The Graying of NCRS

[Joel F.]

Re: The Graying of NCRS

I know NCRS has considered advertising on vendor web sites, but decided against it because we do not wish to appear to be endorsing any vendors' product. Too many vendors try to imply some kind of endorsement or connection as it is.

Totally understandable and I respect that position, but I would think there is a manageable difference between advertising and endorsing. We often reference vendors we deem having the nearest to original products all the time and endorse their products. Running banner adds or links on their sites would only increase the awareness of the organization and participation. Most vendors (not all) currently offer discounts for current NCRS members- that alone would be a great way to attract new members- "Join NCRS today and receive XX % off your order".

After all, it is where we are spending our money and time- how many untapped members could be received. You could embed a code associated with the order to track traffic and membership through those vendors web sites so the organization could measure how effective a campaign such as this truly is. You could also track click through to see how many people hit the NCRS website directly from the add, again to measure its effectiveness.

Excellent point and counter points being made here. IMHO, I think most members understand that the organization does not endorse specific vendors. If the organization decided to purse this, the matter could be clarified by sending a letter with the next Restorer or Driveline stating that in an effort to keep the organization alive, it has decided to pursue this avenue of advertising, but that the presence of our name on various vendor sites does not in any way constitute endorsement, etc.

Regardless, there is merit to the idea Patrick presents of using internet technology to track the effectiveness of our advertising by using things like cookies, etc.

At the very minimum, I do think it would be worth advertising on the Corvette Forum. As I mentioned before, this probably our largest "competitor" in the internet space and a potentially rich source of new members.

[Patrick N.]

Re: The Graying of NCRS

I am not sure that I would want my purchasing information for public use, I know there are ways to protect it, but have we all not been victims of "fishing". It is a slippery slope in my opinion. I know when the opportunity arises I promote NCRS to anyone that is interested. The vendor that I use the most does not offer a NCRS discount, would be nice however. I did get an add from one vendor offering "Top flight" program wonder where that came from, did not see any mention of NCRS.

Yes, no doubt, but tracking click-through is different then fishing or seeing purchase information. Know it or not, most sites track where we click, how long we remain on a page etc. and if it ties in with a link, they capture how many times we jump directly to another site, it is used for market data, not sales. Very effective in growing business online and ensuring you reach your target with measurable results.

The top flight program is interesting, sure does imply NCRS if it did not mention it, I see a petition filed back on the 21st to revive Top Flight as an NCRS TM- VERY smart move!!

[Dick W.]

Re: The Graying of NCRS

I am not sure that I would want my purchasing information for public use, I know there are ways to protect it, but have we all not been victims of "fishing". It is a slippery slope in my opinion. I know when the opportunity arises I promote NCRS to anyone that is interested. The vendor that I use the most does not offer a NCRS discount, would be nice however. I did get an add from one vendor offering "Top flight" program wonder where that came from, did not see any mention of NCRS.

NCRS DOES NOT share any info about it's members. It has been a policy since day one to protect membership data, mailing lists. etc. Even with the advent of the database, very few officers have access to any data. The chapters can use a bulk mail to their members, but not to the rest of the members in their geographic area.

[Dan H.]

Re: The Graying of NCRS

I am sitting here now watching the Mecum Kansas City auction. I am addicted to watching both Barrett Jackson and Mecum. Well over half of the corvettes that come across the block claim NCRS flight awards of some kind. Is there a way to get more involved in the auction fad (I'm sure this will come and go)? These 8 hour auctions play the same lame commercials over and over which tells me that there aren't companies beating down their door to advertise (meaning it may be cheap).

I also peruse "Bring a Trailer" and "Barn Finds" websites daily. These wouldn't claim any allegiance to a part company...........

[James C.]

Re: The Graying of NCRS

Very good discussion. The actual solution is:

"BURN OUT CONTESTS" at the meets...

Just kidding!! Jim

[Dick W.]

Re: The Graying of NCRS

I am sitting here now watching the Mecum Kansas City auction. I am addicted to watching both Barrett Jackson and Mecum. Well over half of the corvettes that come across the block claim NCRS flight awards of some kind. Is there a way to get more involved in the auction fad (I'm sure this will come and go)?

There is for Barett Jackson. Go to their web site and find the live streaming link. Gives you a choice of three views with no commercials.

[Jack P.]

Re: The Graying of NCRS

As a new member. allow me to say how & why I joined, which may help the powers that be when thinking along the lines of the subject at hand.

When I started researching the purchase of a midyear, I learned (via searching for the subject online) that the 2 primary sources of help were NCRS & CF Forum. I purchased memberships at both.

Through CF, I learned that one should always get the car inspected first. I obtained the name of a knowledgeable person to do that from a phone call to NCRS.

I will stay a member here for the knowledge & advice available (I've already spent a few C notes at the NCRS store). But, like Jack Panzica
pointed out, NCRS is perceived more about the judging & correctness of the cars, rather than the enjoyment of driving them. I'm not saying this is wrong at all, just that it's the perception that vette guys have. My '66 BB Coupe was a Top Flight Trailer Queen when I got it, but I will never enter it in a show ...I get my kicks (on Route 66) by driving it.

