Need Advice on Vendors
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 818
Likes: 237
From: Bakersfield, CA
Need Advice on Vendors
First off I hope I am not violating any forum rules with this, but I did look it up and found nothing prohibitive. So I mentioned that on Tuesday last I was involved in an accident with my 99 which caused damage to the radiator support/skid plates, front bumper and probably some other parts once I get to give it a thorough inspection. But those 2 are the main ones AFAIK for now. So in searching for those 2 parts first I was amazed at the price variances between vendors. So here it is. Front bumper OEM # 10433080...Corvette Central $559 (Urethane), Zip ACI $759, Ecklers new GM $693, TF $597, OEM Cats new $332, Dino's $350 used, Driven by Style $467 Duraflex custom, Vettenuts new $429, World Parts Direct OEM $359, Summit Chev Perf $389 and finally GM Parts Center/Online OEM $372.
With the exception of Summit, I do not have any experience with any of these vendors which is why I am asking for some direction. Ebay and Amazon also have the part however there price are a tad high. I like the idea of buying OEM whether it's a GM outfit or other but I am open to anything because you all have probably dealt with most if not all of them at some point. So fire away. Cheers!!!
With the exception of Summit, I do not have any experience with any of these vendors which is why I am asking for some direction. Ebay and Amazon also have the part however there price are a tad high. I like the idea of buying OEM whether it's a GM outfit or other but I am open to anything because you all have probably dealt with most if not all of them at some point. So fire away. Cheers!!!
Night Owl for life
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 24,729
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From: Bugs Bunny should'a made a left turn here
First off I hope I am not violating any forum rules with this, but I did look it up and found nothing prohibitive. So I mentioned that on Tuesday last I was involved in an accident with my 99 which caused damage to the radiator support/skid plates, front bumper and probably some other parts once I get to give it a thorough inspection. But those 2 are the main ones AFAIK for now. So in searching for those 2 parts first I was amazed at the price variances between vendors. So here it is. Front bumper OEM # 10433080...Corvette Central $559 (Urethane), Zip ACI $759, Ecklers new GM $693, TF $597, OEM Cats new $332, Dino's $350 used, Driven by Style $467 Duraflex custom, Vettenuts new $429, World Parts Direct OEM $359, Summit Chev Perf $389 and finally GM Parts Center/Online OEM $372.
With the exception of Summit, I do not have any experience with any of these vendors which is why I am asking for some direction. Ebay and Amazon also have the part however there price are a tad high. I like the idea of buying OEM whether it's a GM outfit or other but I am open to anything because you all have probably dealt with most if not all of them at some point. So fire away. Cheers!!!
With the exception of Summit, I do not have any experience with any of these vendors which is why I am asking for some direction. Ebay and Amazon also have the part however there price are a tad high. I like the idea of buying OEM whether it's a GM outfit or other but I am open to anything because you all have probably dealt with most if not all of them at some point. So fire away. Cheers!!!
Also, have you considered tigershark?
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First off I hope I am not violating any forum rules with this, but I did look it up and found nothing prohibitive. So I mentioned that on Tuesday last I was involved in an accident with my 99 which caused damage to the radiator support/skid plates, front bumper and probably some other parts once I get to give it a thorough inspection. But those 2 are the main ones AFAIK for now. So in searching for those 2 parts first I was amazed at the price variances between vendors. So here it is. Front bumper OEM # 10433080...Corvette Central $559 (Urethane), Zip ACI $759, Ecklers new GM $693, TF $597, OEM Cats new $332, Dino's $350 used, Driven by Style $467 Duraflex custom, Vettenuts new $429, World Parts Direct OEM $359, Summit Chev Perf $389 and finally GM Parts Center/Online OEM $372.
With the exception of Summit, I do not have any experience with any of these vendors which is why I am asking for some direction. Ebay and Amazon also have the part however there price are a tad high. I like the idea of buying OEM whether it's a GM outfit or other but I am open to anything because you all have probably dealt with most if not all of them at some point. So fire away. Cheers!!!
With the exception of Summit, I do not have any experience with any of these vendors which is why I am asking for some direction. Ebay and Amazon also have the part however there price are a tad high. I like the idea of buying OEM whether it's a GM outfit or other but I am open to anything because you all have probably dealt with most if not all of them at some point. So fire away. Cheers!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,568
Likes: 1,183
From: Conyers Georgia
When you compare Amazon to other vendors check on shipping costs. Amazon may be higher but they may also offer free or reduced shipping costs. Another thing to consider is when buying a large item such as a bumper, thr turn around time needs to be considered.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 818
Likes: 237
From: Bakersfield, CA
The place called Driven By Style is located in Fullerton which is about 2 hours south of me. I think that's where I will go to see the item before pulling the trigger. At least this way I can "touch" the item instead of hoping it is the right part then sending it back. Otherwise I will go with one of the others that got all your approvals. Cheers!!!
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Port Birmingham AL
Larry
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2021
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From: Raleigh Suburbs
The place called Driven By Style is located in Fullerton which is about 2 hours south of me. I think that's where I will go to see the item before pulling the trigger. At least this way I can "touch" the item instead of hoping it is the right part then sending it back. Otherwise I will go with one of the others that got all your approvals. Cheers!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
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From: Florida
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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For GM parts a good source is Scoggin Dickey. They are both a Chevy dealer and a major GM parts distributor, also have a good stock of high perf parts. I bought my clutch kit from them when they were very hard to get elsewhere. Fair prices, knowledgeable.
Over the past year I have stockpiled every hose, GM clamp, belts, tensioner, harmonic balancer, cam, springs, pushrods, and more I can’t recall. I bought from Amazon, GM Parts Giant, Summit, BTR, Cam Motion, Vette Nutts, Rock Auto, and Scoggin Dickey. I have received fair prices and good service from all the above, and probably left out a few.
There are several Corvette dismantlers with good reputations.
Only place I had an issue was with Ecklers.
Over the past year I have stockpiled every hose, GM clamp, belts, tensioner, harmonic balancer, cam, springs, pushrods, and more I can’t recall. I bought from Amazon, GM Parts Giant, Summit, BTR, Cam Motion, Vette Nutts, Rock Auto, and Scoggin Dickey. I have received fair prices and good service from all the above, and probably left out a few.
There are several Corvette dismantlers with good reputations.
Only place I had an issue was with Ecklers.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 6,524
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From: Florida
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Burning Brakes
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From: Raleigh Suburbs
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From: Orlando Florida
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I have used VetteNuts and have been very pleased with their service and I have also used Ecklers and not had any problems.