
From: Chapin SC 29036
Welcome to the Forum. I normally buy most of my parts from Zip Corvette and sometimes from Corvette Central. I have had good luck with both of them.
One of the problems with buying Corvette parts now is that a lot of the assemblies tend to be made in China. Some of the China parts have good quality, but some are marginal.
I try to rebuild my assemblies instead of just replacing them, that way I know that the basic assembly is correct and hope that the replacement parts, gaskets, bearing, etc. are good quality.
I always feel better when I have repaired something, plus if it fails I know who to blame.
I was in Spain many years ago when I was young and in the Army. I rode my motorcycle (a 1969 BSA Rocket 3) from Germany with three other motorcycles and really enjoyed my trip.
I found the Spanish people friendly even if we did not speak the same language, but we found ways to communicate. Got stopped by the "la Guardia" several times but never received a ticket.
They rode motorcycles and we always ended talking about each other's bikes. I am sure Spain has changed a lot since my trip there.
One of the problems with buying Corvette parts now is that a lot of the assemblies tend to be made in China. Some of the China parts have good quality, but some are marginal.
I try to rebuild my assemblies instead of just replacing them, that way I know that the basic assembly is correct and hope that the replacement parts, gaskets, bearing, etc. are good quality.
I always feel better when I have repaired something, plus if it fails I know who to blame.
I was in Spain many years ago when I was young and in the Army. I rode my motorcycle (a 1969 BSA Rocket 3) from Germany with three other motorcycles and really enjoyed my trip.
I found the Spanish people friendly even if we did not speak the same language, but we found ways to communicate. Got stopped by the "la Guardia" several times but never received a ticket.
They rode motorcycles and we always ended talking about each other's bikes. I am sure Spain has changed a lot since my trip there.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,393
Likes: 1,806
From: Apple Valley, MN
Unfortunately, in today’s world, you need to do your homework before clicking the “buy” button. Caveat Emptor - “buyer beware” needs to be heeded at all times. @robertea ’s advice and recommendations are spot-on. I will add that I’ve bought from Bair’s Corvette many times as they are a small business and I have been happy with my purchases from them.
I would also add that while these are Corvettes, they are also Chevrolets and a lot of the parts are the same and available from non-Corvette specific suppliers. Further, many of the parts that the major suppliers sell will sell directly. For example, Corvette Rubber Company, DeWitts radiators. A lot will depend on what you are looking for and how concerned you are with originality.
I would also add that while these are Corvettes, they are also Chevrolets and a lot of the parts are the same and available from non-Corvette specific suppliers. Further, many of the parts that the major suppliers sell will sell directly. For example, Corvette Rubber Company, DeWitts radiators. A lot will depend on what you are looking for and how concerned you are with originality.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,713
Likes: 1,372
CorvetteSpain666
Look at the Vendor list here on the forum.
If you are buying a big ticket item then just ask here. Lotsa folks buying lotsa stuff here all the time.
Look at the Vendor list here on the forum.
If you are buying a big ticket item then just ask here. Lotsa folks buying lotsa stuff here all the time.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,223
Likes: 666
From: Northeast
Befor ordering from any company, vendor here or not, go to the transaction forum, at least, and do a search.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-feedback-153/
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-feedback-153/
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 11
Likes: 3
From: Barcelona
Welcome to the Forum. I normally buy most of my parts from Zip Corvette and sometimes from Corvette Central. I have had good luck with both of them.
One of the problems with buying Corvette parts now is that a lot of the assemblies tend to be made in China. Some of the China parts have good quality, but some are marginal.
I try to rebuild my assemblies instead of just replacing them, that way I know that the basic assembly is correct and hope that the replacement parts, gaskets, bearing, etc. are good quality.
I always feel better when I have repaired something, plus if it fails I know who to blame.
I was in Spain many years ago when I was young and in the Army. I rode my motorcycle (a 1969 BSA Rocket 3) from Germany with three other motorcycles and really enjoyed my trip.
I found the Spanish people friendly even if we did not speak the same language, but we found ways to communicate. Got stopped by the "la Guardia" several times but never received a ticket.
They rode motorcycles and we always ended talking about each other's bikes. I am sure Spain has changed a lot since my trip there.
One of the problems with buying Corvette parts now is that a lot of the assemblies tend to be made in China. Some of the China parts have good quality, but some are marginal.
I try to rebuild my assemblies instead of just replacing them, that way I know that the basic assembly is correct and hope that the replacement parts, gaskets, bearing, etc. are good quality.
I always feel better when I have repaired something, plus if it fails I know who to blame.
I was in Spain many years ago when I was young and in the Army. I rode my motorcycle (a 1969 BSA Rocket 3) from Germany with three other motorcycles and really enjoyed my trip.
