Where to buy replacement parts
Now that my 66 is again running, I am in the process of replacing a few chrome parts that have pitted over the years. To start, I want to replace the hubcap spinners and spinner spacer. After looking at numerous parts catalogs and websites, I am concerned about selecting parts that of the highest quality available. I have found that a high price doesn't always equate with quality. I am not sure if members are permitted to recommend one supplier over another, but any advice or information would be appreciated. Thanks.
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Re: Where to buy replacement parts
Individual members are free to express their personal beliefs, but NCRS, as an entity, has a rule barring endorsement of this/that supplier and this/that replacement part... -
Re: Where to buy replacement parts
When we redid our 1966 last year most of our parts including hub cap spinners and spacers came from Paragon. They're well done and have stood up well in judging.Comment
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Re: Where to buy replacement parts
I restored a 65 396 car and almost everything ended up coming from Long island Corvettes. i tried other vendors because they were cheaper but ended up having to return items because they were so poorly reproduced. I did get my tail lights from Paragon and they were fine.
BillComment
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Re: Where to buy replacement parts
Many basic parts offered by several or most of the corvette parts houses are made by the same repro companies, so often times price is the determining factor, specially if it is on sale or w/free shipping. Typically if you order wheels from dealer "EK", they got them from dealer "CA", and they use the same boxes. If you order a VAC or carb fittings from dealer "P", they may have got them from dealer "LI" and so on. There is a lot of "back scratching" going on and why not, there is enough of a demand for everyone to get a piece of the action. There are very few that have many exclusive parts to offer and, even if they do, they will barter them with another house for their exclusive parts. That's the business.
Another important factor is service, i.e. are they easy to contact via phone (1-800), and E-mail? Do they have a good comprehensive catalog readily available, hard copy and on line? Do they have a friendly and knowledgeable service staff? Are they helpful and easy to deal with when it comes to returns? and believe me, you will have some if you order a variety of parts as you'll find a number of the repro parts unacceptible or not what you expected, i.e. a tach circuit board that comes to you uncalibrated, or a VAC that looks right with correct numbers but does not meet vacuum specs, etc.
Bottom line; you'll have a tough time finding one vendor that will do it all right - just some better than others, and perhaps your experience will be better or worse than someone elses.
Good Luck;
Stu FoxComment
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Re: Where to buy replacement parts
Thanks, all, for the information. Does anyone know of a supplier that carries American made reproductions of the spinners and spacers? Some indicate "Imported" on their website catalog pages and some do not. Thanks. DaveComment
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Re: Where to buy replacement parts
It's unlikely that you'll find any reproduction items of that nature that are U.S.-made.Comment
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Re: Where to buy replacement parts
Thanks, John. A rather sad commentary, but I guess I am not surprised. Is it then best to ask for GM Licensed Replacement Parts? I have experienced and heard so many horror stories about inferior products...I guess I am trying to spare myself the headaches so many have had. I appreciate everyone's thoughts. DaveComment
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