Looking to Join The Corvette Community

[CharlieRoy]

I have been bitten by the Corvette bug, looking to buy one while I am still physically able to get in and out of it easily. I would imagine that with all of the clubs in The Villages, there must be one focused on Corvette enthusiasts who would share their ownership experiences with a novice. I would greatly appreciate information regarding the existence and meeting information for such a club. Thanks in advance.

[retiredguy123]

Car-Leisure Time Corvettes
2TH@7PM-CS
Churchill Street
Recreation Virginia Lessard jerredsgg@comcast.net (352) 750-9154

[CharlieRoy]

Car-Leisure Time Corvettes
2TH@7PM-CS
Churchill Street
Recreation Virginia Lessard jerredsgg@comcast.net (352) 750-9154

Thank you!

[villagetinker]

Last I checked there were 2 corvette clubs, we did belong for a short time, but recently sold ours, I hated working on the car, and getting in and out was hard, it was a 1986 vintage. The link is: Clubs Download (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/Recreation/clubsDownload.aspx)
Do not hit print it is around 250 pages. Around page 48 I found 2 Corvette clubs listed.

[Michael G.]

I got a Covette story.

Around 2002 or 2003, I thought a new Covette would look good in my garage.
Visited a Chevy dealership with 5 in stock.
Salesmen got the key to one and I said I'm just here to see how I fit in one.

Salesmen left me alone for a awhile, so I got in, then attempted to get back out.
Instantly I know this was not for me when I sat there for 20 minutes waiting for help from the salesmen to get out.

It was a beautiful looking beast with soft leather supported seats.

I refer to getting into a Covette is like taking a leather bucket seat, setting on the
concrete floor and telling me to sit in it then try to get out.

My wife was happy to hear my story from that day.

[Altavia]

Corvette Forum has a regional section for outside the bubble.

Southeast - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion (https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/southeast-42/)

[buzzy]

Village Vettes. 600 members, 395 Corvettes. Very active socially.

HOME - Village Vettes Corvette Club (https://villagevettes.clubexpress.com/)

[Black Beauty]

check out a Thunderbird..easy in and out

[CharlieRoy]

Last I checked there were 2 corvette clubs, we did belong for a short time, but recently sold ours, I hated working on the car, and getting in and out was hard, it was a 1986 vintage. The link is: Clubs Download (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/Recreation/clubsDownload.aspx)
Do not hit print it is around 250 pages. Around page 48 I found 2 Corvette clubs listed.
Thank you.

[rjn5656]

Anything C5 or newer is easier to get into.

Good used corvette dealer in Orlando. I saw him my C6.

[rjn5656]

Corvettes for sale, new and used - Roger's Corvette Center in Orlando, Florida (https://rogerscorvette.com/)

[JRcorvette]

If you have not purchased a Corvette yet I would suggest that you look for a used C6 or C7 model. Many that are owned by Club members have very low mileage. These models are easier to get in and out of compared to the new C8 model. You can show up at the Village Vetts meeting at Eisenhower Center and the members park and chat an hour before the meeting. That will give you a chance to view an possible even sit in some different models. Hope this helps.

[GNXGuy]

I’ve been thinking of selling my original owner 2002 Z06. Just hit 5000 miles. Yes only 5000. Had a 427C5R motor put in it, custom leather interior, mini tubs, HRE’s, the works, then I had kids and only put maintenance miles on it. I moved to Florida and brought it with me last year and still enjoy driving it but now I can drive with you around. I’m thinking about getting something else if there’s any interest shoot me a message. Oh. It dunked at 632hp normally aspirated on pump gas :). And won several awards at cars shoes. Even one at the National Corvette Museum.

[CharlieRoy]

Last I checked there were 2 corvette clubs, we did belong for a short time, but recently sold ours, I hated working on the car, and getting in and out was hard, it was a 1986 vintage. The link is: Clubs Download (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/Recreation/clubsDownload.aspx)
Do not hit print it is around 250 pages. Around page 48 I found 2 Corvette clubs listed.
Thank you for the information.

[CharlieRoy]

I got a Covette story.

