C4 Interior Part source?

[Glen C.]

I'm searching for a part that I can't find from any of my usual sources and wondered if someone could steer me in the right direction.

The carpeted valance that runs below the steering wheel in my 91 was sagging on the drivers door side. I got around to checking it out this morning and the bracket behind it that the mounting screws attached through is broken at the screw holes, Does anyone know a source for a replacement bracket?

Thanks,

Glen

[Joe L.]

Re: C4 Interior Part source?

I'm searching for a part that I can't find from any of my usual sources and wondered if someone could steer me in the right direction.

The carpeted valance that runs below the steering wheel in my 91 was sagging on the drivers door side. I got around to checking it out this morning and the bracket behind it that the mounting screws attached through is broken at the screw holes, Does anyone know a source for a replacement bracket?

Thanks,

Glen

Glen-----


I'm not sure exactly which bracket that you're referring to here. If I knew which it was, I might be able to come up with a part number for it. However, that would likely be moot since I seriously doubt that such a bracket remains available from GM. As far as reproduction sources go, there are virtually none for C4 parts and even less for parts like these.

So, this leaves you two options:

1) Repair what you have. A strong epoxy like JB Weld can be used for LOTS of repairs like this. "C4 Guys and Gals" are going to become real proficient in the use of epoxy for repairs as time goes on;

2) If you can't repair it you'll need to find a good used piece. Steve Arcoleo in New York is a good source for used C4 and C5 parts.

[Glen C.]

Re: C4 Interior Part source?

Glen-----


I'm not sure exactly which bracket that you're referring to here. If I knew which it was, I might be able to come up with a part number for it. However, that would likely be moot since I seriously doubt that such a bracket remains available from GM. As far as reproduction sources go, there are virtually none for C4 parts and even less for parts like these.

So, this leaves you two options:

1) Repair what you have. A strong epoxy like JB Weld can be used for LOTS of repairs like this. "C4 Guys and Gals" are going to become real proficient in the use of epoxy for repairs as time goes on;

2) If you can't repair it you'll need to find a good used piece. Steve Arcoleo in New York is a good source for used C4 and C5 parts.

Joe,

Thanks. I'll snap a photo of the part and try Steve. It's suprising how many parts are not available for C4's.

Thanks again,

Glen

[Dave B.]

Re: C4 Interior Part source?

Glen,

There's a Corvette salvage yard named Contemporary Corvette in southeastern PA that might be worth checking. The web link is:

http://www.contemporarycorvette.com/

Dave Brown

[Joe L.]

Re: C4 Interior Part source?

Joe,

Thanks. I'll snap a photo of the part and try Steve. It's suprising how many parts are not available for C4's.

Thanks again,

Glen

Glen-----


There may even be a part number on the part. Many C4 parts do have embossed part numbers, unlike most earlier Corvette parts which usually do not have a part number emplaced on them. You're going to have to remove the part to either repair or replace it, so carefully inspecting it and/or photographing it should be pretty easy. If you can, please post a photo here.

Also, the number of C4 parts that are no longer available is HUGE. I doubt that many of these will ever be reproduced or, even, available in the aftermarket. As I've said many times before, the whole effort of C4 restoration is going to make restoration of earlier Corvettes look like child's play.

[Peter M.]

Re: C4 Interior Part source?

Also, the number of C4 parts that are no longer available is HUGE. I doubt that many of these will ever be reproduced or, even, available in the aftermarket. As I've said many times before, the whole effort of C4 restoration is going to make restoration of earlier Corvettes look like child's play.

Hear, hear, brother

[Glen C.]

Re: C4 Interior Part source?

Glen-----


There may even be a part number on the part. Many C4 parts do have embossed part numbers, unlike most earlier Corvette parts which usually do not have a part number emplaced on them. You're going to have to remove the part to either repair or replace it, so carefully inspecting it and/or photographing it should be pretty easy. If you can, please post a photo here.

Also, the number of C4 parts that are no longer available is HUGE. I doubt that many of these will ever be reproduced or, even, available in the aftermarket. As I've said many times before, the whole effort of C4 restoration is going to make restoration of earlier Corvettes look like child's play.

I'm starting to figure that out about parts availability but for the life of me I can't understand why. The cars aren't that old and from what I gather affordable and popular. Not to mention that the C4 represents a huge technological leap in the evolution of the Corvette.

I'm just restoring for curb appeal and I hate to think of the headaches if I was going for judging.

But no matter - I just love the car.

[Floyd B.]

Re: C4 Interior Part source?

I have purchased thousands of dollars worth the C4 parts - many of them interior. There is a Used Parts For Sale / Wanted area here:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-parts-for-sale-wanted-55/

However, be cautious here. I haven't been burned here but others have. This is kind of a Craig's List for corvette parts - it doesn't provide the protection of buying items on a site like eBay. There is a salvager that hangs out there that I DO highly recommend. His name is Shawn Martin and he operates a business called CorvetteNutz in San Diego. He goes by the user id OneRareZ16 (yes, he owns a Grand Sport) and specializes in C4 parts.

