Was Corvette Learning and Looking Day
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
Was Corvette Learning and Looking Day
Was a good day. I took the day off from work (I work for myself, so my boss was OK with it) and went out to Howards Corvettes. Spent almost 4 hours there with him chatting about our home town in South Dakota, talking about cars and he shared some of his amazing knowledge of Corvettes with me which was awesome 
Showed me first hand what to look for and what to avoid - including showing me several Corvette frames and birdcages he has in various stages from excellent condition to "run away from this". He had 3 C3s in shop to use as examples from a 72 to a 82. Pointed out how to check things, and what the differences are between years etc.
We spent over an hour chatting and then he asked if I wanted to grab some lunch, so we got a bite to eat then proceeded back to his shop where he spent 2 full hours of his time going over any and every question I had. Really just a super nice guy and someone who truly loves these cars. I feel honored to have met him and he invited me back anytime I wanted to stop out. What a kick butt day!
I took photos of a couple of the cars he has in his shop (with his permission). You can see them here: A day with Howard
Use PW: adammeh
These cars are WAY beyond what I'm able to afford, but I'm jazzed to get rolling with my search now
Adam
Showed me first hand what to look for and what to avoid - including showing me several Corvette frames and birdcages he has in various stages from excellent condition to "run away from this". He had 3 C3s in shop to use as examples from a 72 to a 82. Pointed out how to check things, and what the differences are between years etc.
We spent over an hour chatting and then he asked if I wanted to grab some lunch, so we got a bite to eat then proceeded back to his shop where he spent 2 full hours of his time going over any and every question I had. Really just a super nice guy and someone who truly loves these cars. I feel honored to have met him and he invited me back anytime I wanted to stop out. What a kick butt day!
I took photos of a couple of the cars he has in his shop (with his permission). You can see them here: A day with Howard
Use PW: adammeh
These cars are WAY beyond what I'm able to afford, but I'm jazzed to get rolling with my search now
Adam
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,868
Likes: 13
From: Mascoutah IL
Was a good day. I took the day off from work (I work for myself, so my boss was OK with it) and went out to Howards Corvettes. Spent almost 4 hours there with him chatting about our home town in South Dakota, talking about cars and he shared some of his amazing knowledge of Corvettes with me which was awesome
Showed me first hand what to look for and what to avoid - including showing me several Corvette frames and birdcages he has in various stages from excellent condition to "run away from this". He had 3 C3s in shop to use as examples from a 72 to a 82. Pointed out how to check things, and what the differences are between years etc.
We spent over an hour chatting and then he asked if I wanted to grab some lunch, so we got a bite to eat then proceeded back to his shop where he spent 2 full hours of his time going over any and every question I had. Really just a super nice guy and someone who truly loves these cars. I feel honored to have met him and he invited me back anytime I wanted to stop out. What a kick butt day!
I took photos of a couple of the cars he has in his shop (with his permission). You can see them here: A day with Howard
Use PW: adammeh
These cars are WAY beyond what I'm able to afford, but I'm jazzed to get rolling with my search now
Adam
Showed me first hand what to look for and what to avoid - including showing me several Corvette frames and birdcages he has in various stages from excellent condition to "run away from this". He had 3 C3s in shop to use as examples from a 72 to a 82. Pointed out how to check things, and what the differences are between years etc.
We spent over an hour chatting and then he asked if I wanted to grab some lunch, so we got a bite to eat then proceeded back to his shop where he spent 2 full hours of his time going over any and every question I had. Really just a super nice guy and someone who truly loves these cars. I feel honored to have met him and he invited me back anytime I wanted to stop out. What a kick butt day!
I took photos of a couple of the cars he has in his shop (with his permission). You can see them here: A day with Howard
Use PW: adammeh
These cars are WAY beyond what I'm able to afford, but I'm jazzed to get rolling with my search now
Adam
Rogman
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 35
From: LaUgH, mOrE!
Yes, there is nothing like being given the "grand tour" of the cars in person. Very generous of him to do that.
Enjoy the search.
You'll continue to meet some great people along the way. (But watch out for some shady ones too here and there.)
Enjoy the search.
You'll continue to meet some great people along the way. (But watch out for some shady ones too here and there.)
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
Certainly a day I will not soon forget
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,868
Likes: 13
From: Mascoutah IL
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 315
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Adam, glad to read about your enthusiasm over getting into this hobby. Howard sounds like a good coach/mentor to have in your corner. Believe it or not, there are many old school vette guys around who run their businesses more like a social club than a money-making venture. I am sure you will bring your new old car by his place often for parts or service and transfer a few benjamins from your bank to his. Who bought lunch? Good luck in your search.
Last edited by Faster Rat; Oct 13, 2011 at 11:12 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
Likes: 4,375
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Adam,
I agree that you're very fortunate to have found a knowledgeable person to share that knowledge with you, (without him having an agenda).
Well Done!
Good Luck as you look for a car!
Regards,
Alan
I agree that you're very fortunate to have found a knowledgeable person to share that knowledge with you, (without him having an agenda).
Well Done!
Good Luck as you look for a car!
Regards,
Alan
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From: Southeast, Tennessee
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what a great experience! i had a similar experience being able to spend a morning with george haddad of fabulous restorations in ft lauderdale fl a couple of years ago. he does everything from perfect NCRS restorations to fun drive and enjoy restorations. a personal tour of his facility was a great trip through corvette history. as they say, priceless.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,541
Likes: 268
From: iowa city iowa
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
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Sounds like a great afternoon. I am pretty new to this stuff too and it really helps to have a mentor.