Corvette Body Repair Guide

Be it poor panel fit, seams showing, or even large-scale damage, the fact is most all old Corvettes have had some sort of body problem. Author Ray J. Shiro shares his 32 years of experience in the Corvette body repair business in this set of step-by-step guides for the do-it-yourself enthusiast. Written in “plain language”, these easy-reading Cd’s (with printable documents) cover location of body seams, seam repair, bonding adhesives, panel removal and replacement, complete front or rear assembly and more.

Volume 1 includes: 1963-1967 Corvette front body panel removal & replacement, headlight assembly removal, replacement & adjustment, body seam repair, body panel splicing repair techniques and a body restoration guide. This midyear body repair guide on Cd includes over 165 photos throughout with detailed explanations and 24 illustrations, which will help make your Corvette’s restoration much easier.

Volume 2 includes: 1963-1967 rear Corvette body panel removal & replacement, crack repair, panel splicing, body seam repair and a body restoration guide. This volume includes over 195 photos with detailed explanations and 17 illustrations that will help you repair or replace your C2 Corvette’s rear body panels.

Corvette Body Repair Guide

Volume 3 includes: 1968-1982 Corvette complete front end replacement, door skin replacement, T-top panels, body panel removal and replacement. Over 180 photos with detailed explanations and 24 illustrations are included in this C3 Corvette Body Repair Guide.

Volume 4 includes: 1968-1982 Corvette headlight assembly, headlight adjustments, door jamb replacement, complete rear body replacement, crack repair, body panel splicing and body seam repair. The 170 plus photos and 11 illustrations are sure to help with the restoration of any C3 Corvette.

Volume 5 includes: 1984-1996 C4 Corvette headlight assembly & adjustments, door jamb splice, front bumper assembly, hood replacement, front lower fender, firewall repair, dog leg panel and a body restoration guide. Over 220 photos and 11 illustrations are included to help restore your C4 Corvette’s body to its original form.

Volume 6 includes: 1984-1996 C4 Corvette complete door skin & door removal and replacement, rear quarter panel removal & replacement, top panel removal and a body restoration guide. Volume 6 of the Corvette Body Restoration Guides on Cd includes over 280 photos and 10 illustrations with detailed instructions for a much simpler restoration.

Corvette Spark Plug Wires

We now have factory spark plug wires available for 1975-1982 Corvettes. The spark plug wires are fabricated by the original equipment manufacture, Packard Industries, who continues to produce correct looking spark plug wires for Corvettes. These 8mm wires are manufactured from the original tooling and include correct Packard Delcore II wire, which uses a special Kevlar silicone wrapped construction to prevent breaks and cracks in the conductor. The boots of the C3 Corvette Spark Plug Wires are made of the correct material, to the original thickness, with the knobs on the end for the distributor retainer; the terminals are stainless steel. These are not generic sets of spark plug wires; each set includes correct length wires for an easy, clean factory installation and is 100% Made in USA.

Corvette Side Exhaust Diagram

First you will need to decide whether you would like to go with the carbon steel mufflers, aluminized mufflers, or stainless steel mufflers. All muffler systems are authentic in looks and are proudly made in the USA. With carbon steel you will be getting the closest to factory original as you can get. Carbon systems include jig welded header pipes with an aluminized steel 2.75″ chambered section as original, and correct 2.75″ chrome plated exhaust tips. Aluminized mufflers are an excellent choice if you want an OE style muffler but much longer life than true originals. The aluminized steel header pipes are jig welded and include an aluminized chambered center section. Exhaust tips are 2.75″ of polished stainless steel for lasting good looks. The stainless steel systems will produce near forever performance. The jig welded 304 stainless header pipes include a stainless (inside and out) 2.75″ chambered section and 2.75″ polished stainless exhaust tips.

Corvette Side Exhaust

If you are looking for aluminized or stainless mufflers and want to replace your Corvette’s Side Exhaust System or add side exhaust to your 1963-1967 Corvette we have pre-assembled packages that will provide all the necessary components to get the job done. All Corvette Exhaust Packages include new reproduction exhaust covers, trim moldings, aluminized or stainless mufflers, and all mounting hardware. If a package like this is what you want but in carbon steel, we can easily put together a package that includes the carbon mufflers as well. For more information on a Corvette side exhaust package with carbon mufflers contact customer service here and we will provide you with the details.

