C3 CORVETTE BODY KITS & DRESS-UP PARTS FROM YESTERYEAR (1968-1982)

05Oct 2021 by vettevues
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Take a trip down memory lane as we look at the third part of the original series in Vette Vues Magazine covering Corvette body kits and dress up parts. We are looking back at the various custom modifications on the C3 Corvettes that could be installed by an owner, contracted to a shop, or purchased as turn-key vehicles. Enjoy the journey!

C3 - THE HISTORY OF CORVETTE BODY KITS & DRESS-UP PARTS
C3 – THE HISTORY OF CORVETTE BODY KITS & DRESS-UP PARTS

By Wayne Ellwood

Photo Credits: Facebook, General Motors, Jeff Page-Heartland, Eckler, Ben Labaree, Tony Mezzacca Motorsport, Chris Farkash, Wayne Ellwood

This is the third re-post of the original series in Vette Vues Magazine. We are looking back at the various custom modifications that could be installed by an owner, contracted to a shop, or purchased as turn-key vehicles. This re-post presents additional photos to those who were selected for print in the original article in VETTE VUES MAGAZINE. The C3 Body Kit article ran in the June 2018 issue of Vette Vues Magazine.

Corvette Black Book 1953-2023 for Sale

In this series, VETTE VUES presents a photographic summary of the major trends in customization, as it has evolved through the various year groups.

The treatment for each year group follows a set format. Examples of kits (or parts) that were offered in that actual time period will be presented first, followed by various retro-themed kits or turn-key cars developed in later years. Miscellaneous items are included at the end of each year group.

At the end of this article are links to the other Corvette Body Kit Articles

C31 (1968-82) PERIOD CORVETTE BODY KITS AND DRESS-UP PARTS:

HIGHLIGHTS FOR CUSTOM CORVETTES

  • L88 hood
  • Endurance headlight system
  • FSO cars, spoilers, air dams, and fender flares
  • Full body kits
  • Moon-roofs and t-tops
  • GM widebody design
  • Greenwood GT series
  • Duntov Turbo by ACI
  • Eckler’s body kits
  • Bill Mitchell’s Great White
  • ACI carbon fiber body
  • John Silva and the Maco
  • Joel Rosen MOTION cars
  • Miscellaneous home-built customs
  • Chassis upgrades (commercially available)
1969 GM Design Variant
1969 GM Design Variant
This updated chassis by the Roadster Shop is representative of this category. Seen here is the chassis used for the 2017 SEMA “Corvette Menace’ show car
This updated chassis by the Roadster Shop is representative of this category. Seen here is the chassis used for the 2017 SEMA “Corvette Menace’ show car

