Topic: Ordering Parts Online
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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Getting ready to start ordering parts to fix up my new '72. Of course there is Eckler's but has anyone ever ordered anything from...
In their title it says "Zip: Corvettes are all we do."
I was having trouble finding a new backup tail lens. Zip has 'em but not sure what the quality of their products is. Has anyone had any experience with 'em and what other online suppliers can you recommend?
Looking forward to all you Corvette veterans knowledge to start pouring in on this one.....
Thanks
Roger
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Moderator
Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
I found the guys at Corvette Specialties and Bair's to be very knowledgeable. They can help you select the parts you need to complete the job and won't sell you stuff you don't need. I have used both and have been very happy with their service and answering questions I had. Both are supporting vendors of this site.
I have not used ZIP so can't say on their service or support. But they too support the site. On the flip side I have heard no negatives about them.

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Mint Hill, NC - USA
Joined: 10/25/2007
Posts: 123
Vette(s): 1982 White Corvette, dark blue leather interior, 70,000 miles
I've used Zip's alot. Top notch staff and products. Plus I'm in NC and they are in Virginia so I get my stuff by the next day if I get the order in before about 5pm.
I have used Zip in the past as well, and they seem to be very good vendors. You can have a bad experience with anyone, I suppose, but they seem to get the job done for me!

Thanks fellas!!
I'll give Zip a shot at a new tail lamp for the '72. There is no detailed description but I assume it will be a new part.

Should I get a set of lens screws and gaskets at the same time?
Thanks for the replies!!
Roger
I've got to order a bunch of stuff too to put my air conditioning back in working order plus a shopping basket full of cosmetic items. I think the bigger question is sourcing parts that are "authentic reproductions" vs. generic replacement parts. Do any of our supporting vendors have a reputation for supplying only
the most faithful and authentic restoration parts vs. just a reputation for being
quick and easy to deal with? What questions would you need to ask of a vendor if you want to make sure you get parts that would pass muster with NCRS?
I noticed that Dr. Rebuild's catalog for some items lists multiple choices, "NOS", "Delco Reissue" or "Replacement". I assume "Replacement" is the equivalent of what you might get at your local auto parts store - i.e. would function, but may or may not look like the original part. I'm guessing "reissued" parts means they are recent production from the original manufacturer, but does that mean its the original tooling and everything just like came out of St Louis? NOS is of course New- Old Stock and most times probably ideal so long as it hasn't deteriorated just with age. I haven't seen these terms in very many online catalogs so I suppose if you want to know, you have to call on the phone and ask (and hope the vendor knows). Any other terminology to be aware of and ask about?
I asked about interior parts at an NCRS event and was told that "Yes, they can tell the difference between a budget replacement interior, an authentic reproduction or the real thing." I was told that Al Knoch was the the only faithful reproduction as far as interior stuff. I'm wondering how true that is.
I noticed that Dr. Rebuild's catalog for some items lists multiple choices, "NOS", "Delco Reissue" or "Replacement". I assume "Replacement" is the equivalent of what you might get at your local auto parts store - i.e. would function, but may or may not look like the original part. I'm guessing "reissued" parts means they are recent production from the original manufacturer, but does that mean its the original tooling and everything just like came out of St Louis? NOS is of course New- Old Stock and most times probably ideal so long as it hasn't deteriorated just with age. I haven't seen these terms in very many online catalogs so I suppose if you want to know, you have to call on the phone and ask (and hope the vendor knows). Any other terminology to be aware of and ask about?
I asked about interior parts at an NCRS event and was told that "Yes, they can tell the difference between a budget replacement interior, an authentic reproduction or the real thing." I was told that Al Knoch was the the only faithful reproduction as far as interior stuff. I'm wondering how true that is.
Ok brother Phil has some very good questions. I guess I need answers on these questions before I proceed much further as I am shooting for NCRS Top Flight some day

Roger
I had this same question. These guys here know the good places. You can do what I did, I looked up the suppliers that these guys mentioned and searched all others on-line. I found most all of them offer free catalogs. I now have 9 catalogs. Here are the catalogs I have ...................
Mid America, Volunteer Vette Products, Eckler's, Corvette Central, Zip, Corvette America, Bair's, The Last Detail, & The Paddock Performance & Restoration Parts
Compare prices and note the shipping & handling charges. I've been told to be aware of reproduction parts as some are really great and others are not, some are made better & last longer than original materials, some are cheaply made & may not fit properly. I hope this newbie helped you out.

Aaron
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Moderator
Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
Again give the guys at Bair's and Corvette Specialties a call. They will point you in the right direction. They have a lot of knowledge when it comes to restorations. Check out their web sites. Not trying to push them on you, just letting you know they know their business.
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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