Aside from complete Corvette exhaust packages, we also have individual side exhaust components for those who need to replace a few mount brackets or missing bolts. These items can be found in our Corvette Parts Catalog or our C2 Corvette Exhaust section on our website.

If you have spent time and money making your 1963-1967 Corvette’s Exhaust look and sound just right, adding our Corvette Side Exhaust Cover Protectors may not be a bad idea. They will help protect the front most edges of your Corvette’s Side Exhaust Covers from scratches and road rash that are very common on 1963-1967 Corvettes with side exhaust.

The project car shown in our Corvette Alternator Replacement Technical Article is a 1967 Corvette 427 coupe, which had an incorrect chrome-plated alternator in it. The procedures detailed in the technical article are the same for small or big block Corvette engines from 1963 through 1982. Follow along and see how easy it really is to do this Corvette alternator replacement yourself.

Click here to read the entire Corvette Alternator Replacement Article.

Corvette Chrome Wheels

Before your chrome wheels are installed on your Corvette for the first time we recommend purchasing some of Adam’s Americana Premium Carnauba Paste Wax. The paste wax is very important as this is what will ultimately protect your chrome wheels from contaminants. Once your chrome wheels have been installed on your Corvette apply the carnauba paste wax to the wheels as you would normally apply the wax to the Corvette. By waxing your chrome Corvette Wheels you are essentially filling in all of the small pores in the chrome, creating a protective layer between the wheel and brake dust or any other corroding substances. While in between waxings we recommend cleaning your Chrome Corvette Wheels with basic soap and water. Any special chrome wheel cleaner can strip the wax, which could do more harm then good as the wheels age. Every two months or so it would be good to re-wax the wheels so the protective layer is always kept fresh.

Corvette Air Condition

Our 1963-1967 Corvette Air Condition Systems include a rebuilt A6 compressor with factory mounting brackets, drier/receiver, condenser with factory brackets, air condition and heater hoses, new battery tray, reproduction air ducts with hose, all required hardware, complete instructions, and the option of R-12 or R-134 freon. Some Midyear Corvettes may require an exhaust manifold and/or a double-groove crank and water pump pulley to be purchased to complete the Corvette Air Condition System upgrade.

Corvette 4-Speed Transmission Rebuild

Zip Corvette Parts offers just about anything you can think of when it comes to rebuilding your 1963-1967 Corvette’s Transmission including: transmission tags, cluster assemblies, mainshaft bearings, front input shafts, gears, synchronizers, seals, a small parts kit, and a complete 4-speed transmission rebuild kit.

Our complete Corvette Transmission Rebuild Kits include everything you would need to return your Corvette’s 4-speed transmission to its original level of performance. New gaskets, snap rings, washers, needle bearings, front and rear bearings, rear seal, brass sychronizer rings, counter shaft and a small parts kit all make up the Muncie transmission rebuild package. Unfortunately for the M22 Muncie transmission we do not have a rebuild kit available but for all other 1963L-1967 Corvettes this kit will work great.

Zip works hard to be sure that your Corvette’s restoration goes as smooth as possible, that’s why we offer pre-assembled kits to our customers. By letting us put all the parts in a simple kit, you can forget about the hassle of trying to mix and match components from different Corvette Parts suppliers. All of our kits are as close to exact as possible and of course are backed by our 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.

Tachometer Cable Adapter

Corvette Tachometer Cable Adapter: 1962-1974 Corvette tachometer cables are famous for breaking due to the awkward position they were originally installed. If you have replaced you Corvette’s tachometer cable a few times, or are changing it for the first time, you can install one of our tachometer cable 90 degree adapters, which takes the strain off the cable itself. By installing this adapter you can now keep your Corvette’s tachometer cable well greased and undamaged over time.

Door Hinge Pin & Bushing Kit

Corvette Door Hinge Pin & Bushing Kit: One item that almost every 1953-1982 Corvette could use at some point is a door hinge pin and bushing kit. The doors on these Corvette’s are not light plus they are over 30 years old so sagging is almost impossible to avoid. With this inexpensive door hinge pin and bushing kit you can get rid of those sagging doors for good. Each kit comes with enough pins and bushings to do both doors and will work with your Corvette’s original door hinges. Many vendors will sell you pins that are too long and you have to cut them yourself. Make sure to ask before you buy, Zip sells the correct length door pins to make it easier for you.