EXAMPLES OF C3 SPOILERS, AIR DAMS, AND FENDER FLARES ON THE C3 CORVETTES…

Mike Yager’s # 4 RED Dave Heinz race car features the L88 hood, L88 flares for the rear and a deep air dam.
Mike Yager’s # 4 RED Dave Heinz race car features the L88 hood, L88 flares for the rear, and a deep air dam.
Another shot of the No 4 RED Dave Heinz race car.
Another shot of the No 4 RED Dave Heinz race car.
The No 4 RED Dave Heinz race car features the L88 hood, L88 flares for the rear and a deep air dam.
The No 4 RED Dave Heinz race car features the L88 hood, L88 flares for the rear, and a deep air dam.
Notice how long the hood is on the L88 Corvette.
Another innovation which emerged from racing were the “endurance” series headlamp buckets and plexi covers. The basic idea was the reduction of drag and turbulence by smoothing out airflow over a fixed surface rather than having pop-up headlights.
Other innovations that emerged from racing on the C3 Corvettes were the “endurance” series headlamp buckets and Plexi covers. The basic idea was the reduction of drag and turbulence by smoothing out airflow over a fixed surface rather than having pop-up headlights.
As with the C2, these headlight modifications were often picked-up by C3 owners who had managed to damage the front ends of their cars. As a repair item it saved considerable money. Initially
As with the C2, these headlight modifications were often picked up by C3 owners who had managed to damage the front ends of their cars. As a repair item, it saved considerable money. Initially.
Piranha lights based on Eckler kit
Piranha lights based on Eckler kit
Piranha lights based on Eckler kit
Piranha lights based on Eckler kit
ACI Aero Body Kit
Spoilers, air dams, and fender flares were very popular on the C3 Corvettes.
Spoilers, air dams, side skirts and diffusers are all functional as well as cosmetic. But they must be properly designed to have an appropriate effect.
Spoilers, air dams, side skirts, and diffusers are all functional as well as cosmetic. But they must be properly designed to have an appropriate effect.
ACI Aero Body Kit Hood
ACI Aero Body Kit Hood
ACI Aero Body Kit Rear
ACI Aero Body Kit Rear for the C3 Corvette.
Spoilers, air dams, side skirts and diffusers are all functional as well as cosmetic. But they must be properly designed to have an appropriate effect
Spoilers, air dams, side skirts, and diffusers are all functional as well as cosmetic. But they must be properly designed to have an appropriate effect.
ACI Narrow Flares
ACI Narrow Flares
ACI Narrow Flares
ACI Narrow Flares
The range of add-on aero kits continued to evolve over the C3 period and, depending on the individual company’s connections with aero experts, so did the actual aero effects.
The range of add-on aero kits continued to evolve over the C3 period and, depending on the individual company’s connections with aero experts, so did the actual aero effects.
Notice the custom Flares on the C3 Corvette.
Notice the custom Flares on the C3 Corvette.
C3 Corvette Fares and Wings
C3 Corvette Fares and Wings
Wings and Flares on the C3 Corvette
Wings and Flares on the C3 Corvette
Fender Flares and Air Dam on the C3
Fender Flares and Air Dam on the C3
Bob Wingate's 1968 FSO Corvette
Bob Wingate’s 1968 FSO Corvette
Bob Wingate's 1970 FSO Corvette
Bob Wingate’s 1970 FSO Corvette
Here you can see GM's New Body Panels on display at Cobo Hall
Here you can see GM’s New Body Panels on display at Cobo Hall.
GM's New Widebody Panel on the cover of the Blue Bars.
GM’s New Widebody Panel is on the cover of the Blue Bars magazine.

NEXT, THE GREENWOOD C3 CORVETTES

Greenwood Race Car 1975 Laguna IMSA Race
Greenwood Race Car 1975 Laguna IMSA Race
The early Greenwood/GM widebody panels gave a hint as to some of the truly wild customs we would see today. Pictured here is a 1977 Greenwood Turbo GT Hatchback Prototype.
The early Greenwood/GM widebody panels gave a hint as to some of the truly wild customs we would see today. Pictured here is a 1977 Greenwood Turbo GT Hatchback Prototype.
1981 Greenwood Dayton Body Kit
1981 Greenwood Dayton Body Kit
1981 Greenwood Dayton Body Kit Front
1981 Greenwood Dayton Body Kit Front
The early Greenwood/GM widebody panels gave a hint as to some of the truly wild customs we would see today.
The early Greenwood/GM widebody panels gave a hint as to some of the truly wild customs we would see today.
Lou Pittack, Wilkes-Barre (PA), owned both this red Turbo GT and a Sunoco Blue Daytona for many years.
Lou Pittack, Wilkes-Barre (PA), owned both this red Turbo GT and a Sunoco Blue Daytona for many years.
1981 Greenwood Dayton Body Kit in France
1981 Greenwood Dayton Body Kit in France.
1981 Greenwood Dayton Body Kit Side Shot
1981 Greenwood Dayton Body Kit Side Shot.
1981 Greenwood Dayton Body Kit Rear Shot
1981 Greenwood Dayton Body Kit Rear Shot.
1981 Greenwood Dayton Body Kit Driver's Side Front
1981 Greenwood Dayton Body Kit Driver’s Side Front.
1981 Greenwood Dayton Corvette
1981 Greenwood Dayton Corvette
1981 Greenwood Dayton Corvette
1982 Greenwood GTO Corvette
1982 Greenwood GTO Corvette

