Do you drive your C3?
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Portage Michigan
I drive mine everyday during the summer, rain or shine. It is though, what you referred to as "less than great shape", however, you can't really tell that unless you're up close and personal. While I understand and respect any one who wishes to have a show car that is rarely driven and/or hauled on a trailer, I personally can't imagine putting any large sum of money into a car and not getting as much driving time out of it as possible. As for seeing other C3s on the road, I just saw what I believe to have been a '77 last week.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Northeast Missouri
Now that winter is almost over in Missori (except for this weekend's forecast 
), I have had my '78 out several times ... last time was Monday. Saw a C4 last Saturday (driver had just bought it) ... Corvettes aren't rare here in northeast Missouri .... waved at a C5 when I was out running around on Monday ...
Regards,
John
), I have had my '78 out several times ... last time was Monday. Saw a C4 last Saturday (driver had just bought it) ... Corvettes aren't rare here in northeast Missouri .... waved at a C5 when I was out running around on Monday ...Regards,
John
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 946
Likes: 0
From: Lake Geneva WI
Now that winter is almost over in Missori (except for this weekend's forecast ), I have had my '78 out several times ... last time was Monday. Saw a C4 last Saturday (driver had just bought it) ... Corvettes aren't rare here in northeast Missouri .... waved at a C5 when I was out running around on Monday ...
Regards,
John
), I have had my '78 out several times ... last time was Monday. Saw a C4 last Saturday (driver had just bought it) ... Corvettes aren't rare here in northeast Missouri .... waved at a C5 when I was out running around on Monday ...Regards,
John
NE MO, you must be getting that crummy Sat/Sun possible snow and cold too then? I'm still holding out for a Spring Weekend!!! Its been nice here for a solid week! TShirt Weather for us. Until Monday, I'd not seen grass since last November. That really sucks!!!
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Northeast Missouri
I worked yesterday and today ... nothing but sunshine and 60 degree temps. Not fair! Forecast 65 tomorrow, car will be out, not so on Saturday or Sunday. Wife does not understand why I will not take the car out when even a hint of rain is in the forecast ... car has never seen a gravel road, either!!!!
Come on spring, it is Corvette season!
Regards,
John
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 946
Likes: 0
From: Lake Geneva WI
I worked yesterday and today ... nothing but sunshine and 60 degree temps. Not fair! Forecast 65 tomorrow, car will be out, not so on Saturday or Sunday. Wife does not understand why I will not take the car out when even a hint of rain is in the forecast ... car has never seen a gravel road, either!!!!
Come on spring, it is Corvette season!
Regards,
John
Come on spring, it is Corvette season!
Regards,
John
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Northeast Missouri
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Columbus MS
Well I have an 81 and mine wasn't show quality when I bought it. I hope to some day have it show quality but no time soon because of the money situation. Plus I am enjoy riding in mine. I didn't buy mine to sit. It does have the original motor and transmission both with fresh rebuilds but I am hoping to build a 383 stoker in the future and keeping the original engine in the closet for a while ... at least until I have had my fun : )
When I get through having my fun I may restore it and put the original engine in it for value reasons.
What's funny is when I went to the bank and the young female teller asked "What kind of car is that"? I was like "Whaaaa"? I female that doesn't know what a Corvette is? This might be my kind of woman.
When I get through having my fun I may restore it and put the original engine in it for value reasons.
What's funny is when I went to the bank and the young female teller asked "What kind of car is that"? I was like "Whaaaa"? I female that doesn't know what a Corvette is? This might be my kind of woman.
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Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver Wa
247K on my vette original engine no rebuild, car runs and looks great, bought to drive and that is what I do rain, snow and sun. I have painted it a couple of times and change the oil around 3k with Valvoline Max Life. Mods include: Chromed Factory Rims with Knock Offs, Auto dimming mirror with Temp/Compass, Carbon Fiber Seat Heaters, LT1 style exhaust tips, Rack and Pinion, Headlight Upgrade and Alpine Stereo with Car Phone/ Sat Radio. 
