Hello all first post. I'll be browsing this forum quite a bit to learn about the C2. In the mean time, I'd love the opinion of C2 owners regarding daily driving. I used to daily drive a 1967 Mercury Cougar so I understand 60's era amenities. Mostly interested in how brakes/steering/suspension handle the commute in today's environment.

Thanks in advance.

Jay

 

I wouldn’t worry about any of that. I would be worried about theft, soccer moms, lifted pick ups, distracted drivers, rain leaks and insurance. After that it’s just a 50 year old Chevy.

 

Welcome to the forum! Are you looking to buy one? If so, what year?

 

Couldn't be better stated. Absolute truth. If you're ok with driving an old car day to day as many of us are, your main concern is not getting taken out by a distracted driver. C2 Corvettes are reliable, basic old cars that handle and stop better than most vehicles of their vintage.

 

Thanks, I'm certainly not in the market for a collector. Currently browsing partially restored examples that could be good drivers with some work.

I'm actually visiting this one Sunday https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d...468229212.html

 

To safely daily drive that car your going to need about 1500 bucks in a cooling system overhaul. And a 100 buck master cylinder

 

No offense but that car needs a lot of work. It will be a money pit in the long run. The flairs, glassed in headlights and rear spoiler are a big turn off for most buyers. There’s a reason it’s cheap.

 

I understand the ride isn't going to be the same as my newer 2007, but I appreciate the ride for the classic muscle machine that it is.

Save the wave!

 

No offense taken. I'm coming from the Porsche forum where I had a very nice 911turbo. The members were a mix of collectors and enthusiasts and a pretty vocal subset of purists that would often discourage doing anything to the car that might lower its value (including simply driving it).

Last summer, I lost that 911 to the Houston flood resulting from Hurricane Harvey. I regret worrying about it's resale value more than enjoying it. I'm not going to make the same mistake If i decide to get a C2. Everyone has their own point of view and priorities. This time around i'm less concerned with resale value and purity of the brand.

 

Jay,
I've owned my 63 Corvette for about 40 years and it was my daily driver for almost half that time. I suspect your biggest issue will be maintaining a C2. Even one in good condition was not originally designed to go as long between maintenance as modern cars. And there are few mechanics left who know about things like carburetors and points distributors. So if you are comfortable doing the maintenance yourself, then go for it. But if you plan to pay someone else, line them up before you buy the car and be prepared for more maintenance than you may be used to. .... In addition, there are some unique things about driving old cars:

• If you don't have air conditioning, it can get very uncomfortable in the summer, and the windows will tend to fog up on rainy days.
• Manual steering and radial tires make for very heavy steering when parking.
• Manual transmissions with heavy clutches get old quick in stop-and-go traffic.
• Many C2's have overheat problems in slow traffic on hot days.
• A C2 with drum brakes requires special attention on long downhill grades and after driving through deep water.
• Old cars (including C2s) have far fewer safety features than modern cars. Some don't even have shoulder harnesses.

Some of the challenges above can be addressed by modifying a C2. But a C2 will never be as safe as a modern car. It's a risk you'll have to consider when you make your decision. ... One last thing. Some old cars have old components (e.g., wiring and single master cylinder brakes) that can create a very dangerous situation if they fail. Be sure you know what you are buying and be especially attentive to brakes, steering, wiring and fuel system components.

 

The car you are going to look at is most likely customized due to having been wrecked. If you are ok with that, then your next concern should be about birdcage rust and frame rust at the kickup area. As previously noted, the cooling system is sub par for driveability in traffic. As you read through the multiple posts here about "cooling", you'll get the picture. Since it's a '64, it has drum brakes unless it's been converted to discs, front or both. It gets hot in Texas so A/C may come to mind. Retro systems are available. If you can, take someone from your area who knows C-2 Vettes. These cars car eat your wallet with ease if you don't do your homework. Good luck! Dennis

 

Welcome to the forum.

