Future of car clubs and NCRS

[Dennis H.]

Re: Future of car clubs and NCRS

how is that any different then the younger kids of the late 50's onward who modified everything

Yep, when I was 19 and stationed at NAS Lemoore in 77 I had a very clean original 69 Chevy C10 Stepside with a 327 and 3 on the Tree. I added aluminum wheels, G60 tires, headers, aluminum intake, Holley carb, 4-speed etc. Why? Well I guess that's what we did back than.

[Keith M.]

Re: Future of car clubs and NCRS

Yep, when I was 19 and stationed at NAS Lemoore in 77 I had a very clean original 69 Chevy C10 Stepside with a 327 and 3 on the Tree. I added aluminum wheels, G60 tires, headers, aluminum intake, Holley carb, 4-speed etc. Why? Well I guess that's what we did back than.

I am an oddball...love cars and all but never caught the mod bug. In fact I own probably a one of a kind 2000 Harley Dyna Wide Glide...why? Cuz it is 100% original stock. Not to mention just under 2K miles on it. Harley guys love to customize...why? Dunno...but it's all good.

[Michael W.]

Re: Future of car clubs and NCRS

To clairify a couple of my points in the discussion;

The car scene as we know it in America is alive and well and not going anywhere. At some point in the future there will be a NCRS judging event for the EV Corvette.

As current owners of cars from the M

uscle Car Era age out the demand for those cars will drop off and the younger generation coming up behind us will be looking at different type cars. The

M

uscle Car Era of the late 60's to mid 70's put out some amazing cars but unless you were there you would never know so one tends to go where their past history was when buying an old car. We use to joke back in the 90's that we needed to buy up some ricers so we could flip them when the young kids started collecting them.

I'm all about teaching and interacting with the young guys and gals who embrace this hobby and more so if it revolves around Corvettes. My Tech savvy level and tool box can only reach out to the HEI distributor but am never one to say I can't. I'm a Delco-Remy points kind of guy.

To answer the above Model T question not sure about prices just recall a friend in the mid 90's that was hot on anything Model T because they were so popular (he flipped a lot of stuff), now days you hardly see one.

I would like to find a young stud to teach or past my knowledge to so when I need to remove a transmission I can send him under the car for that PIA job. ha

Hi Dennis its great to hear you want to share your knowledge with the younger generation. I think keeping them engaged in events will be vital to keeping car clubs active and healthy. I think you hit it on the head with the fact that the muscle car era will drop off and I think I am just struggling with the idea of all of these great cars going by the wayside. Granted the new sports cars of the day will become the "old school" car of the future but it just does not seem the same. I myself like the old looks with the aggressive lines, a lot of the new cars are more European looking. This is not a bad thing as they look nice in some ways but lose that American muscle car look.

Take care,
Mike

[Keith B.]

Re: Future of car clubs and NCRS

As a owner of a muscle car when I attend one of the largest all Chevelle shows on the East Coast I am by fair the youngest one there with a correctly restored car. But there rest isn’t a lot of people under 40 there either with any type of car. I can see the garden variety type cars going away. But the low number production marque type cars will always be collectible. The hobby is just a revolving based on people with disposable income.

[Bill B.]

Re: Future of car clubs and NCRS

Although I have always highly regarded the NCRS and car clubs, I was never interested in them for social gatherings or to increase my love for corvettes. I actually never had the time while travelling the world and trying to put five kids through college (not to mention an extremely costly divorce). I have found that most of the ten to fourteen year olds that watch me restore my 58 are more interested and in awe than the twenty to forty year olds. That is sorta how it was for me watching neighbors working on their old Fords when I was a kid. Don't think the NCRS or car clubs will ever go away. I am thinking they will just adjust to the times.

[Michael W.]

Re: Future of car clubs and NCRS

Although I have always highly regarded the NCRS and car clubs, I was never interested in them for social gatherings or to increase my love for corvettes. I actually never had the time while travelling the world and trying to put five kids through college (not to mention an extremely costly divorce). I have found that most of the ten to fourteen year olds that watch me restore my 58 are more interested and in awe than the twenty to forty year olds. That is sorta how it was for me watching neighbors working on their old Fords when I was a kid. Don't think the NCRS or car clubs will ever go away. I am thinking they will just adjust to the times.

Hey Bill,

That is great to hear that you do not think the NCRS or car clubs will go away. It is such a big part of American history and fingers crossed some of the old cars will still be able to make appearances at the events.

[Mark K.]

Re: Future of car clubs and NCRS

I agree that change will be needed to keep the flame alive. I’m into pre 65 Harleys (Panheads) and they are super popular right now even with the 30’s and 40’s crowd. However, it is interesting to note that one Facebook page I’m a member of dedicated to them has 8,000 members. Yet, our NCRS page has only around 500. More grey bearded bikers are on Facebook than NCRS members? I find that strange. I believe the biggest impediment for younger buyers of vintage Corvettes is the cost. Heck, I cringe at the prices of some that I would love to buy and I’m no Spring chicken!

[Dennis H.]

Re: Future of car clubs and NCRS

Mark I agree on the entry cost keeping the younger generation out of the market for pre 76ish cars and anything newer. I also cringe at prices, I'm getting sticker shock on putting together a 73 smog system that really consist of old used Chevy parts.

[Michael W.]

Re: Future of car clubs and NCRS

Hi Mark,

Nice car I have to say that is on my list of cars for down the road I just love how it looks and drives. The cost of the vintage ones is crazy but at the same time when you see how few are still around it is not shocking. We are working on selling my grandpas 57 and I worry every time I drive it that there is a deer or rock waiting around the bend for us to hit.

Hope you are doing well,
Mike

[Mike M.]

Re: Future of car clubs and NCRS

can u post photos and info on grandpa's 57 you are considering selling? can't pass up a unique 57(dont tell the wife). mike

[Frank D.]

Re: Future of car clubs and NCRS

I agree that change will be needed to keep the flame alive. I’m into pre 65 Harleys (Panheads) and they are super popular right now even with the 30’s and 40’s crowd. However, it is interesting to note that one Facebook page I’m a member of dedicated to them has 8,000 members. Yet, our NCRS page has only around 500. More grey bearded bikers are on Facebook than NCRS members? I find that strange. I believe the biggest impediment for younger buyers of vintage Corvettes is the cost. Heck, I cringe at the prices of some that I would love to buy and I’m no Spring chicken!

Younger folks in the middle class struggling with college savings, raising a family and paying a mortgage, in most cases, aren't going to plunk down $45K-$70K for a toy that needs work, takes up garage space, isn't as safe as modern cars and other family members prob can't drive. That's just the reality....regardless of their interest level.

And the folks that post pics of their cute grandkid holding a greasy wrench helping out Pap when they're 10-13 years old doesn't transfer (or hardly ever) to the same interest when they're 16 and discover girls and the internet.

[Mark E.]

Re: Future of car clubs and NCRS

Mark I agree on the entry cost keeping the younger generation out of the market for pre 76ish cars and anything newer. I also cringe at prices, I'm getting sticker shock on putting together a 73 smog system that really consist of old used Chevy parts.

This hobby has a car that's affordable for anyone with love for Corvette. Yesterday I looked at a '93 6-speed convertible with 12,000 miles for $18,000. It was virtually perfect and probably quicker than most big blocks.

[John D.]

Re: Future of car clubs and NCRS

Hi Michael, It's up to young people like yourself to keep the car clubs or any kind of club continuing forever. Get involved with a local chapter and offer your service in any way that need you. Sit in on the board meetings.
It can be so much fun in more ways than one. As a founding member of the Pittsburgh Tri-State chapter the members are my friends. My extended family. Ones that I dearly miss because of Covid but that's going to change very soon.

I belong to the Model A Restorers Club.(MARCI) Just on Facebook alone about 50 new members are joining a month. The majority of them are young people that inherited their Dads etc Model A Ford.
MARC guys ask the same type questions as are asked here. A funny example is what kind of oil should they use. haha
So nice of you Michael to post this question.
NCRS is going to be around for a very long time. Count of it. John D

[Michael W.]

Re: Future of car clubs and NCRS

can u post photos and info on grandpa's 57 you are considering selling? can't pass up a unique 57(dont tell the wife). mike

Hi Mike,

I will be going up to my grandmas in a few weeks and can take some photos for you. I wish I had the money for the car its a beauty.

Mike

[Mike M.]

Re: Future of car clubs and NCRS

mike: what colors and what horsepower and tranny? thanks mike mccagh