Corvette Central has issued a recall for two fuel pump flex lines that were PURCHASED AFTER 8/30/11.  They have the part numbers 351415 and 351144,and are used on 1956-62 Corvettes.  These flex lines may leak due to a faulty crimp on the hose end.  If you purchased one of these products after 8/30/11, please stop using it immediately and contact Corvette Central (800-345-4122) for information on how to return it.

General Motors has issued a recall for  5,755  2011-12 Corvette coupes for potentially faulty hatch hinges that could break loose in a crash.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the rear hatch hinges on cars built between January and September do not meet federal weight capacity requirements.  The NHTSA campaign ID Number is 11V491000.  GM will notify owners per the comments in the official release below.

Report Date : October 9, 2011 at 12:45 PM
NHTSA Campaign ID number : 11V491000

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
CHEVROLET / CORVETTE 2011-2012
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS LLC Mfr’s Report Date: OCT 03, 2011
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V491000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 5,755
Summary:
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 CHEVROLET CORVETTE COUPE VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 24, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 206, “DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS”. THE REAR HATCH HINGES MAY NOT MEET THE LOAD REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN THE SAFETY STANDARD.
Consequence:
THE REAR HATCH COULD SEPARATE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy:
GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR HATCH HINGES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
Notes:
GM’S SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 11258. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

For your enjoyment, below are some videos we captured while attending the 2011 Corvette World Tribute.

The event, coordinated in conjunction with the Registry of Corvette Race Cars (RCRC), took place August 21, 2011 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.  Over 40 significant racing Corvettes were present (including the Corvette C6.Rs that raced the previous day in the American Le Mans event), along with noted racing drivers including Tony DeLorenzo, Bob Bondurant, Dick Guldstrand and many others.  Enjoy!

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Corvette Central is pleased to introduce correct push-down antennas for C1 Corvettes, available in three versions: 1956-58 (early), 1958 (late)-60 and 1961-62.  Our new assemblies not only reflect the attention to detail that judges are looking for during shows, but our dedication to producing the highest quality parts possible.  As an example, the antenna tips on all three versions of our C1 antennas are identical to factory specifications.

161021 (1956-1958E)
Correct push down mast antenna as original. No rings on mast.  Fully extended, the mast is 45 inches. Normal height, not extended, is 11.5 inches. The mast pushes down into the antenna approximately 2 inches as they did from the factory.

161017 (1958L-1960)
Correct push down mast antenna as original. Features rings on mast.  Fully extended, the mast is 45 inches. Normal height, not extended, is 11.5 inches. The mast pushes down into the antenna approximately 2 inches as they did from the factory.

161016 (1961-1962)
Correct push down mast antenna as original. Fully extended the mast is 26.5 inches. Normal height, not extended is 15 inches. The mast pushes down into the antenna approximately 5 1/2 inches as they did from the factory.

Watkins Glen is known as the “birthplace of Sports Car racing in the US” after World War II.  “The Glen”, as it is commonly called, is a road course race facility owned by the International Speedway Corporation.  It has hosted road racing events for almost every sanctioned class (including many that include Corvettes) for over 50 years.

The town of Watkins Glen (population 4,654) sits in a valley at the foot of Lake Seneca in the scenic “Finger Lakes” region of upstate New York.  In 1948, in the interest of organizing a place to host auto races, officials laid out a 6.6 mile circuit.  The start/finish was on Franklin Street, still one of the main thoroughfares in town.  The course climbed up to and through Watkins Glen State Park and descended steeply back downtown.    In 1951, GM stylist Harley Earl was invited to display his Buick Le Sabre at the Watkins Glen races.

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Lineup at Monterey Historics

Corvette race fans take note!  Corvette Central is pleased to announce an alliance with the Registry of Corvette Race Cars (RCRC).  The RCRC was formed to “…preserve the heritage of Corvette race cars that keeps the Corvette legend alive”.  The organization maintains an active registry of all Corvette race cars, from C1 through C6, in various racing series, including but not limited to the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA), Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and many others.

