Why exactly did I join the NCRS?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,150
Likes: 937
From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Why exactly did I join the NCRS?
I joined basically to find NOS parts but what I'm finding is pretty much nothing. Am I looking in the wrong place? The content sucks and there's really nothing there of interest. What am I missing here?
Popular Reply
Sep 5, 2023, 12:02 PM
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 419
From: Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
I have been a member of NCRS since 1983. There has been times I was involved at the chapter level, but for the majority of the years I have been on the sidelines, mostly enjoying the publications and using the materials as references to what I was restoring.
I can understand how some people may see the members at a Chapter or National Meet as snobbish or self consumed. It is fair, there will be those asses that everyone cant stand, but the majority are good people trying to learn and be involved with restoring their car. Here is where the perception might be taken wrong:
If you are having your car judged, it is VERY nerve wracking because your heart and sole is in the car being as correct as possible. This is Not an easy task, so they are concentrating and nerves.
If you are judging, you want to do the very best you can to judge the car according to the standards laid out in the judging Manuel and in accordance to the seminars you have taken.
If you are strictly a spectator, quite honestly it is walking into a high stress situation and no one is paying attention to you (During judging time) Plus throw into it, most people that are involved are very detail orientated. It is not generally a social situation like you would have for a regular Corvette club gathering.
All that being said, NCRS is a GREAT tool for those that want to learn about restoring cars, understanding the whys. But go to a chapter meeting, if you want to learn more, not just a judging event. It is WAY more relaxed and social, but again, remember, they are their to learn more than socialize.
The "Restorer" publications are by far the best out there, along with the "Driveline" for parts information of people and vendors. WELL worth the cost of membership.
And also keep in consideration, ALL Organizations will change over time, the people will come and go. The emphasis will also change, so if you haven't been in a while, check it out again. You might find a better fit the 2nd time around. Just keep an open mind and understand it is a tool for restoration, not building a hot rod (Though, you will find, most have the hot rods, but are interested in the Top Flight goal in some way.
I can understand how some people may see the members at a Chapter or National Meet as snobbish or self consumed. It is fair, there will be those asses that everyone cant stand, but the majority are good people trying to learn and be involved with restoring their car. Here is where the perception might be taken wrong:
If you are having your car judged, it is VERY nerve wracking because your heart and sole is in the car being as correct as possible. This is Not an easy task, so they are concentrating and nerves.
If you are judging, you want to do the very best you can to judge the car according to the standards laid out in the judging Manuel and in accordance to the seminars you have taken.
If you are strictly a spectator, quite honestly it is walking into a high stress situation and no one is paying attention to you (During judging time) Plus throw into it, most people that are involved are very detail orientated. It is not generally a social situation like you would have for a regular Corvette club gathering.
All that being said, NCRS is a GREAT tool for those that want to learn about restoring cars, understanding the whys. But go to a chapter meeting, if you want to learn more, not just a judging event. It is WAY more relaxed and social, but again, remember, they are their to learn more than socialize.
The "Restorer" publications are by far the best out there, along with the "Driveline" for parts information of people and vendors. WELL worth the cost of membership.
And also keep in consideration, ALL Organizations will change over time, the people will come and go. The emphasis will also change, so if you haven't been in a while, check it out again. You might find a better fit the 2nd time around. Just keep an open mind and understand it is a tool for restoration, not building a hot rod (Though, you will find, most have the hot rods, but are interested in the Top Flight goal in some way.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 54,121
Likes: 9,436
From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
you join for the knowledge base of its members and if you own a car they can learn from you do it for the hobby. finding parts is a hit or miss sort of thing.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 979
Likes: 254
From: Bethlehem, PA
You didn't make a mistake joining. Unless you already have it, first thing you may want to do is buy the Technical Informatioin and Judging Guide for your car. That shows and lists the correct factory parts and may pay for itself by not wasting money on the wrong part. The online classified does not have a lot of listings, but you use the Online Publications link on the NCRS homepage for the Driveline, which has a lot of printed ads and also the Restorer for rebuilding items.
NCRS Driveline Magazine Online!
