C1 driving in the real world
03-20-2011, 07:46 PM
#21
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There's not much I can add.
The 53-60 seats are virtually identical and are the least comfortable. Even though the interior structure of the 61-62 cars are physically almost identical to the 60-earlier cars, the 61-62 seats were totally redesigned. The provided more leg and head room because the seat frames go further back and sit lower, thus, they are the most comfortable and provide more sitting room than the 60-earlier seats.
I have driven the 56 for long distances and after a few hours, your body and joints do get stiff (Just the nature of living with the bease
).
In July of last year, I drove the 56 from Okla City to Bowling Green, KY for the SACC natl convention------------------literally in the rain alllllllllllllllllll the way there. Then back in the July heat all the way back! Like Roy Braatz above, I pull a small trailer. The car itself performed fine---------------the driver was a little ragged after the "adventure". I'd do it again!
Tom Parsons
The 53-60 seats are virtually identical and are the least comfortable. Even though the interior structure of the 61-62 cars are physically almost identical to the 60-earlier cars, the 61-62 seats were totally redesigned. The provided more leg and head room because the seat frames go further back and sit lower, thus, they are the most comfortable and provide more sitting room than the 60-earlier seats.
I have driven the 56 for long distances and after a few hours, your body and joints do get stiff (Just the nature of living with the bease
). In July of last year, I drove the 56 from Okla City to Bowling Green, KY for the SACC natl convention------------------literally in the rain alllllllllllllllllll the way there. Then back in the July heat all the way back! Like Roy Braatz above, I pull a small trailer. The car itself performed fine---------------the driver was a little ragged after the "adventure". I'd do it again!
Tom Parsons
Last edited by DZAUTO; 03-21-2011 at 04:01 PM.
03-20-2011, 09:12 PM
#22
Safety Car
Tom I disagree , the 53-55 seats are bigger and wider and if we ever meet up you can drive my 55. Your the only other guy I know that uses his Corvette as a tow car besides my friend George in his 56 .
Here is my friend George and some other guy in a 57 towing ,cant remember who he was.
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Here is my friend George and some other guy in a 57 towing ,cant remember who he was.
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03-21-2011, 12:21 AM
#23
Drifting
There's not much I can add.
The 53-60 seats are virtually identical and are the least comfortable. Even though the interior structure of the 61-62 cars are physically almost identical to the 60-earlier cars, the 61-62 seats were totally redesigned. The provided more leg and head room because the seat frames go further back and sit lower, thus, they are the most comfortable and provide more sitting room than the 60-earlier seats.
I have driven the 56 for long distances and after a few hours, your body and joints do get still (Just the nature of living with the beast ). In July of last year, I drove the 56 from Okla City to Bowling Green, KY for the SACC natl convention------------------literally in the rain alllllllllllllllllll the way there. Then back in the July heat all the way back! Like Roy Braatz above, I pull a small trailer. The car itself performed fine---------------the driver was a little ragged after the "adventure". I'd do it again!
Tom Parsons
The 53-60 seats are virtually identical and are the least comfortable. Even though the interior structure of the 61-62 cars are physically almost identical to the 60-earlier cars, the 61-62 seats were totally redesigned. The provided more leg and head room because the seat frames go further back and sit lower, thus, they are the most comfortable and provide more sitting room than the 60-earlier seats.
I have driven the 56 for long distances and after a few hours, your body and joints do get still (Just the nature of living with the beast
). In July of last year, I drove the 56 from Okla City to Bowling Green, KY for the SACC natl convention------------------literally in the rain alllllllllllllllllll the way there. Then back in the July heat all the way back! Like Roy Braatz above, I pull a small trailer. The car itself performed fine---------------the driver was a little ragged after the "adventure". I'd do it again! Tom Parsons
03-21-2011, 05:16 AM
#24
Burning Brakes
I think most on this thread are blaming the cars for our own short comings. I drive my 2010 Denali XL home every night, 30-40 minute drive and when I get out every joint hurts. I drive either of my 62 vettes out for the same time, pull a couple of hole shots and run the gears full throttle and and get home, I feel 22 again. What is with that????
03-21-2011, 07:12 AM
#25
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Hey Bill, The Loop (Rudy's) re-open last Wednesday. Let me know when you're in Oswego & we'll have a "Meet & Eat". Marc
03-21-2011, 04:05 PM
#26
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I think most on this thread are blaming the cars for our own short comings. I drive my 2010 Denali XL home every night, 30-40 minute drive and when I get out every joint hurts. I drive either of my 62 vettes out for the same time, pull a couple of hole shots and run the gears full throttle and and get home, I feel 22 again. What is with that????
Also, another thing that makes them stiff is the looooooooong flight over to Dublin!!! And we have to make the flight back Thur morning!
But, at least we're staying in a castle!
Tom Parsons
01-23-2023, 08:49 PM
#27
Looking to buy a c1 or c2 for dd
Hello, all you experinced,happy Vette owners! I am seeking a C1 or C2 as my 1st Vette, but am concerned, as I live on Long Island, not Florida. Question, please: What is the oldest model suitable for daily, local driving? I love super-vintage, but I must be practical. Thanks a lot!!
01-24-2023, 01:31 AM
#28
Melting Slicks
Welcome to the forum.
The answer to your question can only be answered by YOU.
It will require some research by you to define what you want. Both designs were used as dayley transportation and many still are.
The answer to your question can only be answered by YOU.
It will require some research by you to define what you want. Both designs were used as dayley transportation and many still are.
