When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I was member of a NCCC affiliated club about 25 years ago. I joined because I was new to the area and wanted to meet some people. It was small and struggled to maintain its affiliation, and I seem to recall that we spent a lot of time talking about the organization and which bar to attend after meetings. I left after a year when I moved again.
Like others here I don't like the overall experience in structured clubs. I am now enjoying a group of mostly 20 and 30 year olds who interact via Facebook, meet at least once a week for a cruise-in and dinner, and have no appreciable structure. All types of vehicles are welcome AND appreciated, but the young guys are mostly fascinated by modern supercars they can't afford. I compliment their vinyl wrapped Toyotas and they take lots of photos of my Corvette. I attend when the weather's nice and that works for me.
The local Corvette Club keeps asking me to join and I don't really know how politely to explain why I always say no. They seem like nice folks and they are very interested in Corvettes, the problem is that I have C2's and they all have C7's. While I like the C7, it is just not where my interest lies. Most of the club events involve a long drive to some place for breakfast on a Saturday morning. I am more interested in events like Cars and Coffee where I can mingle with others interested in older cars and all of the things involved in keeping them running. This got me thinking if others in the C1 and C2 world feel the same way.
Doc
Just be polite and tell them you're not interested and reiterate it the next time you're asked....
There are several "gold chain", late model Corvette clubs I get asked to join locally and I shut them down quickly...
I know I don't fit that "mold" and the inquiring members usually figure it out pretty fast. Siting under a pop-up awning in that "extra heavy duty" folding chair talking with other old farts and their wives about where you can eat and get the most food, what the Kardashisans are doing, or, who wrote the biggest check for that late model Corvette "bolt on" accessory, isn't my idea of a car club...
I am a member of the Muscle Car Network of Central Florida though; its an online club with no real structure or politics. They apprise folks on the web site about activities and you can come or not.
Its almost all 60s and early 70s cars.
Sometimes you'll get a "special needs" email where particular cars are needed for a 60s "sock hop" event or a Disney or Sea World venue (which usually come with complimentary free tickets) - no pressure to go if you don't want to..
The only mandate is that if you sign up for a special event they damn well expect you to show up - which is reasonable for planning purposes.
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; 01-23-2019 at 08:31 AM.
I've been in the local VIP club, located in the Albany NY area for about 10 years. Great club with over 200 members. Very easy going structure and great leadership. I'm still working and I'm one of the younger members (63). I attend some of the meetings and some of the shows. I have a '65 and most of the members have C-6's & 7's. Most of my participation has been local car shows and monthly meetings. C-2's are becoming more scarce in my area and at local car shows. I do enjoy talking to other C-2 owners and checking out their rides. Not many club members wrench their own cars, due to their newness. Waiting for the warmer weather. 13" snow this week. -6 degrees earlier this week.
Same thing here in the Midwest, Mostly C5, C6, C7's ,driving 75mph, going on long day trips or overnight mini vacations even a trips to KY. I am a member of 3 clubs but only do the car shows and sometimes that is a pain because they want to make a big display promoting the club. My wife will not go because of cattiness and the older members are not open to change.
I do not to go to the same local show every month. Usually hitting spot around town to see new cars and people....
Interesting responses, it looks like a lot of you are like me in that un-structured gatherings like Cars and Coffee are more appealing. I am too old to put up with rules and required meetings. I would probably get one of those 13 month suspensions for not eating my vegetables. As I said in my original post, the guys from the local club seem to be friendly and I appreciate their offer to join.
Wow, just plain WOW.
And I thought it was just me. I will only echo what many of you have said without rehashing it. I'm a C1 and C2 owner. Everyone in my club is mostly C5 or newer and there are very few early cars, in fact many members think a C4 is an early car. Not putting anyone down, loving a Corvette is loving a Corvette, but the later models just don't do it for me. Yes I appreciate the car but as someone else said, just doesn't hold my interest. I'm not an NCRS member, fanatic, although there is nothing wrong with that either, just not me. To go on these "long" cruises I really need to change the rear gear ratio (4:11) or the trans to a 5 speed. Not sure which but cruising at 70 mph with my setup is not enjoyable. It is as someone else mentioned, more of a social club that a "car" bunch of people but as Seinfeld says, "not that there is anything wrong with that" I guess I'm kinda stuck in the middle, looking to explore, and glad to find out I and my part of the country am not the only one experiencing this phenomena. Thanks for the thread.
we joined a corvette club when we got our first of 11 new corvettes in 1959 and I still belong today . some of my longest lasting best friends I met thru the corvette club. back in 1959 it was a competition club with speed events every weekend. and SCCA races. it has changed over the years as the members got older but we still do track days at places like watkins glenn and mid ohio
I am somewhat in the same boat . I would like to join a club that I can meet new people with the same interests . But most of the cars in the local clubs are newer Corvetttes and I am into C1 . I think I will be better off in a classis or hot rod club . Enjoy your ride my friend .
In post #4, I stated my reasons for not belonging to a club. However, about 25 years ago when I was still in the USAF in San Antonio, my wife and I belonged to a great Corvette club, Texas Corvette Association. Just a great bunch of people enjoying Corvettes and having a good time together. I hope the club is still as good as it used to be.
