GM Parts Catalog 1990 Model

[Bruce C.]

Can anyone point me to a source for the latest version parts catalog for my '90 Vette?

[Terry M.]

Re: GM Parts Catalog 1990 Model

As far as I know ALL GM Parts Catalogs are now electronic. You may find a CD on one of the popular auction sites, but you will have to watch diligently because the GM police shut down these copyright offenders rapidly. Most of the available electronic versions may not fit your "up to date" definition also. GM dealers pay thousands of dollars per month for the access to up to date parts information.

There were paper parts books "back in the day," but those will hardly fit your request for "up to date" information either.

[Joe L.]

Re: GM Parts Catalog 1990 Model

As far as I know ALL GM Parts Catalogs are now electronic. You may find a CD on one of the popular auction sites, but you will have to watch diligently because the GM police shut down these copyright offenders rapidly. Most of the available electronic versions may not fit your "up to date" definition also. GM dealers pay thousands of dollars per month for the access to up to date parts information.

There were paper parts books "back in the day," but those will hardly fit your request for "up to date" information either.

Bruce and Terry-----


Paper catalogs were available from GM through the 1993 model year. So, there are such catalogs out there through the 1993 model year. The catalog that would best cover the parts originally used on a 1990 Corvette would be one dated sometime during the 1990 model year from about September, 1989. Of course, all previous C4 model years would also be covered in those catalogs.

The problem is that while such a catalog will provide excellent information regarding the parts originally used on a 1990 Corvette, it will not tell you which of the parts listed remain available or, if not, what part number(s) might have superceded those that have been discontinued. The fact of the matter is that, by now, the vast majority of those parts shown in a 1990 C4 catalog (actually, it would be a 1984-1990 catalog) are no longer available, either under the original part number or, most likely, any supercessive part number. There will be some still available but it will be few and far between.

[Terry M.]

Re: GM Parts Catalog 1990 Model

Joe,
I knew you would know the exact answer, and would have waited for your post -- but Bruce said "the latest version" and I took that to mean the one in use today. Perhaps I assUmed too much.

[Bruce C.]

Re: GM Parts Catalog 1990 Model

Gentlemen, thanks for responding.

Actually, Joe, I would gain most benefit from simply being able to see the illustrations and get correct part numbers.

Trying to id a part for someone, either on the phone or in an email, is very frustrating if you don't know what GM called the lousy thing.

Additionally, as you know, the illustrations help immensely in deciding on how deep you want to go into an assembly.

An original paper copy is the handiest, usually, because the illustrations and listings are sharper in detail than the funky scans that are out there.

I'll keep my eyes peeled.

Thanks, again, for your help.

Bruce

[Joe L.]

Re: GM Parts Catalog 1990 Model

Joe,
I knew you would know the exact answer, and would have waited for your post -- but Bruce said "the latest version" and I took that to mean the one in use today. Perhaps I assUmed too much.

Terry------

The latest version of the paper catalog for C4 Corvettes is 1993. The latest version of the microfiche-based catalog is November, 2001 (or, thereabouts).

So, the "latest edition" of any catalog that is "generally available" is almost 10 years old.

The catalog in use today is definitely NOT "generally available".

[Terry M.]

Re: GM Parts Catalog 1990 Model

Terry------

The catalog in use today is definitely NOT "generally available".

I was trying to say that, but you put it so much more clearly. Thanks.

[Joe L.]

Re: GM Parts Catalog 1990 Model

Gentlemen, thanks for responding.

Actually, Joe, I would gain most benefit from simply being able to see the illustrations and get correct part numbers.

Trying to id a part for someone, either on the phone or in an email, is very frustrating if you don't know what GM called the lousy thing.

Additionally, as you know, the illustrations help immensely in deciding on how deep you want to go into an assembly.

An original paper copy is the handiest, usually, because the illustrations and listings are sharper in detail than the funky scans that are out there.

I'll keep my eyes peeled.

Thanks, again, for your help.

Bruce

Bruce------


Yes, for the purposes you described, the older edition of the P&A catalog has utility. However, for the purposes of ordering parts from a GM dealer, it has little use. As I mentioned, the vast majority of the parts are no longer available from GM.

These paper catalogs can be found on eBay from time-to-time. Actually, for your purposes any catalog which includes the 1990 model year right up to the last edition of the C4 paper catalog in 1993 will serve you.

By the way, the illustrations in these catalogs are definitely not the best. Marginally, they serve the purpose for which they are intended but, many times, "just barely".

[Bruce C.]

Re: GM Parts Catalog 1990 Model

That's a big disappointment. (venting here)

When I've completed the projects I'm currently working (replacing C401 and burned wires) and rebuilding the steering column, I'll probably sell the car.

The hunt for parts has never appealed to me.

Much rather have parts on hand or readily available as I much more enjoy the assembly process.

Thanks again for your input.