Corvette news tailored to your car!

Zip has just made finding Corvette Parts and Accessories for your specific generation a whole lot easier! You can waste hours swimming through the ocean of Corvette information available online. But we know you want to spend that time actually enjoying your car, so we’ll email you with the latest news and hottest parts for YOUR Corvette.

Join the Zip Corvette Email List and with just one click, you’ll have at your fingertips the newest parts and accessories specific to the generation that you own.

Own multiple Corvettes from different generations? Just let us know what generations you have and we’ll send emails tailored to each! Need to update your info with us? Click here to make sure we know the year of your Corvette. Less time searching, more time driving!

57-74 Performance Spark Plug Wire Set

Looking to boost the performance of your early model Corvette? Zip has all the Corvette Parts you need to get your 1957-1974 Corvette running at its best! Consider replacing the factory installed spark plug wire set with a Corvette Performance Spark Plug Wire Set from Zip. 

Original equipment manufacturer, Packard Industries, continues to produce correct looking spark plug wires for 1957-1974 Corvettes, now with reduced resistance for increased performance. Designed for all 283, 327 & 350ci engines, these wires are manufactured from the original tooling and include low ohm perf foot resistance of 250 ohms compared to standard 4000-5000 ohms per foot. The set is made from Packard Delcore II wire, which uses a special Kevlar silicone wrapped construction to prevent breaks and cracks in the conductor. The boots are correct material and thickness; terminals are stainless steel. This is not a generic set of wires. Each set includes correct length wires for an easy, clean factory installation. Made in USA.

Corvette Power Brake Master Cylinder

For many years – decades, even -  New 1965-1966 Corvette Reproduction Power Brake Master Cylinders were unavailable.  But now, you can look no further than Zip for 100% correct reproduction C2 Corvette Master Cylinders!

Show stopping  in every way, these new reproductions include correct embossed casting # 5467084, correct GM part # 5467005, Delco markings, correct finish, line ports and even the reservoir caps with the original yellow tint. These excellent quality reproduction power brake master cylinders are manufactured from the original blueprints and GM Licensed.

1965 Early Corvette power brake master cylinders have a 3/8″ x 24″ port thread and 3/16″ master cylinder line. 1965 Late – 1966 Corvette master cylinders have a 7/16″ x 24″ port thread and 1/4″ master cylinder line.

Looking for information on 1967 Corvette Master Cylinders instead? Read our blog post: Corvette Reproduction Master Cylinders for 1967 C2 which talks in detail about our 1967 Corvette master cylinders for both standard and power brake equipped Corvettes.

 View all Corvette Parts Blog posts specific to C2 Corvettes here.

Corvette Air Condition Systems

When purchasing a Vintage Air Gen IV Air Condition System for your C1, C2 or C3 Corvette, you are getting a system that is guaranteed to cool your vehicle’s interior as if it were factory installed.

Vintage Air has been in the performance air condition cooling field since 1976 and is an industry leader for many makes and models, including Corvette.

Complete Corvette Air Condition Systems include evaporator kit plus condenser and drier package. Air conditioning, heating and defrost combination designed specifically for your Corvette. Factory air condition control assembly in your console connects to and controls this unit. Designed to mount to existing holes in your dash and firewall without drilling or fabrication. Evaporator kit comes complete with all the Corvette Parts you’ll need to complete the installation including the mounting brackets, hardware, louvers, duct hose, wiring harness and installation instructions.

Corvette Vintage Air Gen IV AC System Features:

• Fully electronic operation – no cables or vacuum controls
• Individual Rotary Electronic Controls for electronic operation
• Micro-processor controlled coil temperature monitor. No capillary tube to install
• Separate high-capacity heat and cooling coils
• Blend air door for instant temperature adjustment
• Steel firewall cover plate
• All Gen IV systems allow for optional smooth firewall configuration
• Positive shut off solenoid operated heater control valve in max A/C

Note: 1968-1976 Corvette Gen-IV SureFit Systems adapt to original “Thumb Wheel” type controls.

1963-1982 U-Joint Removal Tool

Repairing your half shafts by replacing your U-joints has never been easier, thanks to Zip Corvette’s Driveshaft/Half Shaft U-Joint Removal Tool.

