Preferred C1 parts suppliers

[Kevin Riel]

Would it be appropriate to ask if owners have preferences as to which suppliers are better for parts? I'm getting ready to make a considerable order, (there COULD be volume discounts) and have looked at Ecklers, Paragon, Corvette Central, and Mary Jo. I've got an intial preference, but before I order I thought I should ask. This is my first Vette project, and my 59 will end up being a VERY nice driver. I'm not going for a car to be judged at this time, but maybe later on. I learned from doing my wife's 55 T-bird that cheaper is not always better. (poor quality/fit, etc.)

If talking about this is not a good idea, let me know. We can also go offline. Thanks.

Kevin Riel

[John M.]

Re: Preferred C1 parts suppliers

Kevin,
I use Mary Jo for everything I can. Her prices are good and I really like her to boot! She is a pleasure to deal with and knows my likes and dislikes well enough that She will tell me when she thinks a repro part won't be to my liking. She has never balked at any return, even items that I may have had for months! Like everyone else that sells parts, she gets parts from the same vendors as everyone else does, and the quality is no better or worse. You will find C Central selling parts from Paragon, and Paragon sells parts from CC.
My experiences have been very good with Mary Jo over the years and I really like doing business with her. I have had great service from Paragon, C Central (with the exception of the period of time right after their move), and Dr Rebuild as well, but when all is said and done Mary Jo is my favorite.

Regards, John McGraw

[Rob M.]

Re: Preferred C1 parts suppliers

Hi Kevin,

I also have good experience with Mary Jo but also get a lot of stuff via CorvetteStop.com (Calefornia). They are quite knowledgeable and have a beautiful catalogue.

Rob Musquetier,
The Netherlands.




The C1 1959 Corvette Restoration Project

[Ed Jennings]

Re: Preferred C1 parts suppliers

On a routine basis, I usually buy fron Corvette Central. I get better prices from them. (I get a trade discount) I have also had good success with Corvette World in PA. Their pricing is almost as good as CC, and they don't seem to have any problem shipping promptly.

[Norbert R.]

Re: Preferred C1 parts suppliers

I agree, Corvette Central and Mary Jo are Great. They both have been around for a Long time, (sorry Mary)'-)) and are very helpfull with questions and what you don't know you will need. My 60' was a basket case 20 years ago and they walked me through it all. CC does resale items from other vendors but have one stop shopping! A good way to build a relationship with someone for continued help.
Also CC gets around to all the car shows, so you can make a list and purchase tax free at times.

[Ed D.]

Re: Preferred C1 ...Mary Jo ?

I'm sure this is obvious to everyone but me .... Who is Mary Jo? Does she have a website?? I did a search on Yahoo and found a Mary Jo that gave piano lessons, one that wrote childrens books, and even one that had an adult site that had nothing to do with corvettes! I am always looking for a good parts supplier. Please send a phone number or website info. Thanks!

[John M.]

Re: Preferred C1 ...Mary Jo ?

Ed,
Her name is Mary Jo Rohner and her website is:

http://www.vettegal.com

Regards, John McGraw

[Ed D.]

Thanks John! *NM*

[Mike E.]

Re: Preferred C1 parts suppliers

Not everyone has had only positive experiences with Mary Jo. She has hung up on several people who received parts poorly described and who wanted refunds.
Paragon has recently changed hands, and seem to have a desire to please the hobbyist, but tend to be a bit more expensive than Central, which has been around for a long time, and has significant problems at time with back orders. I ordered a repro jack from them, was told it was no longer on back order--called Corvette Specialties of Maryland, and they had one on the way the next day. Problem is, their line is much more limited than many others. No vendor is without their shortcomings.

[Lee Boyer]

Re: Preferred C1 parts suppliers

Kevin: I restored a 61 in the past fue years and used Paragon on most purchases, they had most parts in stock and were very helpful. I was going to use cc until i made my first order. most of the parts were not in stock so i called paragon and they filled 90percent of it.the discount is nice .As usual some venders have some things others don"t have but can get them. I also have used mary jo now and then, she has some rare and odd parts i couldn"t find at other venders. Be careful buying repro."s any thing that can be salvaged I recomend to restore. It may cost a little more but well worth it.I have exchanged a lot of repro with orig. since then.

[Robert D.]

Re: Preferred C1 parts suppliers

i live in NJ and order most off my stuff from corvette world in PA never had a problem and never recieved my stuff later than 2 days later they are great very nice to talk to knowledgable about most stuff so far. also ordered several things from corvette central that no one else offered correct repro but little peeved they were closed for a week between christmas and new years needed parts that only they had and couldn't get them. i understand everyone needs off but close the whole place down?

[Clare Carpenter]

Paragon is my Preferred C1 parts suppliers

I get most of my stuff from Paragon. They've usually had everything I've needed in stock. They manufacture many of their parts (highlighted in their catalog) and supply those to the other parts houses. Example: I needed axle flange bolts and couldn't find them listed in the old catalog, Zip had them so I ordered them from Zip, back ordered but got them in about 2 weeks. Turns out Paragon makes them. Excellant selection of correct grade fasteners with proper head markings. They have a very good discount program, "Stick With Us" that offers up to 15% off, if your initial order is $500 or more. I'm told they also give NCRS members a 10% discount if you ask for it. Paragon also has an extensive selection of used parts but they are very PRICEY on some stuff!! They also offer restoration services through their vintage dept., also pricey but the work I've seen looks very good. I'm not sure if they do it all in house or sub some of it out.

I have also ordered thru CCentral and others on occasion with no problems.

[Roy B.]

Re: But if!!!!!!!!

My advice which I do is ask each dealer what parts they make . Then you make a list so that when you are ready to buy any thing , you get them from that out-fit so that if you do have a problem with any part , your dealing with the company that made it. Also many other parts are made by individuals that supplies dealers , if you can connect with them the better and usely a better price. It works for me ! and that way you know who is who out there.

[Jeffrey C.]

Re: Preferred C1 parts suppliers

I've used most of the suppliers and my favorites are Corvette Central and Paragon Reproductions. They both offer a restoration program that offers a substantial discount for a large initial order and once you start the program the discount applies to all orders for the car, even small orders. CC seems to have a better selection of C1 parts but Paragon is catching up. Paragons catalog is easier to use and I like the pictures. I also restored a 59 and am available for questions. If you are ordering a bunch of parts initially you may be able to do both discount programs. I've used Mary Jo but she is in california and if you live there the state tax is excessive, Mary Jo doesn't carry an extensive line and doesn't discount that I know of...Check the web sites for discount details.

[John Rose]

Re: Preferred C1 parts suppliers

I have very recently (last 30 days)been purchasing a large quantity of parts for my own C1 project, I have dealt with many, and went for the volume discount programs with both CC and Paragon, CC will have the widest selection, Paragon will stock what they sell. For instance, my order with Paragon was filled 100% at time of order (all parts that they manufacture) my order with CC is still 50% on backorder. It all seems to depend on what you want and what your level of patience is. I would love to buy a 68-69 oval port tri-power intake if someone has one!