Repro parts shopping

[drbluevert]

Is there one good place to get reproduction parts? Aside from Ecklers, Paragon, Corvette Am. Corvette Central, Willcox and Mid America, is there any other choices? Chrome is awful one place, decals different at another, prices are all over the place. I currently have a list of small items (about 20 parts) about $1500 worth and working within the list above is hair-pulling time. Five different places, each with crazy shipping charges, some parts here, some parts there. The crazy thing I had to order an exhaust system from a supplier of the manufacture, The manufacture knew their supplier was much less than they were (talking about $300 less) and didn't care (both on the list above ). Seems like an endless amount of "variety" suppliers anymore, aside from some selling clothing and key-chains these retailers above are basically the same - I guess there is endless room for another chocolate chip cookie vendor.
I'm so fed-up with this I think I'll just shop on eBay!

[drbluevert]

I just found Corvette World in PA. Looks like lowet prices for 80%of my list but shipping is not yet known.

[6880 Mike]

Originally Posted by drbluevert

Ecklers, Paragon, Corvette Am. Corvette Central, Willcox and Mid America...Is there one good place to get reproduction parts?

Pick one.

[XQIZT]

They're all going to have their problems. And you listed off a pretty good list of places. Not too many others, save for local type guys.

Depending on if you must have "new" or not, try big shows. We picked up a great bagful of odd and ends and the NCRS show in Kissimmee.

[7TRoadster]

What I look for is "GM licensed" parts. I have found that most of those are pretty darn close to originals. The ones that aren't have to be a little bit different to avoid litigation over copyright.

Trim Parts doesn't carry allot and they cost more but most of their parts are made from the original GM tooling. Add them to the list, also Dr. Rebuild has a good reputation for quality.

Be careful on eBay, the photos are never really clear enough to see exactly what you are buying. NOS is the best way to go there; however, costs will be higher.

Good luck.......

[gtr1999]

I think you may find they are all sources from the same "pool" on many parts, and the places that actually make thier parts will resell to others who will "white" box them and resell.

Even with GM tooling I have seen issue, at least with some differential parts.

About 10 years ago there was a company that aquired the Saginaw steering box tooling from what I was told yet they couldn't produce a quality part and the business folded. Around that same time a lot of "NEW" steering boxes were being sold and there was issue with loose center lash.

Sorry to say I don't have your answer.

[87vette81big]

Originally Posted by drbluevert

Is there one good place to get reproduction parts? Aside from Ecklers, Paragon, Corvette Am. Corvette Central, Willcox and Mid America, is there any other choices? Chrome is awful one place, decals different at another, prices are all over the place. I currently have a list of small items (about 20 parts) about $1500 worth and working within the list above is hair-pulling time. Five different places, each with crazy shipping charges, some parts here, some parts there. The crazy thing I had to order an exhaust system from a supplier of the manufacture, The manufacture knew their supplier was much less than they were (talking about $300 less) and didn't care (both on the list above ). Seems like an endless amount of "variety" suppliers anymore, aside from some selling clothing and key-chains these retailers above are basically the same - I guess there is endless room for another chocolate chip cookie vendor.
I'm so fed-up with this I think I'll just shop on eBay!

I love ebay.
Had 1 or 2 bad experiences out near 300 purchases & sales made. Only issues were items purchased were slight more worn out than seller described or knew about.
Be sure to use "Ask A Seller a question" option on item(s) your looking at. If they are smart-asses or don't answer, move on. Most all take time to talk. Others give me their phone number to call them & answer all my questions that way.
Sometimes.....Seller says "Make me an offer I won't refuse".
If he wanted $500, I offer $400, counter offer $450. Give You $425 for it.........."SOLD".


Ebay is a valuable tool for NOS GM Parts search & super hard to find items.
Do a Saved Search on the Item You want.
It will show up. Email notifications sent to You daily on matches found. Click on & open, take a look & see whats newly listed.

Super rare Items show up one or 2 times a year. Those Items I watch out for, Pontiac Muscle Car guy I am too.

BR

[clemsontiger]

I found that Full Throttle Corvette in Atlanta was 20% cheaper than any one else. They don't have paper catalog but do have a website. Sam is the owner and was a great help to me during my build.

[gtr1999]

Is that the same Sam that was at "The last detail" in Atlanta years ago?

[clemsontiger]

Not sure about that.

[drbluevert]

Originally Posted by clemsontiger

I found that Full Throttle Corvette in Atlanta was 20% cheaper than any one else. They don't have paper catalog but do have a website. Sam is the owner and was a great help to me during my build.

I just checked them - they are less and close to 20%. According to my list I will save over $300 to the next cheapest site - that's nice anyday! They just need more available.

Thanks Clemsontiger

[Richard454]

Originally Posted by gtr1999

Is that the same Sam that was at "The last detail" in Atlanta years ago?

Yes- that's him. He is great to deal with-And his philosophy is "the customer is ALWAYS right"- Dave who works there is great to deal w/as well.

Most of the parts come from other big players-BUT it's a heck of a lot cheaper from these guys. Keeps a lot of stuff in stock. Every time I stop by there - I almost always walk out w/ everything I wanted. If you don't see it on the website- doesn't mean that they can/or don't have it- just ask.


Richard

[gtr1999]

I do remember buying parts from him about 10 year ago or so. I didn't have any problems. What ever happened with "the last Detail"? I thought they had a good business going?
As you said they're reselling like everyone else only they cut their markup.

[clemsontiger]

Originally Posted by drbluevert

I just checked them - they are less and close to 20%. According to my list I will save over $300 to the next cheapest site - that's nice anyday! They just need more available.

Thanks Clemsontiger

Glad I could be of help. I've found that if they don't have it on their website, that doesn't mean that can't get it. Give Sam or Dave a call with what you are looking for and they'll call Corvette America or whoever their supplier is and call you back with a price. Always cheeper than the other guys.

[Richard454]

Originally Posted by gtr1999

I do remember buying parts from him about 10 year ago or so. I didn't have any problems. What ever happened with "the last Detail"? I thought they had a good business going?
As you said they're reselling like everyone else only they cut their markup.

The Last Detail is AKA Vette Parts Plus- a little shifting of ownership at Atlanta Corvette- they are still around.

Richard