I grew up with parents that were heavy into the local Club. It was dull and boring as a kid, and as an adult, there was nothing that interested me.
The clubs now are all people still my parents ages, with new cars, who just want to drive the freeway to someplace to eat and drink, usually a casino.
I just sold my Z06, and while I'm happy to drive my C2 anywhere for any distance, I just don't fond anything in common, nor worth the time investment. Cars and coffee scratches that itch, We even do some shows, but man, I cant just sit there all day. I need to be doing something.
I don't think its just a vette thing either, I'm always being asked to join a car or bike club. What is it with the "club" thing? Do people really feel the need to belong so bad that they join clubs?
I have zero desire to belong to a CLUB. Happy to go on a cruise, or some activity, but as far as clubbing...no thank you.
We belong to a local Corvette club. We participate in the activities we want to. We feed the annual car club charity but don’t sit all day at the “show”.
We were in a local club in VA Beach for 14 years. Made some good friends. The “holier than though” attitude that was mentioned earlier did rear its ugly head. That drove us out of the club. If I want to have dinner with friends I don’t need to be subjected to someone’s “directive “ before going to dinner.
It’s supposed to be fun, not another job. I already had one of those.
Ugh! Whenever I join a club or an organization and the leadership inevitably finds out I'm an IT guy; I'm suddenly responsible for the newletter, the member database, the web site sometimes, email outreach.... Happened when I was on our HOA and small town Planning & Zoning Committee....
I just don't need the responsibilities at this point...
I just want to join so I can "Black Ball" a potential Member..................JK, I see a lot of club members at local shows in the Spring, Summer and Fall.............Had enough with meetings WHERE I CAN'T SMOKE A GOOD CIGAR..................
I just want to join so I can "Black Ball" a potential Member..................JK, I see a lot of club members at local shows in the Spring, Summer and Fall.............Had enough with meetings WHERE I CAN'T SMOKE A GOOD CIGAR..................
You should join a cigar smokers club...drive your Vette there and back...PROBLEM SOLVED!
I was in the local OKC Corvette Club when I got my first Stingray at 21 years old. Pretty fun back then, the newest Corvette would have been the 1982 models and the investors were already putting their no mileage Collector Editions on jackstands with mirrors underneath. Lotsa' gold chains, trophy wives and cigars. I was asked back a few years ago so I attended with my "new to me" '66 Coupe and I could see political infighting in the club, apparently the club "split" a few years back and both sides are still bitter about it.
I tried a "looser assembly" of Corvette owners and though most of them were newer (C5-C7's) they happily welcomed me, probably because of the novelty. I didn't mind keeping up with them on the interstate at 75 mph but I didn't like the reckless driving so that they could all stay together in one line. I gladly stayed at the back of the line. And then when one of the owner/member of one of the newer cars felt the need and superiority to block oncoming traffic so that all of the Corvettes could stay single file to turn into the restaurant parking lot together … I haven't been back.
I like my car but I don't want to act like this. This to me was a clear example of why some Corvette owners have a certain reputation to others out there on the road.
The local Corvette Club keeps asking me to join and I don't really know how politely to explain why I always say no. They seem like nice folks and they are very interested in Corvettes, the problem is that I have C2's and they all have C7's. While I like the C7, it is just not where my interest lies. Most of the club events involve a long drive to some place for breakfast on a Saturday morning. I am more interested in events like Cars and Coffee where I can mingle with others interested in older cars and all of the things involved in keeping them running. This got me thinking if others in the C1 and C2 world feel the same way.
Doc
I did not join my local Corvette club, for reasons similar to what you stated.
I did however, join a neighboring club, which appears to be your local club. When I met the club officer who was telling me about it, I expressed those concerns. He assured me that they had a wide mix of vehicles and all eras were welcome. I got a better vibe from him than I did from my local club, so I signed up. It wasn't very expensive, so if it's not my thing after a year, no big deal. This was just last month, so I don't have any other insight. If the membership directory is accurate there's about 15% C1/C2 (including mine) in the club, with a few more C3s.
I totally agree with your post. I have been a member of a club for about 8 years ago which is about 50 miles away. They are a great group and I really enjoy them and their cars. However, I recently sold a C7Z06 and bough a 66 Roadster. Like you I now find myself going to venues to see older cars and particularly get advice and information from their owners. All in all I really enjoy being around Corvette folks. Additionally I live less than ten miles from ZIP Products which is a favorite stop for me in my weekly cruise to keep my car functioning.
I have access to more than one Corvette club in my area & was invited to join. When I look at their respective websites, I see sock hops& 50's dances as some of the activities that they do. I am no young man being 60, but 50's dances are way before my time & not my cup of tea. So I guess that I will stay a Corvette owner that has no allegiances to anyone
01-23-2019, 06:35 AM
I attend some of the meetings and some of the shows. I have a '65 and most of the members have C-6's & 7's. Most of my participation has been local car shows and monthly meetings. C-2's are becoming more scarce in my area and at local car shows. I do enjoy talking to other C-2 owners and checking out their rides. Not many club members wrench their own cars, due to their newness. Waiting for the warmer weather. 13" snow this week. -6 degrees earlier this week. 
