The Gretz's NCM Delivery
11-08-2016, 09:05 PM
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The Gretz's NCM Delivery
Friday started early, with us arriving at the museum at 0730. Larry McCool, our guide, was there to greet us. Larry has been working as a guide at the NCM for many years and certainly knew his stuff. He introduced me to my new baby briefly, and then we took some time to complete the all-important paperwork. Larry was very detailed and went over all of the minutia, despite the fact that all the purchase paperwork had been previously completed with my dealer. Since the NCM is not funded by GM, instead using only donations from members, so they try to add value wherever possible. To that end, they are happy to offer to laminate your window sticker or build sheets. I took advantage of this option as it was inexpensive and supports the museum.
After we finished the paperwork, we watched a Corvette factory safety video. We then boarded a shuttle with a small group of other people taking delivery of new Corvettes the same day to head to the factory, which is just across the street from the factory. Larry continued to guide us through an in-depth “VIP” tour of the factory. We were encouraged to stop whenever we liked and ask any questions we could come up with. It was fascinating to see the amazing engineering that goes into the Corvette. It was also great to see the care that the hardworking technicians use to assemble each car. Each Corvette LT4 engine is hand built by 1 technician right there in Bowling Green, and that technician’s name is engraved on a small plaque that is affixed to the engine. My engine was built by Harvey Turner. While on the tour, Larry set out to find Harvey, and was successful! Larry brought Harvey over to meet us, and I was happy to shake his hand and thank him for building such a beautiful engine. If anything ever goes wrong, I know who to call (hahaha)! At the end of the assembly line, a worker let me start a just-completed Corvette for the very first time! He then presented me with a Corvette birth certificate, commemorating the occasion. He asked me if I owned a Corvette, and when I told him I was at the museum to pick up my very first Corvette, he was extremely appreciative, and thanked me for giving him a job. I could tell just how much it meant to him.
After the factory tour, Larry gave us a tour of the museum itself. It was very interesting to learn the history of the Corvette. I thought I knew most everything, but it turns out there was plenty I didn’t know! The cars on display were unique and gorgeous. My wife and sister wanted to take home several of the C1 Corvettes, but couldn’t figure out how to stuff them in their purses! We saw the display detailing the sinkhole that damaged a number of priceless Corvettes, including a virtual simulation of what it would look like to be in the bottom of the sinkhole as it was swallowing up Corvettes.
After the museum tour, Larry took me on a guided tour of my new car. He took more time than anyone at a Chevy dealer ever would, explaining each and every feature and menu item. His knowledge of the current C7 Corvette is unparalleled. After reviewing all the features and answering all of my many, many, questions, I got in the passenger seat and Larry drove me out of the museum, to the applause of a number of museum patrons and staff. The museum manager personally thanked me for taking delivery at the museum. Once we were outside, Larry, handed me my keys for the first time, and offered to take some photos. I then drove the car for the first time, just a short distance to the other side of the building to take some additional pictures. We had lunch in the museum cafe, which was actually better than you might expect.
At that point, my wife and I embarked on what we didn’t yet know was a monumental task: applying the Xpel TracWrap paint protection film to the car. It looks like saran wrap from a distance, but is actually essentially vinyl stickers that stop damage from rocks and other road hazards. It ended up taking several hours. They really should use a task like that to determine if two people can handle being married! What a pain in the butt! We did get it done, though! We didn’t actually depart the museum until late in the day, around 6pm, heading down 65 South.
We drove around 6 hours, not counting stops. We stayed overnight near Montgomery, Alabama. After seemingly no sleep, we got up early on Saturday and drove another 250 miles to Tallahassee, FL, where I had scheduled my first oil change at Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Chevrolet. We raced to Tallahassee to make our oil change appointment, knowing that many dealers aren’t open on Sundays so if we missed the appointment, we’d be in a bind. The folks at the Dale Earnhardt were great. The technicians were fine with me hanging out in the bay and micromanaging every little task, including asking them to check the torque spec for the drain plugs, and to use to a torque wrench to tighten them accordingly. But again, they were great.
After that, with no remaining appointments or specific timeline, we stayed the night in Tallahassee. After parking the car at the hotel, we took Uber to dinner at Ted’s Montana Grill. The food was awesome, and we could have a glass of wine and relax. There is something about driving your brand new dream car for 500 miles that tends to stress you out!
Sunday we took our time getting up and drove the rest of the way back to St. Pete, FL. With the break-in period over, I could finally have a little fun! We are now safely home, and the car is ensconced in her protected spot. The car is amazing, and all I could have asked for. More importantly, I had a great time with my wife and sister! Great memories were made, and this is just the beginning of life with my dream car
Obviously I've included some photos, as I know this post would be worthless without them! I've added one with her back home at the end of the trip with my horrible TracWrap install
At least it got her home safe, and still looks better than painter's tape!
In summary, I highly recommend R8C Museum Delivery! It was awesome, and a (for me) once in a lifetime experience!
After we finished the paperwork, we watched a Corvette factory safety video. We then boarded a shuttle with a small group of other people taking delivery of new Corvettes the same day to head to the factory, which is just across the street from the factory. Larry continued to guide us through an in-depth “VIP” tour of the factory. We were encouraged to stop whenever we liked and ask any questions we could come up with. It was fascinating to see the amazing engineering that goes into the Corvette. It was also great to see the care that the hardworking technicians use to assemble each car. Each Corvette LT4 engine is hand built by 1 technician right there in Bowling Green, and that technician’s name is engraved on a small plaque that is affixed to the engine. My engine was built by Harvey Turner. While on the tour, Larry set out to find Harvey, and was successful! Larry brought Harvey over to meet us, and I was happy to shake his hand and thank him for building such a beautiful engine. If anything ever goes wrong, I know who to call (hahaha)! At the end of the assembly line, a worker let me start a just-completed Corvette for the very first time! He then presented me with a Corvette birth certificate, commemorating the occasion. He asked me if I owned a Corvette, and when I told him I was at the museum to pick up my very first Corvette, he was extremely appreciative, and thanked me for giving him a job. I could tell just how much it meant to him.
