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.

Corvette GS Wheels

It never fails. When GM introduces a new wheel style on a Corvette, some Corvette owners want to upgrade their Corvette with the new style wheel, but with a different finish.

When GM gave us a stunning, new five-spoke wheel design on the Corvette Grand Sports for 2010, some of the base C5 and C6 owners liked the wheel style and some of the Grand Sport owners who already had the wheels, wanted them either chromed or black powder-coated.

Zip Products has the C6 Corvette Grand Sport Reproduction Wheels you need so you can update your C5 or C6 with dramatic, GS, five-spoke style. They are available in three configurations: 1) 18×8.5″ front and 19×10″ rear with proper offsets to fit any base model C6 without fender flares, 2) 18×8.5″ front and 19×12″ rear with proper offsets to fit C6 Z06 Corvettes and Grand Sports and 3) 17×8.5″ front and 18×9.5″ rear with proper offsets to fit 1997-2004 C5 Corvettes without the Z06 option.

These Corvette wheels are all made of cast aluminum and are available in three finishes: brilliant triple chrome plating, dramatic gloss-black powder-coating and a snazzy-looking “two-tone” wheel which has a black powder coated rim and a machined aluminum center.

All of Zip Products Grand Sport reproduction Corvette wheels accept the stock tire pressure monitoring system sensors. They come with the appropriate center cap, either chrome, black or machined aluminum. Chrome lug nuts and center cap decals are sold separately and are listed in Zip’s 1997-2004 C5 Corvette Wheel Accessories and C6 Corvette Wheel Accessories sections.

Now all you need to do is order a set and bolt them on.

Our latest Zip Corvette Parts email promotion featured Corvette wheels, which were followed by new parts, our latest restoration tip, the release of our new 1953-1962 Corvette Parts Catalog & 1968-1982 Corvette Parts Catalog, and of course some of our most recent fan photos from our Zip Corvette Facebook Page.

In the email you can read about the best rally wheels the industry has to offer. Our rally wheels are correct reproductions and come already painted. Also talked about in the email are the newly redesigned and most correct 1963-1966 Corvette Knock-Off Wheels and 1967 Corvette Bolt On Wheels. These wheels, with the input from a number of Corvette restoration experts and NCRS judges are the best available reproduction wheels for 1963-1967 Corvette owners.

Of course when you are talking about Corvette wheels you should also consider how you are going to keep them clean. Our Adam’s Green Wheel Cleaner is not only safe to use on almost every style wheel but it is 100% water based making it very eco-friendly.

If you have picked up one of our 1953-1982 Corvette Restoration Catalogs you may have noticed the “restoration tips” spread throughout. The latest addition to these tips describes how to properly use interior dye to paint some of your Corvette’s interior parts. If you would like to read more about Dyeing Corvette Interior Parts Click Here or if you would like to read all of our Restoration Tips Click Here.

To highlight some of our new Corvette Parts we now have Performance Corvette Brake Pads by Cobalt Friction available for C4, C5, & C6 Corvettes. Cobalt Friction Technologies Inc. is a leading developer and manufacturer in the performance brake industry and has a large amount of experience in professional motorsports, club racing, and high performance driver education programs. Read more about Cobalt Friction Brake Pads here.

As always we like to include four new fan photos that Zip fans have loaded to our facebook page in our emails. Go to our page at Facebook.com/ZipCorvetteParts and upload your photo today. Tell us your Corvette story.

If you are interested in reading more about all of the most recent Sales, Zip News, New Corvette Parts, New Technical Articles and more then you can read the entire email here, or better yet; subscribe to our Corvette Parts email list here and get helpful emails like this delivered directly to your inbox.

Adam's Green Wheel Cleaner

If you are asking, “How do I clean my new Corvette wheels?” or are just shopping around for the absolutely best wheel cleaner on the market; Adam’s Green Wheel Cleaner is the answer. Besides being the best wheel cleaner available, Adam’s green wheel cleaner can be used on any style or brand wheel except polished billet aluminum wheels (we recommend using soap and water on polished billet aluminum). This wheel cleaner is not only safe to use on almost every style wheel but it is 100% water based making it very eco-friendly.

