Corvette Parts Blog

Corvette T-Top Moldings

One of the attractive features of the 1968-1982 C3 Corvette coupes are their removable roof panels or “T-Tops”. With the newest of these Corvettes now 25 years old, no doubt there is a large group of folks out there wanting to repair or restore the trim which surrounds each t-top.

If you’re a T-top restorer-to-be, you may have been in a quandary as to where to find all the various moldings and attachment hardware required to complete the job. In reading this post, you will found a solution.

Up until recently, there was a problem with C3 Corvette T- Top Trim in that when the t-top panels were painted, it was impossible to remove the trim prior to painting because doing so destroys the trim parts and Chevrolet doesn’t service trim on Corvettes that old and there were no reproductions.

That changed with the introduction of Zip Corvettes’ line of reproduction, C3 T-Top trim moldings. Those refinishing their tops can now remove the old trim, properly repaint the panels, then install new, correct reproductions of the O.E. trim using new fasteners.

Our wide selection of t-top stainless steel trim moldings, rubber trim and installation hardware is just what you need if you’re going to recondition all your t-top trim. All of our reproduction t-top trim parts are made exactly as original, either polished stainless steel for 1968-1978 Corvettes or stainless steel and then painted black for 1979-1982 Corvettes. Each piece is made from original General Motors drawings and is made of the same type of materials used by GM when the 1968-1982 Corvettes were in production.

Our selection of t-top trim items includes parts to service all the various t-top trim systems used during the 14, C3 model years, including front trim moldings, corner trim moldings and side trim moldings. In addition, for 1978-1982 Corvettes with factory-installed glass tops, we have an outer rubber molding kit which includes the correct molded rubber trim for the stock glass t-top panels and the special adhesive necessary to install it.

Finally, for all C3 Corvettes, except those with O.E. glass tops, we have a 1968-1982 Corvette T-Top Molding Rivet Kit which gives you all 10 of the fasteners needed to install trim on one top. Two kits are required to do the tops on one Corvette.

C6 ZR1 Corvette Monster Hood

We have multiple versions of the C6 ZR1 Corvette hood available but the one that really stands out is our C6 ZR1 Corvette Monster Hood. The monster hood fits all 2005 and up C6 Corvettes. With over 4″ of additional engine clearance above your Corvette’s stock hood, the monster hood is the largest hood on the market. The monster ZR1 hood will clear all superchargers including the Magnuson Magna Charger and undeniably show your Corvette has something special under the hood. The clear window as seen on the stock C6 ZR1 hood is not included, however if you are interested in a ZR1 replica hood with the clear window option you can read more here.

The ZR1 Corvette monster hood is manufactured using RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) technology. RTM technology creates a part of OEM quality by injecting fiberglass into a mold and then compressing it under high pressure. This manufacturing method creates a panel that is smooth on both sides with a consistent thickness across the entire surface. The controlled fiberglass/resin composition of RTM, reduces cure times and eliminates the possibility of “wet” parts being removed from the mold prematurely; all of which is impossible with the standard hand laying process. Panels are then trimmed using a CNC robotic water jet for a clean, smooth cut on every part. The result is a better fitting hood ultimately reducing body shop installation and fitment times.

ACS, the manufacturer of the ZR1 monster hood includes all OEM brackets mounted to the inner structure of the hood to insure a ready to bolt on part. The hood also has another feature not found in aftermarket Corvette hoods but is present on the stock hood, reinforcements at the rear of the hood for the hood bumpers and crash tabs. These brackets create the reinforcement necessary in a front end collision to cause the hood to fold in half instead of coming through the windshield.

Corvette Floor Pans

If you have restored or are restoring a 1975-1982 Corvette you most likely have had to deal with rust issues in your floor pans. Rusted floor pans are a major problem with 1975-1982 Corvettes. In 1975, GM decided to install steel floor pans instead of the previously used fiberglass floor pans, most likely to cut down interior noise and heat. The problem with the steel floor pans, of course, is when they are exposed to water for long periods of time; they rust. If you have been around or worked on many 1968-1982 era Corvettes then you probably know that they are prone to leaking and rusting around the windshield frame and t-tops. Replace the windshield frame to fix the source of the problem. Over time the water makes its way down into the floor where it sits under the carpet and rusts the floor pans. You can try to patch smaller rust holes but often times the only solution is to completely replace the damaged floor pans.

We now offer brand new 1975-1982 Corvette Floor Pans so you do not have to worry about finding a donor car to cut set out of yourself. Our Corvette floor pans are designed to be welded in the rear and sides while the front is riveted in place as original. During the installation you will be able to keep your Corvette’s original transmission and driveshaft tunnel. These new floor pans are correctly made for either 75-77 or 78-82 where previously there was only one style available for all 75-82. Just one more way we are making your Corvette restoration as perfect as possible.