THIRDLY THE DUNTOV TURBO BODY KITS FOR C3 CORVETTES…

ACI Duntov Turbo Body Kits for C3 Corvettes
ACI Duntov Turbo Body Kits for C3 Corvettes.
Duntov Turbo C3 Corvette on display at the NCM.
The ACI Duntov Turbo was the first of many projects where Zora would be encouraged to lend his name. Some paid-off.
The ACI Duntov Turbo was the first of many projects where Zora would be encouraged to lend his name. Some paid-off.
Duntov Turbo C3 Corvette Front Closeup
Duntov Turbo C3 Corvette Front Closeup
Duntov Turbo C3 Corvette Interior Shot
Duntov Turbo C3 Corvette Interior Shot

NEXT, WE HAVE THE C3 CORVETTE STATION WAGONS…

Ecklers Station Wagon Mold
Ecklers Station Wagon Mold

You can check out our article on the Eckler’s 1975 Corvette Hatchback here.

This Sebring GT by Greenwood now resides in the Lingenfelter collection. At the time you could buy a full car from Greenwood or individual pieces.
This Sebring GT by Greenwood now resides in the Lingenfelter collection. At the time you could buy a full car from Greenwood or individual pieces.

SOME MORE BREATHTAKING C3 CORVETTES – THE CAN-AMs…

Eckler Can-Am Corvette
Eckler Can-Am Corvette
Eckler Can-Am Corvette
Eckler Can-Am Corvette
At just 72 pounds weight, this full race body proved to be a very successful item.
At just 72 pounds weight, this full race body proved to be a very successful item.
Eckler Can-Am Corvette for Street
Eckler Can-Am Corvette for Street
Eckler Can-Am Corvette Mold
Eckler Can-Am Corvette Mold

AND THE CUSTOM C3 CORVETTE DAYTONA

Eckler Daytona Corvette
Eckler Daytona Corvette
Eckler Daytona Corvette Engine Compartment
Eckler Daytona Corvette Engine Compartment

NEED MORE CARGO SPACE? HOW ABOUT THE CORVETTE HATCHBACK FOR THE C3S

The Eckler hatchback remained popular even after GM brought out its own hatch. It was an easy fit for the early C3 Corvettes.
The Eckler hatchback remained popular even after GM brought out its own hatch. It was an easy fit for the early C3 Corvettes.
Eckler Daytona Corvette Driver's Side Shot
Eckler Daytona Corvette Driver’s Side Shot
Eckler Corvette Hatchback Magazine Ad
Eckler Corvette Hatchback Magazine Ad
Eckler's Hatchback Corvette
Eckler’s Hatchback Corvette
Eckler's Hatchback Corvette Warehouse Stock
Eckler’s Hatchback Corvette Warehouse Stock
Eckler's Hatchback Corvette Rear Photo
Eckler’s Hatchback Corvette Rear Photo
The Can-am kit also proved very popular and was often just the kick-off point for some serious customs.
The Can-am kit also proved very popular and was often just the kick-off point for some serious customs.
Eckler's Hatchback Corvette Side Shot - Hood Open
Eckler’s Hatchback Corvette Side Shot – Hood Open.

MISCELLANEOUS CUSTOM C3 CORVETTES

Eckler's Turbo Corvette
Eckler's Turbo Corvette
Eckler’s Turbo Corvette
Bill Mitchell's 1976 Corvette Concept "Great White
Bill Mitchell’s 1976 Corvette Concept “Great White.” Mitchell was a big believer in concept cars and giving designers opportunities and challenges and in 1976 his team created “The Great White.”
Bill Mitchell's 1976 Corvette Concept "Great White" Badging
Bill Mitchell’s 1976 Corvette Concept “Great White” Badging.
William Mitchell's name on the Great White Corvette
Bill Mitchell was head of Design at General Motors from 1959 through 1977. William Mitchell’s name was on the Great White Corvette.
The Great White by Bill Mitchell is similar to many other designs of the era . . . Mulsanne and Scirocco spring to mind.
The Great White by Bill Mitchell is similar to many other designs of the era . . . Mulsanne and Scirocco spring to mind.

