Online Corvette parts - where to buy?

[Jeff M.]

Good afternoon,

I am constantly looking for the correct parts (number/date) for my 61 at swap meets and on ebay. Now I am in the middle of some restoration work and need to order some items that are new for the car and I am not sure which parts house to use (Corvette Central, Corvette America,......). Do some parts houses carry better (more accurate) parts then others? Or is it just personal preference. There are certainly many to choice from so I thought I would ask for some advice.

Thanks,

Jeff
45885

[Tom H.]

Re: Online Corvette parts - where to buy?

I would say that's a loaded question. Some parts are geared more towards function instead of "correctnesss". For example, carpet. Most aftermarket carpet looks and functions fine, but only some will pass judging. Same goes for seat covers, etc.

You'll have to be somewhat specific in the part or parts you are looking for and we can recommend a vendor based on your specific need. Hope that helps a little. Welcome to the board !!


Tom

[Jeff M.]

Re: Online Corvette parts - where to buy?

Tom,

I pulled my engine to re-paint the compartment and engine. I have also replaced a number of parts with the correct part and date. I have found that many of the bolts and hardware are not correct so I wanted to replace all of them too. I thought I would purchase these parts through a parts house, so that led to my question. I am also replacing the radiator, expansion tank and hoses and thought I would purchase through DeWitts for those parts.

Thanks,

Jeff

[Terry D.]

Re: Online Corvette parts - where to buy?

Jeff
One vendor will probably not have all the parts you want. If you are worried about judging points then you need to ask the vendor specificly if his part is correct. Some vendors, Paragon for one, will tell you in the item discribtion in their catalog whether it is correct for judging or just a replacement. Most vendors will send you a catalog free. I must have a dozen for my 62.
Talking to other members at NCRS meets is a great way to learn who has correct parts. You will also meet some great people. Once you know what the correct part is suppose to look like it will be easier to figure out who has the correct one.
I'm seeing a growing trend on this website, people looking for a "one stop shopping experience" for all the correct parts to make their car a Top Flight car, it just isn't that simple. And as far as I'm concerned it would take all the fun out of the hobby. Not accusing anyone here, just throwing my two cents out.
Terry

[Jim K.]

Re: Online Corvette parts - where to buy?

Hi Jeff: I have a 61 driver that I replace parts with original as much as possible. Terry hits it right on the head. I have had great luck with Grossmuelers for most applications, and they are very helpful on the phone. You're not from Rhode Island originally are you???
Jim

[Dick W.]

Re: Online Corvette parts - where to buy?

There is no one stop shopping. When I was a Corvette parts vendor, I purchased from over 300 suppliers. And I only sold '63-'82 parts. Some parts have two or more suppliers and some also having a US and an off shore manufacturer.

[Jeff M.]

Re: Online Corvette parts - where to buy?

Thanks for your responses. As I mentioned I try to buy original parts at swap meets and ebay as often as I can. But sometimes I need to use a parts house so I was just looking for recommendations from people who have been doing this a lot longer then I have. I would rather use the part houses with the most accurate products and best service vs those who just advertise the most.

Jim, sorry I am not from Rhode Island. I am originally from Maine and now live in PA.

Jeff

[Jim K.]

Re: Online Corvette parts - where to buy?

I knew a Jeff Mitchel in my grammar school days, delivered the daily paper to his grandparents who had a 12 car garage full of antique cars. Jeff was about 2 years older then me which would put him at 47. So be carefull, there are at least two of you out there!!!