Around 2002 or 2003, I thought a new Covette would look good in my garage.
Visited a Chevy dealership with 5 in stock.
Salesmen got the key to one and I said I'm just here to see how I fit in one.

Salesmen left me alone for a awhile, so I got in, then attempted to get back out.
Instantly I know this was not for me when I sat there for 20 minutes waiting for help from the salesmen to get out.

It was a beautiful looking beast with soft leather supported seats.

I refer to getting into a Corvette is like taking a leather bucket seat, setting on the
concrete floor and telling me to sit in it then try to get out.

My wife was happy to hear my story from that day.

Funny story, thanks for sharing.

[CharlieRoy]

Corvette Forum has a regional section for outside the bubble.

Southeast - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion (https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/southeast-42/)

Thank you for the information.

[CharlieRoy]

Village Vettes. 600 members, 395 Corvettes. Very active socially.

HOME - Village Vettes Corvette Club (https://villagevettes.clubexpress.com/)
Thank you, I will definitely check this out.

[CharlieRoy]

Anything C5 or newer is easier to get into.

Good used corvette dealer in Orlando. I saw him my C6.

I have my eye on a C6 coupe at this point, but looking to learn more before making a purchase. Thanks.

[CharlieRoy]

Corvettes for sale, new and used - Roger's Corvette Center in Orlando, Florida (https://rogerscorvette.com/)

Great information, thanks!

[CharlieRoy]

If you have not purchased a Corvette yet I would suggest that you look for a used C6 or C7 model. Many that are owned by Club members have very low mileage. These models are easier to get in and out of compared to the new C8 model. You can show up at the Village Vetts meeting at Eisenhower Center and the members park and chat an hour before the meeting. That will give you a chance to view an possible even sit in some different models. Hope this helps.

Great information. I have narrowed my focus on C6 coupes, and look forward to hearing what club members think of their individual cars. Thanks.

[CharlieRoy]

I’ve been thinking of selling my original owner 2002 Z06. Just hit 5000 miles. Yes only 5000. Had a 427C5R motor put in it, custom leather interior, mini tubs, HRE’s, the works, then I had kids and only put maintenance miles on it. I moved to Florida and brought it with me last year and still enjoy driving it but now I can drive with you around. I’m thinking about getting something else if there’s any interest shoot me a message. Oh. It dunked at 632hp normally aspirated on pump gas :). And won several awards at cars shoes. Even one at the National Corvette Museum.

Sounds like an awesome car, but I am focused on the C6 generation at this point. Thanks.

[Tvflguy]

I have seen many old guys getting in and out of their Vette. No way would I subject myself to that. Doing the “side saddle swivel” and the crouch and bend.

Oh look at me! I’m a Boy Racer.

[BlackHarley]

Yeah, it's a lil' difficult climbing in and out of my C3 shark body vette, but with each grunt and groan I remind myself it's a form of yoga for these old bones. I fit in my vette not sit in it, then it's off and away for miles of smiles.

[sowilts]

Unfortunately there was a Red Corvette on Warm Springs this morning. It looked like it was totaled. Be careful on two lane Florida roads. ������

[ohioshooter]

I have been bitten by the Corvette bug, looking to buy one while I am still physically able to get in and out of it easily. I would imagine that with all of the clubs in The Villages, there must be one focused on Corvette enthusiasts who would share their ownership experiences with a novice. I would greatly appreciate information regarding the existence and meeting information for such a club. Thanks in advance.

I bought a 1962 Corvette new, I only had it a year. 52 years later I bought a new C7 vert. I kind of wish I still had it, but I’ve owned some amazing cars since. Get what you want. We’re not getting any younger.

[Karmanng]

I got a Covette story.

Around 2002 or 2003, I thought a new Covette would look good in my garage.
Visited a Chevy dealership with 5 in stock.
Salesmen got the key to one and I said I'm just here to see how I fit in one.

Salesmen left me alone for a awhile, so I got in, then attempted to get back out.
Instantly I know this was not for me when I sat there for 20 minutes waiting for help from the salesmen to get out.

It was a beautiful looking beast with soft leather supported seats.

I refer to getting into a Covette is like taking a leather bucket seat, setting on the
concrete floor and telling me to sit in it then try to get out.