Shawn is a stand-up guy and he makes his living by purchasing totaled Corvettes and parting them out. He won't sell a bad part. Everything is always exactly as Shawn describes and very well packed. I don't usually give endorsements because it puts my good name at risk, but in Shawn's case I make an exception. He has done me right many times. Shawn is also one of the few C4 salvager's I have found with the patience to check date codes, part numbers, etc. and work with restorers to get exactly what they are looking for.

I would be surprised if he can't get you the part you seek. It may take him a few weeks but he can usually get it.

-Floyd-

[Joe L.]

Re: C4 Interior Part source?

I'm starting to figure that out about parts availability but for the life of me I can't understand why. The cars aren't that old and from what I gather affordable and popular. Not to mention that the C4 represents a huge technological leap in the evolution of the Corvette.

I'm just restoring for curb appeal and I hate to think of the headaches if I was going for judging.

But no matter - I just love the car.

Glen-----


There are many reasons for the lack of availability of parts. For one thing, the cars "ARE that old". The 1984 Corvette is now nearly 26 years old. For instance, in 1993, when 1967 Corvettes were 26 years old, obtaining most parts for them from GM was pretty difficult, too.

However, the BIG reasons are the complexity of C4 Corvettes, the HUGE parts content, and the fact that the vast majority of the parts are Corvette-only and often applicable to only a few of the C4 years. Put all those things together and you end up with a BAD situation for parts availability.

At the present time, the best available source for most C4 parts is used. I believe that's going to be the best available source for a LONG time to come and, most likely, forever. Fortunately, there is a good supply of used parts out there.

So, what about parts that are life-limited type items? That's the "$64,000 question".

[Dick W.]

Re: C4 Interior Part source?

I do not think that most realize the cost of manufacturing repro parts. When I had the restoration shop I looked at doing several parts. Number one is dealing with Equity Management for the license to reproduce the parts (that is another whole story in it's self), the design, tooling, manufacturing, etc. 15 years ago, the mold for a one ounce shot of plastic would be close to 5 figures, maybe even more. You could easily be $25k out of pocket before you had the first finished part in your hand. Mid year bumpers are a good example. The GM tooling was available but needed to be refurbished to make a very high quality bumper. Just $150k to refurbish the tooling. Now you understand why most parts are manufactured off shore today. Sadly, they have the capability to manufacture parts as good as any place in the world. Used to be that items manufactured in Japan were crap, now they manufacture some of the finest machine tools in the world.

[Peter M.]

Re: C4 Interior Part source?

I have purchased thousands of dollars worth the C4 parts - many of them interior. There is a Used Parts For Sale / Wanted area here:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-parts-for-sale-wanted-55/

However, be cautious here. I haven't been burned here but others have. This is kind of a Craig's List for corvette parts - it doesn't provide the protection of buying items on a site like eBay. -Floyd-

Floyd:

For what it is worth, I have been a member of the Corvette Forum for about 10 years now and I have NEVER had a problem selling or purchasing Corvette parts there. What's more, I have sold and bought thousands of dollars worth of parts via the Corvette Forum. In doing so I have ALWAYS shipped the parts that I have sold prior to receiving payment; AND, in 10 years I have never been burned. Without the Corvette Forum and the C4 technical knowledge resident there, I would never have been able to take a 23 year old driver with 90,000+ miles on it and turn it into a Chapter & Regional Top Flight car.

The Corvette Forum is a great resource, it is safe and , in my view, it should be used by NCRS members without hesitation.

As I said, For what it is worth.

[Floyd B.]

Re: C4 Interior Part source?

Peter,

I agree with you wholeheartedly. But before I make a recommendation, I always want to provide a full disclosure. I too have purchased thousands of dollars worth the parts from folks on the forum and as I said in my post, I have not been burned. But I would be misleading people if I gave them the impression that their purchases are protected or guaranteed in any way by the Corvette Forum - they absolutely are not. If you choose to do business with someone on the forum it is a person-to-person arrangement. 99% of the people on the forum are great people and Corvette enthusiasts like us but if you happen to run into the one out of a hundred that is a bad apple, it can cost you. For example see this thread that appeared on the forum just last week:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-parts-for-sale-wanted/2414858-ripped-off-by-jimihendrix.html

Before you buy from anyone on the forum make sure you read the sticky posts at the top. The "Buyer and Seller Feedback" thread is very important and you should search this thread for the user name of anyone you are considering doing business with BEFORE you send any money or parts. Also, don't purchase parts from someone that joined the forum just last month.

Just because I haven't been ripped off doesn't mean that all sellers on the forum are equal. I have purchased parts that I feel didn't live up to the description and price charged by the seller - I literally threw them in the trash after receiving them. Over time I have developed relationships with some very good sellers that have earned my repeat business. It is also hard to find sellers of C4 parts the "get it" when it comes to the quality of parts required for a concours quality restoration. Few have the patience to provide exact part numbers, serial numbers, date codes, etc. to win a sale of a $10 part.

-Floyd-