Corvette Central will be publishing feature stories covering topics of interest from within the RCRC, with the goal of building awareness for Corvette owners and enthusiasts.  Look for updates here in the CC Blog, as well as Corvette Central’s Facebook fan page.  We have also established a gallery that will showcase many different Corvette race cars (most still actively racing) and events across the country.

The first installment will be an overview of Watkins Glen, the “birthplace of sports car racing” after World War II.  Stay tuned!

After class wins at LeMans and a few hiccups at Lime Rock, the 2011 season is shaping up to be as exciting as ever for the Corvette Racing team.  For your convenience, below is the complete 2011 schedule for the Corvette Racing team.

Have a C5 Z06 in need of replacement mesh grilles, but can’t find any that will utilize the OEM mounting holes?  Our new C5 Z06 reproduction mesh grilles take functionality a step further with the addition of mounting tabs.

Where other manufacturers versions (pictured above on right) simply add double stick tape, our versions (pictured on left with arrows) go the extra mile with true mounting tabs just like on the originals.  The result is mesh grilles that will work on all C5 Corvettes, including the Z06.

Get your set today!  Part # 335120.

Corvette Central is proud to introduce a new online catalog developed exclusively for Corvette performance enthusiasts: Corvette Central Performance.

Corvette Central was established in 1975 to provide Corvette owners with uncompromised quality parts and accessories for every Corvette.  While we will never stray from that mission, we are always striving to better meet the demands of every type of Corvette owner, including those who want to attain improved performance from their already potent cars.   Our team of performance specialists has developed a catalog of the most innovative performance products available for all Corvettes, from C1 to C6.

Customers searching our online catalog will recognize some formidable performance part manufacturers, including Pfadt Racing, Kooks Custom Headers, Air Flow Research, Callaway and many more.  From simple upgrades to thoroughly researched and developed performance packages; from exhaust and electronics to superchargers and suspension, Corvette Central Performance will be able to meet the demands of this ever-evolving group of enthusiasts.

In addition to one of the most comprehensive performance parts catalog inventories in existence, we have developed Corvette Central Performance to be a technical reference center for Corvette owners.  We have partnered with journalist/Corvette guru Chris Petris and SCCA champion Corvette racing driver Danny Kellermeyer to bring you exclusive and frequent technical how-to articles and advice for maximizing the performance on your car.  We will continue to add new features to Corvette Central Performance as it evolves.

We invite you to visit and bookmark www.CorvettePerformance.com today.

Corvette Central and CorvetteCentralExhaust.com are pleased to introduce the Doug’s Headers line of exhaust components for C2 and C3 Corvettes.

Doug’s Headers, the most respected name in the header industry since the 60’s, began in 1958 as a small muffler shop in East Los Angeles, California.  The company expanded rapidly into a shop that designed and built innovative headers for muscle cars and many of the sport’s top drag racers. Cars with the famous “Headers by Doug” decal were consistently among the top performers in their various classes.

Doug’s Headers Corvette Side Mount Headers and Side Tubes are made for the 1963-1982 Chevrolet Corvettes and are available for both Small Block and Big Block powered cars. Doug’s thick 3/8” flanges and heavy 16 gauge tubing ensure peak performance and long life.  Other industry-leading features include machined sealing beads, polished primary tubes, CNC mandrel bent tubing, TIG welded ports and precision formed collectors.

Click these links to CorvetteCentralExhaust.com for more information.

For 1963-67 Corvettes

For 1968-82 Corvettes

We took these photos at the recent C5/C6 Bash, held at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY.  Pictured below are shots of the new Centennial Edition Corvettes, identifiable by their unique 100 Years decals on the B-pillars (coupes) and rear quarters (convertibles).  Other new items for 2012 are:

• new wheel options
• Carbon Flash black metallic paint (available on any Centennial Edition Corvette) and Carlisle Blue paint options,
• color options for brake calipers,
• a carbon fiber hood option for Z06 Corvettes,
• Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires that will be offered on specific Z06 and ZR1 packages,
• updated seats with more bolstering.