My wife was happy to hear my story from that day.

I figure IF you cant get out of it you just need to roll on the ground you are close enough!

[hoot2602]

I have been bitten by the Corvette bug, looking to buy one while I am still physically able to get in and out of it easily. I would imagine that with all of the clubs in The Villages, there must be one focused on Corvette enthusiasts who would share their ownership experiences with a novice. I would greatly appreciate information regarding the existence and meeting information for such a club. Thanks in advance. What type you buy depends how much you want to spend, what you want to do with it and how mechanically inclined you are. For the money spent on a new one you can obtain a pretyy nice 63-73. This will work if you like to work on them yourself. These years are very simple to maintain if you have mechanical aptitude. The most comfortable of the 8 Vettes that I've owned was a 65 with bucket seats that were really bench seats that looked like they were cut in half. The mid-year seats were not nearly as low as the current models and I thought they were more comfortable. As you got to the 68-72's the seats were a little lower and not as comfortable. I loved fixing things on the cars. On today's models, I wouldn't know where to start to repair them...plus, would void the warranty! Good luck!

[Mundol]

My husband is selling a 2001 torch red c5 automatic coupe with 40,737 miles. Absolutely beautiful. However it is in Southern California. 862-242-9111

[Number 10 GI]

The 3d and 4th generation Corvettes are difficult to get in and out of, actually harder to get out than in. The 5th and 6th generations eliminated much of the ingress/egress problems in the earlier models. I'm 75, bad back, knees and a badly torn rotator cuff in my right shoulder, I have no problems with my 5th gen Vette. Now if you weigh 250 + pounds or stand over 6' 2" you may have a problem. If you want one, go for it. Once you set in that seat you lose 40 years and 50lbs. There is nothing like the sound acceleration of a V8 engine. Life is too short.

[Number 10 GI]

I just thought of this. On YouTube is a guy named Lyle that works at C&S Corvettes in Sarasota, FL, a corvette specialty shop. He has a number of videos explaining the pros and cons of each generation of Corvettes and makes recommendations on the best model for each generation. His recommendations are based on his experiences at the shop.

[RayAmb]

I own a C7 ZO6. No doubt it’s more difficult to get in and out of a Corvette ,, BUT—— driving one is like nothing else. Mine is my , feel good,,, fun car! A total joy ! Our BMW suv is for most of the rest. Totally different. I can’t justify selling the Vet and would buy it again.

[CharlieRoy]

What type you buy depends how much you want to spend, what you want to do with it and how mechanically inclined you are. For the money spent on a new one you can obtain a pretyy nice 63-73. This will work if you like to work on them yourself. These years are very simple to maintain if you have mechanical aptitude. The most comfortable of the 8 Vettes that I've owned was a 65 with bucket seats that were really bench seats that looked like they were cut in half. The mid-year seats were not nearly as low as the current models and I thought they were more comfortable. As you got to the 68-72's the seats were a little lower and not as comfortable. I loved fixing things on the cars. On today's models, I wouldn't know where to start to repair them...plus, would void the warranty! Good luck!
I am looking at 2010 - 2013 C6 models as these look to be good choices for a daily driver. Thanks.

[CharlieRoy]

I own a C7 ZO6. No doubt it’s more difficult to get in and out of a Corvette ,, BUT—— driving one is like nothing else. Mine is my , feel good,,, fun car! A total joy ! Our BMW suv is for most of the rest. Totally different. I can’t justify selling the Vet and would buy it again.

I love the look of the C7, but at 6'2" tall, I am concerned about difficult sight lines. It is my understanding that the C7 seats cannot drop as low as C6, but I will definitely check them out for myself. Thanks.

[CharlieRoy]

Yeah, it's a lil' difficult climbing in and out of my C3 shark body vette, but with each grunt and groan I remind myself it's a form of yoga for these old bones. I fit in my vette not sit in it, then it's off and away for miles of smiles.

It sounds like you have found happiness in the driving, which is also what I am seeking. Thanks.

[Fastskiguy]

Not to hijack but…..can a 6’ 4” person fit in any of them?

