Help: Moving to Chicago...
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 25
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Help: Moving to Chicago...
I'm moving to Chicago and I'm debating on whether I should keep my Corvette or not. Basically, I bought it about 6 months ago long before I thought I was going to move. I currently live in Delaware. I bought this car not as a collector's item or to be prized in my garage (not that there is anything wrong with that 
, I'm just not at that stage in my life) but to be driven as my every day car and because I love Corvettes. So here is my question: Am I going to be seriously restricted in using my car in Chicago as an every day mode of transportation?? The wife has an SUV, so obviously I won't be driving it in snow, but will I be able to us it a day or two after a snow fall?? I understand Chicago clears the snow out quick. I certainly don't want to get stuck with a car that may have constant mechanical problems due to bad weather for 3-4 months a year. I hope I'm just stressing out needlessly here. Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!! 
, I'm just not at that stage in my life) but to be driven as my every day car and because I love Corvettes. So here is my question: Am I going to be seriously restricted in using my car in Chicago as an every day mode of transportation?? The wife has an SUV, so obviously I won't be driving it in snow, but will I be able to us it a day or two after a snow fall?? I understand Chicago clears the snow out quick. I certainly don't want to get stuck with a car that may have constant mechanical problems due to bad weather for 3-4 months a year. I hope I'm just stressing out needlessly here. Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!!
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 13,733
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From: Hurst, TX USA
I drove my 1970 every day in Chicago. I did have extra rims and snow tires, though. And that was 30 years ago. I'm sure road cleaning has gotten even better since then. If its not a garage queen, drive it on days the roads are clear. It will get a good work out most days...
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,708
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From: IF YOUR BIG DOLLAR PROJECT DOESN'T RUN 9'S OR BETTER ....BURN IT ! SHUT YOUR MOUTH AND GRAB A LANE ! CHICAGO IL. -------- HOME OF THE FASTEST STREETCARS BARNONE !
The Chicago Department of Transportation does a good job of clearing Roads , Are You moving Downtown ? Alot of people use the CTA Train & Busline , It's quicker and more economical. 
See You around.
See You around.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 487
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From: Kenosha WI
I have lived just north of Chicago, worked there, and gone to school in downtown Chicago since 1997. They are VERY good about clearing streets but use a lot of salt. Snow in November and December is usually not severe so really the tough stuff is Jan and Feb. I have actually ridden my motorcycle in every month of the year since living here.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 527
Likes: 1
From: Chicago Il
I have lived in the Chicagoland area my entire life. I too own a Corvette and I have enjoyed every season with my car.
I am slightly more cautious with it in the winter as I would assume anyone would be.However, I haven't had any problems or any reasons not to continue enjoying my Corvette. So,bring it along. We'll see you on the road rain, shine,sleet,or snow!
I am slightly more cautious with it in the winter as I would assume anyone would be.However, I haven't had any problems or any reasons not to continue enjoying my Corvette. So,bring it along. We'll see you on the road rain, shine,sleet,or snow!
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CHICAGO CREW !
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: We are living in a Bazzaro World everything is upside down half ass backwards !
CI 4-5-6-7-8-9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08 & '12
i'm in chicago my car goes to sleep mid nov till mid april .which is fine by me no need to drive it in our 6 month long winter...... winter sucks
Pro
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 500
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From: Plainfield Illinois
I waited 50 years for my 00 6spd Vert. It's an every day driver. I'm no wussy ( and you shouldn't be either!) Just don't drive it if the snowfall is above 3"... it becomes a snowplow...
The car has great ballance (50/50) and it goes pretty well. Don't let the naysayers hold you back... DRIVE IT!
ZOOOM
The car has great ballance (50/50) and it goes pretty well. Don't let the naysayers hold you back... DRIVE IT!
ZOOOM
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Best of luck with your move. There are a lot of C5 owners in the Chicago area and they seem to do just fine in the winter. You can always sell the car after you get there, but give it a shot. Just don't drive it on days that are snowy or when lots of salt has been spread. And, wash it often.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 10,238
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From: not far enough from Chicago
I live just outside of Chitown in the N/W suburbs. If your car is lowered like mine the front spoiler makes a great snow plow.
J/K, but I would never drive my Corvette on these streets in the winter. If you like giving it a nice salt bath, it's the thing to do though.
J/K, but I would never drive my Corvette on these streets in the winter. If you like giving it a nice salt bath, it's the thing to do though.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 5,216
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From: Vette Doctors Performance RX450 - 466RWHP !!!
OK>>>OK>>>>> What year is the car?? How many miles???I will gladly take the car off your hands and allow you visitation..
Drop it off in NYC on your way Westward........
Lepus-temperamentalus
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,827
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From: Roswell Ga
Jeez! You already live in Delaware. It's not like you're moving from Miami. You probably already get as much snow as they do.
Course, from my point of view, anything more than an inch and you just stay home. We close the city with 2 inches.
Course, from my point of view, anything more than an inch and you just stay home. We close the city with 2 inches.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Shitcago IL
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07-'08
Yes they clear the streets overnight when the snow hits. Never had a problem. Haven't driven my C5 in the winter yet (got in in april). The only thing that might be a problem is that since they do not clear the alleys, you might have a hard time leaving your garage since a icy or hard packed snow mound always builds between the tire ruts. since the vette is so low you might not clear it, and will have to get something to break it down until you can get to the main street. once on main roads you won't have any problems. see you around man.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 25
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Thanks everyone...I already feel better about taking it with me. Here in DE we shut the state down for 6 inches or more, but I understand nothing short of a nuclear winter would shut Chicago down. What concerns should I have with salt being on the car, and what would be the best way to clean it off the bottom of my car?? Again, thanks for all the help!
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 5
From: Mount Vernon Arkansas
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Originally Posted by JACKAL0PE
Jeez! You already live in Delaware. It's not like you're moving from Miami. You probably already get as much snow as they do.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,367
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Originally Posted by BigJoe
I drove my 1970 every day in Chicago. I did have extra rims and snow tires, though. And that was 30 years ago. I'm sure road cleaning has gotten even better since then. If its not a garage queen, drive it on days the roads are clear. It will get a good work out most days...
1972 454, no snow tires about 20 years ago. Where are you moving to?