I am 63, and like just about every American man, idolize the iconic symbol of American cars, CORVETTE. I just bought a 1995 polo green convertible with 53k miles. It's so much more than a car. It feels amazing to be a part of this community.
My older brother well half brother who was in his 40's stopped by to see my mother in a brand new C4. He popped the hood, I never saw a car hood open that way. Then he took me for a ride, I was 16. I still remember it to this day. I bought Camaro's (74, 79, 91) and a Mustang (97). All because I could not afford a Corvette. I finally got one and I can honestly say it is the best car I have ever owned. So to your point, take a kid for a ride in one, it will surely leave a lasting impression.
There's more to the Corvette being just a community, it's an entire extended family. I would highly recommend that any Corvette enthusiast join a club. My club accepts new members whether they have a Vette or not. They just have to be an enthusiast. Moving on. I usually end my comments by saying "Save the Wave 🙋♂" There are so many ways to "Save the Wave" as well. Plus, it wasn't the Corvette Owners who started the wave. It actually started when our WW 2 Veterans returned home after the war, and some came home with war brides and some came home with British Sport Cars like the MG, Austin Healey and Jaguar. They were few and far between and when then came upon another English sports car they would wave. The wave is also done by those riding two-wheels. All your other points Lyle are well said, especially as far as dealing with the young people. I like to show my Vette and at one show this older couple were looking at all the cars with two young girls and they focused on my Vette. As the girls got closer, the gentleman who I thought was their father said, "don't touch the car." I heard that and immediately got up from chair and asked the two girls if they'd like to see the inside because the youngest was too small to take a peek. Her eyes lit up when I opened the door. I then said to both girls to ask their Dad if it would be alright to sit in it. The eldest said, that's my Grandpa, and both the girls immediately looked at him for permission and he gave them the nod. The girls each sat in the car and their Grandmother came over and took photos of them. These young ladies were beside themselves and when I started it, the eldest one said quietly, "I want one of these someday." That made my day. Of course, it was a one-time meeting and I've often wondered if either one of those girls ever got one. Thank you all for listening to my story and expanding on Lyle's words about addressing the young people. So now in my usual fashion I'll sign off with: Save the Wave 🙋♂and I recommend you all do the same, whether in writing or while driving. Have a blessed weekend to all of you.
Near the end of last season, I parked my black C4 in a lot of a grocery store. When I came out, I found a black C8 parked right next to me. Of course, I was happy and waited a bit for its owner. When he came to his car, I said,'What a nice meeting of generations'... Dude looked at me, kinda baffled, looked at my car, looked at me with an expression of boredom, and just got in his C8. No matter where on the globe, I'm from Germany, C8 guys are usually no corvette guys.
That’s a bummer for sure. One time I was having a battery issue with my C5, and I was in a parking lot with the hood up. Out of nowhere a C7 appeared, and the owner refused to leave until my car was sorted. That’s how it should be!
The appeal of the Corvette is undeniable. I’d wanted a Corvette since I was a teen (I’m in my mid-50s now). Being poor in my 20s, having a family in my 30s and 40s, meant no Corvette. And my wife is a pure pragmatist. Why get a Corvette when I Corolla takes you to the same places? She relented on my Corvette wish, and now she admits riding around in a Corvette is a special thing … Thanks for another great episode! And one of my favorite things to do in my C7 is wave at the C8 drivers. It’s so fun to watch them squirm 😂
Good advice regarding taking a kid for a ride. I am in my 70's. My dad had a friend who had a 1958 corvette in 1958. They gave me a ride in that beautiful car. I was 8 years old and I remember the sounds, the speed, and the thrill of riding in that car.