This handy tool simplifies the tricky job of pressing out the U-joint caps in both the half shaft and the U-joints by providing a solid receiver cup and bearing cap plug for use with a bench vise or shop press. No more trying to find the proper size sockets and risk damaging those sockets, yokes or flanges while pressing out the U-joint caps.

This tool is also a slide hammer with a trick up its sleeve. The slide hammer attaches to the U-joint cap while it is partially out of the yoke and allows you to quickly and easily pop it completely out. By using the proper tools for the job, you minimize the chance of damaging the yokes and flanges, you shorten the time spent in the garage and you get your Corvette back out on the road – where it belongs!

Read our instructions describing how to use the 1963-1982 Corvette Driveshaft/Half Shaft U-Joint Removal Tool for C2, C3 Corvettes. We also have step by step instructions that show you how to replace your Corvettes Differential Half Shaft U-Joint, at CorvetteMagazine.com.

63-64 Sill Plates 4-Hole

Get the valuable judging points you are chasing with a pair of correctly reproduced C2 Corvette Sill Plates.  A seasoned Corvette restorer will tell you that sometimes, the most obscure Corvette Parts are what really complete the car.

65-66 Sill Plates 6-Hole

The 1963-1964 Corvette Sill Plates include the 4 hole design while the 1965-1966 Corvette Sill Plates include the 6 hole design. Both feature the original style 13 groove design – and yes, the NCRS judges do count the number of grooves.

A must have for the Corvette restorer who wants a C2 that looks like it just rolled off the factory assembly line. These highly detailed sill plates are fully licensed by GM. Sold in pairs.

68-82 Spec Guide

Perfect for carrying when looking at any Corvette, the NCRS Corvette Specifications Guides have just been updated with all the latest and correct information for every specific Corvette year. Through years of research, the NCRS has compiled all the information you need for verifying the originality of a solid axle or mid-year Corvette and packaged it to fit in your pocket!

53-67 Spec Guide

The Corvette Specifications Guides cover 29 sections including: Production Totals, Body & Trim Combinations, Engine Combinations, Casting #’s (engine, trans, rear end, intake, cylinder heads, carburetors, generators & alternators, wiper motors, radiators, ignition coils and distributors, etc.), VIN #’s and Ranges, Build Date Codes, LOF Glass Date Codes, Circuit Breaker & Fuse Data, Paint Colors and much more.

The NCRS is the SOURCE for Corvette information. If you are considering a Corvette for purchase, these pocket guides will serve as a valuable resource - ensuring that you know exactly what you are buying. The guides are pocket size (4 1/4 x 5 1/2).

I am inheriting my brother’s 1981 Corvette and it has been sitting in the driveway for over 5 years. It needs a lot of body work and a new passenger seat. The tires are slightly flat and are probably dry-rotted. We have not tried to start it up yet. Before we do, what advice can you give me before we try to start it up?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions in the restoration hobby. The real answer depends on your intentions for the Corvette. However, whether you are looking to make it a nice driver or a show winner, these initial steps will help you start the car and determine what you have to work with. All of this assumes the Corvette wasn’t parked for some serious motor issue, if you are unsure follow these steps until you hit a snag or need additional help.

We would begin by removing all of the spark plugs (remember to mark the wires so you get the firing order correct later) and pouring a table spoon or so of Marvel Mystery oil, motor oil, PB Blaster or any penetrent into each cylinder through the plug holes. Let this sit for a couple of days before you begin to rotate the motor.

Before reinstalling the plugs, try and spin the motor over by hand. If the motor does not turn by hand, remove the V-belts to check for a frozen accessory (Power Steering pump, AC Compressor etc.). If it still doesn’t turn over you may have a serious internal issue requiring professional help. If it does spin freely, replace the battery and try using the key to engage the starter to turn over the motor. If this works, great; if not then you need to begin diagnosing the Corvette’s starter system. For the purposes of this article we’ll assume the starter motor works. At this point you could reinstall the plugs or you could perform a compression check, which we recommend. Again, if the compression check reveals nothing out of the ordinary, proceed as follows. If not, more diagnosing is in order to determine what the problem is.