Rally Wheel Silver Paint

Corvette Rally Wheel Silver Paint: Another money saver from Zip for 1967-1982 Corvette owners is our Corvette rally wheel silver paint. This rally wheel paint is a great alternative to buying a whole new set of rally wheels because if used correctly it can return your old rally wheels to “new” condition. Without ever removing your Corvette’s rally wheels you can simply remove the trim bands and center caps, wash the wheels thoroughly, lightly sand to remove any debris, remove remaining grit with an air hose, and paint away. Once the paint has dried reinstall your Corvette’s center caps and trim bands and appreciate the look of your new looking wheels. Read how to paint your Corvette’s rally wheels at CorvetteMagazine.com.

CAGS Disconnect Plug Kit

Corvette CAGS Disconnect Plug Kit: The CAGS disconnect plug will eliminate the computer’s 1st-to-4th shift in your 1989-2009 6-speed Corvette by disconnecting the computer aided gear selection system. This specially designed plug protects the loose ends of the harness from dirt and corrosion, while adding the resistance needed to eliminate “service engine” codes. No modifications to your Corvette’s wiring is necessary, the plug can easily be removed to restore original function. Read how to install the C5 & C6 Corvette CAGS Disconnect Plug Kit.

77-82 KHE 100 Series Corvette Radio

Each KHE Series Radio is designed to fit directly into your Corvette’s Dash Bezel without making any modifications. Because of their excellent fit and throwback look you can now enjoy your favorite tunes in your favorite car.

The KHE 100 Corvette Radio is designed to allow you to be able to listen to your music while not paying an unreasonable amount of money. This radio is perfect for someone who would like to have quality sounding music but does not have to have the absolute best. The features of this radio include the choice of a chrome or black face, AM/FM cassette with digital tuning, auto-reverse, locking FF & RW, separate bass & treble, 4-way fader, 20 presets (15FM/5AM) manual tuning, seek auto tune, preset scan, RCA pre-outs, clock, auto stereo – mono, auto antenna lead, auxiliary line for MP3 player or iPod, LCD with green illumination, 100 watts of power (25 x 4) for KHE 100, & 200 watts of power (50×4) for the KHE 200.

58-62 KHE 200 Series Corvette Radio

The KHE 200 Corvette Radio is the same as the KHE 100, only with a little more juice. All features are the exact same except the KHE 200 is backed by 200 watts of power; as opposed to 100 watts in the KHE 100. The added watts in the 200 series radio makes this model more popular for owners that may be interested in beefing up their Corvette’s sound system.

The KHE 300 Corvette Radio is the best radio to choose from when it comes to the combination of looks and modern technology. With the elimination of the cassette player you will be able to plug your iPod or MP3 Player directly into the face of the radio, ultimately removing cassette tapes and/or cd’s from your dash or floorboard. The 300 series radio includes 200 watts of power and only comes with a chrome face. The extra large buttons add the finishing touches that make this radio an excellent choice for 1958-1962 Corvette owners.

68-76 KHE 300 Series Corvette Radio

Features of the KHE 300 radio include: aux input – front & rear (iPod, MP3, etc.), 4AM/12FM presets, manual up & down tuning, seek auto tune, auto stereo & mono, preset scan & auto store, front & rear fader control, on & off volume control, separate bass & treble control, left & right balance control, clock time & frequency selector, custom design to fit your Corvette’s dash, auto antenna power lead, LCD display with green back lighting, & 200 watts of power output (50×4).

With the latest addition of the KHE 300 radio for 1958-1962 Corvettes, Zip now has all three series available for all 1958-1982 Corvettes. Their genuine looks and outstanding performance make the KHE brand superior to its competition.

Corvette Brake Pad Shim Kit

To install the shims without removing the pads from the brake caliper just rock the pad up and down while they are still inside the caliper. Slide the plastic shim down the trailing edge of each pad as far as possible and trim any excess from the top. The kit is designed to have one shim installed on each inner and outer brake pad on the Corvette. If vibration or noise persists you can move the shim from one edge to the other, or, place a shim on both edges of each brake pad. One way or the other, this simple brake pad shim kit from Zip could be a simple solution to a noisy set of brakes.

Corvette Brake Caliper

Original Shark-era Corvettes had the lip seal design caliper installed. With that said if you would like to keep your Corvette 100% correct then the lip seal is the way to go. However, be aware that prolonged inactivity and/or worn brake components are the enemy of the lip seal design and can very quickly cause your Corvette’s Brake Calipers to leak. If you enjoy exercising your Corvette heartily, or, conversely, your pride and joy often sits for extended periods, O-ring seals are the better choice. They are superior in design all around and offer the best sealing possible.

