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!

C3 Corvette CB Microphone

Long before the days of GPS units, smart phones and satellite radio…there was the CB radio. Once a must-have for keeping tabs on road conditions, the CB beckons a simpler era of long road trips and camaraderie among drivers. Although its heyday has long since passed – the last year a CB radio was offered as a Corvette option was 1985 - this piece of Americana still has its place among Corvette restorers and enthusiasts.

If  the radio on your 1978-1982 C3 is equipped with CB functionality, Zip now offers a C3 Corvette Reproduction CB Microphone to complete the unit.  Whether you’re looking to restore your C3 to its original factory condition, or just want to pay tribute the good old days, Zip has the Corvette Parts you need to get the job done.

View all Corvette Parts Blog Posts specific to C3 Corvettes here.

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.

C3 Fiber Optic Boots and Ferrules

Zip now offers 1968-1971 Corvette Fiber Optic Boots and Ferrules that will repair your Corvette’s factory headlight or rear tail light harness.

Often, the end of the fiber optics ferrules are broken and the ferrule is gone. The quick fix for many is to glue, tape or adhere the fiber optic harness into the lens, however this impairs the fiberoptics and won’t allow the light to travel through the optic, in turn not allowing the display on your console to work correctly.

Coupled with our Corvette Fiber Optics Repair Kit,  you can completely repair your Corvette’s original harness and install factory ferrule ends and boots for a correct installation.

 View all Corvette Parts Blog Posts specific to C3 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.

C3 Corvette Headlight Rebuild Kit

Give your C3 headlights a mechanical advantage with this 1968-1982 Corvette Headlight Rebuild Kit! Often times, the Corvette Headlight Vacuum System has to work extra hard to compensate for worn out springs or broken bushings. This rebuild kit from Zip Corvette replaces the common components that affect your Corvette’s mechanical ability to raise and lower.

Kit includes two headlight bearings, two link assembly bushings (kidney bean), one hex bolt bushing, one clevis bushing, 4 headlight door & housing springs and two actuator link bushings; one for rear and one to be cut shorter for front link where springs hook. You will need one kit for each headlight.

View all Corvette Parts Blog posts specific to C3 Corvettes here.

1968-1982 Corvette Radiator Hoses

Need new upper or lower radiator hoses for your 1968-1982 C3 Corvette, but concerned about the quality of the Corvette Parts you would receive from your local auto store? Then look no further than Zip. We offer exact reproduction radiator hoses for all C3 Vettes. With the GM numbers stamped on the hoses, pre-bent to your application and the original support springs on the inside of the hose, you won’t find a more correct piece. Big block or small block, manual or automatic and every option in-between, Zip has the correct Corvette Radiator Hoses to get the job done right!

View all Corvette Parts Blog Posts specific to C3 Corvettes here. 

1969-1974 Corvette Reproduction Jack for C3

Finally! A correct Reproduction Jack for 1969-1974 C3 Corvettes. For years, the only thing available for your younger C3 was GM’s replacement jack for the 1975-1982 models. But that jack had a larger footprint and did not fit into the 1969-1974 as well as the original. Using Corvette Parts that are not designed specifically for your car can cause unnecessary headaches – and make the job last longer than needed. This new reproduction jack will fit correctly – and easily – and will look great. Plus, it doesn’t come with the GM pricetag, making this correct reproduction easier on the wallet too.

View all Corvette Parts Blog posts specific to C3 Corvettes here.

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.

3-Port Washer Pump

In the past, Corvette restorers in need of Windshield Washer Pumps for 1968-1974 C3 Corvettes have been mostly out of luck. New, correct reproductions of these units have not been available for many years, and good originals were few and far between. Until now.

