Notices
C5 General General C5 Corvette and C5 Z06 Discussion not covered in Tech

Redline Goods or Vette Essentials?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 20, 2005 | 10:28 AM
  #1  
TPR492's Avatar
TPR492
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
From: VA
St. Jude Donor '06
Default Redline Goods or Vette Essentials?

Has anyone had the opportunity to compare the products from these two companies? (Shift and brake boots, door and grab handles)
I was wondering how they compared to quality and asthetics.
I know one is way more expensive.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2005 | 10:32 AM
  #2  
QuikZilver's Avatar
QuikZilver
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
Default

I have the shift boot and e-brake boot from Redline, nice quality. As for the grab handles, I have MidAmerica's. They are nice, but VE's are not wrap arounds, but replacements. Cost is what prohibited me from getting those.
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2005 | 10:59 AM
  #3  
Z06-JIM's Avatar
Z06-JIM
Race Director
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 19,105
Likes: 2
From: Paducah KY
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Default

It just doesn't get any better than Vette Essentials top quality leather acc's!

Last edited by Z06-JIM; Aug 20, 2005 at 07:38 PM.
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2005 | 11:36 AM
  #4  
c5BlackBeauty's Avatar
c5BlackBeauty
Lifetime Member
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,702
Likes: 76
From: New Jersey
St. Jude Donor '05, '12-'13, '15-'16, '21
Default

Haven't done any comparisons but I did contact Redline, who are in Europe and asked for samples of their learther. They wrote me back and indicated they would be happy to send out....that was about 2 months ago and no samples yet. Some vendors forget that it starts with the product but attention to customer service is what brings you back to spend more money.

I'll stick with Vette Essentials. More money perhaps but they are here in the States, they have a wonderful reputation for product quality and customer service and a growing list of happy customers.
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2005 | 11:47 AM
  #5  
XCELER8's Avatar
XCELER8
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 8,238
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland, Center of Florida Fl
Default

Honestly, you cant compare the two. Its like comparing Honda to a Rolls Royce. Yes the Honda works well but fit and fine plus the products used in the Rolls is sooo much better and last longer. The Redline is thin and wont hold up as well. Vette Ess. is the best product you can buy for your car. Keep in mind your modding a 50k car not a cheaper Civic.

Jon
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2005 | 11:47 AM
  #6  
EatRice's Avatar
EatRice
Melting Slicks
Supporting Lifetime Gold
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 2
From: Wesley Chapel Fl
Default

I have used both companies products. Vette Essentials hands down for over all quality, fit, and finish. the Redline stuff is nice for the price you pay but if you want the best VE is the way to go.
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2005 | 11:49 AM
  #7  
blacksedan87's Avatar
blacksedan87
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
St. Jude 15 Year Donor
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
Likes: 30
From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Default

The old adage about getting what you pay for certainly applies here. The VE pieces are top quality HAND stitched perfectly color matched leather. VE guarantees that the color pallet that they work from is an exact reproduction of the O.E.M. colors. When you buy a Torch Red piece - it is an exact match to Torch Red on and in the car.

I have seen the Mid-America and the Red Line products up close, though I own a VE interior. Both Mid America and Red Line are a vast improvements over the O.E.M. pieces. Also both of them offer colors that O.E. M never offered, as well the pieces are real leather.

Also - as QuikZilver pointed out, the VE pieces like the door pulls and the steering wheels are not wraps. They are totally recovered and these parts carry a core charge for return to VE.



I am verry happy with my VE parts and it, like the car itself was worth the wait!

Reply
Old Aug 20, 2005 | 11:50 AM
  #8  
girl-ina-box's Avatar
girl-ina-box
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,039
Likes: 0
St. Jude Donor '05
Default



Vette Essentials is the best!
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Aug 20, 2005 | 11:50 AM
  #9  
FixedRoof's Avatar
FixedRoof
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,744
Likes: 9
From: FL
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Default

VE stuff is very nice.. especially when you see it in person..
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2005 | 11:54 AM
  #10  
mrm1149's Avatar
mrm1149
Le Mans Master
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 9,369
Likes: 4
From: Zephyrhills, Florida
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Default

Those are some really sharp looking grey/black sport seats, they look so odd in your vette that you should probably JUST SHIP THEM TO ME along with that strange looking steering wheel
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2005 | 12:07 PM
  #11  
blacksedan87's Avatar
blacksedan87
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
St. Jude 15 Year Donor
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
Likes: 30
From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Default

Originally Posted by mrm1149
Those are some really sharp looking grey/black sport seats, they look so odd in your vette that you should probably JUST SHIP THEM TO ME along with that strange looking steering wheel
Sure thing - send me your shipping address and I'll send them to you. But I wouldn't hold my breath waiting....

