One of our most recent additions to our C4, C5, & C6 Corvette interior accessories product line includes embroidered seat belt pads. Each set comes in a black soft vinyl with a silver embroidered C4, C5, or C6 Corvette logo. The seat belt pads simply wrap around your Corvette’s seat belts and are velcro fastened for an unnoticeable and comfortable fit.
Corvette Seat Belt Pads
C4 Body Molding Mount Kits
Replacing C4 Corvette Body Moldings can get very frustrating when trying to match the right hardware to the right parts. The GM body moldings used black 5mm nuts while the reproductions require 10-24 nuts. With many of the GM moldings still available it is necessary to use the correct matching hardware to correctly restore your Corvette’s exterior to factory condition. With some of the factory C4 Corvette body moldings being discontinued the demand for reproduction parts and hardware has quickly risen. Due to the fact that the reproduction body moldings will not install using the factory hardware you must search through the garage or the local auto parts store for the correct size. We have made it easy for C4 Corvette owners who are replacing the body moldings by offering a C4 Corvette Factory Body Molding Hardware Kit and a C4 Corvette Reproduction Body Molding Hardware Kit. Each kit includes 50 correct size nuts used for installing factory C4 body moldings or the reproductions.
This week’s Corvette question comes from Mike who owns a 1993 C4 Corvette.
How do I adjust the windshield wipers on my 1993 Corvette?
C4 Corvette Windshield Wipers
Despite their notoriety as a high-performance car and their innovations in design and technology, the C4 Corvettes had their fair share of imperfections. One common problem is with the C4 Corvette Windshield Wipers. Although only a minor flaw, the wipers on many of these Corvettes are not properly adjusted to rest beneath the hood when turned off. When the wipers do not park correctly, they can scrape the black paint on the window trim, resulting in unsightly scratch marks on the trim and blemishing the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. Fortunately, this minor problem can be easily corrected. All you need is a ratchet, 10mm socket, a flat-blade screwdriver, and no more than 20 minutes of your time. This simple adjustment will allow your Corvette’s wipers to rest below the hood line and prevent your Corvette’s window trim from being scratched again.
C4 Corvette Wiper Access Plate
After opening the hood of your Corvette, look in the direction of the wipers where you will see the wiper transmission access plate. Remove the plate with a flat-blade screwdriver by carefully prying up on it. Not all C4 Corvettes have this plate, if you don’t simply remove the entire grill. Once the access plate or grill is removed you will have access to four retaining nuts. Loosen them with a 10mm socket but be sure not to remove them as reinstalling the nuts can be very difficult. Last, gently push the wiper arms towards the firewall. You will need to adjust both arms to avoid interference between them. Adjust the arms until they do not hit the windshield molding or they are below the hood line.
Once you have your Corvette’s windshield wipers adjusted properly you can tighten them down. Be sure not to over tighten or you could snap the stud on the linkage. Now check the adjustment. Close your Corvette’s hood and have someone spray water on the windshield while you operate the wipers. (Don’t operate the wipers without water on the windshield or you could permanently scratch the glass). Make sure the wipers are no longer hitting the windshield molding. Switch the wipers to high to check that they are not contacting each other or binding up. If they are contacting, then readjust them until they no longer contact each other. The same applies if they are still hitting your Corvette’s windshield molding. Once your adjustment is satisfactory, replace the access plate or grill and your job is done.
This weeks Corvette Question comes from Kris who owns a C4 Corvette.
How do I replace the fuel pump & sending unit on my 1987 Corvette?
C4 Corvette Fuel Pump
Answer: Once you have troubleshooted your Corvette’s Fuel System and determined it is time to install a new fuel pump & sending unit on your Corvette you will first need to disconnect the negative battery cable and relieve the pressure in the fuel system. To relieve the fuel system pressure on a C4 Corvette you can simply remove the gas cap and let the car sit for 15 minutes. Once the pressure is relieved drain your Corvette’s fuel tank and remove the tank filler door attaching screws and bezel. Next, lift the fuel tank filler pipe housing and disconnect the drain hose from the nipple. Before disconnecting the fuel tank filler pipe housing, clean all fuel connections and surrounding areas to avoid contaminating the fuel system. Next disconnect the fuel hoses and EVAP hose from the fuel sender assembly. Plug or pinch the fuel feed and return hoses and remove the fuel sender electrical connector. To finish removal of your C4 Corvette’s fuel pump and sending unit remove the fuel sender assembly attaching screws, assembly, and gasket. You can re-install the old gasket but first check to see if your new C4 Corvette Sending Unit came with a new gasket. If it did then discard the gasket and thoroughly clean the gasket sealing surfaces. If you just purchased a new C4 Corvette Fuel Pump you will need to purchase a gasket separately or re-install the old gasket. Finally, cuts, nicks, swelling, or distortion is common on the fuel feed, fuel return and EVAP hoses so be sure to inspect these hoses before proceeding.