Before trying to start the engine, change the motor oil and filter, check that the throttle works properly (from the pedal to the carburetor, all of it, you don’t want to start a car and immediately rev it to the moon). You can check that there is coolant in the radiator, but plan on replacing it in the very near future. For now we are focusing on the start-up, once we get past that then draining and changing the coolant and checking the condition of the hoses and radiator will be a priority. If it turns out there are problems with the motor there is no need to spend money on these items now.

We would disconnect and block off the fuel line from the tank to the fuel pump, at the pump. Whatever is in the tank is not worth pumping through the car and into the carburetor. An old lawn mower gas can, rigged and hung from a coat hanger and piped directly to the carburetor will work just fine for now. Gravity pressure is more than sufficient. Be Careful and have a fire extinguisher ready. If you are not confident in this then you may need to consult a professional.

Go ahead and install a new set of spark plugs, and reconnect the spark plug wires in the correct order. At this point you are ready to try and start the engine. Get a fire extinguisher ready. If everything is in order when you turn the key you will be greeted by the sounds and smells of an American V8 burning off years of debris and waking from its slumber. Be prepared for a lot of exhaust smoke from the oil you poured in a few days ago, this is normal. If you have not addressed the cooling system do not let the motor run for more than 10-20 seconds without turning it off and letting it cool down for 15-20 minutes. You could even add water now and see what leaks develop. Make a note of these leaks, as they will be addressed in the future.

On the other hand the car may not start, at which point further investigation is in order. You will need to check the ignition system for spark at the plugs, and make sure the distributor is timed properly. Again, you need to be careful, and possibly enlist the help of a friend or neighbor with the knowledge if you are in doubt. If the ignition checks out but the car still does not run then you may need to check, rebuild or replace your Corvette’s carburetor. Again, seek local help if in doubt.

At this point you could move in many different directions to get this Corvette back on the road and driving. Some folks would pull the entire car apart and do a complete restoration. Most people tend to perform what could be termed a “rolling restoration” wherein you go through the individual systems (Brakes, Suspension, Steering, Fuel, Cooling, Electrical, Exhaust etc.) on the car and in a logical order. Safety items first (brakes, steering, tires, fuel system) then drive-ability and reliability (suspension, exhaust, electrical, vacuum hoses, engine cooling) and lastly cosmetics and body work (interior, stereo, paint, wheels, accessories). Of course there will be many times where it is better to combine a couple more of these systems and jobs together to save time. How you go about it is up to you, though there has been plenty written and we do offer numerous Corvette Restoration Books and Manuals which will be invaluable along the way.

Before using the car regularly you should think seriously about replacing the tires, you should bleed the brakes until the fluid is clean, drain and change the fuel and change the fuel filter, check the transmission and differential fluids, make sure there are no overheating issues, and generally keep an eye on things, taking notes of weird noises, feelings, smells, and so on.

Good luck to you all, bringing a Corvette back to life can be a very satisfying and somewhat addictive endeavor. It can also be fraught with pitfalls and frustration. Remember that there is no pleasure without effort.

By Tom Richardson – Zip Sales Representative

Corvette Power Steering Renew Kit

When the power steering system in your 1963-1982 C2 or C3 Corvette begins to leak it may seem as if you are constantly topping off the fluid level.

Our project 1974 Corvette had a power steering leak somewhere and after a quick degrease of the undercarriage, we discovered that the power steering control valve was the culprit. That’s not a great discovery because C3 Corvettes are known for leaking control valves. Since the control valve needed to be replaced, it provided the perfect opportunity to rebuild the entire power steering system with new hoses and a power steering cylinder.

To keep things simple Zip Corvette Parts offers Power Steering Renew Kits for 1963-1979 small-block Corvettes, 1965-1974 big-blocks, and 1980-1982 models. Available with new or rebuilt components, the renew kits include a steering ram and control valve (be sure to return your old ones for core refunds with the rebuilt kits), power cylinder, and hoses. When our box arrived with our new Corvette Power Steering Renew Kit, we headed to the garage…

Click here to learn How to rebuild the Power Steering System in a 1963-1982 Corvette.