I now have 3 personal friends that I've met via their offers of help from both organizations. My CF friends hosted my stay in Florida when I flew from Calif to buy the car. NCRS member Don Hooper contacted me via PM with his offer of help when I asked for advice after I got the car.

Interestingly, the 2 CF guys drive their cars all the time, & Don drives it very seldom. He's primarily interested in the judging aspect....& I might add, in making me buy the coffee after I drive my vette 70 miles to meet him.

Hi Peter,

Don Hopper is a great guy....even though he is getting long in the tooth to drive............Ha Ha Ha.....but to my surprise,,, on my 48 state trip..more then half the people I stayed with were NCRS members...who drove their cars very little....but really wanted me to succeed in my trip and without their help I would not have made it...

My hope is that many of you out there realize that we are getting old....and we only have so many years to actually drive these cars. They are a young man's car.......

For those who still seek Top Flight and more go for it......

For those who have achieved that goal...sell your car to some one who wants to show it all over... and buy a good driver....

or drive your car as much as your time and body will allow......as I have said....values will stay up if people see these cars on the road....

The new younger buyers want to drive the car......that is why resto mods are selling for more that original cars....

My point being........you can not take it with you........don't put off that trip.....don't put off going to the gym or other activity....

You can have all the money in the world.....but time is time........use you strength and health now.....and some money to do the things that time/age will not allow in the not so distant future....

Jack

[Don H.]

Re: The Graying of NCRS

Jack, it is Hooper, not Hopper. And you're longer of tooth than I am buddy, and all my joints are still the ones God gave me, not some sawbones' handiwork. You just keep driving your car, and I will drive mine too. Difference is I drive mine AND get it judged. And it made Top Flight. My car is proof that it does not have to be restored to make Top Flight, and can even have added side exhaust. All original drive train, and old chippy paint, and I still have the blue ribbon. You can't say that. So, I got you there buddy. See you on your next trip out to the left coast.... and Willie, next cup of joe is on me. As for the graying of the club, I don't see it as an issue. If you gauge by who you see at the judging meets you would think so, but the younger members can't come out, as they are working and raising their families. My thought is there are plenty of younger members, but most don't have C1s and C2s, don't bother with the TDB and most don't come out to judging meets. Those of us who do are retired, with some disposable income and have time on our hands.

[Jack P.]

Re: The Graying of NCRS

Hooper or Hopper, you're still a nice guy.......Your car made top flight! boy you must know some one ...........but back to the problem....most all fraternal or hobby driven organizations that had their population base growing up in the 40's , 50's and 60's are losing members...for many of the reasons already mentioned......including your statement...

One possible solution to increasing membership and a younger population as already mentioned.....is a sportsman class.....what ever that means...aimed more at "driver cars" ........if you own a corvette......any year......you should be able to enter it in some kind of event sponsored by NCRS......

How many times must this topic be brought up....and it seems no Official NCRS response has been made to this thought. As stated , thousands of local car shows happen every week across the country.

NCRS meeting with local show promoters with some sort of promotional help could lead to more and more interest in NCRS.......helping to dispel the stereotype that NCRS may suffer from............

I think is would be great to have a NCRS for members who can't or don't want to drive their cars (shows , Judging , old age, $ value )

and a NCRS for those who love Corvettes and enjoy the knowledge and history that NCRS represents.....

But addresses the Corvette "Driver".......needs...without the guilt........of no overspray.......


ps

Hey Don,

Meet me in Oslo this summer.....I am taking a nice ride 600 miles above the arctic circle..........coffee is on me......Vodka on you......

[Erv M.]

Re: The Graying of NCRS

It has been an interesting thread. I hope our leadership will address this issue in the near future and more importantly respond in some fashion in the Restorer.

This is a great hobby with great people!

[Bob B.]

Re: The Graying of NCRS

40-50 years from now there will be an old man watching a parade with antique automobiles in it. He'll nudge the kid next to him and say, "See that there Honda, Sonny? I had one just like it when I was your age!"

[Adam S.]

Re: The Graying of NCRS

I am now dipping in to my 50's & life is starting to have a nasty little secret I CAN NOT DOUBLE MY AGE ANYMORE , and don't here the words "O, your just a spring chicken"....But I am doing my part getting the bug to infect both of these kids with my 57 vette & started with my family & now with my baby brother's kids..........see picture taken a few months ago....... "Long Live The Corvettes"
AJs 57 corvette at SOB car show 2011 Crista & Mason.jpg

[Jaime G.]

