C5s Never driven in the rain.....
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 500
From: West Seneca NY
You should not care what others opinions are on this subject, I DON'T, it is your car, you paid for it, and are the one who has to clean & detail it, and you should enjoy the car the way you want to, not the way others think you should.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,928
Likes: 93
From: Boulder City NV
OK, I've owned my first Vette ('04, 6554 miles) for a little over a month now, and so far I've been able to continue the same level of extreme care that the previous owner gave it for its first 10 years.....and not drive it in the rain. Of course it wasn't bought as a daily driver so it's not like I've missed work when there was a chance of rain forecasted, but I have missed three cruise-ins & a show because I didn't want to chance it after checking the weather radar (and each time it DIDN'T rain). Is it crazy that I feel this responsibility to keep her off a wet highway? I know it's going to kill me if I ever get caught out with no where to pull over & have to continue driving her in the rain. I'll feel like I've let her down, and even though I'll probably never meet the original owner I'd be ashamed if I ever did & had to break the bad news. Anyone else out there feel the same way about their Vette? Has anyone tried to keep theirs dry & clean but finally get caught out & decide to just throw in the towel? And for those that still own a "never driven" C5 what tricks or practices do you use to avoid the rain? Ever go on long trips? Right now I can't imagine ever venturing very far from home. Is this crazy? By the way, I absolutely love this car.
I'll appreciate any comments/advice. Thanks!
I'll appreciate any comments/advice. Thanks!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 3
From: Mission, Kansas
Geez! It won't melt in the rain. It's not sugar. It won't rust. You can't really enjoy your car if you don't drive it. Yada. Yada Yada. I wish I had a nickel for every time I've had someone tell me these.
Is it beyond comprehension for some of you that there are those of us who really, truly enjoy our cars even though we don't drive them in the rain? Again, why are there people who are concerned about how I use my car? It boggles my mind. I don't care if you drive in rain, snow, sleet or hail. I've never given it a second thought. If that makes you happy, out friggin' standing.
Please stop telling us that we don't really enjoy our cars because we don't drive them like you think we should. I'm 65-years old and been around the block a few times. Don't feel sorry for me or lose any sleep over the fact that I have a garage queen. Seriously, I'm quite content.
Is it beyond comprehension for some of you that there are those of us who really, truly enjoy our cars even though we don't drive them in the rain? Again, why are there people who are concerned about how I use my car? It boggles my mind. I don't care if you drive in rain, snow, sleet or hail. I've never given it a second thought. If that makes you happy, out friggin' standing.
Please stop telling us that we don't really enjoy our cars because we don't drive them like you think we should. I'm 65-years old and been around the block a few times. Don't feel sorry for me or lose any sleep over the fact that I have a garage queen. Seriously, I'm quite content.
CorvetteForum Editor
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 905
Likes: 60
C5 Corvette Owner Questions Whether Fear of Rain is "Crazy"
I guess there’s no limit to what some people will do to protect their Corvette, but refusing to drive it in the rain?
Apparently that’s the length Corvette Forum member Bama will go to keep his first 'Vette (pictured) in pristine condition. He says he’s even canceled a few trips to car shows for fear of getting caught in the wet stuff with his newly purchased C5, later learning that he missed out on all the fun.
Read the rest on the Corvette Forum homepage.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 34,988
Likes: 515
From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C4 of Year
2016 C7 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
People dont care about that.
Buyers will never believe you.
It will NOT increase sale value.
Drive the car.
Once you reach 90 years of age; will it matter?
Buyers will never believe you.
It will NOT increase sale value.
Drive the car.
Once you reach 90 years of age; will it matter?
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: murrysville PA
The last time I checked, my '08 C5 coupe is fiberglass, the engine is aluminum, as is the frame.....I baby mine too, but it's made to drive rain or shine. I figure that I will eventually turn the car over to another Vette lover, and thus why should I sacrifice the car's utility and baby it like a person with OCD, just to let the next guy get all the pleasure out of it at my expense!...I'm just sayin'.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 564
Likes: 12
From: Vancouver British Columbia
why do people get their knickers in a knot over someone else's driving habits, who cares, if you wish to drive it in the rain so be it, it's your car, I choose not to.