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 body seal kits from Zip Corvette include the most commonly replaced body seals after painting the car. A high percentage of 1956-1982 Corvettes have been painted at least once, some even more. There is no doubt that a fresh paint job on a 1956-1982 Corvette is an amazing site, just be sure to reseal all of the openings after painting. With our body seal kits we have made it easy for you to know that you are covered when it comes to replacing all of your Corvette’s body seals. Our pre-assembled body seal kits include all major body seals on a 1956-1982 Corvette. All of our components are precisely die cut from the original material and are correct for both coupe and convertible Corvettes. Here is a list of the seals you can expect to receive when purchasing a 1956-1982 Corvette body seal kit.

1956-1962 Corvette Body Seal Kit Components

• Headlamp to body seals


1956-1962 Corvette Body Seal Kit

• Wiper spacer & washer nozzle seals
• Windshield end seals
• Mirror seals
• Door handle seals
• Door lock cylinder seals
• Courtesy light switch seals
• Taillight body & lens seals
• Park lamp body & lens seals
• License lens seals
• Front & rear emblem seals
• Deck lid lock seals

Read more…

To keep your Corvette’s convertible top well maintained it is strongly recommended that you use some form of Convertible Top Cleaner & Protectant. We recommend and use all 303 Convertible Top Cleaner & Protectants for all of our vinyl and fabric Corvette tops. 303 is the leader in convertible top maintenance and protectant, without the use of their products the suns UV rays will brake down your Corvette’s convertible top and could cause mildew to form over time.

Corvette Convertible Top Kits

Before you can successfully protect your Corvette’s vinyl top you need to know the basics to vinyl care. It is important that you keep the top free of debris. Dirt alone can act as an abrasive and wear out the thread seams within your Corvette’s convertible top. Also if the top stays wet or damp mildew will quickly begin to form. When cleaning your Corvette’s convertible top follow these four steps:

1. Rinse with cool water.
2. Wash with soap (not detergent) and water using a soft cloth or sponge. For stubborn dirt, a soft bristle brush and 303 convertible top cleaner may be used.
3. Rinse thoroughly with water and allow to dry.
4. Avoid harsh cleaners, abrasives, petroleum distillates and alcohols.

Be aware that using the wrong vinyl protectant product is worse than using no vinyl treatment at all. You should always avoid vinyl treatments that contain any type of oil, have an oily or greasy feeling, contain petroleum distillates or leave a coating that dries like wax. Also if a product label says “flammable or contains petroleum distillates”, it is not safe to use your Corvette’s vinyl top.

For protecting vinyl Corvette tops we use 303 Corvette Convertible Top Aerospace Protectant. This product is the best solution to UV caused fading and will keep your Corvette’s convertible top looking new with just one application a month. 303 aerospace protectant has been tested and recommended by major vinyl and vinyl accessory manufacturers. Aerospace protectant has been used for years and is known as the most powerful UV screening treatment available for vinyl, leather, rubber, gel-coat fiberglass and most plastics. To keep your Corvette’s convertible top looking new just spray the aerospace directly on the top and wipe it completely dry. You can purchase this protectant separately in 16oz spray bottles or in the Corvette Vinyl Convertible Top Cleaner & Protectant Kit, which includes the aerospace protectant and convertible top cleaner.

Outdoor fabrics, such as Corvette cloth tops are put through a chemical treatment process that allows them to repel water, resist soiling, water and oil based stains, and delays mildew formation. Over time this treatment diminishes requiring periodic cleaning and re-treatment. Without any form of protection you can expect to notice water stains, mildew, and leaks if the Corvette is kept outside or driven on a regular basis. As with our vinyl convertible tops, we use 303 on our cloth convertible tops as well. The 303 Convertible Top High Tech Fabric Guard, which is designed to restore the factory level of water repellency to your Corvette’s cloth top, is sold separate or in a kit combined with 303 convertible top cleaner. Before applying the 303 Fabric Guard be sure to thoroughly clean your Corvette’s convertible top following the 4 steps listed above. Cleaning the top before using the 303 fabric guard is just as important as using the protectant itself. The fabric guard would likely still protect the top but would not last as long or be as effective. For best results use the 303 convertible top cleaner while the top is still wet, if the top is covered with bird droppings, tree sap, oil, mildew, or is stained let the 303 convertible top cleaner set directly on the area for 10-20 minutes. Then lightly scrub the area and rinse before the surface dries.

The combination of 303 Convertible Top Cleaner & Fabric Guard (for cloth tops) or Aerospace Protectant (for vinyl tops) is the best solution available to extending the life of your Corvette’s convertible top. 303 products can be used for multiple purposes and have proven to prevent sun damage as well as staining from multiple sources. Not only do they protect your Corvette’s convertible top but 303 convertible top cleaner and aerospace protectant are 100% earth friendly and safe to use. All of the mentioned 303 products are available in our showroom and on our Corvette Parts and Accessories Web Store.

If you are in the market for a remanufactured C4 or C5 Corvette roof panel consider purchasing yours through Zip. Our remanufactured roof panels are just like your factory panel and we make sure every top sent out has all new weatherstrip installed. The new weatherstrip along with cleaning the original frame and a new paint job guarantees nothing less than a quality Corvette roof panel. Upon receiving your roof panel no further work will be necessary because it will install using all of the original factory mounting hardware.