Your Cougar is a good comparison to the 64 Corvette except the Cougar is heavier and bigger.
It appears the 64 you are looking at has power brakes (originally drum brakes from the factory). If your Cougar was a drum brake car, you should be prepared for the longer stopping interval. I have a 68 Camaro with standard drum brakes and the 66 Corvette with standard disc brakes - can't even start to compare them, the Corvette almost meets the braking of the newer cars. I have had it in a panic stop situation and it performed good except no anti-lock of course.

R66 is much superior in ride and comfort. Except - it is extremely hot in the summer time as the fiberglass floor pan and firewall seem to do little insulating. Coupe guys can chime in better as both of our cars are convertible.

R66 is an unmolested 327/300 hp mouse with a 4 speed, the 68RS is a 350/300+ hp with a 4 speed. As the 66 is lighter and geared slightly lower, the performance is a little better. The Corvette handles much better although both are power steering and the 66 has skinny Hankook 205/75/15 radials and the 68 has 70 series BFG TA radials.

R66 is a death trap with the original aviation style seat belts and of course the fiberglass body, the steering column, no side protection in the doors, small brake lights, etc.

I changed out the single master cylinder when it started leaking and installed a dual Master Cylinder just because it was cheap to do. IMO the single MCs are safe as long as you do your maintenance.

I drove the 68RS over 215 miles per day round trip, 5 or more days a week for 6 years (in good weather) on mostly interstate so I know what what it is to cruise an old car.

If you like the car and are not planning on buying it as an investment, you will probably love it. The purists will say it is too high, others may say it is a great buy. That is your call.

Ron

 

You didn't directly ask us what we thought of the looks of that '64, but as usual the guys here are right. It screams money pit. Especially if you want it to be a daily driver.

Have you shopped the for sale section on the forum? There's a nice looking '65 Coupe driver on there: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...river-45k.html

Or Revfan's https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-for-sale.html

Sting Rays make great daily drivers. I drove several as daily drivers in the '80s and '90s. But they're even older now, and they do require attention. Hopefully you can handle most of that yourself.

 

Ding, Ding, Ding!

I have a C7 convertible for driving to work on nice weather days, and a Honda CR-V true daily driver. My 67 Corvette and my 2006 Porsche PCA Club Coupe 2 of 50--those are not for driving every day.

 

It will be missing the 2nd or 3rd time you park it at Walmart or Kroger or Lowes. And prior to that, since you are using it as a daily driver all you will be able to buy is standard insurance and the company will view it as a 66 Chevrolet and pay you a corresponding value when it's stolen. And when you complain about that they will offer to insure it as a collector car but then you can no longer drive it to work or on errands. And if you somehow get past all of that there's still the 18 year old in their Dad's 5500 lb Suburban who T-bones you at an intersection and messes you up good.

Forgot to add - you will probably reek of gas fumes everywhere you go in it. Wives and girlfriends will probably do anything to get out of riding in it.

 

 

When I talk to friends about it I say its pretty equivalent to my thoughts on using a motorbike as a daily driver. Not safe and not always convenient, but usually more fun !

 

Dan'sYellow66 WOW, what a tail of ....... The ins part IS spot on. Dennis

 

my only worry would be theft other than that it is just a car and maintenance is nothing compared to new cars if you are mechanically minded. insure it and drive unless ncrs car your are driving a collector or rare one in perfect condition. note: do install theft device and park where you can see it i do agree malls in general a no-no, just don't be stupid about it. by the way people say same thing about any high end car or customized trucks, cars etc.. enjoy in the way you want while you can, someday you might not be able to for some reason. my 2 cents. oh, I heard same thing when a was driving mine daily in 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s, some things never change.

 

My ‘66 coupe is definitely comfortable and reliable enough to Drive daily, tuned port ZZ4, powerglide, AC, PS, PB. Only thing I would change if I drove it more would be add shoulder belts.

Have fun, I always say part of the fun of driving these cars is that they are less comfortable which honestly adds to the experience.

Good luck on your search!
Rob