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 343
From: Shell Point (Crawfordville) Florida
I use my car as a DD, I bought it to drive as I had one 12-15 years ago and remembered how much I loved it at that time. I love it even more now. I do have 2 other cars/trucks to drive, and if I have to go somewhere, I'll take the "Vette" as it's much more fun to drive. The car is glued to the road with the Hancooks I have on it, and there are a lot of real curvy, twisty roads around my house, and I drive them fairly aggressively as they are very lightly traveled and quite safe, and I do know how to drive. I've never felt that the wet roads offered any real impediment to the handling of the car, there is no skidding, and I really do not notice much if any difference between dry and wet pavement. It rains a lot in Florida, for a short burst usually, sometimes like a monsoon where 3 days of rain comes down in 10 minutes, and that's like going through a carwash, it cleans off the dirt and dust on the car and cleanup when you get home may just consist of a wipe with a microfiber towel.
I personally don't mind the rain, it's a fact of life and that won't stop me from enjoying my car. To each his own, and to the OP, you do have a helluva nice looking car.
I personally don't mind the rain, it's a fact of life and that won't stop me from enjoying my car. To each his own, and to the OP, you do have a helluva nice looking car.
Last edited by mrlmd; Jul 23, 2014 at 02:53 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Southcoast Massachusetts
First off I know it's a C3 not a C5, but this rain question has always been nagging me now and with my former '02 Black WS6, and most of my past cars, I will admit I do sometimes ( most of the time ) check the Doppler before heading out, Black cars are a real PIA to keep clean, never mind the rain. When it is all shiny and detailed I hate to get caught in the rain.... but like someone said, It isn't going to melt... Vettes are made to be driven and I'm going to do that rain or shine from now on..... kinda. ( wonder if my wipers still work, never used them. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,507
Likes: 9
First off I know it's a C3 not a C5, but this rain question has always been nagging me now and with my former '02 Black WS6, and most of my past cars, I will admit I do sometimes ( most of the time ) check the Doppler before heading out, Black cars are a real PIA to keep clean, never mind the rain. When it is all shiny and detailed I hate to get caught in the rain.... but like someone said, It isn't going to melt... Vettes are made to be driven and I'm going to do that rain or shine from now on..... kinda. ( wonder if my wipers still work, never used them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,285
Likes: 164
From: MA
First off I know it's a C3 not a C5, but this rain question has always been nagging me now and with my former '02 Black WS6, and most of my past cars, I will admit I do sometimes ( most of the time ) check the Doppler before heading out, Black cars are a real PIA to keep clean, never mind the rain. When it is all shiny and detailed I hate to get caught in the rain.... but like someone said, It isn't going to melt... Vettes are made to be driven and I'm going to do that rain or shine from now on..... kinda. ( wonder if my wipers still work, never used them.
I'll flip it 180 on all you guys saying "it's meant to be driven" - yes it is, and it's sure as hell a lot more fun/confidence inspiring to drive it when it's dry out than pilot it in the rain not to mention the traffic rain causes in any populated area, and when I do drive it I want to enjoy it then put it away not have to clean it up all over again more than I have to.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: va
First off beautiful car. I love the c5 corvette. I can respect you not driving it in the rain. To each their own. It's your car enjoy it how you want to. I also have a vette that has never seen rain or water. I own a 94 zr1 yellow with 9 thousand miles on it. Car is a time capsule and that's how I choose to enjoy it. Good for you.
. But, it's not a Ferrari 250 GTO. They clean up nicely.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,423
Likes: 200
From: Atlanta GA
The last time I checked, my '08 C5 coupe is fiberglass, the engine is aluminum, as is the frame.....I baby mine too, but it's made to drive rain or shine. I figure that I will eventually turn the car over to another Vette lover, and thus why should I sacrifice the car's utility and baby it like a person with OCD, just to let the next guy get all the pleasure out of it at my expense!...I'm just sayin'.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,423
Likes: 200
From: Atlanta GA
It is a beautiful car you have there. Drive like you want to drive it, rain or shine!
P.S. I do not drive my Z06 in the rain if I can help it either. All kinds of nasties live on the road when it rains. Takes so much time to clean it up afterwards as well.
P.S. I do not drive my Z06 in the rain if I can help it either. All kinds of nasties live on the road when it rains. Takes so much time to clean it up afterwards as well.