Enjoy!

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BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – General Motors said Wednesday it will invest $131 million in the Bowling Green Assembly plant to support production of the next generation Chevrolet Corvette, adding about 250 jobs.

“This is a significant day for anyone who believes that America should build world-class, high-performance products,” said Mark Reuss, GM North America president. “Corvette has no domestic peer for performance and pedigree and stands alongside the world’s best supercars with almost 60 years of continuous heritage.

“This investment in Kentucky is among $3.4 billion made in the United States since mid-2009 to keep or create more than 9,000 jobs for American workers,” Reuss said.

The announcement came at an event held at the plant with employees and several special guests, including Gov. Steve Beshear. The governor last June signed a bill designating the Corvette as the official state sports car of Kentucky.

“Kentucky has a longstanding, mutually beneficial relationship with GM and this significant investment further demonstrates the strength of our partnership,” Beshear said.

The plant in Bowling Green is scheduled to continue building the current generation Corvette for at least the next two model years, including the 2012 model year that begins this summer.  During this period, the investment starts to take effect, preparing the facility for the next-generation Corvette.

Bowling Green is the exclusive manufacturer of all versions of the Chevrolet Corvette –Coupe, Convertible, Grand Sport, Z06, and ZR1.  Corvette’s current generation, the sixth in its 58-year history, has seen the car enter the realm of the world’s highest-performing cars.

Nearly 400 production workers, represented by the UAW Local 2164, assemble these vehicles on a one-shift, 10-hour, Monday-Thursday production schedule. The plant employs many specialized operations, including unique hand-crafted techniques. Bowling Green has been home to Corvette production since 1981.

“We need to rebuild the great American middle class.  There is no better way to achieve this worthy goal than providing meaningful jobs like the ones being created in Bowling Green,” said UAW Vice President Joe Ashton. “ Our members have earned this investment through their hard work focused on the Corvette customers’ unique desire for high performance, quality, and style.

“I offer my congratulations to a great American Union Workforce, Local 2164, for a job well done.”

The additional jobs will be filled in accordance with the United Auto Workers -GM National Agreement.

Approximately 50,000 tourists visit the Bowling Green plant annually to catch a glimpse of the manufacturing process, some even watching their new cars being completed before taking delivery from the neighboring National Corvette Museum.

source: General Motors

Corvette Central is pleased to announce their acquisition of ADI-Chromeco, the world’s foremost supplier of high quality show chrome engine and accessory parts for 1963-current Corvettes.

Established in 1978, ADI-Chromeco (Addison, IL) has 33 years of experience within the Corvette and chrome plating industries. Their product line reflects this experience, with a diverse and comprehensive selection of parts for Corvette engines, interiors and exteriors.  Chromeco enhances Corvette Central’s existing portfolio of unsurpassed quality Corvette parts and accessories, including the aforementioned chrome engine and accessory parts, license plate frames and covers, Route 66 accessories and more.

Corvette Central has already assimilated Chromeco’s existing inventory, and it is available for purchase today.

Registration is officially open for the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (MCACN) Triple Diamond Display and Competition.  Corvette Central is the official sponsor of this “best of the best” Corvette gallery.  From our friends at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals:

“Registration is now open for the MCACN 2011 edition of the Corvette Central Triple Diamond Display and Competition, which will take place November 19-20, 2011 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, (greater Chicago), Illinois.

Featuring the country’s absolute best of the best restored and original Corvettes that have already achieved both NCRS Top Flight and Bloomington Gold status, this is one of the Corvette world’s most prestigious awards. This is also one of the fastest growing features of our show, with nearly 40 contenders in 2010.”

Registration information can be found on the MCACN website.

Did Corvette Central add a bar and grille recently?  No, but that’s not stopping us from introducing a special weekly Friday promotion for our online customers.