KHE-100 Series Corvette Radios

The KHE 100-series Corvette Radio is the perfect mix of “old school” looks and modern technology. Forget loose cassettes or CDs – just plug your music in! Zip’s new KHE-100 series shafted radio is the perfect radio for the listener of today. This radio features a chrome face, large chrome push buttons and station dial indicator reminiscent of your Corvette’s original. Behind the pretty face is all new technology, including 100 WATTS (25×4) of power, a front input port specifically designed for your iPod or MP3 player, and a USB drop cable for access to all your music! Plug in to a KHE-100 series Corvette radio and never carry another CD again! Radio features include:

Note: Red station slider is non-functional. For original style looks only. 1963-1967 Corvette stereos are GM licensed and include “Corvette” on aluminum bezel.

Have you rebuilt your early Corvette shifter only to find the same problems banging gears? Or are you installing a new shifter and need help making sure the shifter linkage is properly adjusted? Zip Corvette has a simple tool that can make a shifter linkage adjustment easy. These Corvette 4-Speed Shifter Linkage Adjustment Tools allow you to set the proper distances and locations for your Corvette shift mechanism while installing it. Zip Corvette offers these tools for 1957-1962 Corvettes with Borg-Warner T-10 transmissions (part # ST-404), 1963 BW & Muncie transmissions (part # ST-405) and 1964-1981 Muncie and late Super T-10 transmissions (part # ST-406).

On 1957-1963 Corvettes the alignment block is inserted in the top of the levers. Locate the shift fork levers on the side of the Corvette’s Transmission in their neutral positions. Install the shifter without any rods attached. Insert the block with the groove over the tab and into the slots at the top levers. Once all are in position you can hook up your shift rods and begin any fine adjustments you may need to make.

On 1964-1981 Corvettes with the Muncie or late 1970′s T-10 Corvette Transmission the procedure is slightly different. The alignment tool is a small metal plate inserted into the side of the shifter levers. Begin by locating the transmissions lever in neutral. Locate the small slot in the lower portion of the shifter levers. Slowly insert the plate through the slot and through each of the shifter levers. The plate will not come through, but instead will bottom out once all the levers are aligned. Once all are in position you can hook up your shift rods and make any fine adjustments that may be needed. These tools prove invaluable when installing a Corvette Shifter, allowing you to quickly and easily get your Corvette shifting smoothly again.

By Tom Richardson – Zip Sales Representative

Corvette Park Brake Slide/Seal

Often times the Park Brake Slide/Seal is either missing from your C3 Corvette’s console or is broken and doesn’t slide properly, leaving an ugly gap deep into the abyss. A simple part, the park brake slide/seal has and even simpler function: To keep dirt and dust out of the park brake mechanism or better yet, keep your french fries from falling into the park brake assembly. The console seal literally “slides” forward and backward when engaging the park brake handle, keeping the area sealed at all times. Often times when getting the part, we hear complaints about the “crack” or ‘slit” in the seal… “Hey, you sent me a broken one”. But in reality this Corvette Part comes with the “slit “so that you can install it around the handle making for an easy installation.

By Bobby Norris – Zip Sales Representative

63-68 Vibration Dampener

AC-Delco discontinued the 1963-1968 Corvette Steering Dampener nearly a year ago and there hasn’t been a good resource since. Thankfully a new reproduction steering vibration dampener has become available. This item is quite often referred to as a steering absorber or shock, which mounts between the frame and the steering linkage. The new vibration dampener from Zip Corvette fits all non-power steering 1963-1968 Corvettes except 1963-1965 Special Hi-Performance and Fuel Injection models due to their deep oil pan. The new correct reproductions include the mounting pin attaching to the frame and hardware, plus they are Made in the USA.

Note: This steering dampener can be used on any 1963-1968 non-power steering Corvette if it is used with a base motor (shallow) oil pan.

Corvette Glove Box Repair Kit

If you own a 1964-1967 Corvette and would like to freshen up the interior, a simple solution would be to refinish your Corvette’s Glove Box Door. If this sounds like a job you may be interested in, then Zip Corvette has the right Corvette parts to complete the job. Zip’s part # D-203 is a Glove Box repair kit for 1964-1965 Corvettes and D-613 is for 1966-1967 models. These two kits come with the precut and punched aluminum face that would attach to your Corvette’s existing glove box door. Each kit comes with the special screws for mounting and simple yet detailed instructions for you do-it-yourselfers. To complete the refinish, Zip Corvette offers new reproduction GM licensed glove box door emblems for both kits. D-225 (1964-1965) & D-226 (1966-1967). These two emblems come with the correct fasteners for attaching the emblems to the glove box door.

