Long Island Corvette Closed

[Michael B.]

LIC is officially closed.

[Scott S.]

Re: Long Island Corvette Closed

What happened?

[Thomas N.]

Re: Long Island Corvette Closed

Yeah, I went to order some parts and saw the same thing. It appears all inventory was sold to Zip and am wondering if they are just going to roll that into their inventory or set up a way to buy it differently. There is more that was available from LIC than is in the Zip catalog. I'm also wondering what is going to happen to the tooling and such that LIC used to make some of the parts, and if that is going to Zip also. Hate to see them go, but understand why they are going. Life is always in a state of flux.

From their website (first announcement from the main page, second from the online ordering page)

We are now Closed for business.

announcement:After nearly 40 years of manufacturing and providing quality restoration parts for 1963-1967 Corvette enthusiast, Long
Island Corvette Supply, Inc. of Copiague, NY has sold all available inventory to Zip Products of Mechanicsville, VA.
The sale is effective August 31, 2021.

We know this transition will take some time, but you can be certain Zip Products will continue the tradition of
providing high-quality Corvette parts for the most iconic Stingray Corvettes.

All inventory will be moved to Zip's Mechanicsville location. Please have patience during the transition.


Announcement - We have decided to retire and have sold our remaining inventory to Zip Corvette. They have purchased the inventory, not the company name nor receipts. – make all outstanding payments due to Long Island Corvette Supply 1445 S Strong Ave Copiague NY 11726.
If you need to reach us the emails are still active, the phones are off.
please contact Zip-corvette.com for all you future Corvette Parts (all years)
Sorry for the short notice, this came about very quickly. Thank you for the last 40 years ! Sincerely, LI Corvette Supply Inc. see full announcement on our site .

[Gary J.]

[Mark F.]

Re: Long Island Corvette Closed

...I'm also wondering what is going to happen to the tooling and such that LIC used to make some of the parts, and if that is going to Zip also. Hate to see them go, but understand why they are going. Life is always in a state of flux.

As you say, Tom - inventory is one thing - and that is static (once it's gone, it's gone).
Tooling (dies, punches, stamps, etc.) and associated equipment to use them to create new inventory is expensive to buy and maintain to produce quality parts.

Quite a different animal in my mind.

I don't know how many current Corvette parts suppliers make their own inventory (I believe, but don't know for sure, that Corvette Central does for some parts?)...anyhow, perhaps there's a 2nd LIC business opportunity they can sell (or subcontract to others to operate for them) as a "private-label" parts supplier. Meaning, they don't sell direct to the public anymore - they only sell wholesale to other Corvette Parts Suppliers...who knows??

I wish them luck and happiness in their futures...they may enjoy not answering the phone for a while

[Harry S.]

Re: Long Island Corvette Closed

LIC left their 2021 Catalogue on their Website Homepage. It's another tool to assist in installing parts. Download the catalogue and save it for future reference.

[Gary B.]

[Ronald L.]

Re: Long Island Corvette Closed

Does anyone know who go the tools for the parts the made?

[Michael J.]

Re: Long Island Corvette Closed

Zip also purchased all the tooling and GM drawings from LIC.

[Bill M.]

Re: Long Island Corvette Closed

i dont think i have bought more than a handfull of parts from anyone but LIC. Man i am going to miss them. It was nice to be able to drive to the shop and pick up what i needed. I was afraid this would happen after Richie went to that big Vette shop in the sky.

[Leif A.]

Re: Long Island Corvette Closed

Zip also purchased all the tooling and GM drawings from LIC.

We can only hope, then, that they resurrect some of the old parts that have been discontinued over the years. Rag joints come immediately to mind. As a hobbyist and enthusiast, I am glad that LIC was bought by a reputable company and not, simply, shut down. In these super tough business environments we live in, we should all be thankful for those companies that still provide us with the much needed products necessary to keep these old cars viable for years to come.
This is a classic case of a glass half full vs a glass half empty...I prefer to look at it as a glass half full.

[Michael G.]

[Ed S.]

Re: Long Island Corvette Closed

Of all the "usual suspects" I think I purchased more from LIC than any other vendor. LIC was a popular business. It would behoove ZIP to make some kind of public announcement about their recent acquisition and include some language that will help to ensure LIC fans that they can expect the same great service from ZIP that they got from LIC. ZIP, if you are monitoring this thread........ suggest you consider a PR campaign...... soon.

[Bob W.]

Re: Long Island Corvette Closed

Michael, When was Paragon sold and to who?

[Don H.]

Re: Long Island Corvette Closed

Ed
as you know, ZIP is hosting our MAC chapter judging meet next weekend. The owner will be present, as he always is. I will ask him about considering a slight modification to his display ad in the Driveline, and perhaps elsewhere to announce his acquisition of LICs and all that entails. I'm sure there is already a plan in the works. With all LICs parts assets now a part of ZIP, we will be in good hands.