Now available at Zip Corvette are both front and rear brake caliper o-ring conversion kits. These kits will allow you to convert your Corvette’s Brake Calipers from the original lip seal design to the long lasting o-ring design pistons. The kits include four o-ring style pistons for front and rear calipers, o-rings, dust boots and caliper fluid seals. There are enough components in each kit to convert a single caliper to the o-ring design.

2009 Corvette Dream Giveaway

The first of two amazing Corvettes that will be given away is a beautifully restored 1967 Stingray. The Corvette is finished in tuxedo black with a red stinger hood accent stripe, black interior, and black convertible top. The 427/390 horsepower engine and 4 speed manual transmission combine to make a legendary matching numbers Corvette.

The ZR1 Hero Corvette proudly bears the serial number “1 of 1″ . This brand new 2009 ZR1 was produced in cooperation with GM to benefit hospitalized children through the Kids Wish Network’s Hero of the Month program. The original signatures of key Corvette executives appear inside the hood to authenticate this one of a kind instant classic. Unique graphics, accents, emblems, interior, and carbon fiber components make this Corvette a priceless collectible.

This opportunity is truly a win win situation for everyone. To be a part of this event simply register here or print a mail in order form here and send it in before the deadline expires.

1967 Corvette

1967 Corvette

2009 ZR1 Corvette

2009 ZR1 Corvette

To enter the Virtual Car Show

SmokinVette.com

1. Register at SmokinVette.com (See benefits below)
2. Enter at least 2-3 photos of your stock or modified car
3. Include a description of your car including any modifications

There will be two groups in this year’s event. The first will be for Corvettes only; any C1-C6 Corvette can be entered. The second group is for all other makes and models. Click here to see the prizes for each group.

By registering at SmokinVette.com you will be joining a Corvette Forum that creates a fun non political environment for Corvette enthusiast to share ideas, views, product reviews, technical information, Q&A and much more. You will receive unlimited forum posts, free access to Corvette classifieds listings, and photo uploads to SmokinVette’s “Vette Gallery”, which is a collection of thousands of Corvette photos from around the world.

Corvette Disc Brake Trailing Arm Assemblies are disassembled, inspected, cleaned, and painted. Once the trailing arm is prepped and ready to go Zip rebuilds the unit with all new bearings, bushings, seals, shims, spacer, dust shield, park brake shoes and hardware, and park brake backplate. New rotors are installed on all assemblies to eliminate rotor run-out. All other parts are fully reconditioned and reassembled to exact GM specifications.

In case you are wondering if Zip will rebuild your particular Corvette Part, here are some of the other services you may be in need of:

Corvette Steering Box

• 56-62 Wiper Motor Restoration
• Bumper Re-chroming
• C4 Glass Top Restoration
• Clock Rebuild
• Complete Cluster Restoration
• Distributor Rebuild
• Headlight Motor Rebuild
• Master Cylinder Rebuild
• Radio Restoration
• Small Gauge Rebuild
• Speedometer & Tachometer Rebuild

If you still do not see your particular part listed request a free Corvette Parts & Accessories Catalog, which comes packed with information on core rebuilds and more. You can also contact one of Zip’s knowledgeable sales representatives for other rebuild services available.

Adam's Polishes & Detailing Equipment

Zip believes the type of car care products used is ultimately the biggest factor in achieving that outstanding shine. Though many car wash, wax, & detail products have a similar look or smell they do not all perform to the same level. Adam’s Polishes, when used correctly have proven to clean and detail a Corvette to even the most particular enthusiasts standards; that’s why Zip uses Adam’s products on both company owned and customer’s Corvettes.

Each Adam’s polish has its own unique qualities all of which are designed to be used in a particular manner. Click Here to watch instructional videos that teach how to combine the different products to achieve that perfect shine.

If you are looking for the perfect Corvette Gift consider a 16oz. bottle of Adam’s Car Wash or Detail Spray. These products and many more are sure to garner a smile from any Corvette enthusiast no matter what the occasion may be.

Here are some of our most popular Adam’s Car Care Products used on even the most delicate Corvettes.