Adam’s green wheel cleaner takes advantage of new breakthroughs in chemical engineering, creating a new class of non-ionic cleaner that does not release harmful zwitterions. Because of this it can be used on tires and all types of wheels including clear coated, painted, aluminum, polished and anodized. The active ingredient in this cleaner was developed here in the USA to replace the acids, butyl and butyl ethers found in most tire and wheel cleaning products, which have been proven harmful to both wheels and nature. Although butyl is a highly effective cleaner, as well as inexpensive, it can be hazardous to you or your Corvette’s wheels. Plus, butyl will white-stain aluminum and damage clear coated wheels and powder coating finishes. Butyl is very harsh on your skin, causes respiratory distress when inhaled, and it is not readily biodegradable. With no butyl present in Adam’s green wheel cleaner, after a 24 hour period it will biodegrade approximately 98%, protecting our surface waters from polluted storm drain runoff.

Adam’s green wheel cleaner is not a spray-on, hose-off cleaner. It requires agitation with a brush, sponge or wash mitt to break the initial bond between the dirt and the wheel. Spray-on, hose-off type wheel cleaners are harsh, acid based cleaners that damage wheels over time. Adam’s green wheel cleaner will never harm your wheels or the environment!

1963-1967 Corvette Wheels

A used set of original Kelsey Hayes 1963-1966 Corvette Knock-Off Wheels or 1967 Corvette Bolt-On Wheels look amazing, but with their originality comes a very high cost. Zip does have a great alternative; a replica set of wheels that will save you a great deal of money while still providing great looks. We sold a version of these wheels for many years, and although they were the best wheel on the market they were not exactly perfect as far as looks. With even more room for improvement these replica Corvette knock-off wheels and bolt-on wheels have since been retooled with input from a number of Corvette restoration experts and NCRS judges so that now our 1963-1967 Corvette wheels are even more correct than ever.

The latest redesign of the Corvette knock-off wheels and bolt-on wheels have resulted in a wheel that is much closer to the original style than ever before. The new designs include deeper wheel lips, correct profile fins, and a more correct surface finish. Modifications to these three areas of the wheel sets have increased the popularity of the replica wheel sets greatly and we believe rightfully so.

You may have inquired about the 1963-1966 Corvette Knock-Off Wheel Sets or 1967 Corvette Bolt-On Wheel Sets at some point over the past few months. If so you were probably told they were not available due to tooling issues. We can confidently say that all problems have been resolved and the high quality replica Corvette wheel sets are now available and ready to ship right away. Each knock-off wheel set comes complete with original style hardware (which is completely interchangeable with original hardware) including adapters, spinners, correct cones, lug nuts, and even a reproduction lead hammer for a safe and accurate installation. To top it off, the replica knock-off wheels also come with complete instructions so you will not have to worry about whether the wheels were installed correctly or not. The 1967 Corvette bolt-on wheel sets also include interchangeable original style hardware including the starburst, “bowtie” centers, clips, retainers and lug nuts. Installation instructions are included with these wheels as well.

If you would like to know more about Midyear wheels: Read our previous post “1963-1967 Corvette Wheels” and learn about all of the wheel possibilities in 1963-1967 including the knock-off wheel, rally wheel, 1967 bolt-on cast alloy wheel and more.

Forgeline Corvette Wheels

For quality off the charts, superior strength, unsurpassed craftsmanship, near- infinite customization and, oh yeah, stunning looks, there is no Corvette wheel finer than Forgeline. Forgeline 3-Piece Wheels are made of 6061 T6 true forged centers sandwiched by 6061 T6 spun rim halves and assembled using aircraft-grade hardware. All wheels are built to order, so individual requests for special colors, optional fasteners, etc. are welcome and easily accommodated.

We offer two different styles of Forgeline wheels for C5 & C6 Corvettes. The first set consists of Forgeline Premier Series Corvette Wheels. A standout on the street – and the show circuit, our Forgeline premier wheels come standard with a fully polished outer lip and your choice of powder coated center wheel in Silver, Gloss Black, Matte Black, Gunmetal or Matte finish Titanium. The inner rim shell is available powder coated (see our Forgeline Options for more information) and grade 8 stainless steel piston head torx bolts are used throughout. For C5 Corvettes, the Forgeline premier series wheels are available in 18″x9.5″ and 19″x11″ or 19″x9.5″ and 20″x11″. The base C6 Wheel sizes include 19″x9.5″ and 20″x11″ while the Z06, ZR1, & Grand Sport sizes run 19″x10″ and 20″x12.5″.