Make your Corvette’s old glove box door look brand new with a new Corvette Glove Box Door Repair Kit from Zip!”

Corvette Gas Tank

If you have owned your 1953-1982 Corvette for many years, just recently purchased one, or fall somewhere in between, chances are that your Corvette’s gas tank needs replacement. Typically when a Corvette sits for long periods of time, condensation gets into the gas tank and begins to slowly break down the steel from the inside out. You will not be able to see the damage but over time it is very common for these tanks to rust or accumulate fair amounts of sediment. Also, due to sitting for various lengths of time with fuel left in the tank the gas will become stale. If driven with the gas tank in poor condition as described there is a great chance you will damage several other components such as the fuel lines, carburetor, fuel pump, and sending unit.

Zip Corvette offers replacement Corvette Gas Tanks for all production years up to and including 1982. For the C1, 1953-1962, there are two stainless steel replacements and they both include stainless mounting straps. For the purist, the correct steel gas tank (with OL Anderson logo) is available for 1956-1962 and 1961L-1962 Corvettes. These correct logo gas tanks are also available for C2 1963-1967 Corvettes and C3 1968-1974 Corvettes.

In addition to the correct tanks, there are functional replacements which come without the OL Anderson Logo for 1956-1974 Corvettes. These fuel tanks are the same quality, but priced a little lower; for enthusiasts who is not worried as much about a gas tank that includes the original logo. Finally, 1968-1974 gas tanks can be either vented or non-vented. The vent is a small raised area (about the size of a 50 cent piece) next to where the filler neck is attached. Sometimes the vent is confused with the return line connection(s) on one or both side(s) of the tank. During the 1956-1974 period, there can be various combinations of vent/return line(s) or none at all. Zip Corvette recommends using a vented gas cap on all Corvette fuel tanks to eliminate the possibility of implosion due to a tank that does not have a vented source.

From 1975-1982, GM used a slightly different gas tank. In the years 1975-1977 the fuel tank had a rubber bladder inside as opposed to the plastic liner used on all 1978-1982 Corvettes. Zip Corvette offers replacement steel tanks for these years but they do not come with or require the bladder/liner. The new fuel tank for 1975-1977 Corvettes requires that you re-use the top portion of the bladder for installing the sending unit since the attaching screws thread into it. For the 1978-1982 Corvette there is a sending unit gasket that should be replaced but unlike 1975-1977 Corvettes, it is not necessary to re-use anything from the original tank.

Typically, when the gas tank is going to be re-installed you should consider replacing the straps, anti-squeak pads, filler neck/seal, bolts, lines and sending unit/gasket at the same time. Chances are that after 30+ years, replacement is going to be the only option. When you are ready to replace the fuel tank in your classic Corvette, Zip can provide all of these quality Corvette parts that will be required for the job.

Corvette Side Exhaust Mufflers

When I was a teenager, there was a Doctor who lived up the street and drove a 1966 Corvette Big-Block, four-speed Convertible. The Doc’s Vette was one I’ll always remember because it had the ultimate in Corvette cool back then: side exhaust pipes.

To this day, I remember that distinctive sound the Corvette’s Side Exhaust made. Our house was on the corner at the bottom of the hill, so I always got a good earful of the rumbling, 1966 Corvette as he down-geared and braked for the stop sign.

While there is a fairly wide choice of sources for replacement, side exhaust mufflers for 1965-1967 rat motor Corvettes; many of the parts out there, once installed on the car, do not sound the way those original, C2 Corvette Side Pipes sounded.

To get the sound right, not only do the mufflers need to be the same length and diameter as the original Corvette side exhaust but the inner, baffled tubing needs to be manufactured in the same way. That’s where Zip’s side exhaust mufflers have an edge over Corvette side exhaust parts sold by others.

Zip Products has two types of replacement mufflers for 1965-1967 Corvettes with 327, 396 or 427 cubic inch engines and side exhaust. The first is for the Corvette enthusiast who wants a factory side exhaust muffler which will last much longer than originals. These mufflers are jig-welded. They have aluminized steel head pipes and 2.75-inch aluminized steel, chambered center-sections. The tips are the correct, 2.75″ diameter and are polished stainless steel for lasting beauty.