Detail Spray

Adam’s Detail Spray is the cornerstone of their product line and is the most versatile component in any detail kit. This “Best in Show” winner is a favorite at Corvette shows. You can use it as a waterless car wash, a clay bar lubricant, or to enhance the depth and clarity of paint, chrome, plastic, aluminum, and glass. The specially formulated lubricants gently remove dirt, smudges, and grime, leaving surfaces with a smooth, ultra-high gloss finish. Use Adam’s Detail Spray in the sun or shade, and in hot or cool temperatures.

Car Wash

Adam’s specially formulated Car Wash Soap is Ph-balanced and will not strip the protective coating off your finish. The highly concentrated soap is extremely gentle on all Corvette surfaces and it is biodegradable. Like the detail spray, you can use it in the sun and it will not streak or spot your Corvette’s surfaces.

Buttery Wax

Leading the charge in technological advances, Adam’s Buttery Wax is formulated with a special blend of polymers, resins, and natural Carnauba. Buttery Wax contains no cleaners or abrasives, and will not stain plastic or rubber. Our 16-oz bottle will cover many vehicles, especially when used sparingly as recommended. Adam’s Buttery Wax is suitable for application in the sun or shade, and in hot or cool temperatures. Before applying buttery wax treat your Corvette with Adam’s Clay Bar and Revive Polish for best results.

V.R.T. Protection

Enhance and protect the appearance of plastic, rubber, tires, moldings, dashboards, and door panels with Adam’s V.R.T. Protectant. Adam’s V.R.T. contains no harmful silicone or alcohol. The thick moisturizing cream applies easily with a sponge and will not leave a greasy film, attract dirt, or harm paint and glass. The added U.V. protection keeps Corvette interiors and exteriors looking and feeling like new.

All-Purpose

Adam’s Professional Strength All-Purpose Cleaner is a heavy duty, lemon scented spray that’s effective at removing brake dust, cleaning engines, cutting grease and cleaning applicator pads. All-Purpose Spray can also be used on more delicate surfaces such as Corvette Aluminum Wheels, simply dilute the cleaner with water by 50%.

Adam's Clay Bar

Adam’s Clay Bar is the finest and safest detailing clay for your Corvette’s finish. Combine it with the use of Adam’s Detail Spray and all surface contamination such as bugs, tar, tree sap, and more will be safely removed without skid or swirl marks left behind. The large 4-oz clay bar is suitable for 8 – 10 cleanings simply fold a re-stretch the clay once the surface looks contaminated.

Zip Corvette Detail Kit

Zip Corvette Detail Kit provides all necessities for keeping your Corvette looking fresh including some of the most popular Adam’s Polishes & Applicators. Corvette Detail Kit comes complete with: Adams Premium Detail Spray, All Purpose Cleaner, V.R.T. Protectant (Vinyl, Rubber & Tire), Brilliant Spray Glaze, Glass Cleaner, (3) Adams Detail Sponges, (2) Microfiber Polishing Towels, (1) Jumbo Microfiber Drying Towel, (1) Applicator Pad, & (1) Detail Bag. Zip’s very own detail bag features a 14″ long x 7″ wide x 11.5″ high design. It is fully lined to prevent leaking from possible spills, includes 6 elastic straps to store containers in an upright position, has 4 exterior pouches for additional storage, a zipper top lid with handle, and an embroidered Zip logo.

Adam's Complete Corvette Detail Kit

This collection is comprised with all of Adam’s key products to perfect and maintain your Corvette. Adam’s Complete Detail Kit is ideal for those who are willing to go the extra mile to make their Corvette shine and last better then all others. Here are some of the top polishes and equipment included with this Corvette Detail Kit: Adam’s Car Wash, Detail Spray, V.R.T. Protectant, All Purpose Cleaner, Buttery Wax, 4.25 Gallon Bucket, Microfiber Polishing Towels, Interior & Exterior Applicator Pads, Fire hose Spray Nozzle, Instructional DVD, and much more.

Corvette Interior Cleaning

Cleaning your Corvette’s Interior can be a huge hassle but it is sure to pay off in the end. We will show you how to thoroughly clean all of the carpet, vinyl, chrome, leather, glass, plastic, and rubber that may be included in your Corvette. Just dedicate one weekend to this job and your Corvette’s Interior will once again shine like new. If you do not have a Midyear still follow along as most cleaning processes can be used on any Corvette.

Click Here to read the entire Corvette Spring Cleaning Technical Article.