But as good as they look, they smell even better and the feeeeeel, oh yeah!

Thanks for the compliment! :o
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2005 | 12:14 PM
  #12  
AFVETTE's Avatar
AFVETTE
Team Owner
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 20,054
Likes: 44
From: Swansea IL
Default

I am so happy with the few VE pieces I installed:


What more can I say?

Tom
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2005 | 03:55 PM
  #13  
UTHockey17's Avatar
UTHockey17
Instructor
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Ft Worth Texas
Default

I too would have gone with thte VE pieces if I were not in law school but being as how I'm now on a budget that prohibits me from making expensive purchases, I went with the RedLine stuff. I have the shift boot and e-brake boot. They are nice, not exceptional, but nice all the same. However if you are stickler on color match, look elsewhere. I have a torch red coupe and the red leather is a little darker but if thats the only red accent you have in the interior, you can't tell it doesn't match perfectly. All-in-all, worth what you pay for it.
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2005 | 06:07 PM
  #14  
AC54ME's Avatar
AC54ME
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime Gold
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 37,329
Likes: 12
From: Plano Texas
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
CI-VI Car Show Winner
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Default

Originally Posted by Z06-JIM
It just doesn't any better than Vette Essentials top quality leather acc's!
You get what you pay for
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2005 | 07:24 PM
  #15  
CUlookin's Avatar
CUlookin
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,654
Likes: 5
From: Silver Spring MD
Default

The other nice thing about VE is not just their products, but VE themselves... Ken is awesome to deal with and he will talk to you about interiors or anything else dealing with vette's even if you're not a customer! Him and Sandy are a class act!

He's my interior which is almost done... 1 more piece from VE to go!
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2005 | 09:42 PM
  #16  
Stickman81's Avatar
Stickman81
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,195
Likes: 2
From: ATL
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10
Default

I have a MA console cover and a WheelSkins steering wheel wrap I put on a few months ago. I choose the MA console cover due to cost, and I think it sits a little higher than others. It is comfortable on my elbow.

I just put on a VE Auto shift **** and boot last month.

To me, they both look great. I don't know about leather and such but the VE pieces are nicer. VE is more expensive but IMO worth it. I can't afford a bunch of stuff, so, I will do a little at a time. Where VE shines in my book is the personal customer service I have received from Ken King.

(From from my thread on 7-22-05.)

I finally made the commitment to get some great Vetteessentials leather products. I called yesterday but was too late in the day and they were closed. I left a message on the machine. I just got back from a late lunch when Ken himself called me. I only have a small order compared to lots of the posts that I see here. I'm getting the auto boot and **** and a steering wheel decal. We spent some time talking about the C5's. Ken gave me some pointers on a couple of things to boot.

That my friends is outstanding customer service.

I have to do this stuff a little at a time. I am looking forward to my next purchase from Vetteesentials and the great way they treated me.

My stuff should ship out next week. I'm looking forward to getting it put in and will post some pictures then.

Thanks Ken.
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2005 | 12:45 AM
  #17  
CCA Corvette Parts's Avatar
CCA Corvette Parts
Premium Supporting Vendor
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 36,838
Likes: 438
From: Manassas Park VA
St. Jude Donor '07-'08,-'13-'14, '16-'17
Default

Kens doing mine and I'm picking it up at Carlisle!!!

Peace
Willfulone
__________________
..................Click for


Reply
Old Aug 21, 2005 | 01:23 AM
  #18  
Vetteman Jack's Avatar
Vetteman Jack
Administrator
Supporting Lifetime
Veteran: Navy
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
25 Year Member
Veteran: Reserves
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,390
Likes: 24,791
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Default

Vette Essentials is simply an outstanding product. The fit, quality and customer service makes it the company it is. I'm certainly glad that I spent the extra cash to get their interior products.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Redline Goods or Vette Essentials?





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:41 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE