watson

The local Corvette Club keeps asking me to join and I don't really know how politely to explain why I always say no. They seem like nice folks and they are very interested in Corvettes, the problem is that I have C2's and they all have C7's. While I like the C7, it is just not where my interest lies. Most of the club events involve a long drive to some place for breakfast on a Saturday morning. I am more interested in events like Cars and Coffee where I can mingle with others interested in older cars and all of the things involved in keeping them running. This got me thinking if others in the C1 and C2 world feel the same way.

Doc

MelWff

Include the C3 group with the C1 and C2. I also belong to a club where the predominate model is C5 and up. I'm willing to drive somewhere for 1 1/2 hours so local events I attend. The overnight events I pass on because I'm not going to keep up with them for hours not to mention having to stop more frequently for gas. In my case the 3.70:1 rear gears contributes to the issue.

DansYellow66

Same here - don't really want to get involved even though there's a big club here and I know a few members. I was Treasurer in a Hot Rod/Musclecar club for over 15 years and after awhile the drama and non-sense just got to be too much. Plus, I was one of the younger members (and I'm 67) and nearly everyone who didn't drop out at some point due to the nonsense, died before we mercifully closed it down about 18 months ago. And then after we blew the last few dollars in our account on a going-out-of-existence pizza dinner for the few remaining members - I ended up getting stuck by the State with fees out of my own pocket to pay the State to dis-incorporate our non-profit club. Otherwise I was going to have to submit annual reports the rest of my life.

No Thanks - I will be club less from now on.

warrenmj

65GGvert

In Feb, we will celebrate the 7th anniversary of Carolina Classic Corvettes in Charlotte, NC. We started our own club to include 1953 to 1982 Corvettes for the reasons stated above. We didn't want Interstate races or speed contests. We have no mandatory meetings, we just keep the members informed about upcoming events and invites to different happenings. For example, last fall we were invited to display our cars at the Concours D'Elegance at Trump National Golf Course on Lake Norman. It was a great event. Two years ago, we extended the upper range to include C4's as their age is now in the classic category. We meet as a club twice a year, a Christmas lunch and an Anniversary lunch.
My point in this is, if you don't have a club available that suits your needs, start your own. Create your own rules and venues. You could be so informal as to create an e-mail list and just keep others informed in case of interest and maybe set up a meeting point to go together. You can plan a trip or two a year if you have enough interest in a destination. It doesn't have to be burden, make it a pleasure.

FLYNAVY30

I'm not a member of the local club, although I do enjoy meeting up with some of the local guys who are also active on the forum. I've always been a "Corvette guy", but my automotive interests are very broad, and I enjoy seeing things that are modified/tinkered with/otherwise hot rodded. Because of that, I find that Cars & Coffee is a better fit for my interests. NCRS cars, and brand new C7s are certainly cool, and I very much appreciate them, but they don't hold my interest for very long.


Greg

DZAUTO

I can add nothing.

corvetteed

I've been asked countless times to join the local Corvette Club. I always politely decline, citing previous experience w/clubs elsewhere where I got burned out on the drama, infighting, and only a few of us doing all the work (annual show of 600 cars, monthly oldies dances, cruises, Christmas party, charity events, etc.). They respond "oh, we're not like that" but when I read the on-line newsletter, I see enough to tell me to steer clear. I like the local cars & coffees and none of the drama.

Wolf74

I belong to the same club 65GGVert belongs to - Carolina Classic Corvettes. Initially I was hesitant to join a club as I previously had been in two sailing clubs (Commodore of one) for years and had gotten burned out and had also heard horror stories of all the mandatory events the big Vette club in our area has - which I just did not want to commit to.

Membership in our club has been great. No mandatory events (although I go to a fair number), no pressure, and a group of guys (& gals) that love Corvettes. The wife has even gotten involved and met and become friends with several other wives in the immediate area.

With this said, I understand that if you decide you are going to join a club, you need to look around and find one that suits you, your interests, and your commitment. The wrong fit and no one is happy. The right fit and a lot of fun can be had.

capevettes

Not a member but I tag along when I feel like it. Great group. I have a C7 Z, so no trouble keeping up. Some members have older Vettes and they all appreciate them. I had enough meetings in my professional life to last me a lifetime.
I'm actually pretty active in the New England Viper Owner's Association. Fun group.
I just love to drive. I do cars and coffee and actually host a couple a year at my house.
My main joy is just getting in the car and driving.

59 navy

It costs me on average 25.00 for an event fee, 45.00 for a tank of gas and 20.00 for lunch. Threw all of my plastic trophies away and don't care to compete anymore. I win often because I'm the only C1 present. I found a good club (Carolina Classic Corvettes) that allows me to bypass this kind of activity. I like driving with this group but feel little pressure to be at every event. 59 navy

BLUE1972

I belong to 3 clubs here ; one is NCRS. I joined because the wife likes the Social Events and parties. It's true most cars are the newer corvettes.

During the summer we travel to the car meets and shows. My 71 has a 5 speed so keeping up with the new cars is easy. The other two stay local and the 85 is worked with a 6 speed - fun for me - not for her.

For what it costs to join the clubs it's worth it for us - she has made many new friends which makes the cruse nights better for both of us. We do a lot of cruse nights..

Yes it does sometimes "cause conflict" but my response is I'm in it for the fun and enjoyment - that is all I care about - Makes it easy to deal with the "politics" which I avoid.

3JsVette

That just about sums it up for me also.

Hitch

I have always followed the rule that I like to show up for the shows but could care less about the politics of the clubs.

HITCH

glensgreen65

I was in a hot rod club 20 years ago but young family responsibilities kicked in. It was pretty funny on occasion with some of the drama. Ol' hens bitch n stitch. Maybe again when i retire?

fredski

Cruzmeisters

I would not join ANY club that would accept me as a member...

LouieM

I've been in one of the local Vette clubs for about 15 years and participate in the activities I want to. Most members have C5s and up but that just lets my 67 start out all the more. They offer a huge range of social events, weekday drives, longer weekend drives, track days, autocross, car shows, and participate in a western states Corvette convention every year or two. This year there will be eight days of autocross, which I love best. Not to mention the many friends I've made, with whom I socialize separately. If I did everything on their calendar I'd be broke and exhausted.

ghostrider20

59BlueSilver