Though every Forgeline wheel is built to meet the rigors of track use, the Forgeline Competition Series raises the bar just that much higher. The competition wheels are three pounds lighter than the Forgeline premier series wheels. They include a stepped lip that offers muscular looks and greater load capabilities. Each Forgeline competition wheel comes with a fully polished outer lip and powder coated center wheel in Silver, Gloss Black, Matte Black, Gunmetal or Matte finish Titanium. Each inner rim shell is available powder coated (see our Forgeline Options for more information). Forgeline Competition Series Corvette Wheels are available for C5 & C6 Corvettes. The C5 sizes include 18″x10″ front wheels and 18″x12″ rear wheels while the C6 includes 18″x10″ fronts and 18″x11″ rears for the non Z06, ZR1 or Grand Sport. If you are upgrading to the Z06, ZR1 or Grand Sport size wheels because you have upgraded your Corvettes Body Panels, or you are wheel shopping for your Z06, ZR1 or Grand Sport Corvette and you would like a wheel that is going to last, then we have Forgeline competition series wheels available in 19″x10″ and 20″x12.5″, which will be perfect for showing, racing, tracking, or autocrossing your Corvette.

A great advantage to buying Forgeline multi piece wheels is that in most situations they can be repaired at far less than the cost of a new wheel. Even so, all Forgeline wheels come with a 3 year limited warranty that will cover defects in material or workmanship. Forgeline will repair or replace the wheel(s) upon inspection if they determine that the probelm is related to materials or workmanship. Read more about their warranty here.

C5 & C6 Corvette Forgeline Wheel Styles:

As mentioned above, all of our C5 & C6 Corvette Forgeline Wheels are built to order, which means there are plenty of opportunities to add your own personal touch to your new set of wheels. Each Forgeline wheel is available with a powder coated center wheel in any of the following pictured below: triple chrome, diamond cut, brushed with a clear powder coat, black chrome, fully polished, or race gold.

Forgeline Option A – Center Wheel:

Triple Chrome	Diamond Cut	Brushed - Clear Powder
Black Chrome	Fully Polished	Race Gold

The standard outer wheel lip on all C5 & C6 Corvette Forgeline wheels comes polished. Optional finishes are available in any of the following pictured below: brushed with a clear wheel lip, powder coated clear, fly yellow, gloss black, gunmetal, matte black, satin black, silver, transparent red, & victory red, or you can have the outer wheel lip triple chrome plated.

Forgeline Option B – Outer Wheel Lip:

Triple Chrome Lip

Brushed W/Clear Lip

Powder Coated Lip

Forgeline Option C – Inner Rim Shell:

The inner rim shell on all Forgeline Wheels comes natural or powder coated gloss black, gunmetal, matte black, satin black, or silver at no extra charge. Additional options include having the inner rim shell fully polished or triple chrome plated.

Forgeline Option D – Wheel Fasteners:
The standard fasteners used on all Forgeline Premier Series Corvette Wheels include piston head torx bolts while all competition series wheels are held together with 12-point bolts. Optional fasteners available include: black oxide bolts, lightweight titanium bolts with jetnuts,  and hidden bolts for premier series wheels only.

Black Oxide Bolts

Hidden Bolts

Titanium Bolts

This Forgeline product overview video discusses the advantages of Forgeline premier and competition wheels plus additional options that are available for each design.

Hours of precise machining, inspecting, customizing and testing goes into the making of every Forgeline wheel. Check out how Forgeline wheels are made from scratch right inside the Forgeline factory in Ohio.

Wheel Back Space

Wheel back Spacing is very simple and is often confused with the offset. To determine a wheel’s offset you must first find the wheels back space. The back space can be measured in inches but should be converted to millimeters before proceeding to find the offset. To find the back space place a straight edge across the rear of the wheel and measure to the mount pad. The distance equals the wheels back space, which in this case is 6.75″. Multiply the back space by 25.4 to convert the back space to mm (6.75″ x 25.4mm = 171mm).