Lyle, I agree with these 5 things. And giving a kid a ride, or even just letting them sit in it, or hear it roar, is something they'll remember forever❣ I've been Corvette crazy since I was a 13 year old girl. My Dad worked at the Chevrolet dealership as a mechanic. So he worked on them in the 70's & early 80's. Later he became Service Manager and brought me home a poster from work of a bright orange C3. I was in love❣ Of course that poster went on my bedroom wall. And I remember just sitting in my room, thinking as a 13 year old poor girl, how much will one cost by the time I get old enough to get a job. But from that day forward, it was my dream car. Unfortunately, I never knew anyone who owned one when I was a kid. But later in my early 20's, my Uncle ended up getting a C3. And him & my Aunt decided to take a road trip to my house to surprise me. Not only was it my dream car, but it was the color I always said I'd get, which was white. Just seeing a Corvette up close was a dream come true. But when my Uncle asked if I wanted to ride in it, and when I said yes, he handed me the key😳 I said what? You're going to let me drive it! So of course I couldn't turn that offer down 😂 I was driving like the responsible adult that I was in my early 20's. We were stopped at a traffic light. The light turned green and he told me to punch it! So I did, and it pinned my back to the seat 😂 One of the best days of my life. Then in 2006 my Dr. said I had a brain Aneurysm. So not knowing if it would rupture before surgery and not knowing the outcome, a Corvette was still on my mind. I called all over town to try to rent a Corvette, just so I could at least drive one, so if my brain surgery didn't go well. But no luck. But I was blessed and my surgery was a success. So 4 yrs. later I finally decided I was going to make my childhood dream come true. And prove to my dad I did it. I bought my 1st Corvette 1998 C5 coupe. And did exactly like I always said I would do if my dream came true. I went to my parent's house to surprise them. Boy were they lol And I took Dad for a ride. And I'm glad I did, because my dad passed away 2 yrs. later ❤ I've now had it 13 yrs. and it still seems like a dream, but now the dream came true. Which I have on my plates 👍😎👋
Lori, thank you for sharing your Corvette story with me! You and I are of the same generation and your Corvette journey is very similar to mine in many ways. I am very happy that you were able to make your dream a reality and that you got to share it with your Dad before he passed--I wish I could have done the same. Enjoy the drive, and let us know if we can help you in any way in the future. Lyle :)
Hi Lyle! Like Michael Green1098 commented, I am a first time Corvette owner and a C3 too! However, I did purchase my '73 blue T-top L-82 Corvette back in 1986. It has 75,000 original miles and I have proudly put 35k of those on it myself. I spent my college money on it and my folks were hot! Bad decision then but I held onto it and it is not so bittersweet these days. In fact, it was my daughter's "first car" that she drove to school her senior year. She said her "cool factor" went up by a factor of 10 the day she parked it in the lot before class. I drove it from 86-91 and then put it up in my folks' barn since it needed a lot of work and I had no funds. The car sat there until my parents reminded me in 2018 I had it and that they needed it moved out of their garage to redo the floor. My Vette became my own Barn Find!!! I had it towed to a local garage and they got it started and running and safe to drive. Eventually, I found a master mechanic who loves working on old cars and has really helped my out to the point of embarrassment. He rebuilt the engine and has attended to all the mechanicals and hey!! No Leaks! Runs like a top and looks like a ..... well..... it still looks like a barn find. I am proud to say that ALL the gauges work in the cluster and my tach is operational too! I love the Vette culture and am a hobbyist with that cool '73 niche car. Thanks for all the content Lyle. All your past and future C3 videos are especially valued here (as well as the other C#'s too). AND YES........ I WAVE!!!!!! Oh....and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all the 1973 C3 Vettes out there! 50 years young and still cool to drive!
My first ride was in my neighbors’58, and he scared the shit out of me! I loved every minute of it! I must have been 12, and he was early 20’s, they called him “Big Mike” and he was the big man on campus. I idolized him. His vette was metal flake blue, had a “reverb” radio ‘cause the chicks liked it 😂, and for the day it was a street beast. Halfway through that ride I was forever hooked on Vettes. I’ve had four and currently own a 2004. So, yes, definitely give some kid a ride…
I was out in my c5 and saw a c7 too late on the other side 3 lanes over. Dude pulled a u turn to come up beside me just to wave. I loved it haha Guy was probably just cruising
I agree with reason #5, because at car shows I always invite the kids to sit in the car. Seeing their smiles is everything to me and hopefully will spark interest in the hobby. Great info as always and save the wave!👋👍
Reason #5...So very true. Back in 81' I took both my nephews with me one afternoon in my 70' T-top Vette. The oldest was about 8 or 9 and the youngest was 5 or 6 with Tom in the seat and Tim sitting backwards behind him with the back window out. As you know the window was removable. When you mentioned Reason #5, I reflected on that time and thought/wondered was that me??? They both have Vettes today, Tom a C7 and Tim a C6 that he recently had Lingenfelter completely go through.