Corvette Roof Panel

Another reason to choose Zip for your remanufactured Corvette roof panel is that we have gone out of our way to help you save on outrageous shipping costs within the United States. Almost every company will be happy to sell you a C4 or C5 Corvette Roof Panel but will fail to cover or mention the high shipping costs you will be forced to pay when sending your roof panel core back in for refund. The cost to return your roof panel will likely be upwards of $90.00 to ship it back, ultimately cutting your core refund by nearly one-fifth of the amount. If you purchase a remanufactured Corvette roof panel from Zip we will include a pre-paid shipping label, which guarantees that you will not pay any return freight fees (inside the continental US) when returning your core, we’ll pay it!

Once again Zip provides the Corvette aftermarket a superior product, with superior customer service than the competition.

Unless your Corvette is going to get a new paint job you should not work around the hood without some sort of fender protection. One of the most annoying things when working on a Corvette is stopping to see how bad you just scratched your Corvette’s paint. All it takes is one small slip and a beautiful car is now flawed. With our Corvette Fender Grippers you can protect your Corvette’s paint while also making it easier to work under the hood. Their no slip surface allows the fender grippers to stay in place while keeping tools and hardware from falling on the floor. All fender grippers are thick enough to safely hold most tools necessary to work under the hood yet are virtually weightless and easy to store.

Our Corvette Fender Grippers are available in many different colors, sizes and come with any desired screen printed Corvette logo. If you truly want to protect your Corvette’s paint while working in and around the engine bay consider one of our many fender grippers shown below.

Zip Corvette now has the ZR1 Corvette Front Splitter available for all C6 Corvettes. The front splitter, which comes stock in carbon fiber on the new ZR1 Corvette is an identical fiberglass reproduction of GM’s original design. There are two different molds of the new front splitter; one for all C6 non Z06 or ZR1 Corvettes, and another for both the Z06 and ZR1.

ZR1 Front Splitter

The ZR1 front splitter comes ready to paint, includes all hardware for installation, and can be installed fairly easily in about one hour. Be aware however that the provided hardware is not enough to securely fasten the front splitter. Due to the added downforce, a factory ZR1 Front Bumper Reinforcement is recommended when installing. Without this reinforcement the front splitter could be separated from your Corvette while driving. This front reinforcement is only available for Z06 & ZR1 Corvettes; it will not fit a non Z06 or ZR1 unless the car has a Z06 body update kit installed. Also know that these fiberglass front splitters are not meant for competition use but strictly for visual enhancements.

If you think the ZR1 Front Splitter is without a doubt your next Corvette’s upgrade but you would like to go with the original carbon fiber front splitter, you can. The Carbon Fiber ZR1 Corvette Front Splitter will fit all C6 Z06 and ZR1 Corvettes. If your C6 Corvette has our famous Z06 Body Update Kit the new carbon fiber front splitter will fit your Corvette as well. The bumper reinforcement is recommended for this front splitter also.

Inspired by the Carbon Fiber World Challenge Hood, Zip Products is proud to bring to the Corvette industry a street design for your C6 Corvette. Partnered with ACS and ACP, this is an exact reproduction of the Corvette racecar hood but manufactured using RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) technology.

Corvette World Challenge Hood

RTM technology creates a fiberglass part of OEM quality. Fiberglass is injected into a mold and then compressed under high pressure. This manufacturing method creates a panel that is smooth on both sides with a consistent thickness across the entire surface. The controlled fiberglass/resin composition of RTM reduces cure times and eliminates the possibility of “wet” parts being removed from the mold prematurely; all of which is impossible with the standard hand laying process. Panels are then trimmed using a CNC robotic water jet for a clean, smooth cut on every part. The result is better fitting panel, reducing body shop installation and fitment times.

The new World Challenge Corvette Hood features OEM brackets mounted to the inner structure to insure a ready to bolt on part. The hood has another feature not found in most aftermarket Corvette Hoods but is present on the stock hood, reinforcements at the rear of the hood for the hood bumpers and crash tabs. These brackets create the reinforcement necessary in a front end collision to cause the hood to fold in half instead of coming through the windshield. ACS is an OEM manufacturer producing hoods for the SLP Camaros and the GT-40 FORD. Their excellent craftsmanship will guarantee a great looking, and excellent fitting Corvette Hood.

ZR1 Corvette Hood W/O Window

The second hood is a replica of the latest 2009 ZR1 Corvette Hood. Also designed and manufactured by ACS using the same RTM technology. Now  you can install a quality ZR1 high rise hood on your C6 Corvette. At just a fraction of the cost from the dealer ($5700), the new ZR1 Corvette Hood is available with the clear poly-carbonate window or without. Purchasing the ZR1 hood with the clear window would be great for additional modifications down the road such as removing the window, painting the window, adding a louvered section and more. The smooth finished ZR1 Corvette Hood without the clear window has the exact same shape and curves just without the clear poly window.