Wheel Offset

Wheel offset is the distance between the centerline of the wheel to the wheel mount pad. It is measured in millimeters and the outcome can result in a zero, positive or negative measurement. To have a zero offset, the wheel mount pad must be even with the centerline of the wheel. A positive offset means that the mount pad is shifted past the centerline towards the face of the wheel, while a negative offset means the mount pad is shifted past the centerline towards the rear, or the brake side of the wheel. To determine the offset of a wheel you must first measure the overall width of the wheel. Lets say the wheel measurements are 18″ x 9.5″. Now convert the width to millimeters by multiplying the width by 25.4mm (9.5″ x 25.4mm = 241mm). Next divide the wheel width by 2 to determine the wheels centerline (241mm/2 = 121mm). With the centerline and back spacing of the wheel determined and converted to millimeters simply subtract the centerline from the back spacing for the offset (171mm – 121mm = +50mm).

Remember, we take into consideration every wheels backspace and offset before we offer a particular wheel for your Corvette. Each wheel set is listed for certain year applications because they are designed to fit properly to those models and are not guaranteed to work on Corvettes with modified body panels, suspension, brakes, etc.. For more information on which Corvette wheels are right for you feel free to Contact Us today.

C6 ZR1 Chrome Wheel Set

Earlier this year we added the new C6 ZR1 style chrome wheels to our inventory. The C6 ZR1 wheels are currently available in black, chrome, & hyper-dark silver but until now could not be ordered in C6 Z06 or ZR1 Corvette wheel sizes. After months of waiting and telling Z06 & ZR1 customers that the chrome ZR1 wheels were not available, we now have C6 ZR1 Chrome Wheel Sets available for the Z06 & ZR1 Corvette. The new reproduction Corvette Chrome Wheel Sets come with two front wheels that measure 19″x10″ and two rear wheels that measure 20″x12″.  It will only be a matter of time before these stunning wheels start appearing on C6 Z06 & ZR1 Corvettes local to you.

Are you interested in learning about the ZR1 style chrome, hyper dark silver, or black Corvette wheels for non-Z06/ZR1 Corvettes? Read our non-Z06 “ZR1 style” Corvette wheels post here.

Did you know that if you purchase a new set of Corvette Wheels & Tires at the same time that we will mount and balance them for free? This is just one more way we try to provide the absolute best customer service you will find in the Corvette Parts & Accessories industry.

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.

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.

Corvette Lug Nut Cleaner Brush

Not only is it lightweight and easy to use but it is also made to fit directly over your Corvette’s lug nuts; simply apply soap and water to the brush, slide it over the lug, twist the handle a few times, and you have turned what was once a back aching job into a walk in the park. The brush will clean wheel cavities from 1 3/8″ – 2″ with lug nuts from 3/4″ – 13/16″. Once the original foam pad wears out just replace it with the extra pad that comes with the brush, which literally takes 15 seconds. We have yet to see a better designed wheel cleaning brush and think you will agree once you try it out.

1968-1982 Corvette Rally Wheel

With the largest selection of Corvette Wheels you know that Zip has the popular rally wheels available in both sizes for all 1968-1982 Corvettes. The steel rally wheels can be ordered separately or you can purchase the ’69-82 wheels in a full car set, which includes the wheels, center caps, lug nuts, and original or replacement style trim rings. If you have decided that your rally wheels are in good condition but would like to add new center caps and trim rings, Zip has options there as well. Original style rally wheel center caps are available individually or you can order a replacement set at a much lower cost. A popular update when adding new center caps is a fresh set of trim rings. Zip also has these in both original and replacement styles.

1980-82 Corvette Aluminum Wheels

Starting in 1976 Chevrolet added aluminum wheels to the Corvette. By the late 1970s these wheels were installed on well over half of all Corvettes produced. With the aluminum wheels becoming such a popular option it only makes since for Zip to carry all available 1976-1982 Corvette Aluminum Wheels. Whether you are looking for the ’76-79 style with a black center, ’78 pace car style with a red stripe, or ’80-82 style with a polished center, Zip has it. All 1976-1982 Corvette Aluminum Wheels are sold individually or in full car sets; correct center caps and lug nuts are sold separately.

C2 Corvette Direct Bolt-On Knock-Off Wheels

For the 1963-1964 Corvette Zip has replacement steel wheels that measure 15″ x 6″. New Hubcap bars and spinners with necessary attaching hardware are available to add a new original look to an older hubcap. Zip also has Direct Bolt-On Knock Off Wheels that are identical to the original knock-offs only they attach with a special lug nut instead of the spinner. Our full car sets include all wheels, adapters, spinners, cones, center caps, anti-theft pins, lug nuts, and instructions needed to mount the wheels to your Corvette.