I found the Spanish people friendly even if we did not speak the same language, but we found ways to communicate. Got stopped by the "la Guardia" several times but never received a ticket.
They rode motorcycles and we always ended talking about each other's bikes. I am sure Spain has changed a lot since my trip there.
I am originally from Argentina and I have lived in Spain for 3 years, here American cars are "rare" except for the groups of classic and American cars that there are, few, but there are.
The Spaniard is extremely friendly and a big fan of barbecue and beer hahaha.
Thank you very much for your time, a big hug, Eduardo
Unfortunately, in today’s world, you need to do your homework before clicking the “buy” button. Caveat Emptor - “buyer beware” needs to be heeded at all times. @robertea ’s advice and recommendations are spot-on. I will add that I’ve bought from Bair’s Corvette many times as they are a small business and I have been happy with my purchases from them.
I would also add that while these are Corvettes, they are also Chevrolets and a lot of the parts are the same and available from non-Corvette specific suppliers. Further, many of the parts that the major suppliers sell will sell directly. For example, Corvette Rubber Company, DeWitts radiators. A lot will depend on what you are looking for and how concerned you are with originality.
I would also add that while these are Corvettes, they are also Chevrolets and a lot of the parts are the same and available from non-Corvette specific suppliers. Further, many of the parts that the major suppliers sell will sell directly. For example, Corvette Rubber Company, DeWitts radiators. A lot will depend on what you are looking for and how concerned you are with originality.
Regarding the classic suppliers like "Jegs, Summit, Classic Industries, etc" I know them from when I lived in Argentina, I bought many times and I never had problems, nowadays there are not "as many spare parts" as on the websites that are specific like the ones that they named me.
Thank you very much for your time, a big hug, Eduardo
CorvetteSpain666
Look at the Vendor list here on the forum.
If you are buying a big ticket item then just ask here. Lotsa folks buying lotsa stuff here all the time.
Look at the Vendor list here on the forum.
If you are buying a big ticket item then just ask here. Lotsa folks buying lotsa stuff here all the time.
Befor ordering from any company, vendor here or not, go to the transaction forum, at least, and do a search.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-feedback-153/
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-feedback-153/
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,353
Likes: 787
From: Redondo Beach, California
I used to buy a lot of parts from Paragon. They've recently gone out of business and merged with Corvette Central. One of the attractions of Paragon is that they have very detailed illustrations in their part catalog......I've read that Corvette Central is going to pick up maintaining their catalog. Zip also is a good source. Corvette America is a favorite for interior parts. These are all Corvette Forum sponsors.
These cars are approaching 50 years old. Wonder how long replacement parts will be so readily available. I think I've noticed parts starting to be occasionally not available. So far not really a problem.
Also, my half joking comment about repro parts:
If it fits, it won't be good quality
If it's good quality, it won't fit.
Actually, I have found some repro parts that not only did fit, but were of better quality that the original factory equipment. Particularly true when an originally steel part is repro'd in stainless steel. Anyhow all of the issues with buying parts for these cars is just part of the fun of restoring them.
These cars are approaching 50 years old. Wonder how long replacement parts will be so readily available. I think I've noticed parts starting to be occasionally not available. So far not really a problem.
Also, my half joking comment about repro parts:
If it fits, it won't be good quality
If it's good quality, it won't fit.
Actually, I have found some repro parts that not only did fit, but were of better quality that the original factory equipment. Particularly true when an originally steel part is repro'd in stainless steel. Anyhow all of the issues with buying parts for these cars is just part of the fun of restoring them.
Last edited by 68/70Vette; May 3, 2024 at 12:22 PM.
Platinum Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 124
Likes: 43
From: Swartz Creek MI
We have just finished printing the brand new C3 catalog, have integrated many of the detailed illustrations that Paragon had used in their catalog. If you are on the mail list, you will get a new catalog in the next couple of weeks. If you have not received a catalog in the past, please make sure to orders your https://www.corvettecentral.com/catalogs
Thank you
Tony G
Corvette Central
Thank you
Tony G
Corvette Central
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,713
Likes: 1,372
paragoncorvette
That's good to hear. I get them both but I was saving my old Paragon Catalog.....
That's good to hear. I get them both but I was saving my old Paragon Catalog.....
We have just finished printing the brand new C3 catalog, have integrated many of the detailed illustrations that Paragon had used in their catalog. If you are on the mail list, you will get a new catalog in the next couple of weeks. If you have not received a catalog in the past, please make sure to orders your https://www.corvettecentral.com/catalogs
Thank you
Tony G
Corvette Central
Thank you
Tony G
Corvette Central