After the factory tour, Larry gave us a tour of the museum itself. It was very interesting to learn the history of the Corvette. I thought I knew most everything, but it turns out there was plenty I didn’t know! The cars on display were unique and gorgeous. My wife and sister wanted to take home several of the C1 Corvettes, but couldn’t figure out how to stuff them in their purses! We saw the display detailing the sinkhole that damaged a number of priceless Corvettes, including a virtual simulation of what it would look like to be in the bottom of the sinkhole as it was swallowing up Corvettes.
After the museum tour, Larry took me on a guided tour of my new car. He took more time than anyone at a Chevy dealer ever would, explaining each and every feature and menu item. His knowledge of the current C7 Corvette is unparalleled. After reviewing all the features and answering all of my many, many, questions, I got in the passenger seat and Larry drove me out of the museum, to the applause of a number of museum patrons and staff. The museum manager personally thanked me for taking delivery at the museum. Once we were outside, Larry, handed me my keys for the first time, and offered to take some photos. I then drove the car for the first time, just a short distance to the other side of the building to take some additional pictures. We had lunch in the museum cafe, which was actually better than you might expect.
At that point, my wife and I embarked on what we didn’t yet know was a monumental task: applying the Xpel TracWrap paint protection film to the car. It looks like saran wrap from a distance, but is actually essentially vinyl stickers that stop damage from rocks and other road hazards. It ended up taking several hours. They really should use a task like that to determine if two people can handle being married! What a pain in the butt! We did get it done, though! We didn’t actually depart the museum until late in the day, around 6pm, heading down 65 South.
We drove around 6 hours, not counting stops. We stayed overnight near Montgomery, Alabama. After seemingly no sleep, we got up early on Saturday and drove another 250 miles to Tallahassee, FL, where I had scheduled my first oil change at Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Chevrolet. We raced to Tallahassee to make our oil change appointment, knowing that many dealers aren’t open on Sundays so if we missed the appointment, we’d be in a bind. The folks at the Dale Earnhardt were great. The technicians were fine with me hanging out in the bay and micromanaging every little task, including asking them to check the torque spec for the drain plugs, and to use to a torque wrench to tighten them accordingly. But again, they were great.
After that, with no remaining appointments or specific timeline, we stayed the night in Tallahassee. After parking the car at the hotel, we took Uber to dinner at Ted’s Montana Grill. The food was awesome, and we could have a glass of wine and relax. There is something about driving your brand new dream car for 500 miles that tends to stress you out!
Sunday we took our time getting up and drove the rest of the way back to St. Pete, FL. With the break-in period over, I could finally have a little fun! We are now safely home, and the car is ensconced in her protected spot. The car is amazing, and all I could have asked for. More importantly, I had a great time with my wife and sister! Great memories were made, and this is just the beginning of life with my dream car
Obviously I've included some photos, as I know this post would be worthless without them! I've added one with her back home at the end of the trip with my horrible TracWrap install
At least it got her home safe, and still looks better than painter's tape!In summary, I highly recommend R8C Museum Delivery! It was awesome, and a (for me) once in a lifetime experience!
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11-08-2016, 09:13 PM
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Very nice....congrats!
11-08-2016, 09:18 PM
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Congratulations and enjoy it.
11-08-2016, 09:22 PM
#4
Le Mans Master
Congratulations on your new Z06. Stunning.
11-08-2016, 09:50 PM
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Nice!
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The_Gretz (11-08-2016)
11-08-2016, 10:43 PM
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11-08-2016, 10:55 PM
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11-08-2016, 11:23 PM
#11
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That's awesome! Congrats on your new ride!
11-08-2016, 11:28 PM
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Thanks, everyone! The car was dropped at the detailer yesterday morning for a full clear bra, tint, and full ceramic coating. Should have her back on Friday and I'll post more photos. The process of waiting for an allocation, and then waiting for a build date was excruciating but totally worth it 
11-09-2016, 01:39 AM
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Congrats on taking delivery of your new baby. She's stunning.
11-10-2016, 10:00 PM
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I'm picking up the car from the detailer tomorrow. It's getting a full Xpel/Suntek wrap after the paint correction/polish, 18% ceramic tint, and Gtechniq Crystal Serum coating for the entire car plus wheels. Here's a photo the detailer just sent me...
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11-11-2016, 12:58 AM
#17
Le Mans Master
Congrats on your new ride, very cool timeline too!
11-11-2016, 08:55 AM
#18
Congrats Gretz! I enjoyed your delivery write-up. Great move also on the wrap and ceramic coating. And lastly, great choice of color scheme.
11-11-2016, 09:34 AM
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Did my Z06 delivery with Larry back in March. Was very thorough and well informed! While I did most of my research in advance, I don't believe there was a single question asked that Larry could not answer! In my opinion, it was well worth the expense at the Museum.
While I didn't TracWrap mine but rather towed it back home, I did take it straight to be wrapped in Xpel and get coated before putting the first mile on the car. Was excruciating backing the car off the trailer and pulling into the detail garage without going around the block first.
Great story and beautiful car! Enjoy it, I know I have!
While I didn't TracWrap mine but rather towed it back home, I did take it straight to be wrapped in Xpel and get coated before putting the first mile on the car. Was excruciating backing the car off the trailer and pulling into the detail garage without going around the block first.
Great story and beautiful car! Enjoy it, I know I have!