To read the latest issue of the NCRS Driveline you must be logged in. Click here to view
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,150
Likes: 937
From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
A shift plate for a 75 with A/C either a manual of auto. I'm also looking got the front valance,part number 327641. Not sure on the part number for the shift plate. I'm not really into the judging part of the hobby. I bought a 75 convertible 2 years ago,the car sat in a garage,basically forgotten for 35 years,cars only got 12,300 original miles but the thing was beat when I got it. This car was about as factory original as they get,other a battery and a coolant hose this car was 100%. I've gone through the car and have pretty much got it straightened out, while the paint is beat it runs,drives like a new car. I can honestly say the interior of this car has got to be one of the nicest original interiors in any 75 anywhere.
Last edited by Z51JEFF; Aug 31, 2023 at 02:01 AM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Nice car!
Most vendors will reference the original part number and for that you need the AIM. Vendor references are helpful because they provide the range of model years that the part was used...then you can return to the "parts offerings" to figure out what you're looking for and its availability. Takes a little leg work but rewarding when you get that find.
But the new generation of technical manuals published by NCRS are unbeatable and feature over 600 colored photos and detail that has been scrubbed by numerous enthusiasts with rather original Corvettes. They are not perfect but its the best you'll find anywhere...recycle all those Prince-inspired restoration books, now outdated and lacking sufficient model-year-specific detail. Especially for C3s.
Most vendors will reference the original part number and for that you need the AIM. Vendor references are helpful because they provide the range of model years that the part was used...then you can return to the "parts offerings" to figure out what you're looking for and its availability. Takes a little leg work but rewarding when you get that find.
But the new generation of technical manuals published by NCRS are unbeatable and feature over 600 colored photos and detail that has been scrubbed by numerous enthusiasts with rather original Corvettes. They are not perfect but its the best you'll find anywhere...recycle all those Prince-inspired restoration books, now outdated and lacking sufficient model-year-specific detail. Especially for C3s.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,743
Likes: 1,385
I had considered joining just to get a build report..... but doesn't sound like my cup of tea
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,073
Likes: 331
From: Clear Lake Shores Texas
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
I’ve been an NCRS member for many years, primarily for the Technical Discussion Board and the parts and services available in the Driveline publication. I was considering getting more involved until I recently attended a judging event near me in an attempt to meet some local members. It was not a pleasant experience, but the modest membership fee is still worth it to me for the reasons I mentioned above.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,742
Likes: 2,583
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,150
Likes: 937
From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I’ve been an NCRS member for many years, primarily for the Technical Discussion Board and the parts and services available in the Driveline publication. I was considering getting more involved until I recently attended a judging event near me in an attempt to meet some local members. It was not a pleasant experience, but the modest membership fee is still worth it to me for the reasons I mentioned above.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 492
I've found Corvette owners to be some of the rudest,snobbish people there are. I bought my first one back in 1987 so I do know what the crowd is like. Personally,I won't associate with them. As of right now I can't log into my NCRS account and haven't received a response to my email.
HAHA.
I never thought of it that way until you mentioned it, but sad to say, I think there is some truth to it. Don't even get me started on the 'hot rod' crowd - way too much snobbery and rudeness in that circle - like the worst I've ever seen.
Whatever happened to the 'Corvette-wave' ?- seems many have forgotten that one. The Corvette was supposed to be the 'workin man's' car.... Now with the C8 (and to a lesser extent the C7), it's a world class supercar - not just America's sports car anymore.
Seems some of that attitude has trickled down to (some of) the earlier gen owners over the years, but truthfully, I noticed it before that as well. I've seen gen 2 owners bash gen 3 owners, and gen 3 owners bash gen 4 owners, and so on and so on. Some of it good-natured, some not so much... It's also trickled up, starting when the C2 big blocks and split window coupes began to fetch relatively high prices. So the snobbery has attacked from both ends of the spectrum.
I don't frequent Corvette-specific events, because it's nice to have a car that stands out, but do tend to huddle up with fellow Corvette owners at more eclectic car events. I've found them to be decent folk, in general, but in my experience, they do tend to keep to themselves and I have noticed an air of snobbery amongst some owners (depending on what generation of Vette and owner we're talking about). That introverted kind of behavior can be misinterpreted as snobbery too.
I will say that the members on this forum are some of the most accommodating and helpful guys and gals I've ever experienced. I'm spoiled here. Other forums I have been on on not nearly as active where you have to wait days/sometimes weeks for a response.
NCRS peeps are a whole other conversation and are a hard act for me to follow. Every nut and bolt has to be date/period correct. I like originality, but that level of extreme is not my style.
Last edited by Corvette-ZL1; Aug 28, 2023 at 05:34 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 9,296
Likes: 1,531
From: Oviedo Florida
2024 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2016 C5 of Year Finalist
The OP is looking for a very specific part, I would contact a vender advertiseing even if it was not my part. They may still have it.