Re: The Graying of NCRS

Wow! Why are we so worried? The NCRS has a little bit for everyone. I have been around for over 2 decades and have restored 3 cars, kept 3 as unrestored original cars,
taken all of them thru the process and achieved Duntovs, 3 Star awards, BG, Benchmark, etc. I have met great people and my share of not nice people. I have judged
at all levels and truly enjoyed the process. You get what you put in. The organization will morph as society changes. When we are not around, someone else will be doing
the same stuff we are doing but maybe in a different way. By the way, my cars are not "trailer queens". They are all titled, licensed and driven regularly. I dont care if
I get back the money I have spent on them and I enjoy the challenge of learning about the cars and how they were put together. If you go to San Diego, come by the 62's.
Mine will be there trying to achieve a Duntov. Stop by and say Hello. Thanks

[James G.]

Re: Drive you car !

I have read more of this post than any other on this site, it is very interesting. I am 35 and joined NCRS last year. I feel like I am the type of person your trying to attract (maybe not???). I found the NCRS booth at Carlisle un-approachable last summer. There was some 50/60 somethings droning on and on with the people at the booth. Everytime I stopped by interested in joining, the same "grays" were there BS'ing.

This will be a post of total disclosure. I own a low mile, very original 71 LT-1 coupe. This car was given to me by my parents. I am very grateful to be the recipient of such an awesome gift. Please don't get me wrong, I do not come from wealth. I paid for my own education through student loans. I am proud of my modest career and bought my first home about 2 years ago. Don't worry, my father still owns a controversial V0626 '67 with BB hood (the Syracuse driver car in the '96 restorer article).

I grew up with family vacations being trips to Carlisle PA. I love going to car shows and appreciate the originality of the car I have. I would never consider any changes that compromises my cars originality. That being said, I don't see myself ever going for NCRS judging. I like that it is original, but I have little interest in a nut and bolt restoration. When the day comes for my car to be torn down I want to put it back together solid and new. Chasing a correct bolt or what not is a bit overboard for my taste. My cars body shows 40 years of age and the paint of the motor is chipping off when I clean it. It will have to come apart at some point in the next 10 years.

For me, my current taste is to make something haul ass that appears stock. I also have a 4 door Chevelle (yuck). But my plans are for a GMPP 383 with an M-21. Its a total waste of money, but its the kind of job that interests me.

I am more than open and willing to speak to anyone at NCRS in what interests me (the 30/40 year old). I intend on joining a local club, however their online pictures certainly put me outside their demographic. This won't deter me from trying. I hold a lot of respect for my pops and his car club friends. Last xmas I met up with some old friends and there comment was "there isn't much your dad and I DON'T know about a C3". I call them all the time with questions. However, I don't look forward to the drive-in scrutiny where the grays comment on all the things not factory correct with the new car at the cruise night, I'll still be there )

Dan

Dan, you sound like my 50 year old step son Phil and my grandson, Shawn who is 28. They both grew up around NCRS (I have been a member since 1976 and started So Cal Chapter). They both own garage repair businesses, and have been around cars since they could walk.

My wife's original 77 is still in the garage, and they each know it will be theirs when the time comes, but they have no desire to own it as they feel as you say ''I don't look forward to the drive-in scrutiny where the grays comment on all the things not factory correct with the new car at the cruise night, I'll still be there''. They also want to ''drive it''

Phil has restored a 70 BOSS 302, a 70 Corvette coupe, five Camaros including three ''real'' Z-28's and has loved ''driving'' them all. He has often said, NCRS is great if you want all the numbers and knowledge, but I want to ''DRIVE AND HAVE FUN''

Our best fun as a family was going to the vintage races in 1988 thru 94 when I raced my 64 B/P fuel convertible. ''THEY'' loved those days.

Hope to see many of you at CONVENTION in San Diego. I will share my knowledge with you in my seminar on:

Wednesday July 4 at 10:00 AM. The topic is:

1956-62 RPO #581, #684 and #687- Factory H.D. Suspenion and Brake development history, and the ''DISCOVERY OF 1957 SEBRING #3 PRODUCTION RACE CAR'' Hope to see many old and new friends.

[James G.]

Re: The Graying of NCRS

Wow! Why are we so worried? The NCRS has a little bit for everyone. I have been around for over 2 decades and have restored 3 cars, kept 3 as unrestored original cars,
taken all of them thru the process and achieved Duntovs, 3 Star awards, BG, Benchmark, etc. I have met great people and my share of not nice people. I have judged
at all levels and truly enjoyed the process. You get what you put in. The organization will morph as society changes. When we are not around, someone else will be doing
the same stuff we are doing but maybe in a different way. By the way, my cars are not "trailer queens". They are all titled, licensed and driven regularly. I dont care if
I get back the money I have spent on them and I enjoy the challenge of learning about the cars and how they were put together. If you go to San Diego, come by the 62's.
Mine will be there trying to achieve a Duntov. Stop by and say Hello. Thanks

WELL SAID. AND COME TO MY SEMINAR at Convention JULY 4, AT 10AM.

1956-62 RPO #581, #684 and #687- Factory H.D. Suspenion and Brake development history, and the ''DISCOVERY OF 1957 SEBRING #3 PRODUCTION RACE CAR'' Hope to see many old and new friends.