How Many Of You "Beat On" Your C3's?
11-30-2015, 07:21 PM
#42
Drifting
11-30-2015, 07:52 PM
#43
Le Mans Master
Frankly, I don't see the point of owning a sportscar if one doesn't "beat on" it from time to time. Wear and tear from spirited driving (not to be confused with being stupid) honors the Corvette's heritage more so than puttering around to protect its resale value. Admittedly, my jaundiced eye views stone chips on a racecar as patina, so YMMV.
11-30-2015, 08:36 PM
#45
Melting Slicks
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havesometo (11-30-2015)
11-30-2015, 09:09 PM
#47
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Frankly, I don't see the point of owning a sportscar if one doesn't "beat on" it from time to time. Wear and tear from spirited driving (not to be confused with being stupid) honors the Corvette's heritage more so than puttering around to protect its resale value. Admittedly, my jaundiced eye views stone chips on a racecar as patina, so YMMV.
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marshal135 (12-09-2015)
11-30-2015, 09:47 PM
#50
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ajrothm (12-01-2015)
12-01-2015, 12:33 AM
#52
Race Director
In all the years I've had my '69, I've only run at 2 tracks and neither of them had that going for them. In my case it wasn't a big deal but if I could yank the fronts like Alan does, I'd definitely appreciate the photo documentation. 
12-01-2015, 12:49 AM
#53
Well I think it comes down to what is the intended purpose? You can have a drag car or road & track car, then yes you will beat on it. A show car is totally different, those get babied. You really can't have all of the above. Cars that get beat on will eventually show the wear and tear and require maintenance. I have one for each purpose. My 98 Bird is my track car, the 81 C3 will be a show car someday, and my 82 is my weekend warrior to terrorize the neighbors but right now it's slow.
Last edited by htown81vette; 12-01-2015 at 12:49 AM.
12-01-2015, 03:05 AM
#54
Melting Slicks
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If I had an unlimited amount of money (which I don't) I would certainly drive my three C3's harder. But broken parts are expensive to replace and time consuming so I drive mine gently.
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Alex66 (12-01-2015)
... Hammer down!
12-01-2015, 08:49 AM
#57
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Frankly, I don't see the point of owning a sportscar if one doesn't "beat on" it from time to time. Wear and tear from spirited driving (not to be confused with being stupid) honors the Corvette's heritage more so than puttering around to protect its resale value. Admittedly, my jaundiced eye views stone chips on a racecar as patina, so YMMV.
I see driving any sports car "gently" a waste, you can drive it like a sports car and still take care of it, you do not have to drive it stupid.
I can see a few purists who just polish and look at and show their car starting to get butt hurt with the remarks in this thread, while I respect them doing as they please with their car I will never grasp not using a car as a car...
Last edited by The13Bats; 12-01-2015 at 08:51 AM.
12-01-2015, 09:29 AM
#58
Melting Slicks
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In my 68 year life I have known a number of guys who kept their families in rags and eating beans while they tore their cars up on the drag strips every weekend. To me that is a very selfish thing to do as their responsibility is to their families.
12-01-2015, 10:10 AM
#59
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I never said go ruin your family and destroy your car ( ahem, in your case cars ) all outside your budget,
But like you pointed out you own 3 c3's so unless they are junk piles you are not on a tight budget OR your family IS in rags and eating beans, if they are sell a c3 or two and buy them clothes and food...
Anyway this doesn't change the fact a c3 can be driven like a sports car on a budget without hurting the family...I myself and many others here do it....
12-01-2015, 10:18 AM
#60
Le Mans Master