Once you are ready to install your new C4 Corvette Fuel Pump & Sending Unit begin by positioning the gasket on the fuel tank with the notch facing forward in the right hand corner of the tank. Carefully fold the strainer to allow it to fit through the opening in the tank. Next, install the fuel sender assembly into the fuel tank and re-connect the fuel sender electrical connector. Then connect the EVAP hose and tighten the hose clamps. Re-connect the fuel drain hose to the nipple on the filler pipe housing and place the housing around the filler pipe. Now you can re-install the filler door bezel, add fuel, and re-connect the negative battery cable. Before driving your Corvette away, be sure to turn the ignition switch on, off, then back on and check for any possible fuel leaks. If no leaks are recognized your Corvette fuel pump replacement was a success.
C4 Corvette valve covers are huge eyesores under your Corvette’s hood if they have not been maintained over the years. Even if your Corvette has been garage kept and well maintained, old faded valve covers are hard to avoid. The mixture of engine oil and dirt with some occasional water or other substances can really fade or rust your Corvette’s valve covers over time. Even if the Corvette was rarely driven the valve covers would still fade as they age.
C4 Corvette Valve Covers
If you have driven your C4 Corvette on a daily basis as many people have, take a look at your valve covers. If they look anything like the majority of the valve covers that we see on a daily basis then a can of Corvette Valve Cover Paint might be a quick fix for the looks of your Corvette’s engine compartment.
Our Corvette Valve Cover Paint will restore your discolored OEM valve covers from engine heat, cleaning chemicals and/or road grime to their original factory finish. This paint is the correct tint as used on original C4 Corvette valve covers and one can is enough paint to restore both valve covers.
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.
Why clunk your Corvette when you can restore it with Zip Corvette and keep it forever. New Corvette Parts are abundantly available for all generations of Corvettes. The C4 in the video below, which was unfortunately traded in to the cash for clunkers program, probably could have been restored and brought back to pristine condition with not too much money. Instead now there is one more Corvette off the road, and one less customer out there for our small Corvette Parts business. These cars are much more then just some old gas guzzling clunker, they are American icons and it hurts to watch this happen. Hopefully this owner traded it in for a new C6 Corvette.
At Zip you can get just about anything for your C4 Corvette from factory engine tune up parts, to aluminum radiators or replacement body panels. Some of the oldest C4 Corvettes are now 25 years old so replacement Corvette Parts are going to be needed more and more. Here are some of the most popular C4 Corvette Parts we can provide today:
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.
Protect your Corvette’s Interior from damaging UV rays with a new Corvette Sunshade from Zip. While the hot summer months bring plenty of warm weather to enjoy they unfortunately can do more harm than good to your Corvette’s interior. With interior temperatures reaching a scorching 150 degrees inside many Corvettes, you can only imagine what day after day exposure to this amount of heat and sunlight is doing to your dash, leather, vinyl and other interior components.
The easiest solution for protecting your Corvette’s interior from the extreme heat and sunlight is to install a Corvette Sunshade. You can purchase very cheap sunshades from a local auto parts store but the fact is that they are not custom made to fit a Corvette and they simply do not look as nice as our Corvette Sunshades. We offer sunshades for C4, C5, and C6 Corvettes all of which come with the Corvette logo and are custom made to fit your Corvette.
C4 Corvette Sunshade
This C4 Corvette Cool Shade is specifically designed for 1984-1996 Corvettes. It’s reflective nylon surface effectively blocks rays to reduce heat build-up and prevent fading. The 1-piece lightweight coil frames twist closed to a compact 9″ for easy storage. To clean this sunshade simply wipe down with a damp towel or sponge. Sunshade includes “Corvette” script on one side and a C4 Corvette logo on the other.
