Corvette Parts Blog

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.

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With original 1968-1982 Corvette Seat Belts running into thousands of dollars and the cost to restore your originals just as steep, we are pleased to offer new retractor seat belts that are far beyond the generic replacements that have been sold over the years. All of our 1968-1982 Corvette Seat Belt Sets meet FMVSS 208/302 specifications and are as close to as original as you can get without getting into an outrageous price range. Each seat belt set is manufactured using the same stitch pattern as original and all are available in multiple interior colors providing an authentic OEM look to your C3 Corvette’s interior.

Here are all of our 1968-1982 Corvette Retractor Seat Belt Sets available:

68-71 Corvette Seat Belts

For 1968-1971 Corvettes we have an excellent replacement set that includes non-retractable lap belts plus shoulder harnesses with new technology retractors. The push button buckles are the original GM style without the GM logo. This seat belt set fits 1968-1971 Corvettes equipped with shoulder harnesses and includes the web stops plus all necessary mounting hardware.

72-73 Corvette Seat Belts

Our 1972-1973 Corvette Lap & Shoulder Seat Belt Sets fit both coupe and convertible Corvettes equipped with shoulder harnesses. This seat belt set includes new technology retractors for both the lap and the shoulder belts plus comes with the original style push button buckles without the GM logo. Web stops and all necessary seat belt mount hardware is included with the set.

74-77 Corvette Coupe Seat Belts

1974-1977 Corvette coupes in need of new lap & shoulder seat belts can be brought back to life with our single retractor lap and shoulder set. Our 1974-1977 Corvette Coupe Seat Belt Sets will serve as a great replacement to the belts currently installed in your Corvette. Instead of the double retractors, the single retractor, also found on later C3 Corvettes, mounts behind each seat on the wheel well. This set includes original style push button buckles w/o the GM logo and all mounting hardware.

74-77 Corvette Repro. Seat Belts

If adding reproduction seat belts to your 1974-1975 convertible or 1974-1977 coupe is going to be your next project our factory reproduction seat belt sets, which include dual retractors, reproduction latches, GM style buckles without the GM logo, and all necessary mounting hardware is hands down the way to go. Each set looks like it was installed from the factory years ago and is available at a fraction of the cost for true original Corvette Seat Belts.

1970-1977 Corvette Lap Belts

1970-1977 coupes came standard from the factory with shoulder harnesses, however this was not the case for 1970-1975 convertibles. Many convertibles left the factory with just lap belts as the shoulder harnesses were optional. Our 1970-1977 Corvette Lap Belts include new technology retractors with original looking latches, web stops, GM style push button buckles that do not include the GM logo, and mount hardware.

78-82 Corvette Seat Belts

In 1978 Chevrolet switched to the single retractor seat belt design in all Corvettes. Our 1978-1982 Corvette Seat Belt Sets are available in multiple interior colors and include the GM style buckles without the GM logo and all necessary mounting hardware.

Outside of full car seat belt sets we also have the inner sleeves, web stops, shoulder harness twin storage pockets, retractor covers, and all of the attaching hardware for 1968-1982 Corvettes. Here is a list of the color options available for our 1968-1982 Corvette Seat Belts:

1968-1982 Corvette Seat Belt Color Chart

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This weeks Corvette question comes from Ray who owns a 1972 C3 Corvette.

How do I remove the starter from my 1972 Corvette?

68-82 Corvette Starter Mount

The procedure for removing and installing the starter on a 1972 Corvette applies to all 1968-1982 Corvettes. It is not a difficult task to complete and only requires basic mechanical tools. To begin the removal first disconnect the battery cables (negative first) and raise the Corvette to an ideal working height. Next disconnect each wire at the solenoid terminals but be sure to reinstall the nuts after removing each wire as the thread sizes are different. If your Corvette has a big block, which included the starter solenoid shield you can now remove the front bracket upper bolt and remove the shield from the starter. For Corvettes equipped with the 350 engine you can now loosen the front bracket and remove the two mount bolts. You are now ready to remove the starter from the Corvette. After rotating the bracket away from your work space, lower the starter from the Corvette front first while holding it against the bellhousing.

Once you are ready to reinstall your Corvette’s Starter you can simply reverse the order of these instructions. Be sure to torque the mount bolts to 25-35 ft./lbs. first, followed by the starter brace bolt. Once correct operation of your Corvette’s starter is confirmed the removal and installation is complete.

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We have recently added 1963-1969 Corvette Bellhousing Front Inspection Covers to our C2 and C3 Corvette Parts inventory. These bellhousing inspection covers are an exact reproduction of the the original covers installed on 1963-1969 Corvettes. These covers are designed to work with 10.4″ Corvette Clutches and a 3.25″ starter hole. Some replacement bellhousing front inspection covers have been available for a while. We are proud to say that we now offer the most correct 1963-1969 Corvette bellhousing inspection covers the Corvette Parts industry has to offer. Another new Corvette part from Zip!