My first Corvette was purchased two years ago (C5). This year I traded for my C7. My 15 year old grandson still tells me I have the “coolest car in town”! He loves to ride in it. I first drove a Vette when I was about 16 (1969). My buddy washed 3 of them for his neighbors who were helicopter pilots. They gave us permission to drive them to be vacuumed. I was hooked. Just saying tip #5 is so true.
Spot on Lyle! You and your videos are wonderful and wonderful for the Corvette community 😊 Such great advice and intuition about putting down the phone and taking a ride! Keep the “culture” going.
I will always thank video games and hot wheels for getting me into corvettes… I always saw them as special cars because of that legendary logo with the checkered flag… I always thought of them as race cars you can own. I loved all the generations, they all followed the same beautiful design theme and I became more amazed once I learned they were giving Ferraris and Porsches a run for their money while being much more attainable. I had many special encounters with them as a kid. I remember waiting in line at the California speedway for a NASCAR race and in front of us was either a c2 or c3, (don’t remember which one exactly) idling really loud with its exhaust tips smoking. It was an amazing sight. My uncle told me “that car wants to takeoff” My cousins neighbor had a C5 as well and he was a dentist… it made me realize you had to have a good job to afford one. I busted my ass and became an engineer and finally bought one😌 17 GS Coupe in Long Beach Red with a M7. Forever my dream car
I always wave at other Corvette drivers, if I don’t notice them until it’s too late, I feel guilty. I’m always actively looking for other Corvettes wether I’m driving my c6, my Explorer or my RV. It’s been my dream car since 1953…but I didn’t get it until I was 68…now I’m 75 and loving every minute of driving it. Ppl ask why did you wait so long…military…marriage, kids, grand kids…it all got in the way. Great video Lyle thank you for all you do.
Unfortunately there are only two Corvette clubs in my immediate area. One was way to entrenched in discussing current politics and C8 ownership. As a C6 owner (2010 GS Convertible / M6) I felt unwelcomed, especially when several other club members asked me when I was going to upgraded to a C8. I think my response caused some waves, I mentioned that I already owned a C8 and that's why I now own a C6. The second club is not very active, seems they only have meetings for dinner once a month and gather at the occasional weekend cruise-in, would be nice to find a club with members who enjoy driving their cars instead of just looking at them. I agree, supporting local Vette shops is good and as for "The Wave", it doesn't happen much but I still wave regardless of a response.
Wow I got the same sort of C8 stuff at the club I went to. Having a C4 or anything other than a C8 shouldn't be an issue. The newsletter had a C8 letter attached, really! I stayed for two years and just stopped going. There were events that I attended that were great car shows and it was nice see that a few folks own a 62 or 67 + a C7 or C8. Just don't mingle with them, or ask if anybody knew of a good place to get work done on corvettes? Well after going through the learning curve I found out for myself. I would gladly share with anyone at a local event if asked. SORRY to sound like sour grapes about Corvette clubs but the experience was a bummer. But I will still go to my local events, just solo and just enjoy the Day. I'm glad Lyle touched on those 5 things and all the help C&S corvettes has freely given me when I got stuck and something! Even though I'm on the west Coast! The maybe I'll get there and maybe get back feeling is not part of enjoying my vett anymore. Hope you have miles of smiles.
I have two corvette clubs in my area, a snobby one who live on the hill and stick to themselves at shows, and a regular one. Unfortunately with the kind of hours I keep, don't really mesh with getting up early to go to a meeting of the good club, so I only ever went once. I realize the social loss, and probably should change my ways anyway, but never do.
Well said, Lyle, as usual! As a woman & driving my 3rd vette I love these cars, and feeling of family! Corvettes are the only car with a signature greeting. Especially love going to Carlisle & riding near the grounds doing my wave!
I'm 28 and just bought a '75 corvette back in January. I've been working on it with my buddy and his dad. I have to say it's so exciting this week it should be up and running and can't wait to drive it around the city
It really is a family, when I lost two corvettes at once in a tornado a year ago, a buddy from the corvette club (who had just bought his first vette) graciously let me drive his to a big meet. A few weeks later, my other buddy let me drive his C8. It definitely is a lifestyle. I was really impressed as a boy by my neighbor who had two corvettes, a C3 and a C4. I used to pass them every day on my bike. Twenty years later I bought my first corvette and now I am on my 4th corvette.