Starting Friday, January 7 and continuing every Friday until further notice, we will feature an item (or items) that will be priced very attractively from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. EST.  Yes, we know that’s 2 hours.  “Happy Hours” doesn’t have quite the appeal.  A lot of items will be very limited in quantity, so act quickly.

So visit us online every Friday at 3:00 to see what’s on special.  And get happy!

When the fourth generation Corvette was introduced in 1984, many innovative build techniques were implemented.  Early Corvette amenities were becoming standard equipment while new options filled every available inch of dash space.  The 1984-1989 C4 dash had more modules and controllers to integrate behind an already tight dash area.  1990-1996 Corvettes added more modules along with airbags to the already restricted dash space.

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At Corvette Central, ensuring customer satisfaction is a top priority.  To cite a recent example, we underwent a complete renovation of our warehouse management system (WMS) software and hardware.  This week we had a chance to sit down with Corvette Central Operations Director Geoff Nash to discuss the new system.

Although modern appearing at first glance, Corvette Central’s original WMS had several critical issues. For one, it was very static and demanding.  According to Nash, “We had to deal with a lot of  options every time we had to change or modify an existing part.   This resulted in inventory integrity problems quite often. We had also  outgrown the actual hardware of the old WMS.  The demands that we put on the carousels took them to the end of their life pretty quickly.   They were ready to quit when we were ready to grow.”

In addition, the old WMS had serious limitations when it came to processing orders.  Prioritizing them was out of the question.  There was no flexibility.

The new WMS, implemented in August 2010, is laden with features that are more adaptive to a growing company’s demands.  Employees can “drill down” through product data to get specific information to aid them in completing an order.  It’s also very transparent. “We can see everything that is available, from orders and parts to pick lines and beyond”.

Manipulating data is a cinch. Employees can ask for orders based on different classifications (e.g. dates). They decide what to pick, when to pick it and how many. The old system would just dump a bunch of orders on the warehouse and they would have to wade through them to get to the priority work. Our new carousel controls allow the pods to stop and start much quicker.  As an added bonus, they know where their position is at all times. “It’s like trading in a Chevy Chevette for a Corvette”, said Nash.

In the end, it will be the our customer who realizes the benefits firsthand.  The speed in which Corvette Central processes and ships orders will dramatically improve.  Order accuracy will also be improved due to the implementation of a graphical interface for employees. Mistakes in fulfillment will decrease.  As a result, “the customer gets the right part they ordered before they expected it”.

Sounds like a win-win to us!

Corvette Central unveiled their “Cutaway Corvette”  during Corvettes at Carlisle August 27-29, 2010.  The car, a red 1988 with the TPI 5.7 and 4-speed automatic, was developed in cooperation with Petris Enterprises in Scottsboro, AL.  A majority of inner and outer trim panels have been removed in order to see the cars components up close.  Corvette Cutaway features OEM equipment, as well as replacement and performance parts offered by Corvette Central.  The car is able to be driven and will be used for seminars and events.

Bookmark CC Blog to stay up-to-date as we review this car in full detail!

Enjoy super legal speeds but don’t like the wind in your hair?  Read on.  General Motors has issued a technical service bulletin for owners of 2008 and 2009 convertible Corvettes.  The TSB was issued to Chevrolet dealers via AllDataPro.com.

Technical Service Bulletin 08312A  was issued on July 1, 2010.  In it, GM states that the convertible top fabric could possibly begin to separate from its retainer bracket near the windshield.  At speeds over 100 m.p.h. (!), the roof material could tear from the front all the way to the rear window.   A new retainer bracket had been developed that should correct the issue.

The repair program runs through May 31, 2011.  Please contact your Chevrolet dealer’s service department for more information.

By all accounts, this is a typical 1988 Corvette.  Or is it?

Actually, it’s anything but typical.  It’s unlike any Corvette you have ever seen.  See this car and you will understand C4 Corvettes on an entirely different level.

How can you see it?  By visiting us during Corvettes at Carlisle, August 27-29, 2010.