1963-1969 Corvette Bellhousing Front Inspection Cover

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This weeks Corvette Question comes from Scott who owns a 1972 Corvette.

How do you remove the original radio from a 1972 Corvette?

The procedure for removing a 1972 Corvette Radio is the same for all 1968-1976 C3 Corvettes. You will need to start by removing your Corvette’s RH Side Dash Pad. There are seven phillips screws that hold the dash pad in place; two in the door jamb, three on top where it connects to the top dash pad and the final two are on the side of the gauge console. Once the RH dash pad is removed you will gain access to the radio and gauge console.  Remove both radio side panels on the forward console, they sit under the radio and are held in with one screw. Once this is done, you will need to loosen the nuts on the bottom of the gauge console, they can be difficult to get to, but you should note that you will only have to loosen them not remove them. You can see these nuts by the radio side panels. After the nuts are loose, you can remove the two screws on the left side and then remove the upper screws that hold the wiper switch in place. Once all of the screws are removed, remove the radio knobs and the retaining nuts. The console will now pull out, but use caution because you still have wires and your oil line hooked up. If you can gain enough clearance to remove the radio leave these connected, if not then disconnect the wires and oil line and remove the console. The radio will now slide out so that you can disconnect the antenna cable and wiring harness.

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Learn how to replace the alternator on your 1963-1982 Corvette. Replacing your Corvette’s alternator requires basic hand tools and a multimeter to determine the voltage the alternator is producing. Your Corvette’s alternator is an essential component in the electrical system of your Corvette, since it supplies the necessary DC voltage and keeps the battery charged. Like all things mechanical, eventually it wears out and fails.

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.

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Our 1973-1982 Corvette Wiper Compartment Cover adds the perfect finishing touch to any 1973-1982 Corvette’s cowl. The wiper compartment covers are made of ABS plastic and can be painted to match any paint scheme. Benefits of installing the wiper compartment cover on 1973-1982 Corvettes include:

1973-1982 Corvette Cowl Cover

• Provides a clean look over the stock cowl area
• Reduces the collection of leaves and debris
• Will not interfere with your Corvette’s wipers
• Can be painted to match your Corvette’s paint

Installation of the 1973-1982 Corvette Wiper Compartment Cover requires very little modifications. If you are going to paint the cover do so before installing. Once you are ready to install the compartment cover you will need to trim the trailing edge of the firewall, this is best done with a file. After trimming, install the cover to check for proper fit. You should turn your Corvette’s Windshield Wipers on and then stop them half way up by shutting off the ignition. Each wiper arm should then be run through the corresponding hole in the wiper compartment cover. The cover is then slid down onto the firewall. If the cover sits flush with the top of the firewall and the trailing edge rests tightly against the windshield, proper fit has been achieved.

Corvette Wiper Compartment Cover

If you would like to strongly mount the Corvette Wiper Compartment Cover, though it is not required, simply use four strips of adhesive backed velcro. Each strip should be approximately 4″ long and should be 3″ and 10″ from the side of the cover. If placed correctly the two front strips should fall directly on top of the firewall with the rear strips attaching to the windshield glass. If minor interferences are noticed you may have to file away the necessary amount of material.

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Chrome Corvette Wheels look great no matter what year, body style, or color your Corvette may be. They are not exactly the cheapest upgrade over the stock Corvette Wheels, but as most people would agree, the brilliance added to the Corvette from a new set of chrome wheels is well worth the cost. For those of you who have spent your fare share of money purchasing chrome Corvette Wheels here are a few recommendations that should help you get the most out of your purchase.

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.

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For years 1978-1979 Corvette Tachometers for the L48 & L82 engines have not been available. Searching through junkyards or rebuilding your original tachometer was in many cases the only option.

Corvette Tachometer

Many Corvette owners found that their tachometer was in such poor condition that a rebuild would do no good, and an aftermarket replacement was the only choice. But where to buy them?

After years of waiting and searching, 78-79 Corvette owners can finally replace their L48 or L82 tachometer with a new reproduction from Zip Corvette Parts. Both of our new Corvette Tachometer assemblies are complete with the face, needle, and circuit board as original.

If you are not sure you need to replace your tachometer, but you know it isn’t working correctly, read our 1975-1982 Corvette Electronic Tachometer Repair technical article at CorvetteMagazine.com. We’ll show you how to remove, repair, install and troubleshoot your 1975-1982 Corvette Tachometer.

Corvette Tach, Corvette Tachometer, Corvette Tachometer Circuit Board, L48, L82

Open up a Zip Corvette Parts restoration catalog and you will find just about anything you are looking for when it comes to restoring a Corvette. From frame crossmembers and Corvette Suspension Kits to Corvette Weatherstrip Packages and a whole lot more, we try to make your Corvette restoration as painless as possible. We also understand that not everyone is performing a frame off restoration but instead, just need to touch up a few small areas. In the midst of the thousands of Corvette Parts, we have many cost efficient items that can make a big difference for your Corvette. Here are a few of our most commonly sold items that you may be in need of:

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.

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