Corvette people can be aloof and snobish. They also can be a pain in the ***. I once in a while use a shop. They wont work on Corvettes because those
customers are over the top. Me? I race cars, so the owner and I have something in common. He will work on my Corvette.
NCRS .... and the previous post is right . You wonder how they are still around. They have a small core of groupie's that keep it together.
If you think you were left out of the group, try owning a hot rod or two. Its NOT STOCK! IT did not come from the factory that way. I know, I yelled loud enough
that NCRS has a Restomod Division, but it is controlled by the same mentality.NCRS does have a nice magazine. I could go on but you know the score.
I am a long time member.
Corvette people can be aloof and snobish. They also can be a pain in the ***. I once in a while use a shop. They wont work on Corvettes because those
customers are over the top. Me? I race cars, so the owner and I have something in common. He will work on my Corvette.
NCRS .... and the previous post is right . You wonder how they are still around. They have a small core of groupie's that keep it together.
If you think you were left out of the group, try owning a hot rod or two. Its NOT STOCK! IT did not come from the factory that way. I know, I yelled loud enough
that NCRS has a Restomod Division, but it is controlled by the same mentality.NCRS does have a nice magazine. I could go on but you know the score.
I am a long time member.
Drifting
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 572
From: CA & ID
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I've found Corvette owners to be some of the rudest,snobbish people there are. I bought my first one back in 1987 so I do know what the crowd is like. Personally,I won't associate with them. As of right now I can't log into my NCRS account and haven't received a response to my email.
There are car collectors who buy these as investments, there are guys who buy the newest Corvette to drive around, and then there are the classic Corvette owners who love their cars as cars. I have a lifelong love of everything Corvette, of every generation. The retired Boomer at my gym who just got his C8 has zero, I mean zero, interest in my ‘69 coupe. I’m just as awed by a new Z06 as I am a ‘57. I notice every Corvette on the road, regardless of year.
I attended a concours level car show this last weekend in Los Angeles. I have nothing in common with the guys who own Ferraris (they all had red Ferrari polo shirts and matching caps) or the guys who own the $3 million Mercedes 300SL gullwings that were there. A new floor upholstery job on one of those would cost more than my ‘69 coupe does.
To answer OP, if your local NCRS chapter isn’t doing much, talk to the chair. I get the impression NCRS knows its demographics, and is actively looking for ways to engage the membership. The problem is that members don’t want to step into leadership roles. The membership in our local chapter is increasing. I think that’s due to the social events, etc.
My car is not a show car, or a one-family owned car, or a car with the POP and tank sticker, etc. so it’s never going to be the subject of any NCRS magazine article. It’s never going to be a Top Flight car. But, I am engaged with our local NCRS chapter, as the other members love these cars, as cars. The chance to hang around with other Corvette lovers, and to check out their cars, is what makes this all so fun and enjoyable.
NCRS as a Sportsman’s category, basically a participation award. That’s good enough for me.
i hope my local NCRS chapter isn’t unique in its camaraderie.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,150
Likes: 937
From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
As stated I'm not one to go for the judge class but do want something to stand out a bit. You can't beat simplicity or just clean. After I gutted the interior to replace a bad heater core every single part of the interior was scrubbed,detailed and reinstalled. Now it's time to clean up the engine compartment. I thought about pulling the motor but for the time being I can get things looking just as good without pulling the motor. At some point this car will come completely apart,frame off but for now I just need to get rid of the ugly. I've got a nice set of L-82 valve covers that will go bac on the car as well as the original air cleaner.
Last edited by Z51JEFF; Aug 31, 2023 at 05:37 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,500
Likes: 1,712
From: High Mountains of New Mexico
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C3 of the Year Finalist
Yes, some of the NCRS people and chapters can be very **** and very focused on "my car" and judging "purity" and are not much fun to be with. Others are great fun and I have made many dozens of close friends over the years I have been a member. Parts is not something I ever thought much about as connected to NCRS, but if you ask members who have a car like yours, usually you can get some leads. Good luck.
You made my point
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,150
Likes: 937
From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
So the NCRS will monitor posts on a social forum,have a negative comment removed but won't bother to address a new NCRS member's dissatisfaction about their organization? Based on what I've been shown so far I won't renew and just might have my CC company reverse the charges on my membership.