5-Port Washer Pump

Zip Corvette now carries the Windshield Washer Pumps you need to complete your Corvette restoration to NCRS or Bloomington Gold standards.  The 1968-1969/1972-1974 Corvette 3-Port Windshield Washer Pump is a correct reproduction 5-port washer pump with a white valve that was originally used on 1968-1969 and 1972-1974 Corvettes. This pump is reproduced in correct color with original style barrel connectors.

Anti-Drip Solenoid

The 1970-1971 Corvette 5-Port Windshield Washer Pump is a correct reproduction 5-port washer pump with a white valve that was originally used on 1970-1971 Corvettes. This pump is also reproduced in correct color with original style barrel connectors.

The 1969 Corvette Windshield Washer Pump Anti-Drip Soleniod mounts on the 1969 washer pump for the headlight washer system.

Even if you’re not looking for judging points, these Corvette Parts are important for the most authentic restoration possible.

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).

Corvette Convertible Rear Deck Vent Drain Tubes

Zip has 1968-1970 Corvette Reproduction Molded Drain Tubes that are needed for connecting the rear deck vent (astro-vent housing) to the side fender of 1968-1970 Corvette convertibles. These drain tubes are correct as originally installed on 1968-1970 Corvettes.

1979-1982 Corvette T-Top Molding

Zip has new reproduction front trim moldings for 1979-1982 Corvettes equipped with fiberglass painted t-tops.  These t-top trim moldings include rubber sealing strips and install just as the original 1979-1982 t-top moldings attached.

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

Another new Corvette Part at Zip. This one for the 1975-1976 C3 owner.

75-76 Corvette Fuel Gauge

This original reproduction 1975-1976 Corvette Fuel Gauge includes the correct face dial, background color and aluminum pointer. The gauge face is attached with rivets as original from the factory in 1975 and 1976. This is a 100% GM licensed Corvette fuel gauge and will install using original or reproduction hardware. Installing this fuel gauge on your Corvette is the best solution if your current fuel gauge is missing, damaged, or not working properly. For more questions about your Corvettes fuel gauge contact us here. If you are restoring your 1968-1982 Corvettes gauge cluster, read our Corvette Gauge Cluster Rebuild technical article and learn how to restore your Corvette’s gauge cluster and shifter plate yourself.

Console Tab Locations

A loose or flimsy shifter console trim plate is one annoyance that every 1968-1976 C3 Corvette owner will likely encounter due to normal wear and tear. Think about how many times you rest your arm or lean on the shifter console to grab something out of the passenger seat. Well under the trim plate itself are small inward tapered tabs that the trim plate attaches to. Being made out of the same material as the console itself, as opposed to aluminum or another durable material, the tabs grow weak and break over time.

You can spend time trying to rig a temporary fix, or even purchase a complete replacement console for well over $100; or you could just purchase a 1968-1976 Corvette Shifter Console Trim Plate Repair Kit from Zip Products.

With a new trim plate repair kit from Zip you will get new aluminum tabs that hot glue to the console in each of its four corners, screws and U-nuts for the  Corvette’s shifter plate.

In approximately 1-2 hours and a little over $30 you will be able to repair your Corvette’s lower shifter console housing by adding aluminum tabs that will far outlast the originals.

By Justin McNeer – 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 Hood Light Mercury Switch

If you are the owner of a 1977-1996 Corvette and your under hood lamp is not functioning; you may be able to repair it instead of replacing the entire unit. The C3/C4 Corvette Under Hood Lamp Mercury Switch, available from Zip Corvette, is located in the base of the bulb socket; and is only visible when the light bulb is removed. It will be apparent, upon inspection of the socket/assembly how the switch should be removed and replaced. Pay close attention to the direction in which the bullet-shaped end of this switch is installed. A mercury switch works on gravity; so, when the hood is opened, the metal liquid flows (inside the housing) and completes the circuit. If the switch is re-installed in the wrong direction – it will not make proper contact and the light will not turn on. This quick fix may just brighten up your Corvette’s engine compartment when you really need it.

By Larry Shattuck – Zip Sales Representative