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Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling

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Front end parts

Posted: 4/24/09 2:07amMessage 1 of 10
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Robersonville, NC - USA
Joined: 4/23/2009
Posts: 47
Vette(s): 76 stingray
Hi all,
Well this is my first post here. What I would like to know is where is the best place to buy a front end rebuild kit. I know the site has some sponsers, but from yalls experance where do ya get the best price and best quality. I think i really want to go with poly bushings too. What is your oppinion?
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Front end parts

Posted: 4/24/09 3:27amMessage 2 of 10
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HOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
Try Larry at Covette Specialties - he's a member, a great guy to deal with and has quality parts at a reasonable price!! Thumbs Up His link is on the upper left hand side of the screen.

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Front end parts

Posted: 4/24/09 7:48amMessage 3 of 10
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Newport, MI - USA
Joined: 6/9/2005
Posts: 942
Vette(s): 1980 L-48 still in the middle of a frame-off.
There are some vendors who specialize in suspension and brakes. one is http://www.vansteel.com/  and another one is http://www.vbandp.com/.  Alot of members have used either one.  I purchased all of my suspension parts from VanSteel with excellent results.

Corvettes and women are the same...You want to make love to them but they keep breaking down.
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Front end parts

Posted: 4/24/09 9:45amMessage 4 of 10
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Eastern Oklahoma County, OK - USA
Joined: 1/3/2006
Posts: 1560
Vette(s): 1980 Black L48 T-Tops
I used Ecklers and went with Urethane.  Wouldn't trade it.  Tight and handles great!

For the braking system I used Lonestar Calipers (www.lonestarcalipers.com).  Calipers, pads, steel braided lines, hard lines across the front.  Couldn't beat them for price, delivery and on-board use.

You might want to replace the lines for your power steering (if you have it) and possibly the cylinders.  Worked great and stopped yet another leak for me.  Ecklers there also.

The trick to remember is that most all of the corvette houses buy from one source, so markup is the price difference unless they are the true "source" for the part.

Take lots of pics and document, both for your own scrapbook and for me as well.  I'm the editor of the Shark Bytes newsletter and when you become a full member and have access to all the SB's, you'll see that we grow the tech articles from within our own membership so you can be famous by writing a story to go with the pics!!!


Good luck and let us know how it's going!

dnv2009-04-24 09:49:31
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Front end parts

Posted: 4/27/09 6:38amMessage 5 of 10
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Robersonville, NC - USA
Joined: 4/23/2009
Posts: 47
Vette(s): 76 stingray
Thanks for all the info! I have looked at Elkers, and i think I may go with them. I need to get this stuff ordered so I can drive it now.
Again, Thanks everyone!
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Front end parts

Posted: 4/27/09 9:52amMessage 6 of 10
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Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1034
Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
Be aware that Ecklers front end kits, along with most other big catalog companies, are imported parts.  That is how they are able to sell so cheap. 

A personal opinion on urethane bushings:  I don't like them.  I feel they make the ride too harsh, and can be prone to squeaking.  But they do last forever.  Just one opinion.

Larry
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Front end parts

Posted: 4/27/09 11:10amMessage 7 of 10
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Robersonville, NC - USA
Joined: 4/23/2009
Posts: 47
Vette(s): 76 stingray
Thanks Larry,
I called your shop today and you had left for the day. I spoke to Mike & took your advise, got the frontend kit form you. I also ordered the rubber as you sugested.
Thanks again!
Madrider
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Front end parts

Posted: 4/27/09 12:41pmMessage 8 of 10
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BINGHAMTON, NY - USA
Joined: 7/19/2003
Posts: 3825
Vette(s): ......
You can get almost all the parts you need at your local auto parts store,Thumbs Up

C3VR Lifetime Member #93

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Front end parts

Posted: 4/27/09 7:51pmMessage 9 of 10
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA
Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424
Vette(s): 1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!
I agree with Larry.   In fact, I got a kit off e-bay.  Yes I was a bit concerned, but it seems to be fine, and installed ran the Tail of the Dragon, so far okay.
The kit came with the rubber and ureathane bushing both.   I installed the rubber.  Feel free to disagree, but I prefer the rubber for ride, noise, etc.    If I was racing it may be different, but I'm not.  I'm cruising.   Yes, they will wear out sooner, but that's okay.   I know someone who can do them again later.  I just look in the mirror.
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Front end parts

Posted: 4/28/09 8:39amMessage 10 of 10
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DUNEDIN, FL - USA
Joined: 10/22/2004
Posts: 833
Vette(s): 1969 COUPE CORTEZ SILVER, BRIGHT BLUE INTERIOR 383 cu. in. 512 HP. Hooker headers w/ side pipes PS PS AC AM FM STEREO. 68,000.MILES C5 5oth Anniversary Coupe , auto.350hp
I used Van Steele.  Ecklers sends all there recbuilds to them. I know this first hand from Dan And Art at Van Steele. Great guys to work with too. And Stand by their work. Tell them you were refered from the site you might get a discount.
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