Join a Club?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 74
Likes: 14
From: Houston tx
Join a Club?
Soon after I got my Vette I thought it would be a step in the right direction to join a local club - which I did, the Corvette Owners Club of Houston. Thus far I have been pleased with what I have gotten out of the club and look forward to making some positive contributions to it as well. So I'm interested to find out...
1. If you are a club member, what is the one or two BEST parts about being a club member?
2. If you do not belong to a club what is the number one reason?
1. If you are a club member, what is the one or two BEST parts about being a club member?
2. If you do not belong to a club what is the number one reason?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,278
Likes: 539
From: Kelowna BC
2
#1 reason? Only car club I was a member of was a Camaro club back when I was young in Vancouver. I just don't really have the time (kids, work) or yearning to belong. Favorite part was charity car drives.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 456
From: USA
I joined a local club. I work on and mod my own car and that is where my interest is.(keeps me active) The folks in the the club did not seem to do their own work and we had very little in common, other than owning Corvettes. I did not rejoin after the first year. They do have a car show at least once a year.
Racer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 371
Likes: 223
From: Charlotte, NC
Not something I've ever been interested in. I thought about it, but I tend to dislike most people.
Besides, all these clubs seem to go on about the "Corvette lifestyle" and the last time anyone asked me about a "lifestyle," my wife and I wound up having the world's most uncomfortable dinner with a couple who was trying to get us to swing with them.
Besides, all these clubs seem to go on about the "Corvette lifestyle" and the last time anyone asked me about a "lifestyle," my wife and I wound up having the world's most uncomfortable dinner with a couple who was trying to get us to swing with them.
No Hostility Be Happy
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 7,375
From: South Hill Wa
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I am very much similar to zachaeous and 70RT440 less the swinging part lmao.
I also tend to dislike most people. I'm a cordial person don't get me wrong. I also lean towards building things and not so much flash and fancy paint. The latter seems to go hand in hand with the club scene.
I also would not fit in on any sort of a club "drive" if ya know what I mean. No I'm not reckless or crazy.
That being said, if there's a local show we can catch or I just happen upon I don't mind walking around checking out peoples rides. I am often times left disappointed though.
I also tend to dislike most people. I'm a cordial person don't get me wrong. I also lean towards building things and not so much flash and fancy paint. The latter seems to go hand in hand with the club scene.
I also would not fit in on any sort of a club "drive" if ya know what I mean. No I'm not reckless or crazy.
That being said, if there's a local show we can catch or I just happen upon I don't mind walking around checking out peoples rides. I am often times left disappointed though.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,946
Likes: 24,703
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Over the years I have been a member of several car clubs. While things initially are OK, over time it seems like cliques develop that pit one generation of car against another, which kind of ruins the friendly nature that a car club should convey.
On the plus side, it is a good way to get valuable recommendations on repair facilities, get linked into event notifications, and bounce ideas on modding the cars off other owners.
On the plus side, it is a good way to get valuable recommendations on repair facilities, get linked into event notifications, and bounce ideas on modding the cars off other owners.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 5,033
Likes: 842
From: Rotonda West, FL 2015 Z51 M7 3LT
Oldtimer
Never been interested in a Corvette Club. Every club I've ever been in is pretty much the same. Some power hungry/big headed clique runs it. Then there are the sub- cliques. ALL they want to talk about is their cars, what they do to them, what they want to do with them, where they go with them. OR what shows they go to and sit there all freeking day waiting for people to tell them how fabulous their car is.
Not for me
Not for me
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 191
Likes: 27
From: Michigan
Did a Spring cruise with a club shortly after buying my Vette. Really enjoyed all the guys although I was much younger (25), however, I spend too much time traveling for work and golfing in the Summer to attend all of the shows that they do. I really do like the charitable things that they do, just don't have the free time to be able to contribute like I would feel is necessary
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 578
From: Conway South Carolina
I joined the Myrtle Beach Club, and so far so good. I don't attend ALL their functions, but the ones I have attended were Ok. Really looking forward to their Corvette show 1st of June. I also found out about the Vette show in Venice, Fl. march 17th which I may not have if I wasn't a member. Plan on driving down to check it out.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 544
Likes: 383
From: southern rural MI
Soon after I got my Vette I thought it would be a step in the right direction to join a local club - which I did, the Corvette Owners Club of Houston. Thus far I have been pleased with what I have gotten out of the club and look forward to making some positive contributions to it as well. So I'm interested to find out...
