Tips & Tricks

Our staff is very knowledgable -- here are some common questions they get.

Electrical Problems

Q:  My (something electrical) doesn't work.   What's going on?

A: I assume you've already checked the flashers, relays & light bulbs,etc.  Next try checking the grounding wires.  As Corvettes age and temperatures change, connections can erode and quit making contact.   

If that doesn't work, please call us for a referral to a qualified auto electric shop nearby.

Who can do this for me?

Q:  I need someone to do (insert job here) for me.   Do you know someone who can help?

A: Yep!  We'll be happy to refer you to local reputable shops that can handle your repairs and restorations.  Stop in or give us a call. 

Snow Removal

Q.  How do you best get snow off your Corvette?

A. First of all, who (besides us) parks their Corvette outside in the winter?!   Seriously, if you must, leave it well-covered. Leave it rest until spring.  If you do have to dig it out, be gentle.  

Our '85 Parts Runner after Minnesota's record setting snowstorm in December 2010.

Seat Care

Q. How do I care for my car's seats?

A. Fred at "Convertible Tops & Interiors by Fred" says:  To clean your vinyl seats you can use a simple soap and water solution and soft cloth.    If you've got a greasy spot on them you might try "Dawn" dishsoap specifically.  Be sure to rinse well with plain water.

Fred likes Lemon Pledge for cleaning your leather seats. 

Another common 3rd generation question (68-82 Corvettes)

Q. Recently we've had several questions about power window relays. 

A. 68-78 cars used a relay which is behind the gauge cluster.  79-82 doesn't use a relay at all.  The wires go directly from the switch to the motor.  We stock the 68-78 relay in our store. 

A common 3rd generation question (68-82 Corvettes)

Q. How do I get the headlight bezel off so I can change the headlights?

A. After taking out the 4 screws (top and sides), pull upward on the headlight door. You may have to pull fairly hard as there is a spring-loaded slot underneath that allows the headlight door to lift enough to get the bezel out. 

I need someone to work on my car
Q.  I want someone to work on my car for me.  Where do I find someone I can trust?

A.  Corvette Specialties has a large network of people that we can whole-heartedly recommend.  These are often places we have taken our own personal vehicles.  Not only will you find good work, you'll find good people too.    We won't send you to someone we don't trust ourselves. 

I need something for a child
Q.  What do you have for kids who like Corvettes?

A.  We know how important the youngest Corvette fans are too!   And we've got stuff for them.  Kids are always welcome in our store -in fact they're welcome to "drive" our cut-away car while their parents or grandparents shop.  Our car shows and open houses are kid-friendly too. 

Need a gift for the young Corvette enthusiast?   Check out our selection of youth clothing - from teens all the way down to infant onesies,  we can outfit a kid!  We also carry Corvette cookies (they're good!), posters, die cast cars, "Hot Wheels" size cars, and more.  Did you know they make Corvette cookie cutters too?

Car Values
Q.  How do I know what is my car worth?

A.  It's a good idea to talk to an experienced appraiser.  We can recommend someone in the Twin Cities area.  To find someone near you, try asking local car clubs who they recommend.

You can also look at Old Cars Weekly or NADA.   They regularly put out guides to car values. 

Cleaning Cast Aluminum
Q. How should I clean my cast aluminum?

A.  The expert who restores our cast aluminum reccomends cleaning with Dawn dishwashing soap. Put a little bit of Dawn into a bucket of water and use a soft brush.  Rinse with cold water.

Getting my car out of storage this spring
Q. What things should I do to make sure my Corvette is ready to go this spring?

A.  When you're taking your car out of storage, you'll want to be sure to check all fluids, as well as the tires and the battery - even clean the battery terminals. 

Make sure your belts and hoses are in good shape.   It may sound silly, but check the interior, air cleaner and tail pipes to be sure no critters have  moved in. 

Brakes should be bled every couple of years too.

Your Corvette will also appreciate a thorough wash and wax inside and out.  Clean and condition your top, leather and seat covers. 

Of course, we've got any replacement parts you may need - from hoses to new calipers, as well as car care products too.  

Bumpers
Q. I am looking for bumpers for my '74 Corvette convertible. I would like original equipment if its available.

A. Original bumper covers for your '74 are available.  

You may want to consider the TruFlex replacement bumpers - they're more rigid than the original urethane bumpers, but more flexible than the 100% fiberglass ones. This allows a better fit and better absorption of minor impacts.    They cost less also.

Car Wax
Q. Should I still wax my car even though it has a clear coat?

A. YES!  Wax still protects your paint from UV rays.  It also helps protect from road chips, rocks, and bugs to prevent damage while driving.  Top-brand car wax companies have new waxes that are specifically formulated for cars with clear coats.

Front End Movement
Q. My 1979 Corvette has 75,000 miles.  I have noticed that when I brake, the front end kind of moves a little.

A. Some things to check:
       Check the brake calipers
       Rotors could be out of trueness
       You could need new front end parts.  Check the ball joints, tie rod ends, and idler arms.
        We sell a complete front end rebuild kit with everything in it.

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