The second set is designed for the C2 restorer wanting an exact reproduction of the 1965-1967 factory original side pipes. These mufflers are also jig-welded, but they are made of carbon steel and have chrome-plated tips.

Both of these mufflers use newly-designed, inner baffle tubes which are exact replicas of the originals. Because they have the same baffle perforations as did the stock mufflers, they provide that “original” sound for your C2 Corvette.

These mufflers are made in the USA, are sold in pairs and are correct for 1965-1967 Corvettes, but they will fit all mid-year Corvettes.

Corvette Metal Signs

One of the best ways to decorate a Corvette enthusiasts favorite room is with a new Corvette Metal Sign. We have added over 30 different metal signs to our inventory spanning six generations of Corvette. These new metal signs are made of a heavy 14 gauge steel and feature lifelike three dimensional photo quality, holes for easy installation and they are made in the USA.

All of our metal signs are rustproof and can be used indoor, outdoor, even in harsh environments. They can be mounted on a wall without any need for framing, yet they are sturdy enough to stand independently, lean against a wall, use as a table top or hang freely from the ceiling or an outside eave. The high definition image is processed to a virtually indestructible metal substrate revealing its full color characteristics and three dimensional quality. The finished product provides a substantial and rich feel that will continue to impress for years to come.

Corvette Green Performance Air Filters

Green Performance Corvette Air Filters are excellent replacement air filters for Corvette owners who want to upgrade their air intake without changing the entire system. Unlike multi-layer gauze filters, which can fray and release fiber particles into your Corvette’s engine, Green performance air filters use two layers of tightly-interwoven cotton fabric. Because the fabric is so durable, Green air filters can be washed and reused over and over, which is why a lifetime guarantee comes with each filter.

Other Corvette air filters use a simple pressure molded injection process to bond the perimeter rubber to the interior components. That method saves manufacturing time, but in the process, a considerable amount of rubber can seep onto the filtering surface. This can restrict airflow as much as 25%. Green filters go through a precise four step production process that virtually eliminates all seepage and maintains maximum airflow through the filter. Other features of Green performance high flow Corvette air filters include:

• A hand molded flexible rubber base
• Air tight seals
• Custom fitment tabs
• Deeper air filter pleats which creates 20% more filtration surface
• Race proven gains and technology
• Steel mesh coating for extra strength and durability

Green air filters are available for 1966 and later C2, C3, C4, C5 and C6 Corvettes. To keep the filter looking close to original, the earlier 1966-1981 Green air filters come in gray. This will allow you to run a performance air filter while not sacrificing to looks under your Corvette’s hood. For the later model C4, C5 & C6 Corvettes, Green air filters come in green. Also available to keep your Corvette’s air filter performing at its best are our Green air filter recharger kits. They come with green oil or clear oil so the look of the filter is not altered after use.

Corvette Distributor Rotor

On occasion, your Corvette might misfire, crossfire or experience a poor start-up. These effects are often assumed to be a result of an ignition grounding problem, a bad set of spark plug wires or spark plugs. Though any of the mentioned Corvette Parts could be bad, one major reason a Corvette experiences the above side effects is a direct result of installing a generic or current GM distributor rotor with a short copper tip. The gap left when installing a distributor rotor with a short tip can very quickly lead to poor start ups and weak spark conditions.

Our 1957-1974 Corvette 1×4 Distributor Rotor are designed to replace the generic rotors often found in point style Corvette Distributors. The biggest performance difference in the generic or current GM rotor and the new reproduction rotor is the length of the small copper tip. The length increase will help eliminate poor starts, fouled spark plugs, or weakened coils that are often associated with 1957-1974 Corvettes.

Corvette Steering Column Couplers

If you are restoring your 1963-1969 Corvette’s steering column then you will be happy to hear that our 1963-1969 Corvette Steering Column Couplers have had a decrease in price. The steering column couplers, which attach the steering column shaft to the steering box shaft are high quality reproductions of the originals and come with reinforced rag joints. Each steering column coupler also features part numbers in castings and correct hardware including the joint bumpers and ground straps. We have these new prices available for all 1963-1969 Corvette standard and telescopic steering column couplers.