Parts Suppliers

[Jake H.]

Sorry if this subject has recently been discussed as I am new to this Discussion Board. I am interested in finding out who the NCRS members recommend for quality/correct mid-year part suppliers. Specifically, I am in the initial stages of a partial restoration on a 1967 427/390 coupe and will be restoring components such as the power brakes, power steering and steering box. In addition, I am planning a complete engine bay detail and will need various items such a hood latches, etc. Obviously, I want to keep everything as original as possible. I was thinking about using Chicago Corvette...any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[Wayne C.]

Re: Parts Suppliers

There are a lot of parts vendors, most very good, but mixed results even from the same vendor, because many original parts are no longer available except as repros of varying quality. For starters, try these vendors with whom I've had good luck:

Long Island Corvette

Paragon

Dr Rebuild

Zip Products

Quanta Restoration Products

Rick Miller

The Right Stuff

Al Knoch Interiors

Corvette Central

DeWitt's Radiators

E-mail me if you need contact info on any of these vendors.

[geno]

Re: Parts Suppliers

I have personally had very good luck with chicago corvette. They seem to carry more obscure parts than most others.

[Joe C.]

Re: Parts Suppliers

Jake:

I agree with Wayne, except that I have not dealt with Chicago Corvette.

A lot is hit and miss, and sometimes even the "highest quality" supplier will send you junk. On the whole, I believe Paragon, Long Island Corvette and Corvette Central have the most authentic parts. Interior stuff belongs to Al Knoch, bar none.

Long Island Corvette sells ONLY midyear parts, almost ALWAYS has your part in stock and sends it out FAST, and has the best catalog, which is comprised of exploded views taken directly from the AIM.

Paragon has very limited range of parts, and specializes in fasteners with correct (?) markings. They also have a used original (vintage) parts department, but be prepared to pay through the nose.

Corvette Central generally has high quality parts but you might get it quicker if you went there yourself and bought it!

Just my opinion.
Hope this provides a goog starting point.

Joe

[Patrick H.]

Re: Parts Suppliers

I, on the other hand, have personally had very bad luck with Chicago Corvette.

[Jack H.]

Club Policy,

I believe is to officially endorse NO manufacturer/supplier or their individual offerings. Therefore, response(s) in this thread would be the personal views of each individual....

[Steve Westphal #34441]

Re: Parts Suppliers

Jake, I also have had good and not so good experiences with several of the "Best" suppliers! On the other hand,I have never had trouble getting my money back from any of them when I returned a part and told them it was junk and wanted a refund! Find the best deal and pray for no backorders!!!! Steve

[Thomas S.]

Re: Parts Suppliers

Jake:

I have ordered from probably half a dozen vendors. Most disappointing is the fact that many of the items are not "like original" and they don't tell you this. As far as CC, I have had bad experiences. In one instance, I gave the guy my parts list and credit card #. Then asked him to look at a part before shipping to see if it was what I wanted. Unbeknownst to me, he had it shipped; then checked the part; then called me back and it was not what I wanted. I asked him to cancel the order but it was too late. After spending the time to take the parts back to UPS, I spent seven months and endless phone calls trying to get Chicago Corvette to credit my account (there is only one person in the company authorized to credit accounts). Since I hadn't learned yet, I later ordered a correct rebuild carb for my '66. CC told me it was warranted for 90 days from the time I put it on the car. I asked how they'd know when I put it on and they said they'd be able to tell. About five months after I got the carb, I installed it. Within 30 days I found I had a pin hole in a float that caused it to fill with gas and keep the needle valve open. I called CC. They tried to charge me for a new float. After a heated discussion about their "90 day warranty from installation," they did make good and send me the float for free.
My father-in-law, on the other hand, swears by CC. My experience is that if you can wait until a show (Bloomington, Carlisle) it is best to buy there. In many cases you can look the part over for correctness, and in many cases there is no shipping or taxes.