C5 Corvette Sunshade
This 2-pc C5 Corvette Cool Shade is designed to fit 1997-2004 Corvettes. Like the C4 sunshade the Reflective nylon surface effectively blocks rays to reduce heat build-up and prevent fading. Each panel measures 28″ x 32″ and includes a screen printed “Corvette” script and a C5 Corvette logo. Simply wipe the sunshade with a damp towel or sponge to keep clean.
C5 Corvette Sunshade
This 1-pc C5 Corvette Sunshade will fit your Corvette’s windshield perfectly. The sunshade is triple laminated constructed and has a reflective outer layer, which blocks direct sun and protects the interior surfaces from heat build-up and fading. The sunshade features a C5 logo and sewn-in Velcro straps for compact storage.
C5 Corvette Sunshade
This folding accordion C5 Corvette Sunshade design is custom fit specifically for 1997-2004 Corvettes. It fits into the corners of the windshield blocking the sun completely from the dash, which will reduce interior temperature and protect your Corvette’s interior from the sun’s rays. Your sunvisors hold the shield in place. One side of the shade is made of a silver reflective fabric and the other side is finished in soft felt. Both fabrics are laminated to a form core board, which acts as an insulator to help reduce heat build-up inside your Corvette. This C5 Sunshade includes a C5 Corvette logo on the front.
C6 Corvette Sunshade
Protect your C6 Corvette’s interior from harsh sunlight with this C6 Corvette Cool Shade. The reflective nylon surface effectively blocks rays to reduce heat build-up and prevent interior fading. The 2-piece design includes a screen printed “Corvette” script and C6 Corvette logo. Each panel measures 28″ x 32″. Simply wipe with a damp towel or sponge to keep clean.
C6 Corvette Sunshade
The Ultimate Insulated windshield sunshade for C6 Corvettes is a folding accordion design custom fit specifically for C6 Corvettes. It fits into the corners of the windshield blocking the sun completely from the dash, which helps reduce interior temperature and protect your Corvette’s interior from the sun’s rays. Your sunvisors hold the shield in place. One side of the shade is made of a silver reflective fabric and the other side is finished in soft felt. Both fabrics are laminated to a form core board, which acts as an insulator to help reduce heat build-up inside your Corvette. Sunshade includes a C6 Corvette logo on the front.
By using one of our Corvette sunshades in your Corvette you could prevent fading, cracking, and other problems the sun’s rays will cause. Don’t mistreat your Corvette’s interior any longer; start using a sunshade today. We also carry Corvette Rear Cargo Shades and Corvette hatch vents to help keep your Corvette cool in the summer heat.
Virginia International Raceway was packed with Corvettes from all over this past Monday and Tuesday. Dominated by the amazing Z06, there were also plenty of other awesome performers including the new 2010 Grandsport Corvette. The 2 day event consisted of driving classes and open track time for any Corvette owner. If you missed the 2009 Corvette Museum HPDE at VIR you truly missed two great days of performance driving.
Our new 2-piece Corvette rotors were on Steve Landstra’s Corvette for an on-track test. Check out the video below for a lap around VIR with the rotors installed. With speeds approaching 170 mph, Steve really pushed the brakes to the limit and proved that they performed excellent and stood up to heavy track duty. You can buy the same exact rotors for your Corvette in our online store.
The two day event at VIR gave Zip the opportunity to get out to the track meet more of our customers that enjoy the racing side of the Corvette world. While in attendance Zip Corvette was able to answer questions, discuss new Corvette Parts in the making, and meet a bunch of Corvette drivers and enthusiasts alike. Among the most popular topics discussed included our newly finished Mamba Air Intake System and our 2-piece Corvette Rotors. With the combination of high speeds and sharp corners at VIR, every Corvette Brake System will be pushed to the maximum. Zip stocks many of the necessary braking components required for an event like this such as their 2-Piece Performance Corvette Rotors, CarboTech and Hawk Brake Pads, Stainless Steel Brake Hoses, and more. Get your Corvette prepared for the track with Zip!
We are in the process of building a new discount program that targets Corvette drivers involved with open track events. The program is still in the works but should become effective soon. Some of the components that will be discounted include:
Recent Comments