I am not a car person but driving this vehicle reminds me when I was 18 when I had a 67 Firebird. It brings me back to the good all days and this is way better than 18.
Love and totally agree with the comment about driving the Vette. Too many folks in Challengers, Chargers, Mustangs, etc around where I live drive like arses and always try to race. I just let them go by since I don’t have the inferiority complex about my ‘03 anniversary edition convertible and use my father’s old phrase “always let someone else go faster, the police will appreciate it!” lol
I have always believed that driving a powerful car calmly and with purpose is important. After all, a lion doesn't have to tell others that it is a lion. :) Lyle
As always, Lyle is spot-on! I am new to the "hobby", having purchased my first '07 C6 Vert in October '22. Lyle's videos, knowledge, and advice were invaluable as I searched for the car of my dreams (since I was 8 years old). THANK YOU, LYLE, for continuing to bring Corvette owners together and provide incredible information to promote this wonderful community!
When I was a kid growing up in Montreal a guy down the street had a white 65 coupe .Semi custom, flared fenders 67 BB hood triple tail lights , factory side exhaust. Buy to a 12-13 kid that was cool . He let me hang around when he washed it and let me sit in it. Never got a ride in it , but that’s ok.He was kind to me and never blew me off. I was lucky as a kid to have a few car mentors. These guys helped me understand older cars and what it took to maintain them and keep them looking good. One has passed away sadly . The other I went by his house years ago when I got my 91 ZR-1. He like the car and was happy to see me . Years ago he let me drive his 60 Corvette w dual 4s. I was 18-19 years old , he’s a real cool car guy. I’ll always remember those guys that took the time to answer all my dumb questions and didn’t tell me to scram. At cars show when kids come around with their parents I always ask if they want to sit in the car , some do some are to shy , that’s ok. You never know what kind of impression you’ll make on someone. So make it a good one.
Beyond excellent video. You couldn’t be more right on everything you talked about. I love the wave I almost always get a wave back. There is nothing better than getting stuck at the gas station with someone who want to talk corvettes. Spot on when you say take a kid for a ride nothing better than watching there eyes explode. I have a neighbor lady who is a good friend she has a 68 corvette that was her Dads I have been helping her and you right Lyle put the wrench in there hand. Finally just as you do share your knowledge.
Thank you Lyle. Points well taken. The last one is huge. I still remember the first time I sat as a passenger in a C 3 corvette. The experience was overwhelming. That was for me the moment the love for corvettes began. Why not possibly do the same for another person who one day will sit in my corvettes passenger seat and feel what I felt 40 years ago. Thanks !
Another fantastic video Lyle!!! 👏👏 Well done!! Any day driving my Vette is a very good day!... I drive it as often as possible. Heck I call it my SUV. It is a Sports car. It has great Utility (Costco runs are no problem) and it's a Vehicle. My "other" SUV 😁 And yes, I LOVE those gas station chats. It's amazing how the C6 looks "brand new" to so many people. I'm (only) 35 and ALWAYS wave... We definitely have work to do to #SaveTheWave - I have found it's not just "younger" owners, that don't wave. The Corvette was in my heart from young when my uncle's '67 427 was left to my parents... it was in iffy shape growing up but there was nothing like sneaking into the garage and sitting behind that big teak steering wheel imagining the open road and the roar from the side-pipes! I'm grateful that my dad restored it and brought it back to it's proper glory but I wish he would have showed me more of what he had done to pass on that 🔧 knowledge. And to your last point, growing up the neighbor kids were about 10 years older than I, and when the one came home after buying his 1st sports car (not a Vette), he took me for a drive.... Woah! The love of performance and "fun" driving was cemented. Add in my pre-existing love of the Vette and here we are! 🏁🚩 Keep up the great content!
What I really appreciate about this video is that it’s great advice for all collector car communities! And for corvette owners especially so. Rock on 👋🏻
Another excellent video. All 5 points were spot on. There is great pride in owning, preserving and showcasing America's premier sports car for over 70 years. Keep spreading the love for Corvettes.