01-24-2023, 06:20 AM
#29
Drifting
Thanks Frankie,
I took a 210 mile round trip in my bone stock '61 down the Eastern Florida coast to Rich5962's shop to pick up some NOS parts he was nice enough to sell me last week. Close to 4 hours and covered interstates, old Florida back roads and a stint across Rich's large grassy property. No problem, no back pain, it was bouncy at some point but not unacceptable. Now, driving top down, at speed, in the Florida sun and heat will wear your butt out in about an hour but that's nothing to do with the car.
Remember the Corvette suspension is the same one that was in most passenger cars in the '50s that your Mom used to haul the kids and groceries in with an occasional cross-country jaunt to Grandma's house.
I think age and lack of maintenance is what makes many modern driver's gripe. I routinely took 3 hour trips on my old Kawasaki motorcycle in the '60s and partied at the end of the ride.
Since you've posted twice about the "C1 experience" you may want to read the British comprehensive analysis of a new 1961 Corvette shortly after they came out:
http://www.c1registry.com/downloads/...e_Analysis.pdf
Remember the Corvette suspension is the same one that was in most passenger cars in the '50s that your Mom used to haul the kids and groceries in with an occasional cross-country jaunt to Grandma's house.
I think age and lack of maintenance is what makes many modern driver's gripe. I routinely took 3 hour trips on my old Kawasaki motorcycle in the '60s and partied at the end of the ride.
Since you've posted twice about the "C1 experience" you may want to read the British comprehensive analysis of a new 1961 Corvette shortly after they came out:
http://www.c1registry.com/downloads/...e_Analysis.pdf
01-24-2023, 06:35 AM
#30
Drifting
C2's are technically a much improved Corvette
Hello, all you experinced,happy Vette owners! I am seeking a C1 or C2 as my 1st Vette, but am concerned, as I live on Long Island, not Florida. Question, please: What is the oldest model suitable for daily, local driving? I love super-vintage, but I must be practical. Thanks a lot!!
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petdoc (01-24-2023)
01-24-2023, 09:28 AM
#31
Instructor
Hi All,
Good morning. Just another day in Paradise. I was stationed in San Diego in 1972 and purchased a '61 Corvette hardtop and a week later received orders to Norfolk, Va. A friend of mine also got the same orders. We packed our seabags in and on the Corvette and drove from CA to VA in 4 days. We had a great time. Not sure I would want to do it again in 4 days but I would like to do it again. Have a great day,
Fred
Good morning. Just another day in Paradise. I was stationed in San Diego in 1972 and purchased a '61 Corvette hardtop and a week later received orders to Norfolk, Va. A friend of mine also got the same orders. We packed our seabags in and on the Corvette and drove from CA to VA in 4 days. We had a great time. Not sure I would want to do it again in 4 days but I would like to do it again. Have a great day,
Fred
01-24-2023, 09:39 AM
#32
To add to what others have said, I drove my bone stock 62 from coast to coast and Mexico to Canada with no problem at all. I've always found the seats comfortable and I'm 6' (or used to be, probably nearer 5'10" now
01-24-2023, 11:40 AM
#34
Drifting
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This subject comes up a lot. I had a bone stock '60 with bias ply tires when I was in my 20s and never had an issue with the steering. Now in my 70s the '60 I have now has radials. The ride is better but steering is harder and my rotator cuff appreciates the power steering in it. My boney butt doesn't appreciate the seats however but then again it doesn't like the seats in my '18 Malibu either. The cars are not worn out, my body is.
01-25-2023, 07:01 PM
#35
Hey, carl!!
Thanks for your quick, helpful reply here. I hope you see this, as this is my 1st reply to anyone, and I'm a bit confused. Your car is stunning!!! Kudos to you for excellent taste! I would love to check out your classic iconic Vette, in better weather A great coindidence is that I live so close - in Southampton Town, near the Shinnecock Canal. I would love a C1, and a hardtop is a must, but most of them are super pricey, so that's the only reason for buying a C2. I am doing my research. My dentist happily just bought a green 1968 model on that daily free Swap and Shop radio program out of Sag Harbor, rather by chance! Any opinion on the Grand Prix Cafe vintage car dealership in 11968? More later. Hope you actually get to see this reply to your post!! Thanks, again.
01-25-2023, 07:04 PM
#36
Dear Carl: Thanks for your quick, helpful reply here. I hope you see this, as this is my 1st reply to anyone, and I'm a bit confused. Your car is stunning!!! Kudos to you for excellent taste! I would love to check out your classic iconic Vette, in better weather A great coindidence is that I live so close - in Southampton Town, near the Shinnecock Canal. I would love a C1, and a hardtop is a must, but most of them are super pricey, so that's the only reason for buying a C2. I am doing my research. My dentist happily just bought a green 1968 model on that daily free Swap and Shop radio program out of Sag Harbor, rather by chance! Any opinion on the Grand Prix Cafe vintage car dealership in 11968? More later. Hope you actually get to see this reply to your post!! Thanks, again.
01-26-2023, 06:14 AM
#37
Drifting
Hi Awake, Please use the private email within the forum and you can let me know when and where. I drive my 59 all year so any time is good. I'm 77 and don't know how much time I got left so I use my 59. It's definitely not a garage/trailer queen. Look for an email from me. It should pop up as a private message to you on this forum.
Last edited by carl3989; 01-26-2023 at 03:33 PM.
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AwakeAtTheWheel (01-30-2023)
01-30-2023, 08:11 PM
#38
Dear Carl: Hi. Thanks for your message here. I was confused as you had given me an off-site email. Is this right here public or private????? OK. Later!! Looking forward!!
