This isn't to start whining and complaining. My 2000 C5 needs quite a few things, least of which are new seat covers and foam. I can't believe how much things have gone up in price!!! Because my car needs a lot, it'll cost a lot. That's just the way it is. Still, I wasn't prepared to drop over 2 grand for new seat covers, foam, and bladders. Just saying, if you're like me, and need quite a few things done on your car, be prepared for a surprise. I'm expecting to spend around 10k on my car this year!!! 2 or 3 years ago, it would've been tough to hit 7k....

 

No doubt! I was shocked at the cost of a carpet kit for driver and passenger ONLY and this was last year. Oh, and it took like 4 months to show up!

https://www.zip-corvette.com/97-04-f...-truvette.html

 

Yeah I was looking at the AP calipers well just dreaming for now... the 2500 kit is 3100, the 4000 kit is 5000, etc the "kick me" is essex have "new" vids on youtube from last year with last year prices.

 

$2k for seat covers/foam/bladders for stock style seats is no way in hell worth it. For $2k you can get some much nicer aftermarket seats. "Pay to play". Doing what you are doing is cheaper than a car payment...

 

I agree. For $2K you can get new seats. Check with a local upholstery shop. They might be able to do a full customs job for the same or less than $2k.

 

…and prices aren’t slowing down either.

In January this year I ordered a ACDelco water pump from Summit for $235. They sent the wrong part and I returned it the first week in February. It has been back ordered since then, due to ship April 11; at the original price.

The current price on Summit is $263, and I’ve seen them elsewhere for $286 + shipping from GM Parts Direct.

Moral to the story is buy now for future projects.

 

Here's a set of 2k drop-in c7 seats...if you like red. They have black too but need a little bit if elbow grease to get them in tip top shape





https://www.ebay.com/itm/14-17-Chevy...edirect=mobile

 

Here's another example. I have 45,000 miles on my valve springs. I need to change them before one breaks, and takes out my engine. I'm very happy I got 45,000 miles out of them. They're dual, hi perf PAC springs. Most guys dont go over 20,000-25,000 miles before changing them out. 2 years ago, I could get them with Ti retainers for $299 at many places. Now they're $522@Summit AND Jegs!!! Southwest Speed has them on their website for $299. No phone number, just an email. So I sent one. I haven't heard anything back. I wonder why?!! The springs alone, without new Ti retainers, are $222.00. Matt at PAC says unless the retainers show wear, theyre good as new. So Ill get just the springs. But you get the idea. Oh....and Summit says they won't be available until April 24!!

 

I didn't even need the foam or the bladders when I did my seat heaters and MAmotorworks seat covers and I was at 1800.00 back in 2008

 

At those prices, my stock 02 C5 Z seats must be worth 1500

 

Raw steel prices have gone up....a lot. I work in automotive manufacturing segment for suspension springs...material cost increases were a hard pill to swallow which ultimately needed to be passed on to the customers. By customers I mean GM/Ford/Honda etc etc. If it happened at the OEM level, it happens at the small businesses and consumer level.

Our company also makes stabilizer bars, transmission disc springs, constant tension hose clamps, and valve springs(among other things) all for OEM applications.

 

Good to know! Now we know who to come to for that stuff

 

smitty2919, does your company sell direct to the public? If yes, please post web site.

 

I'm with you OP. I'm trying to find a place to tint the windows in my 02 vert. So 2 frameless windows and 1 tiny flat back window. Have yet to find a place that will do it for less than $250. A place I called yesterday wanted $350.

 

Nope. Only contract direct to OEM.

 

That's a deal compared to my tinted windows price!! I paid $300 for it in 2006 $$$! I will say they did a Helluva job. The tinting is still there, like new, no peeling, no bubbles. Got my $$$ worth, I guess.

 

 

Wait until you see the shop's hourly rates for things you need done by a garage..

 

@grinder11 I skipped the intervening posts... because I zero'd in on the seating issue.

Firstly, I would suggest just replacing the seats entirely as they don't offer great comfort, nor do even the sport seats make a pretense at holding you in place when cornering. Some complain, but I absolutely love my Corbeau A4s and they can be had as a set brand new with black suede for around 1k. Sell your seats for 500 to offset the price. Or grab a newer C6, C7 seat set for about the same price with some hunting. They also offer better support but come with the electric adjustments we're all used to.

If you remain interested in restoring your Sport seats, I am in the middle of doing the bladders and rock / rail replacement. The bladders are dirt simple to replace and dirt cheap to use blood pressure cuffs as I saw on a searchable post here. Pics of mine are on the "what have you done to your C5 today thread" from yesterday. The rails are less easy... that is, easy to get out, service and reinstall.... but there are 4 13mm bolts which secure the frame to the upper rail.... and let us just say that I was tempted to use a MAP torch on my seats yesterday in frustration reconnection the rear two. I have the passenger seat to do later today when I'm free and I do not intend to remove the rear bolts. No need to! It can be easily done with them still attached.

But I'll be happy to have mine back together and functioning before I list the car for sale. I'm not a pump-n-dump seller. While the car has been my daily and has as such seen ice, snow, etc and is probably a 7.5/10 overall appearance, she remains a well cared for machine and I take pride in keeping it maintained. Example: I managed to damage 4th gear (I actually believe my friend did it when I let him drive it last Fall... but it is what it is) and so at 119k miles on the chassis, this old girl is about to receive a 62k mile M12 take-off from a Z06 which went to 6060 combo like my own Z06 has. I think I'll also give it the Z06 titanium exhaust spare set I have and complete the Z06 'clone' thing. It has C5Z leafs, sways, trans, and exhaust at that point and I may also give it a Z gauge cluster since I own a spare one, but only if I can get the mileage correctly adapted to match the car. I figure it will help sell the car. It is also kind of cool. Plus I have GM original Z06 wheels which came with the car. I would just need to put correct tires on them.

 

Prices have indeed gone way up and do not look for things to subside anytime soon.