1. If you are a club member, what is the one or two BEST parts about being a club member?
2. If you do not belong to a club what is the number one reason?
1. If you are a club member, what is the one or two BEST parts about being a club member?
2. If you do not belong to a club what is the number one reason?
Good camaraderie
Good technical info or the ability to talk to someone who has the same issue
Maybe some track time
I'm not much into the car show scene, but I will probably go to a few. I bought the car to drive the backroads near my house, so club membership and participation will definitely take a backseat to that.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 153
Likes: 27
Not something I've ever been interested in. I thought about it, but I tend to dislike most people.
Besides, all these clubs seem to go on about the "Corvette lifestyle" and the last time anyone asked me about a "lifestyle," my wife and I wound up having the world's most uncomfortable dinner with a couple who was trying to get us to swing with them.
Besides, all these clubs seem to go on about the "Corvette lifestyle" and the last time anyone asked me about a "lifestyle," my wife and I wound up having the world's most uncomfortable dinner with a couple who was trying to get us to swing with them.
Years ago I joined HOG (Harley Owners Group). I lasted two meetings for all the same reasons noted by others. It felt like Cub Scouts all over again.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 34,479
Likes: 532
From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
Soon after I got my Vette I thought it would be a step in the right direction to join a local club - which I did, the Corvette Owners Club of Houston. Thus far I have been pleased with what I have gotten out of the club and look forward to making some positive contributions to it as well. So I'm interested to find out...
1. If you are a club member, what is the one or two BEST parts about being a club member?
2. If you do not belong to a club what is the number one reason?
1. If you are a club member, what is the one or two BEST parts about being a club member?
2. If you do not belong to a club what is the number one reason?
I have friends who are in the club, but they're also C7 owners (as well as C3/C2 owners), but I'm a former C5 owner and now a C6 owner, and even in my C6, I feel I'm on the fringe of acceptable.
For example, I sold my C5 and bought a C6. One sunny day this past summer I'm driving my car from my buddies house (he has 2 corvettes) to my house. He's on his way following, I forget what he was gonna help me with at the house, but whatever. (we live 1/2 mile apart). Driving there, I see 2 really nice old cars parked with the owners out standing around, one with the hood up. So I figure it's just car guys out having fun, I turn around to stop in and check out the cars. I've got the top down, just putting along going home, car all clean, etc. I stop, there's a 68 Camaro and a 70 Chevelle BB (396). Camaro is the Dads car, Chevelle is the son, son has a friend riding with.
They're headed (or were) to a local car get-together in a town 20 miles away. Chevelle is broke, they're messing with it. The dad is pretty cool, he's nice, but the son is bordering on being an ahole. From the discussion, I get the impression he's got no interest in talking to me because I'm a Bought, not built guy. (I have a 13 427 vert)... Whatever dude...
So I'm looking under the hood and attempting to help. They mess with things a while and I offer to go get my truck and pull him to my garage which is right up the street where I've got all manner of tools, no joy. While they're pissing around with fuel and trying to check the fuel pump, I'm looking at the distributor (he's put in a newer HEI) and notice the power wire going to the distributer is taped up (big nono in spazzy land). Next time he hits the key, I'm watching that and I see it light up ever so slightly. WHOOAA!!! (they've just been dumping gas down the carb and it's all over the place). I hollar for them to stop and pull the key, (I've seen a car catch fire in a similar manner before) so I'm a bit gun shy.
Right about then, my buddy also pulls up, the son is now even more upset about his car that's broke and we're stopping in. He's in a VW fwiw. I tell him what we've just found, he's got a kit for his big truck for wiring, offers to go grab it and be right back to do the job right. He comes back, fixes the wiring and the car fires right up. Problem solved. This guy is even carrying a spare distributer module because this isn't the first time for this.
He's all pissed and says he's just going home, not gonna "Chance" driving twenty miles. I'm finally getting tired of it all, shake hands with his dad and said, well, the car works, I'm not sure what he expects to break on it now, and we leave. No thanks, no nothing, (not that it's required). The son did ask my buddy how much he wanted for fixing the wire,
to which he said look man, I'm not out on Sunday's looking for broke down cars to pick up extra cash. Through the entire thing, I bet I heard the built not bought at least half a dozen times if not more. Knowing full well it was about me and my car (low miles and pretty nice). Now, what's funny is, I've owned 15 cars of his car's era, and clearly forgotten more about them than he's ever gonna know. I didn't ever mention my C5 that two years ago I did a new engine, trans, rear, suspension, wiring, and swapped from auto to M6 (not a job for the feint of heart). This ain't my first day with cars dude, I mean I just fixed yours by look'n at it. I'm just there to see some cool old cars and shoot the bull with some car guys. But no, because I'm driving a 2013, I'm the enemy. And it wasn't just me, my buddy got the same vibe and had also had enough.