In 1965-1966 the Corvette had 15″ x 5 1/2″ steel wheels as the standard option. Zip has these reproduction wheels available as well as the necessary wheel studs and lug nuts to mount them to the car. 1965 Corvette Hubcaps were some of the best looking hubcaps Chevrolet ever used and we have a full reproduction set including new spinners and hardware here at Zip. For the 1966 hubcaps Zip has a full car spinner set that includes all Corvette Emblems and hardware to make your used hubcaps shine like new. You can also choose to refinish your used hubcaps with our Dark Gray Wheel Paint as this color was original for all ’65-66 Corvettes. Knock-Off Wheels continued into 1965 and 1966. The finish on these changed from “raw cast” to the same dark gray mentioned above. We have these available in a safer more reliable direct bolt-on set that includes all components to mount them to your Corvette.

1967 Corvette Rally Wheel

1967 marked the last year of the Midyear era and the beginning of the Rally Wheel. Zip has the 1967 Corvette Rally Wheels available individually and as a full car set with original style center caps, lug nuts, and replacement trim rings. The Rally Wheel Center Caps can be purchased separate without the ornament or as a full car set that comes with installed “Disc Brake” ornaments fully licensed by GM. Also available are Bolt-On Aluminum Wheels. You can get these wheels bare or complete in a full car set that includes wheels, lug nuts, center starburst with cap, mounting clips, and retainers.

A new set of reproduction tires will always go great with new Corvette Wheels; Zip has a full selection of those for 1963-1967 Corvettes. With original style brands like: U.S. Royal, Firestone, Goodyear, B.F. Goodrich, and performance oriented Classic Radials; matching your Corvette with the right set of tires will not be a problem. All of our Midyear Corvette Tires are cosmetically correct in every detail.

Corvette Wheels & Hubcaps

All 1953-1962 standard Corvettes left the factory with 15″ x 5″ steel wheels. In 1956 however Chevrolet modified the wheels slightly by adding small nubs for securing the new larger style hubcaps. At Zip we have these new reproduction steel wheels with the small nubs for all 1956-1962 Corvettes. Upon receiving these wheels they will need to be painted the correct color, (see restoration tip below) once painted they will be ready to mount directly to your Corvette. Along with our 1956-1962 Corvette Steel Wheels we also have reproduction hubcaps. Our Corvette Hubcaps are all high quality parts and include the correct blue tint as original. The only difference in the ’56-58 hubcaps and the later hubcaps were the ventilation holes that were added to all 1958-1962 Corvettes. All of our Corvette Hubcaps come with spinners and are ready to be bolted onto the wheels right out of the package.

If you are looking for more information as to what colors were original for 1953-1962 Corvette Wheels, read our Corvette Restoration Tip: Wheel Identification as it highlights every possibility for all of the earliest Corvettes.

All 1953-1962 Corvettes came with 15”x 5” wheels and full wheel covers as standard equipment. Beginning in 1957 and continuing through 1962, buyers could substitute optional “wide wheels” that were 15”x 5 1/2”. Instead of the standard full cover, wide wheels got a small “dog dish” hubcap that covered only a portion of the wheel.

C1 Corvette

In 1953 and 1954 all Corvettes came with red painted wheels. These were dip painted so they should be red everywhere. Beginning in 1955 wheels were dipped in black primer and then sprayed their final color on the front face. Aside from some color overspray, the backs of the wheels were therefore black regardless of wheel color. Also beginning in 1955, wheel color was determined by the car’s exterior color. Polo White, Gypsy Red, and Pennant Blue exteriors came with red wheels, Corvette Copper got bronze, and Harvest Gold got yellow. In 1956 and 1957, wheel color matched the exterior color with the exception of Polo White cars, the wheels of which were keyed to interior color. If the interior was red the wheels were red and if the interior was beige the wheels were silver.

In 1958 all Corvettes came with silver painted wheels regardless of exterior color. The only possible exception is cars equipped with RPO 276 wide wheels, which may have been painted black. In 1959 all Corvette wheels, including the optional wide wheels, were black.

In 1960-1961 Chevrolet once again painted Corvette wheels to match exterior color. In 1962, cars equipped with optional whitewall tires came with black wheels while cars with standard blackwall tires came with wheels painted to match body color. Optional wide wheels were also painted the same color as the car’s exterior in 1962.