C3LT1 arrives down under but not all good news

[John G.]

After more than 3 months++ I have finally received my first Corvette and other than wheels? I am very happy thanks again to Drew Papsun for the help along the way. As for the wheels at some point in the transport here trim rings and rally caps have been stolen. Have tried Ecklers for the rally caps but told do not have these with logos, any suggestions for where I could get the original logo caps would be appreciated. Not going to let some low life spoil my fun! have been able to register my car C3LT1.
john

[Jack H.]

Re: C3LT1 arrives down under but not all good news

Used original center caps are frequently posted on eBay plus Paragon's catalog lists them as No. 3925801U at $75 each. Many of the current reproductions use a chrome on plastic cover that lacks the Chevrolet emboss allowing them to skirt the need for a GM Reproduction license.

On the trim rings, reproductions are available pretty cheaply but use SS vs. chromed construction with an all-grip mounting system vs. the factory orignal discrete 4-clip mounting system. You will find various catalogs stocking 'original' trim rings, but you need to double check before you buy...

There was an early vs. late version of the trim ring and your car used the early version. The difference lies in the orientation of the 4 clips relative to the trim rings' valve stem hole. The early version had one of the four clips at/near the valve stem hole while the later version (this is what's typically available as NOS) having the clips rotated 45-degrees to keep them well away from the valve stem hole...

[Phil P.]

Re: C3LT1 arrives down under but not all good news

john,get with the seller to help re-coup some of the loss he caused to be incurred---i shipped a 69 396 chevelle but prior to it going on the truck i removed rings and caps plus the outside mirror---i even removed radio and door lock knobs--packed them and placed them in the trunk---over night the trunk key to the new owner---all went perfect---also photographed the car all sides capturing the shipper truck in the back ground---i'm sure he should be willing to help in some way---good luck,phil

[Joe L.]

Re: C3LT1 arrives down under but not all good news

john-----

You can purchase brand new rally wheel caps from GM dealers under GM #3925801. These are expensive at about $140/ea US/ GM list, but you should be able to buy them for less than that. The last ones of these that I've seen are absolutely identical to the originals and they are NEW.

The trim rings are also still available from GM under GM #3923626. This is the original part number but the rings may differ from the originals in minor ways. However, they will be NEW and not all scuffed up from curb contact. Once again, though, they are expensive at about $150/ea/US GM list.

Perhaps the shipper should pick up the tab if the parts were stolen while the car was in their custody?

[John G.]

Re: C3LT1 arrives down under but not all good news

thanks all, Jack have just called Paragon no SH and new repros available in 4-6 weeks, Joe will give your numbers a try would you have a suggested dealer contact number not easy to get from over here also need a direct number not toll free.
thanks john

[Joe L.]

Re: C3LT1 arrives down under but not all good news

John-----

Aren't there GM dealers where you are that can order parts through the GM parts system? I would think that would be the most cost-effective way to go.

Otherwise, you might try ordering online from a source like GM Parts Direct (www.gmpartsdirect.com). The problem is that shipping cost might eat up most of the discount.

[Jim T.]

Re: C3LT1 arrives down under but not all good news

John try this contact, it is the e-mail address for the parts person at the dealership and give them the part numbers Joe has given you and that you want 4 of each and see what you think of the price. bwendorff@fichtnerchevrolet.com the mans first name is Bob. Also check about shipping to your address.