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Story; Brother dies leaves a "dated" '72 Vette to his sister who wants it cleaned up and everything working. Needs lots of interior parts, code #412. Lost track of who to deal with on interior parts, and obvious parts needed in the future. Who's the go to suppliers for one stop shopping? Thanks, Lon
I've heard Top Flight Automotive and Al Knock Interiors are the go to vendors for interior parts. As far as a "one stop shopping" vendor IMHO, I really don't think there is one for C3 parts. Whoever has it IN STOCK at a decent price gets my business.
Especially about the shopping around part. Sometimes even outside of a Corvette specific vendor. A lot of parts are generic Chevrolet which usually sells for significantly less than “Corvette” parts.
Especially about the shopping around part. Sometimes even outside of a Corvette specific vendor. A lot of parts are generic Chevrolet which usually sells for significantly less than “Corvette” parts.
I believe the direct answer you’re looking for is what retailer has most of what you’ll need. Many suppliers have gone under or retired in the past few years. Others have consolidated. Some of the old faithfuls are gone, like Wilcox and Paragon.
Id say for a one call/one catalog/one website transaction you can look at Corvette Central or Zip. Many of their suppliers can be purchased from directly too like Lectric Limited, Al Knoch etc. For engine parts and general speed equipment that will minimize the Vette tax you’ll want to keep Summit Racing & Jegs in mind and also Rockauto.
Be aware that the overall quality of aftermarket parts and components has been steadily declining. You need to be an informed consumer and that’s why asking questions here on the forum is a good starting point to get feedback from other Vette enthusiasts who have made these same purchasing decisions and to learn what the results were, both good and bad.
i have been using zip corvette parts for the majority of my appearance restoration back to the way it left st louis for my 1969 convertible. it's my Deja Vue moment in life, lol. when i sold my 63 split window back in the later 60's early 70's my next vette was a 69 convertible. Zip's sales folks are knowledgeable and professional. AL Knoch is definitely the one to use for things like dash pads and interior "soft" parts like carpet and upholstery in my opinion. like many here i am on my "another" corvette which at this point will probably by my last one (since i'm 81 at this point) . Bair's and Keene corvette parts are also very reliable if they have what you are looking for. the biggest suggestion i can offer is that since many of the "original" parts houses have been purchased out and consolidated with many others that were originally privately owned, into a larger group. take the time and call the sales department of whoever you choose to use to insure that they have stock in the part(s) that you might need. many of the places show items on their web site but when you place the order you may get 1 or 2 of the order items and lot of items backordered. some are better than others obviously, but my experience over the years has caused me to avoid ecklers almost at all costs, going back to the time when the father who started the company passed away and left the business to the sons who have all but discontinued any decent and professional customer service and their approach to dealing with returns virtually doesn't exist. others may disagree, but that has been my experience over the years. all of the preceding are my opinion, however.
I start with Google...gives you plenty of options. I've purchased plenty from Top Flight and Ecklers, mainly Ecklers because I have a local warehouse I can just pick up my orders without shipping cost. I've also had pretty good luck with Ebay.
From your pics, the interior doesn't look that bad. You might want to check with someone who repairs/restores interiors to find out what they would want to repair any damage you have. The right side door panel looks perfect; if the left is the same, you've hit the jackpot, for interiors.
Seats need some clean-up and maybe re-stuffing some padding (I have a FREE write-up on how to do that. PM me with an e-mail address if you want it.) Clean tears aren't that big a deal to repair.
Do what you want, but just replacing a C3 interior is $$$$. Repair is much more cost effective and you end up with an 'original' interior which is much better, IMO.
Decent potential for that can, from what I can see. Body and interior look pretty good. If the underside doesn't have any severe rust, you should fix it up. Targa Bluee '72 auto car will sell pretty well. BTW, your paint code is 979 BUT FOR 1972 ONLY. 1970-71 also used paint code 979, but it was Bridgehampton Blue, an entirely different color. If you get some touch-up paint, request #979 Targa Blue (1972 only).
Last edited by 7T1vette; Apr 30, 2025 at 11:07 AM.
I use Corvette Central. I find it easier to use one supplier to minimize shipping costs. That said, I got my seat covers, foam and carpet from Al Knoch and stereo setup from Classic Car Stereos. Both have great customer service. I also have found that Summit and even OPGI can have Chevy parts that work on Vettes. Bair ‘s actually supplies parts to most of the other suppliers. They did my rear control arm rebuild, so I was able to shop right at their shop. Also great customer service. Now that I think of it, I have experienced great customer service from all suppliers that I have worked with (I have 68 Chevelle as well).
7T1vette makes a great point about trying to refurbish what you have. My seats and carpet were shot, so I had to replace them - over $1000 with shipping. All of the interior trim (vinyl covered and hard plastic) was refreshed with spray on dye, and it looks like new. I would definitely look into to refreshing what you have.
Thanks for info on interior parts I got it all from Al Knoch, haven't installed yet But quality looks good! Who are the go to guys that rebuild '72 GM tach drive dizzy's or better yet where do I buy the parts TDI myself? Thanks again, Lon
1972 Vette
Especially about the shopping around part. Sometimes even outside of a Corvette specific vendor. A lot of parts are generic Chevrolet which usually sells for significantly less than “Corvette” parts.