SHARK WEEK THROWBACK: THE MAKO SHARK CORVETTES…

John Silva's Mako Shark body went through several stages of development before his death in the late 1990s.
John Silva’s Mako Shark body went through several stages of development before his death in the late 1990s.
Modern Material made a difference - Carbon Fiber
Modern Material made a difference – Carbon Fiber
This Corvette is the Mako style and is in Sweden.
This Corvette is the Mako style and is in Sweden.
This Corvette is the Mako style by Silva.
This Corvette is the Mako style by Silva.
Corvette Mako style by Silva
Corvette Mako style by Silva
Corvette Mako Style
Corvette Mako Style
Corvette Mako Style by Silva
Corvette Mako Style by Silva
Corvette Mako Style by Silva side shot.
Corvette Mako Style by Silva side shot.
Another Corvette Mako Style by Silva
Another Corvette Mako Style by Silva
Rear of a Corvette Mako Style by Silva
Rear of a Corvette Mako Style by Silva
Interior of a Corvette Mako Style by Silva
Interior of a Corvette Mako Style by Silva
Corvette Mako Style by Silva with the hood open.
Corvette Mako Style by Silva with the hood open.
Custom Silver Mako Style by Silva.
Custom Silver Mako Style by Silva.
Custom Silver Mako Style by Silva side shot
Custom Silver Mako Style by Silva side shot
Custom Silver Mako Style by Silva side/front
Custom Silver Mako Style by Silva side/front
Mako Shark II Front
Mako Shark II Front

THE RADICAL MOTION CORVETTES…

1969 Baldwin Motion GT III Drivers Side
1969 Baldwin Motion GT III Drivers Side
1969 Baldwin Motion GT III Passenger Side
1969 Baldwin Motion GT III Passenger Side
1969 Baldwin Motion GT III Side View
1969 Baldwin Motion GT III Side View
1969 Baldwin Motion GT III Rear View
1969 Baldwin Motion GT III Rear View
1969 Baldwin Motion GT III Interior
1969 Baldwin Motion GT III Interior
1969 Baldwin Motion GT III Engine Compartment
1969 Baldwin Motion GT III Engine Compartment
1969 Baldwin Motion GT III Driver Side Rear
1969 Baldwin Motion GT III Driver Side Rear
1971 Motion Phase III GT
1971 Motion Phase III GT
Chevrolet Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT
Chevrolet Corvette Motion Manta-Ray GT
Chevrolet Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT Front
Chevrolet Corvette Motion Manta-Ray GT Front
Front of the Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT
Front of the Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT
Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT Rear
Corvette Motion Manta-Ray GT Rear
Rear of Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT
The rear of Corvette Motion Manta-Ray GT

MORE CUSTOM TOUCHES: ETCHED GLASS AND CUSTOM ROOFS FOR THE C3 CORVETTES…

Shirley Greenberg’s WILD CHILD. Shirley used GM glass roofs which could be etched, as seeN here
Shirley Greenberg’s WILD CHILD. Shirley used GM glass roofs which could be etched, as seen here
Over time the entire “roof” business also expanded to include repairs and customization.
Over time the entire “roof” business also expanded to include repairs and customization.

Are you eager to get to work on your classic C3 Corvette from 1968-1982? Then you are in luck! You have a range of body kits and parts to choose from, including air cleaners, brakes, dashboard and console components, engine, exhaust, heater, ignition, distributor, lighting and lamps, wheels and tires, weatherstrip, windshield and wipers, and much more. No matter if you are aiming to restore, customize, or modify your classic Vette, there are C3 body kits to make it happen.

Vette Vues Magazine is an ideal solution for getting the parts you need. Their magazine is filled with numerous advertisers specializing in the parts you seek. Also, the Corvette Parts for Sale Classified Ads provide you with another opportunity to acquire the pieces you require for your project. Former owners of Corvettes frequently have spare parts for sale or components they’ve taken off their vehicles – and they might even have matching numbers of parts. Make sure to Subscribe to Vette Vues Today, and get the magazine delivered to your home, office, or shop each month!

Corvette Body Kits by generations:

We are also starting a new series of looking back at the custom Corvettes at SEMA over the years. Our first year in the series in Corvettes at SEMA 2013 Overview and Photos.

Are you looking for someone to work on your Corvette? We have compiled a list of Corvette Custom and Restoration Shops. This page is not intended to endorse these companies. Many of them come from show boards at car shows and others are readers and social media followers submissions.

While you are here, check out our great selection of Corvette T-shirts, Corvette Hats / Caps for Sale, and assorted Corvette Totes, Coolers, and Bags for Sale, all offering Free United States Shipping.

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