I recently bought my first Corvette ('73 - 454 ) and was looking at all the catalog companies for some of the parts I may need. Does anyone have a recomendation or a tip to stay away from any catalog company.
I know I need a new radiator support, will probably need some electrical for the blower fan, nuts and bolts... and the air is not working.
Thanks

I've had a great experience dealing with Zip products in VA and Vette brakes and parts in FL.
Send for everyones catalogs.
Shop around be happy!
Nice score on a Vette!
Steve

Check out the folks who sponsor C3VR by clicking on the 'Current Sponsor List' link on the 'About' tab/page. I know you'll be hard pressed to find a nicer group than at Bair's. Top notch service plus mention you're a C3VR member when ordering via phone and you'll get up to a 10% discount on most items you order!

The MOST "valuable" catalog I have is The Dr.Rebuild catalog BY FAR

By valuable I mean it has 10's of 1000's of small parts some I do not even have a clue as to the correct name...
Especially good for finding "late" or "early" production
parts for years where the General changed deisgns half way thru the model year...

BUT if you are looking for a hat, shirt, beer mug etc you ars just plain SOL......it only has PARTS heck not even any pictures but GREAT Diagrams...

The standard catalogs I keep in the garage are Corvette America, Ecklers, VBP, Zip and Mid America...BUT the one I look at for parts is almost always Dr. Rebuild..

Bob

I have dealt with Ecklers, Corvette America, Bairs, Mid America, Wilcox (on ebay) and others on ebay, all with good luck.

I hate to beat a dead horse, because others have had good experiances with them, but if your looking at Dr. Rebuild, might want to review this post.

https://www.c3vetteregistry.com/vrforums/message_go.asp?MID=35719

Rick
I did not follow the link and read the post about Dr. Rebuild and over the years I have noticed a pretty BIG drop in their customer service ... and it continues to decline

BUT my point was and still is...THEIR CATALOG is just too
damn good to keep as a reference source in the shop...

I really have not had any problems with the parts I have ordered BUT their customer service department is made up of grouchy old sob's who do not know a damn thing..

Bob

Bob,

I was not giving you a rash, so please do not take it as such, I was just stating my experiance with the vendor. I agree thier catolog is extensive, it's what led me to purchase from them in the first place.

I do not even mind paying a premium for a rare part, as long as the customer service is there.

Rick

Rick:

Have no fear you did not give me a rash... Not many people even have the ability to do that! I sure did not take your comments in a negative way.

Like I said Dr. Rebuild "HAD" good customer service but is has gone downhill over the last 10 years and when I say downhill I mean like over a clift...now it just plainly sucks...

Even though I have had only a few minor problems dealing with them (none over the parts) only shipping delays, etc...I still think that their catalog is the best "reference" source for parts that I keep in my garages..

Bob

If you are buying mechanical parts you will probably be satisfied with the quality.

If you are picky just be aware that none of the repros are correct and a lot of them just plain do not fit right or require modification for them to fit.

I have given up on repros unless I can actually compare them side by side with the original to check them out.

For example: The repro tail light lenses are basically perfect. However, none of the soft interior parts are correct and their fit and finish can be a source of great frustration.

I have decided that I will pay whatever to get the correct GM parts because it just makes it more fun to work on the car plus they are correct.


Bill

Blair, Mid-America,Corvette America, Paddock, are all reliable venues to receive items from. I have purchased from each of these ands have been very satisfied.