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Wow. I like the first one and the last one....the '62 in L.A. is calling to me for some reason...Change out the wheels and tires and it would be a stunner.
These cars go down the road in a straight line with a very acceptable ride on coil springs, leaf springs and shocks just like modern cars...but they ARE time machines...when you turn that school bus steering wheel to make a turn you are transported to 1950's where king pin/center link steering and solid axles ruled the day and piggish handling was the norm. You get used to it.
Those of us that grew up in 50s and learned to drive thought the cars were just fine, even with their bias ply tires, old suspension, no air, and frequent maintenance requirements.
With the modern technology and engineering, we have all become comfortable and maybe a bit lazy. We expect a lot from new cars.
C1s are truly time machines and fun to drive when you get used to the limitations. One of the big factors for me is that they are relatively simple and straightforward to repair and maintain.
The downside to having modern, trouble free cars is that I'm continually striving to make my Vette the same, expecting it to start and run like a new car. Never going to happen, not with 50 year old technology. I need to satisfied with the way it was in 1959!
Aside from reliability with the modern upgrades mentioned above, the upgrades add to the safety of the C1s. I would argue that although it provides us drivers with conveniences making us a bit "lazy", it also can protect us on the modern roadways.
1. Steering columns with built in crumple zones to collapse in case of an accident
2. Modern suspension systems significantly improves drivability and safety when not going in a straight line
3. Radial tires - there are all sorts of arguments of their superiority over bias-ply
4. Seat Belts
5. Disk Brakes - when you really need to stop
For the purist/collector, I get it - you drive them the way they came from factory, and that is OK. For me, the added reliability and safety is important.
When I want a modern car experience, I simply drive a modern car. I leave the classics alone in order to experience them as they were built. Different strokes.......
When I want a modern car experience, I simply drive a modern car. I leave the classics alone in order to experience them as they were built. Different strokes.......
My way is to upgrade my midyear like Headlights. Radial tires ,Points.
Battery ,Radiator ,Cam ,even flow masters .
I have done this to both midyears and enjoy driving them and using them ,Everything else is correct down to dated glass.
Aside from reliability with the modern upgrades mentioned above, the upgrades add to the safety of the C1s. I would argue that although it provides us drivers with conveniences making us a bit "lazy", it also can protect us on the modern roadways.
1. Steering columns with built in crumple zones to collapse in case of an accident
2. Modern suspension systems significantly improves drivability and safety when not going in a straight line
3. Radial tires - there are all sorts of arguments of their superiority over bias-ply
4. Seat Belts
5. Disk Brakes - when you really need to stop
For the purist/collector, I get it - you drive them the way they came from factory, and that is OK. For me, the added reliability and safety is important.
I always drive hyper-defensive in my C1. Being in an accident in it would be bad on many levels.
Not to nit-pick this list, as every item is a safety improvement to some degree... but you have 2 main categories: Accident avoidance and accident survival.
Tires are the most important "accident avoidance" item on a car. Running old tires (>10 years old) is a bad idea.
If you are performance driving, disc brakes are a no-brainer. But for street cruising, I feel the drums are fine, and can lock the wheels just as well as disc brakes can.. ABS is another story, however...
Regarding seat belts.. They are kind of a joke in a C1. I think Frankie said it best when he says they only make it easier for the EMT techs to find the bodies... Unless you have side impact protection, crumple zones, etc.. staying in your seat is probably not going to improve your odds of surviving very much.
Increasing the accident survival on these cars would require extensive modifications, and likely still be a compromise - never approaching a modern car.
This topic comes up from time to time; Anyone who is concerned about crumple zones and collapsible steering columns should buy a C7 and not worry with C1's; They are not for you and vice versa.
I liken it to my favorite pistol (the DWM Luger P08). A work of art with some history and character. If you want higher performance and something that will fire any 9mm round you feed it, buy a modern black plastic wonder.
Some people are risk takers; it's best a have a fatalistic approach to driving any classic car. Trust your fate and not the other drivers!
That said, I've found that disc brakes and radial tires will dramatically improve the road manners of these old beauties without compromising the look or charm.
Any one else notice that the OP has yet to respond? More opinions than he wanted I suppose!
I wanted to reach out get your opinions and thoughts on taking a leap from a C7 to a C1. The car is 1959 CI 2x4 4spd. My current C7 Z51 no longer makes me excited. I see too many on the road and I do not feel like there is anything special about them. My previous vette was a C6 and i never felt this way about it. I had that car for 9 years until the new body style of the C7 caught my eye.
Anyway, after reading the forum for awhile I have seen a lot of posts regarding upkeep on these cars. Would you say the maintenance is extensive? Anything I should know before I take the plunge? I will be storing the car during the winter like I have with my last two vettes and this will not be a daily driver.
Also, I am 31 if that matters. I plan on keeping this one for a while.
This conversation was for you you think you could chime in.
All of my C1's have seat belts. Getting ejected from your car lessens your chances.
