Finding used parts for a car can be a bit of a pain in the behind, but with the potential to save the builder hundreds or sometimes even thousands of dollars, it’s easy to see why so many classic vehicle owners are constantly on the hunt for a good parts car. The Corvette graveyard that is Contemporary Corvette in Bristol, Pennsylvania makes this process easy for owners of the American sports car, though, giving them a place to easily locate used parts.
Contemporary Corvette was started by Ron DeSmedt after he grew tired of operating his body shop business. A customer had given him a C3 Corvette that was deemed a total loss, which he then placed an ad for in the local paper. After his phone rang off the hook all day and night, he realized there was definitely demand for a Corvette-focused used parts business. Thirty years later, DeSmedt has disassembled countless wrecked Corvettes for parts, helping owners repair and rebuild their own damaged vehicles for a fraction of the cost.
DeSmedt recently caught up with American Collectors Insurance for its YouTube channel, providing it with an in-depth background on Contemporary Corvette and how it came to be what it is today. While he stocks all sorts of different Corvette parts, DeSmedt says that the popularity of General Motors LS V8 engine swaps has kept him particularly busy in recent years. “We probably sell 250 or 300 LS motors a year now,” he explained.
DeSmedt’s business has also given him intricate knowledge of all Corvettes built between 1968 and 2014. He says the C6 Corvette is the hardest to work on of the generations that he deals in, while the C5 Corvette is the easiest. Many C5 Corvette parts are also desirable for restorers and builders, such as the suspension components and seats.
Check out the video embedded below to learn more about Contemporary Corvette and see their impressive (and somewhat sad) Corvette grave yard.
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Comments
we’ll find an old man somewhere in this lot….😉🙃🙃
“This Corvette Graveyard Is A Parts Picker’s Dream Come True”
Yes – so long as you’re not snakebit in the process.
I would guess that there are enough parts to build a complete Vette in good shape.
You! Mind your manners! And, get off my lawn!
Is it possible you have a ABS unit for a 1999 C4?
I’ve dealt with him , great guy . Had lots of c4 & c5 parts and reasonably priced. Corvettes at carlisle
I would like to know how to get ahold of someone to see if they have the part I need available. Can somebody please contact me and let me know how? Thanks in advance
Website says their phone is (800) 367-8388.
Need a seat for a C 5 black in worst way
Ordered my first used part from the contemporary Corvettes. Really had a problem locating it for my 82 that I’ve had for 40 years. It’s my baby, my summer toy. Can’t wait to get the part for my mechanic to install. Want to get it back on the road. Thank you for coming through
I am personal friends with Ron. I wrote a story about his business in 1993, when I was a newspaper reporter in town. Since then, he has sold me many parts for my 1973 Corvette. His knowledge of these cars is second to none. His assistant, Guy, also a friend is just as aa knowledgeable. A great place to do business.