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19,366
Likes: 5,244
From: Cape Cod, Mass.
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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If the roads are clear and dry I drive one of my cars every day, even in the winter. I consider driving a Corvette one of the greatest pleasures in life 
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,930
Likes: 11
From: AnyTown NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Every Sunday (weather permitting) spring through fall.....in fact since the winter salt has been washed away here in NJ I just might take it out this Sunday for the first time this year.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
From: Palm Beach Gardens Florida
ragtag74
I bought ol ragtag to drive.It started out as a 20 footer and worked up to a 5 footer.Most of my monies have been spent on performance and handling,while still driving as much as possible.still looks good and handles better all the time.I bought an old Jeep Wrangler to run a lot of the errands rag tag ran,so driven miles are a little less,but still lots of fun miles. 
John
John
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 10,489
Likes: 576
From: Pace Florida
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11
National Champs Gators 4 St. Jude '09
When I bought my '70, I flew to Virginia and drove it home to Florida. I've taken it on a couple of long trips since then and drove it about 4500 miles last year.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,485
Likes: 7
From: Peekskill NY
I drive it when ever I can, but still only about 500-750 miles per year. I wish it were more, but it's mostly weekends and cruises. Occasionally I'll drive it to work, which is a 70 mile round trip.
Winter really curtails any cold month driving, especially with all the salt on the roads.
Glenn
Winter really curtails any cold month driving, especially with all the salt on the roads.
Glenn
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Here in Wisconsin, once the snow melts (and it has), I'm in it.
Today I had to move some stuff with my truck. I picked my kid up at school in the truck and he wanted to know why I did not have the Vette. The kid loves riding in it. Mainly cause he's got a front seat. I think the cool factor at his age is secondary.
It gets a little warmer here and I'm having a hard time figuring out if I'm on the bike or the Vette.
Today I had to move some stuff with my truck. I picked my kid up at school in the truck and he wanted to know why I did not have the Vette. The kid loves riding in it. Mainly cause he's got a front seat. I think the cool factor at his age is secondary.
It gets a little warmer here and I'm having a hard time figuring out if I'm on the bike or the Vette.
Them kids KNOW, believe me, I remember picking up my two from school/scout/whatever and if just one, in the vette, so it was the vette or the Goat convertible with the top down....age 4 on up, they KNOW....
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 244
Likes: 3
From: Long Island
I am guessing the question pops up a fair amount but I was just trying to recall the last time I saw a C3 running down the road....not heading to or from a show or cruise but just out being driven...seems when I do see one they are 80-82's...in less than great shape. 
I realize the hardcore for investment purists can't drive their cars much or at all, everything from mileage to the possibility of a pigeon farting on it could cost the owner money,
So I will give grace to the collector cars that do not get driven, but the rest of the real world...how much do you actually drive your C3...anyone use their C3 as a daily driver?
Also when was the last time you saw a C3 in traffic that as far as you know wasn't part of a show or cruise.
I realize the hardcore for investment purists can't drive their cars much or at all, everything from mileage to the possibility of a pigeon farting on it could cost the owner money,
So I will give grace to the collector cars that do not get driven, but the rest of the real world...how much do you actually drive your C3...anyone use their C3 as a daily driver?
Also when was the last time you saw a C3 in traffic that as far as you know wasn't part of a show or cruise.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 51
From: Cartersville GA
Whenever I can, 15K miles in 5 years. I've taken it out on two or three drives in the last few weeks when we had decent weather (50+ and no rain/snow).
Even took it out the other day to pick up a radiator for my wifes minivan since she had my truck....
Nice weather today and tomorrow here, so it will be on the road for sure before the weekend is over!
Even took it out the other day to pick up a radiator for my wifes minivan since she had my truck....
Nice weather today and tomorrow here, so it will be on the road for sure before the weekend is over!