Attorney, Passenger Injured In Car Crash
January 23, 2000|STAFF REPORTS
FORT LAUDERDALE
Two men were in critical condition Saturday night after the vintage Corvette they were riding in crashed into another car near downtown Fort Lauderdale, a fire-rescue spokesman said.
Elliot D. Goldberg, 54, a Fort Lauderdale-based attorney, was making a left turn onto Broward Boulevard from the southbound lanes of Federal Highway when a northbound Honda Civic crashed into his 1958 Corvette convertible. Goldberg and a passenger, Luis Yager, 49, of Hollywood, were ejected from the car, said Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue Division Chief Stephen McInerny.
Both cars were heavily damaged, but the driver of the Civic, Justin Keyser, 18, of Davie, was unharmed, McInerny said. Fire-rescue workers took Yager and Elliot, who suffered from neck and back pains, to the Broward General Medical Center trauma unit.
I used to ride a Harley with my wife for recreation. After seeing a wreck involving a couple on a bike like ours, and more recently a man in our church motorcycle riding club getting killed in a solo wreck on his Harley we have decided we like our chances for being seen and surviving the unthinkable in a C1 verses a Road King Classic. I sold it.
Everyone is absolutely correct that comparing a C1 and a C7 is just a little crazy.
I own a '58 but if I were in the market today I would buy a '62. I'm big on buying the last in a series.
My '58 is still original but I have switched to radial Michelin tires. That really improved the way the car drives.
I would also get a car with two tops. Driving with the hardtop in place is just so different. With the top in place it's like a GT car. With the convertible it's more of a sports car.
I would agree with Frankie that a good straight axle goes down the road straight and rides nice. Problems take place when you start to screw with the car and add modern stuff.
I got rid the Crager wheels. That was just one of the mistakes I've made over the years.
There is nothing in the world like a C1. I'm 6' 2" tall and wear 34" pants so I have to cram in, but it is all worth it. If the top is up I have to tuck my head in and then slide my caboose in, but it's all worth it! They drive like a farm tractor under fiberglass, but (well you get the point)
Someone on here said before that people will always notice a Corvette passes, and they will turn their head when a C2 passes, but they will break their neck looking at C1 going down the road.
You are right, everyone has C7's now and if you want to stand out the C1 is your car. Just do it!
Well I'm 6' 2" and wear bigger pants and fit but I do have a particular technique to get in/out. Some of it so I don't slice my leg on the metal trim below the A pillar that is an extension of the patterned metal panel trim from the door...its a knife on my car so I have to keep the knees down getting in/out. In my 60 I have a smaller diameter steering wheel that makes it all easier and the one it has looks dead like the original. With my size the original wheel is a no go. I sit first perpendicular to the seat then rotate/turn my legs in. Same getting out. Do a full 90 degree turn with both legs out then just stand up. With the top up it is a rather delicate tuck my head under the top (limbo like) then sit and turn. Once in I have room. This car so far is no different than any other car in terms of the attention I need to pay to it but obvious key is to find a shop near you that people recommend. I take my classics once a year for a full work over of fluid changes, grease, hose/belt checks and checking out the strange noises that pop up. Greasing the fittings I was not fully versed in how important that is on the car (I have had almost a year and just finally had it gone through for a full service visit)...I do now. Big difference. Anyway do it. Find a decent one and enjoy it. It is such a pleasure to drive and be ready to talk to people. Everyone likes the C1s.
I used to ride a Harley with my wife for recreation. After seeing a wreck involving a couple on a bike like ours, and more recently a man in our church motorcycle riding club getting killed in a solo wreck on his Harley we have decided we like our chances for being seen and surviving the unthinkable in a C1 verses a Road King Classic. I sold it.
Randy - totally understand, but love my Road King almost as much as my fuelie. I learned to ride off hours country back roads, minimizing accidents. But also believe if it's your time to go, their is nothing you can do about it, so enjoy life with no boundaries IMHO.
rustylugnuts
Last edited by rustylugnuts; Dec 28, 2016 at 06:46 AM.
Well I'm 6' 2" and wear bigger pants and fit but I do have a particular technique to get in/out. Some of it so I don't slice my leg on the metal trim below the A pillar that is an extension of the patterned metal panel trim from the door...its a knife on my car so I have to keep the knees down getting in/out. In my 60 I have a smaller diameter steering wheel that makes it all easier and the one it has looks dead like the original. With my size the original wheel is a no go. I sit first perpendicular to the seat then rotate/turn my legs in. Same getting out. Do a full 90 degree turn with both legs out then just stand up. With the top up it is a rather delicate tuck my head under the top (limbo like) then sit and turn. Once in I have room. This car so far is no different than any other car in terms of the attention I need to pay to it but obvious key is to find a shop near you that people recommend. I take my classics once a year for a full work over of fluid changes, grease, hose/belt checks and checking out the strange noises that pop up. Greasing the fittings I was not fully versed in how important that is on the car (I have had almost a year and just finally had it gone through for a full service visit)...I do now. Big difference. Anyway do it. Find a decent one and enjoy it. It is such a pleasure to drive and be ready to talk to people. Everyone likes the C1s.
