Best repro parts database...

[Mike M.]

Re: Best repro parts database...

Hi Sandra
Thank you for the encouraging words.
It is refreshing to hear that we may actually serve some beneficial purpose hear.
Better get started on that '62, with the price of parts moving faster than soy bean futures, sooner the better.
HaND

[Sandra H.]

Re: Best repro parts database...

I do know what you are talking about Mike......getting really nervous about my car, but waiting for some property to sell first.
During this enforced wait though, trying to do as much homework as possible, have arranged with the local mechanic to use a bay in his shop while the motor is being rebuilt (and he has agreed to provide babysitting services for me and advice so I can do a lot of the work myself) and will be prepared to move fast on this when the timing is right.
Not knowing what my late husband (who was a supreme mechanic and Bubba without equal) did to the car, I'm sure I will drown the TDB in questions once this is under way. Just fair warning.
Just to make this more interesting, I have never seen this car in one piece or looked at a restored Corvette, either. You can just imagine the learning curve here.
Cheers, Sandra

[Joe R.]

Re: Best repro parts database...

Hi Irby:

The best way to find out who makes the most "correct" reproduction parts is to talk to as many experienced NCRS members as you can. Anyone whose car has been judged multiple times can tell you which reproduction parts they used that held up well in judging. Also, most experienced judges are familiar with the various reproduction parts and know which vendor makes the best reproduction of a given part.

Keep in mind that no single individual will be an expert on every part, but for every part there are one or more people who are "experts" on that particular part. In my NCRS chapter, each of us have certain specialty areas.

Also keep in mind that just because a given vendor makes a good (or bad) reproduction part today does not mean that all future parts from that vendor will be the same. Sometimes the reproductions sold by a given vendor get better or worse over time.

Lastly, I see from your profile that you have a 63. In some respects, the 63 is the most difficult to restore, because there were a lot of running changes in 63 and many parts are unique to that year (of course, this also makes 63 the most difficult year to judge).

So, reproduction parts that are advertised as "63-67" may not be correct for a 63. For example, the "63-67" reproduction parking lights do not have the full rubber boot that was used in 63.

Just to reiterate, the best way to select reproduction parts is to talk to experienced NCRS members. Many of us have learned the hard way which reproduction parts are poor, and after some searching have found other reproduction parts that are much better. I'm always happy to share my experience with others to help them avoid some of the mistakes I made.

[Rob M.]

Re: Best repro parts database...

Maybe starting a seperate forum section could lead to such a knowledgebase... In this forum we could post parts about individual parts and then invite others to 'judge' the part and also add actual scoring of these parts on the field in the discussion...

regards,
Rob.

[Roy B.]

Re: Best repro parts database...

Maybe starting a seperate forum section could lead to such a knowledgebase... In this forum we could post parts about individual parts and then invite others to 'judge' the part and also add actual scoring of these parts on the field in the discussion...

regards,
Rob.

On the 53-55 I've posted many pic's of parts trying to do the same thing, but get vary little response over the years . That's why I delete the pic.at my end which I plane to do on pic's I lately have done .So I think it's a waste of time.

[Mike M.]

Re: Best repro parts database...

Just a note for anyone ordering restoration parts:
Always specify "NCRS Judging Quality" parts.
Most of the vendors seem to have multiple quality degrees of supply items that may function correctly, but, are not Typical Factory Production in configuration, finish or head markings and so on.
FWIW
HaND

[Jack H.]

Re: Best repro parts database...

AND, a bit of further advice is to join and get active in your local NCRS Chapter. You'll find people there who know who does what, who has what in your neck of the woods + those who are willing to HELP you with the learning curve process in restoration/preservation. Local chapter membership is one of the BEST features of NCRS membership!