It just underscores the animosity that can exist, and don't ask me why, I didn't even park on the same side of the lot as these guys, I was two rows over, and never mentioned my car at any point. I just had a similar experience a week ago, helped a guy with a broken down pickup. In 0F, I towed him from an exit to a parking lot, went home and got my Tech2 and Fuel pressure gauge, found for him a wiring issue AND a 0psi fuel pump issue. Offered my heated garage (again, right up the street) to possibly thaw a water issue in the pump that appeared to be trying to run. But he didn't want any help and I eventually gave up and left. I think I'm done trying to be a nice guy.
On the plus side, it is a good way to get valuable recommendations on repair facilities, get linked into event notifications, and bounce ideas on modding the cars off other owners.
Last edited by K-Spaz; Feb 4, 2019 at 09:54 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,793
Likes: 333
From: Leesburg Fl
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '14,'18
I tried 2 clubs and gave up. I bought a vette as a driver & customized it to suit me. The people in the clubs don't drive their cars much and are only interested in where to eat. I only go to open shows now.
Join a club and see how it works for you, we're all different.
Join a club and see how it works for you, we're all different.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 110
Likes: 6
From: SC
I have joined a club the last many years, but like someone mentioned , they form CLIQUES, , we like the road trips , there is not much of that , the club is the PCA, now I shall be driving a Vette soon , but still keep my 996, but probably not re sing up after it runs out next Feb 20. Might meet some new aficionados in Aiken SC.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 255
Likes: 85
From: N.Y.
I tried to join the local Corvette club in Rochester years back. Checked their website, no e mail address, no phone number, had to mail them to join. Thought it would be a great place to learn information and all the other goodies that go with owning a Vette. Wanted to hang and ride with like minded people, but they can't be serious if you have to send a letter this day and age. Claim they are one of the oldest clubs around. Guess they still depend on the pony express . Decided if their Info is not up to speed, doubt they are either. To bad, because I know a couple of other friends who would have joined. Don't know if they are the same as most of the other posts describe, but what the hell, join for a year and if it's not for you don't re up.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 675
Likes: 195
From: Green Oak Township, Michigan
Thursday night ice cream runs. We head out into the Michigan country side and hit some distant ice cream places. Like the dinner cruises also, For me its about driving. I dont care for the car shows. But some do. One of the shows that our club hits, is the Windsor, Canada, Corvette Fest. Its right on the Detroit river. Another one is the Makinaw City Corvette show. A little too far for me though. Michigan is beautiful up there. All the Corvettes line up and go accross the Makinaw Bridge. Five miles of breathtaking beauty. The club has been around since the mid 60's. We're now sponsered by Suburban Chevrolet in Ann Arbor Mich. 10% discount doesnt hurt either. I think that we have 108 members or so. Anyone interested in a club with great people in Southeast Michigan, just go on line to the Huron Valley Corvette Club. You wont be disappointed.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 749
Likes: 242
From: Maryland
I visited several clubs before I bought my C5, and I found most of the folks to be pretty laid back and friendly and helpful, though there was one club that seemed to operate only by postal service mail, and they required attendance at four club meetings before they would even consider your application and blah blah blah, so I didn't even bother with that one. Some of the clubs were more active and organized than others. I ended up joining one sort-of close to home. They have a monthly shop night at a Chevy dealer (sponsor), autocross and racing events, social events, cruises, casual car shows, news and information, and more. I always have good intentions of doing lots of stuff, and I have done a few things, but usually what happens is that there's something going on with the family, and for me, family comes first. And of course the weather interferes sometimes as well. Still, I'm sticking with the club, and I'm hoping to participate more this year than I was able to last year. It's worth it to me.
If you don't like one club, try a different one. They're not all the same.
If you don't like one club, try a different one. They're not all the same.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,994
Likes: 503
From: Hilton NY
Once was enough. Every meeting was like attending an AA group, each person had to state their name and what year Corvette(s) they owned. A lot of time was focused on generating money for someones favorite charity with a gauntlet of raffle tickets. The people were nice but the meetings were a waste of time; there's more useful information here in an hour than was in that club in a year, no yearly fee to mail in and no club officers to vote for.