Excellent video (as usual). I've lost track of the number of people, young and old, that I've taken for rides. I love sharing and promoting Corvette. And hopefully one of those kids will grow up with Corvette Fever. 🙂
My neighbor has a kid and he’s never been in a car that low low LOW I had him crank the engine on and he fell up with it in love with it. That’s what it’s all about like you said these younger kids have no idea about muscle cars or any car it’s all good. Keep up the good work.
Number 5 is very true . I took a 14 yr old boy his parents are my neighbors to the biggest Corvette Show in Langcaster Ohio and entered my car . He has not quit talking about it since
I am owning a C5 Z06 in Germany. Before buying it I was actually looking for a Lotus Esprit. Then I had the chance of being a passenger in a Corvette and it blasted my mind! I had to buy one.
Just wanted to drop in and say thanks. You have great content and valuable information, thanks for sharing. I've owned and 81 yellow vette for 34 years and a 69L71 riverside gold 4speed. You add value to everyone's corvette on this channel because people make better choices and know how to care for their vette better than they may have been able to... thanks ! Have a great day!
Lyle, how did you keep a straight face when you said find a kid and the guy in the background laughed at how that sounded? You kept a straight face like a champ!
Nice vid Lyle, Ur obsoletely right my man!! I recently joined a Corvette Club in a city 30 min. from where I live and it has been wonderful to be around others that love Corvettes!
Very well said, in fact I'm in my 50'S and live in Canada. Found your channel just over a month ago when I was looking for my first Corvette. Now after watching and learning alot from you, I am the proud owner of a 1988 black Corvette. Thank you for what you do. Scott
Amen Lyle! You are spot on with those 5 tips. I’ve been car crazy since I was a kid due to my older brother’s influence because of his passion for cars. In turn I ended up influencing a young neighbor teen when I was in my early 20’s doing exactly what you said, taking him for a cruise. Ultimately he ended up choosing a career as a mechanic which I feel had a direct impact on him getting into it. Keep up the great work with your podcasts.
I respect your opinion, but living in the past was never a corvette thing. The car has a long history of cutting edge technology, which sometimes bites the owner of an older car in the rear, but that how it goes with any early adaptor situation. With my C5, people regard the magnetic shock deal as unworkably high cost with little return, and get rid of the stuff, in favor of regular shocks or coilers. And now today, GM licenses that shock tech to Ferrari.
I really enjoy your channel. Although I find that a lot of the material you cover I already know, I really enjoy your delivery of that material plus there are those times when you give info that I didn't know. If I'm ever in the Sarasota area I definitely plan on visiting your shop. Thank you for what you do!
Sarasota also has the P. T. Barnum house, who used to be a circus owner when that was the biggest entertainment. I toured lots of houses and castles so grand they were donated to the public, and his house is not so grand, but it has a view across the bay , with a construction of very slightly rose colored artisan glass, that is something to see around sunset, when the shadows get long. There are also some historical circus wagons on display, along with a human cannonball truck , when I was there .
@@richardelliott8352 That sounds pretty cool. I'll definitely have to check that out as well. I used to love going to the circus when I was a kid. Thanks for the tip.
Great video. I just got my 2012 Centennial this winter. I love it. I’ve already did some upgrades, performance air filter and changed the coupler. Led side markers, and interior lights, led fog lights. Put new Pilot Sports on it soon as I received it from Texas. Had a gentleman with a c4 pull up along side of me and we talked about our cars at the traffic light. I’ve already experienced the wave.
Bought my first Vette 6 months ago and it's pretty much become my daily. It's so nice rowing through the gears and being a C5Z, it's surprisingly comfortable. Was so excited when I got my first wave!
Awesome video Lyle. I had a Fat Boy Lo about 5 years ago and yes there was always a wave to other Harley’s. Might get some corvette waves tomorrow in my 1999 FRC on my 220 mile trip to Delaware and south Jersey to a beautiful vineyard. 90% highway but will be some awesome open roads near the vineyard. Got the feel of it today on some twisty roads here in Staten Island, been waiting since 2018 for my C5 and the smile it put on my face driving it today was amazing !
Number 5 was the reason I feel in love with Corvettes. I've driven C1-7 Corvettes and they all ride different. I didn't think I'd like the C4 but the LT1-4 engine is smooth and has B@LL$!
You’re talking about me that’s good I just bought a new Corvette. Hopefully it’ll be fine but you never know but I love love love the way it drives it drives.