[CharlieRoy]

The 3d and 4th generation Corvettes are difficult to get in and out of, actually harder to get out than in. The 5th and 6th generations eliminated much of the ingress/egress problems in the earlier models. I'm 75, bad back, knees and a badly torn rotator cuff in my right shoulder, I have no problems with my 5th gen Vette. Now if you weigh 250 + pounds or stand over 6' 2" you may have a problem. If you want one, go for it. Once you set in that seat you lose 40 years and 50lbs. There is nothing like the sound acceleration of a V8 engine. Life is too short.

At 63 years old, and in fairly decent shape, I want to enjoy the Corvette experience while it is still comfortable to do so. Thankfully, my wife is on board with the decision. Thanks.

[CharlieRoy]

I just thought of this. On YouTube is a guy named Lyle that works at C&S Corvettes in Sarasota, FL, a corvette specialty shop. He has a number of videos explaining the pros and cons of each generation of Corvettes and makes recommendations on the best model for each generation. His recommendations are based on his experiences at the shop.
I have been following Lyle for about a week and find his videos very informative. Thanks for sharing.

[Number 10 GI]

Remembered a good bit of advice I've heard that many Corvette owners will tell you. Buy the newest, cleanest, lowest mileage one you can afford. There is the "Corvette Tax", if the part is for a Corvette it is 2 or 3 times more expensive than for regular cars. It's good you are looking at a C6 as you can still get most repair parts for them. Electronics are the most difficult to find new for older Vettes and in many cases you have to resort to a salvage yard.

The thread about a basket case Harley Davidson being a money pit to repair also applies to a Corvette.

[villagetinker]

Remembered a good bit of advice I've heard that many Corvette owners will tell you. Buy the newest, cleanest, lowest mileage one you can afford. There is the "Corvette Tax", if the part is for a Corvette it is 2 or 3 times more expensive than for regular cars. It's good you are looking at a C6 as you can still get most repair parts for them. Electronics are the most difficult to find new for older Vettes and in many cases you have to resort to a salvage yard.

The thread about a basket case Harley Davidson being a money pit to repair also applies to a Corvette.

I can attest to this, I have rebuilt 8 early Mustangs from the ground up, and one '86 vette, everything on the 'vette was much more expensive than for the Mustangs, a complete Mustang interior (4 seats, front and rear carpet, etc) cost around $500 to $600, for the vette, 2 seats, and carpet almost $2000.

[CharlieRoy]

Remembered a good bit of advice I've heard that many Corvette owners will tell you. Buy the newest, cleanest, lowest mileage one you can afford. There is the "Corvette Tax", if the part is for a Corvette it is 2 or 3 times more expensive than for regular cars. It's good you are looking at a C6 as you can still get most repair parts for them. Electronics are the most difficult to find new for older Vettes and in many cases you have to resort to a salvage yard.

The thread about a basket case Harley Davidson being a money pit to repair also applies to a Corvette.

Great advice, thanks.

[Number 10 GI]

I can attest to this, I have rebuilt 8 early Mustangs from the ground up, and one '86 vette, everything on the 'vette was much more expensive than for the Mustangs, a complete Mustang interior (4 seats, front and rear carpet, etc) cost around $500 to $600, for the vette, 2 seats, and carpet almost $2000.

I recently spent about $2,500 for new leather covers, new seat foam and installation. Just 2 seats, no carpet. The new seat foam feels great, the old foam rubber was pretty worn.

[mtdjed]

I recently spent about $2,500 for new leather covers, new seat foam and installation. Just 2 seats, no carpet. The new seat foam feels great, the old foam rubber was pretty worn.

Quit complaining about cost of repair. Saw a new one advertised this week in the Daily Sun for $244,000. Talk your wife into this one. Look at all the repair dollars you can save.

[Number 10 GI]

Quit complaining about cost of repair. Saw a new one advertised this week in the Daily Sun for $244,000. Talk your wife into this one. Look at all the repair dollars you can save.

What a bargain!!! I could get a his and hers at that price.

[Michael G.]

My husband is selling a 2001 torch red c5 automatic coupe with 40,737 miles. Absolutely beautiful. However it is in Southern California. 862-242-9111

AH, yes, the wife has spoken while hubby screams: " We're not selling my Corvett." :spoken: