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Do you plan your local C7 trips around parking?

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Old 08-17-2018, 07:34 PM
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Guitarking1
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Default Do you plan your local C7 trips around parking?

Unlike my prior Vettes, my C7 is not a daily driver. But since I got it in January, I use it primarily for local trips around town.

However, I'm finding that my decisions to drive it often surround where it can be parked and the type of parking. So much of the parking areas in my area only have compact car spaces and even that is stretching it. I live in fear at the thought of the dreaded door dings.

I'm afraid I'm becoming somewhat OCD over this issue and my wife is losing patience with me. "This is not a museum piece!" she sniped at me yesterday. I admit, it's getting out of hand and I may need professional help. Is there any cure for the abnormal fear of door dings?

Last edited by Guitarking1; 08-17-2018 at 07:35 PM.
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Old 08-17-2018, 07:40 PM
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fyreline
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For heaven's sake - it's a car. Drive it. Yes, use your head and park carefully, but you can't go through life being afraid of things that might happen. You'll miss out on a lot of driving enjoyment.
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Old 08-17-2018, 07:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Guitarking1
Unlike my prior Vettes, my C7 is not a daily driver. But since I got it in January, I use it primarily for local trips around town.

However, I'm finding that my decisions to drive it often surround where it can be parked and the type of parking. So much of the parking areas in my area only have compact car spaces and even that is stretching it. I live in fear at the thought of the dreaded door dings.

I'm afraid I'm becoming somewhat OCD over this issue and my wife is losing patience with me. "This is not a museum piece!" she sniped at me yesterday. I admit, it's getting out of hand and I may need professional help. Is there any cure for the abnormal fear of door dings?
When parking in a parking space where cars are parked next to each other in tight parallel, swing hard toward the car to your right, then swing hard toward the car to your left. This will allow maximum distance between your car and the car doors on either side.
Old 08-17-2018, 07:43 PM
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Deweyox
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Originally Posted by F4 Phantom
When parking in a parking space where cars are parked next to each other in tight parallel, swing hard toward the car to your right, then swing hard toward the car to your left. This will allow maximum distance between your car and the car doors on either side.
I do this with old my resto mod and of course the vette. I'm just curious how the fiberglass dings though?
Old 08-17-2018, 07:45 PM
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Mine is not a daily driver but it is driven. The only thing it is not is a grocery getter unless I sit in the Vette as my wife goes in.
Old 08-17-2018, 07:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Deweyox
I do this with old my resto mod and of course the vette. I'm just curious how the fiberglass dings though?
First, it’s not fiberglass. It won’t ding or dent, but the paint can be scratched (and repaired).

OP, listen to your wife, she’s right. It’s a depreciating Chevy. Drive it and enjoy it.

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Old 08-17-2018, 08:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Guitarking1
Unlike my prior Vettes, my C7 is not a daily driver. But since I got it in January, I use it primarily for local trips around town.

However, I'm finding that my decisions to drive it often surround where it can be parked and the type of parking. So much of the parking areas in my area only have compact car spaces and even that is stretching it. I live in fear at the thought of the dreaded door dings.

I'm afraid I'm becoming somewhat OCD over this issue and my wife is losing patience with me. "This is not a museum piece!" she sniped at me yesterday. I admit, it's getting out of hand and I may need professional help. Is there any cure for the abnormal fear of door dings?
I going to side with you here and I don't give a damn what anyone says on this silly forum. Be careful where you park and never have to deal with being angry at people who don't give one rat about your car. It has worked for me on my 04 z06 and is working on my 2019 Grand Sport. Not one scratch or dent. That's the way I like my vettes, like new. Flame on flame throwers.

Last edited by Zjoe6; 08-17-2018 at 08:39 PM.
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Old 08-17-2018, 08:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Zjoe6
I going to side with you here and I don't give a damn what anyone says on this silly forum.
So why are you here?

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Old 08-17-2018, 08:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Steve_R


So why are you here?

It's fun, you?
Old 08-17-2018, 08:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Zjoe6
It's fun, you?




Old 08-17-2018, 08:47 PM
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Corgidog1
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I also suffer from dingitis. I only park my car at restaurants with spacious parking.
Old 08-17-2018, 08:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Corgidog1
I also suffer from dingitis. I only park my car at restaurants with spacious parking.
I agree, but it is not just my Corvettes - I am pretty OCD in that regard with my leased Grand Cherokee, and will 99.5% of the time park it as far away from the crowds or in a well protected location. The only difference is I will valet the Jeep at good restaurants and country clubs - won't do that with the Corvette: at my club, the valet guy lets me self park (he still gets the $5 tip).
Old 08-17-2018, 08:56 PM
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Guitark1 I understand where you are coming from about parking. Being an older gent I have to drive to the local CVS quite often. Parking is limited as the store is in a small college town and the parking spaces go quick. Your C7 won’t dent but a good ding will chip the paint. What do I do, I drive my 88 C4, that needs a paint job, so I don’t care. I suggest you drive another car for those errands.

Last edited by HAD2HAV2; 08-17-2018 at 09:03 PM.
Old 08-17-2018, 09:03 PM
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Think about your priorities. If the worst thing in your life is a door ding, life is sweet. Caution is appropriate but obsession is excessive. The Corvette will depreciate more with age than with a few dings.
Old 08-17-2018, 09:10 PM
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I agree with the OP. I’m that way with all my vehicles, can’t help it. Of course I drive my others if the parking lot is suspect. If I drive the Vette to work it goes in my warehouse. OCD I suppose. We all have our issues and this is mine. The business across from mine specializes in dentless repairs and scratches, needless to say he knows me well.
Old 08-17-2018, 09:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Steve_R
So why are you here?
Because he has his own POV and even opinions that don't agree with yours may still be valid. A point that I know is often overlooked into today's USA.
Old 08-17-2018, 09:19 PM
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I am careful where I park any of my cars. Always try to find end of row spots, etc. And throw me in the flame pile as there are definitely places I will not drive the Vette due to parking or other concerns.
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To Do you plan your local C7 trips around parking?

Old 08-17-2018, 09:22 PM
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No, but I do park away from others... with ALL my vehicles. I need the walk to and fro, anyway.
Old 08-17-2018, 09:32 PM
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Originally Posted by dvilin
I am careful where I park any of my cars. Always try to find end of row spots, etc. And throw me in the flame pile as there are definitely places I will not drive the Vette due to parking or other concerns.


I park in safe spots when I can in my both my car and my pickup. I paid good money for my vehicles and taking care of them just makes sense.

But I think that you should drive it where you want and not pass up the chance to enjoy this beautiful car. If the parking area is too dangerous for your C7, are you sure that you are safe there yourself?
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Old 08-17-2018, 10:29 PM
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I didn't buy my Corvette to be a garage queen, that being said I am very careful where I park any of my vehicles.

We primarily use the Corvette for weekend and pleasure drives. We frequently use it to travel to car shows and various events throughout our state and neighboring states. At the risk of the usual unhelpful condemnation, I sometimes take it a step further. If we are planning a trip to somewhere unknown to us I will look it up on Google Maps. Zooming in on the satellite view can be very useful in getting an overview of available parking in the area.


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