4 Glorious Corvette Parts That Got Discontinued

Posted by Spindle people on February 26th, 2021

It is true that corvettes can never go out of style. In my opinion, Chevrolet should be highly thankful to the Vette-loving community who truly stood by their word and when they said that they loved it, they actually meant it. The first C1 model that ignited the passion and love across every American household that made it become America’s number one commercial sports car is surprisingly still there. However, it was heartbreaking for many classic model owners when GM announced the discontinuation of its old model parts. In case you were relying on GM to order new old stock corvette parts for replacements, here’s a quick checklist of few items from the many that you cannot get from them.

Corvette Parts That Got Discontinued

C1 Hood Surround

Under the corvette hood, lies the reason for its glorious power. A 3.8-liter, in-line, six-cylinder engine with 3 carburetors, mechanical lifters, and a high- lift camshaft. With a resultant 150 hp paired with a 2-speed Powerglide automated transmission, the engine achieved the nickname, “blue flame”. Corvette was the first car to use fiberglass material for its hood and body that made it all the more attractive.

C1 Partial Transmission Panel

As stated in the previous paragraph, C1s lacked manual transmission. Other powered options include power-assisted convertible tops, a removable hardtop, power windows, and a partially transistorized Delco car radio. The transmission panel was one more thing that struck off the GM production list long back in the 1970s that further reduced its frequency of good quality replacements in the market. Also referred to belong to the “solid-axle” generation, the C1 also didn’t have any independent rear suspension in the beginning years.

C2 Hood Surround

The second generation of the corvette series boasted a rear transaxle, four-wheel disc brakes, with rear brakes mounted inboard. It turned more heads due to its exterior signature styling of the Q- corvette by Bob McLean (1957). Fiberglass was still being used in this era and it continued to garner attention till the early 1970s. The stingray had the most powerful engine (Rochester fuel injected) with an air conditioning system and upholstery. The company reduced its manufacturing in 1963 with a complete halt on the project by the end of the decade. Currently, only notable dealers are dealing with quality parts of C2. So, do your research before you choose the corvette’s new old stock parts.

C5 Left Hand Convertible Quarter Panel

C5 was (and still is) popular for many things. Its pop-up headlights, Targa roof, hydroformed frame rails, a head-up display, along with the LS-series V-8 engine altogether led to its fame. Another noteworthy feature was the use of a light-weight carbon fiber hood that took of additional 10 lb of its weight. This transition from fiberglass to a lighter version began in 1973. The quarter panel is mostly cosmetic at the same time structural in maintaining the integrity of a car.

Wish to add more to our list? Let us know in the comments.

Author’s bio: the author is an avid blogger and the article talks about 4 corvette parts that got discontinued in the market.