Good morning Lyle, another wonderful video. Good advise you gave. I first starting my love of Corvettes in 1960 with tv series "Route 66". And what was so cool was that the two stars of the show had their own personal Corvettes. Thanks again Lyle and keep the videos coming my friend.
I do drive mine a lot. I bought it to be a 3 1/2 season car. It's over 10 years old and has nearly 120,000 miles so far. I've noticed in my area, those with C1s and C2s don't waive. Some C8s do but a lot don't. Plus, because C5s and up have very low roof lines, it can be hard to see or even give a waive. Unless it's a convertible or the roof is off. Mine has a fixed roof, so no go there. And I do support my local dealer service. Used them for a decade and, yeah, they're expensive, but, the work has always been done right. And If you buy a new one, I highly recommend getting set up with GM's Owner Rewards program. And use the save funds for maintenance and repairs as I've done. And funnel all expensive onto that card. I like this better than the PPM programs the dealers offer. After about 6 years 65K mi is when the expensive stuff starts happening. Just after most PPMs end...Those actuarials know their stuff!
Lyle, as always, I love your content. You say I like it should be said. Thank you for keeping the channel going. I replaced my shifter on my '03 Z06 with an OEM C6 shifter. Not too complex of a job, but other folks ideas were quite helpful. I wish I could tap into more local owners.
I've had my 1998 C5 14 years now. And I wanted to meet local Corvette owners as well. But I've only been really active in the car community the past 5 yrs. I had done a few car shows at the time. But stopped by a car show about 4 yrs. ago (wasn't even driving the Vette) and meet a lady in the show who has been in lots of shows & won lots of trophies. She's not a Vette owner, but she knows lots of car people. But after seeing her at several other shows in my area. I decided to try a few shows and park with her. But she has introduced me to so many people in the car community, I can't keep up lol. Her & her car club invited me to join their HotRod club 2 yrs. ago. So I did, and I've learned a lot an meet so many awesome car enthusiasts. So far I'm the only Vette in our club. But I've meet other Vette owners at shows and have a good number of Vette friends now. And most of them are in a very well know Vette club in our area. So I suggest, if your not interested in car shows, do a search for local Cruise-Ins in your area. That way you can come & go as you please. And you'll be in that circle of car/truck enthusiasts. And trust me, it will happen👍😎 Save the 👋 And believe me, it will happen lol I'm doing my 2nd all Vette show this weekend 👍😎 Save the 👋
My car hasn’t been driven at all hardly it’s cut 8500 miles on it and 2007 in immaculate condition. The only thing ahead is cobwebs but I will be driving it more than the previous owner. I just put four grand into it and did whatever you recommended on your video so I’m glad that you have this video thing going because it may be more interested in what you’re supposed to do with an older car. I thought you scare me sometimes with some of the comments but it’s helpful and I think you.
My first car was a 67 Firebird three speed convertible and that was tough to shift. This one’s a lot better. It’s a 2007 should be but I haven’t arrested. I haven’t driven a standard in about 20 years so getting through the crutch of the clutch is pretty interesting again it took me about three days to get used to it, and now I’m pretty good at it reverse on a hill is still tough but it makes you part of the road. It makes you a better driver and you don’t even have to use your brakes if you’re good at it.
The Sarasota/Bradenton Skyway Corvette Club just held their 25th annual show at St. Armands Circle this weekend! 174 Corvettes from other clubs and owners were in attendance, plus Vettes parked all around the area by Skyway members!
Amen Brother. 5 times Amen 👍 When i ask a question on the Forum, and one of the Big Corvette Guys answer it, i try to Buy my Stuff from them. Its a silent "Thank you for your Help". But i know there are a lot of People out there, who dont handle it that way. Actually in Germany there is not only the "Corvette Wave". Actually in Germany, if you drive an US Car, you Wave other US Cars, and get a Wave back. US Cars in Germany are very Rare, but its an Iron Hard Community.
I hear you on the wrenching, another down side of not having them do it, is if another problem pops up after your help some will turn in you, even when the issue has Nothing to do with the help you gave.
Exactly. A degree of self-reliance is essential in the collector car world--we can guide people in that direction, but it is up to them to be interested enough to expand their knowledge once we have "primed the pump". Lyle
