Corvette hobby

[Don 42616]

Too much $? Just walk away.

It seems to me in any purchase if its too expensive walk away. Pretty simple? No offense meant but Grow up.

[Dick W.]

Re: Corvette hobby

Yes Patrick, there are not too many members that are short, fat, old, ugly, bald, graying, tawks funny, etc

[Patrick H.]

Re: Corvette hobby

Actually, the Papa Smurf description pretty much clinched it for me....

I'd seen you in previous years, but just never had the opportunity to spend time with you.
See you in June.

Patrick

[Verle R.]

Re: Corvette hobby

Ross,

I have had an (almost) lifelong love affair with the Corvette, starting with my first sighting in 1957 (age 16).

I joined the NCRS as soon as I heard about it because it's values more closely match mine. There are other car and Corvette clubs with varying ideas, values and activities, from hard partying locals to Pebble Beach. I have found the NCRS to be mostly populated with people that are easy to like. They are interested, knowledgeable, helpful and generous. Yes, there may be a few predators but they are in the miniscule minority.

When you run across someone with an attitude just walk off and feel sorry for someone missing out on the true NCRS spirit.

Verle

[Terry R.]

Re: Corvette hobby

Ross I am a new member to the NCRS, having started in the car hobby at the ripe old age of 14 with a very tired '40 Ford Tudor and graduating to a '56 Corvette at 17 I know own 9 collector cars three of which are Corvettes I've seen my share of Jack-Asses believe me. I belong to several car clubs but until I recently bought my '62[I had to sell my first '62 in 1987 for operating capital for my bussiness]and was introduced to the NCRS I didn't know their was a club that was so professional and so helpful to it's members!!! Don't let a few ruin it for you. Have Fun Terry Robertson

[Bill B.]

Re: Corvette hobby

Ross, I have had just the opposite experience. Without some of the crusty and time-proven members, I would have never acquired many of my 58 parts. Several came to my rescue when I had nearly given up. I would have liked to pay less in many cases but all-in-all the prices were really fair. In fact, all parts were original items and some cost less than repro pieces. Some really helpful good old guys! Every hobby is like this to me (stamps/golf/coins/antiques). You know, my 97 S-10 pickup fuel pump went out and aftermarket ones cost nearly $300. Many things just seem unfair. I totally understand that you encountered a "jack ass" but there are many, many fine folks still out there. Patience!

[Mark B.]

Re: Corvette hobby

Ross,

I understand your frustration, but the grass ain't greener on the other side!!! Having been a Blue Oval Fan for almost 30 years, I found myself being the "old fart" in the local Mustang shows. I didn't have any tattoos, no body piercings, no strange hand gestures, and I didn't wear my baseball cap backwards. No, I'm just your average middle-aged Joe who loves classics and musclecars. Disillusioned, I told my wife I was going to sell my 2 Mustangs and buy something else. She suggested, a classic Corvette. Whoa, knock me down with a feather!! Do you have any idea how much that will cost?, I replied. She simply said, "You get what you pay for" (Little did she know that I secretly wanted to buy one all my life). Soooo, I agreed without hesitation. Next, we attended the Lone Star Classic Corvette show at TMS two years ago as spectators, and met some of the nicest people on earth. Most were agreeable to answering questions, and most were around our age. It was there that we decided to buy our 59 that is currently under restoration in my garage. Not long thereafter, I bought a 62 ex-fuelie. I plan on showing it this year at the Classic show in May. I can't wait. Yes, Ross, parts are expensive; Vettes are expensive; and yes, there are jerks in the hobby. But, for the most part, the NCRS and others have made my transition into the Bowtie brigade a very happy experience. The information alone that I have received from this and other forums is priceless. My advice, go buy a Triumph, but always keep a Vette!!

[Terry F.]

Re: Corvette hobby

Ross, I could tell some horror stories. I have learned a bit about the hobby through the years also. I have been ripped off like you wouldn't believe through the mail. I have had to threaten people and get nasty on occassion, etc. I know certain situations have more risks than others and I choose to stay away from those situations and people. If you are about to pay a lot for something, you need to know exactly what you are getting. If they won't tell you, walk the other way.

If you buy a car, buy a quality car. Shop and you can still find nice cars that are survivor quality. You might have to pay more but if you know the hobby you will realize it is worth it in many cases.

You sort of have to be in both ends of the business. I buy parts and occassionally sell parts. I am amazed at how much people will pay on Ebay. I give accurate descriptions and have never had someone dissatisfied with a part. Selling parts supports my hobbie. Working supports it too.

Another thing...if you have money you will probably spend it on something. I tend to focus my play money in just one area. So when I spend a little money, I sort of justify it in that way.

As a comparison, I sort of got off on a tangent and restored a couple of old tractors. I sort of used my NCRS attitude on the tractors and they came out beautiful. I had no problem finding parts and the parts were cheap in comparison to corvette parts. The people were down to earth and I was never ever ripped off like I had been in dealing with some corvette people (say Hemmings Motor News/beware!).

Just my 2 cents worth. I love working on my corvette. I think I like working on it more than driving it. Take your time, don't get burned out and protect your enjoyment of the hobbie. I think you will find it is worth it.

Later, Terry

[Chuck R.]

Re: I can't speak for the others Ross

But I consider myself a most OUTSTANDING AND WONDERFUL PERSON! Just ask me!!

Been there done that Ross! I lost count of the "take it or leave it" attitudes that I have come up against in my five years of Corvette ownership.

The suggestions already provided are dead on in the respect that it's the vendor's ultimate loss not yours!

I leaned quickly that it's inevitable that we will run up against "Jabonys" from time to time. My advantage now is that I have enough parts time under my belt where I can read a line of BS pretty quickly.

So, I don't get my shorts in a bunch when they tell me to "take it or leave it"
I leave it!

For every A-hole vendor, ther are fifty good guys (and gals) that will bend over backwards to provide you with what you need.

Well it's time for Mr. Wonderful to get off his soap box now.

Keep the faith Brudda!

Chuck

[Ross Flora]

Re: I can't speak for the others Ross

Wow, I can't believe the responses to my e-mail. Thank you Dick, Scott, John, Joe, Terry, Chuck and the others who took the time to post a note. O.K. I will stay for the long haul, and attend as many functions as possible in order to meet everyone who has shared their thoughts with me. Now, if I can only find a good repro '72 LT-1 Exhaust system....

[Chuck R.]

Re: Got a set for Ya for $1,000.00

But for you Ross $2,000.00

My hinney puckers when I keep checking out the price for those 68 center gauge cluster bezels

Glad to hear that your going to hang in there Ross!

Chuckster

[Dick W.]

Re: I can't speak for the others Ross

BTW Ross, when you find a decent exhaust system for your car, let everyone know. There are probably several hundred owners that would like to find a system with the pipes and mufflers configured like the original.

Hang in there

[Larry P.]

Re: I can't speak for the others Ross

I was just GIVEN for free a rare part by a member here who only knows me from this board. I have seen similar acts of kindness. It's like any other part of your life, if you don't like someone, avoid them.
LP

[Carl H.]

Re: I can't speak for the others Ross

Ross, you defintely touched a nerve with that post. I wish your NCRS experience could equal mine. I have made friends (in a very few years) that I will treasure for the rest of my days. I recently tried to have my 59 ready for PV at a regional and was running out of time. My driveway was full of volunteers. Give it a chance, brother.