How do I regain my Corvette passion?

[Stan E.]

I received a Duntov in 2004 on my 63 SWC, unloaded the car and that was that. I do not like the car after doing a 14 year restoration, mostly myself but I have to much of my own effort invested to sell it. How do I regain my Corvette passion? Thanks stan 19259

[Stan E.]

Re: How do I regain my Corvette passion?

Say it isn't so !

[Cathy S.]

Re: How do I regain my Corvette passion?

Drive it!!

[Don H.]

Re: How do I regain my Corvette passion?

Good question. We all change with time and age. I find it harder to go work on the cars now as opposed to 35 years ago. BUT I still enjoy driving and talking about them (NCRS meets) as much if not more than years ago. As suggested, drive it - local cruise nights or display it free (Duntov) at most NCRS meets are a couple of suggestions. Good luck, Don H.

[Russ S.]

Re: How do I regain my Corvette passion?

What don't you like about it? I would think if you don't like the car it should be easy to get rid of even if you have 14 years of blood sweat and tears. Is there another corvette that you would like?

[Terry D.]

Re: How do I regain my Corvette passion?

Buy one that the top goes down and drive it.

[Terry B.]

Re: How do I regain my Corvette passion?

I can relate to your feelings. In fact that is what happened with me and my 66 SS396 375HP Chevelle in the 70's. I really have regretted selling it. I have cycled through that phase several times these past 28 years with my 60 Vette. I'm hoping to get it on the road and enjoying my work by driving. If that doesn't work, I'm 68 years old and I too will consider selling it. I always enjoyed looking for the parts and working on the car in the past vs. driving it but now think the time has come to let the wind blow through my hair while I still have some.

[Brian M.]

Re: How do I regain my Corvette passion?

Drive it, add a little patina to it. You won't be lying on your death bed and say I'm glad I didn't drive it. JMHO

[Michael J.]

Re: How do I regain my Corvette passion?

I agree, drive as much as possible and expose it to as many people as possible at any and all car shows or other events as you can. I went through the Top Flight rigmarole for a few years, and after getting all the awards felt I didn't want to continue on the path toward more excessive attention to detail, arguments, and stress, so stopped with the NCRS judging process. But I found new enthusiasm by going to more Corvette clubs, cruising, shows, and events where my '67 L71 can be involved. Glad I did. I also bought a new 2012 and now have bookends to use for most any driving events with the Corvette faithful anywhere in any weather.

[Paul J.]

Re: How do I regain my Corvette passion?

Stan,

Don is right, things change throughout our lives. Family, income, responsibilities, and our tastes and preferences all change. Some a lot, some a little. Perhaps you achieved your goal after 14 years and now there is nothing more, no more challenges with SWC. You need another challenge. Maybe not a Corvette, but a classic that can give you as much or as little of a challenge that you want.

Is your passion for classic cars, or just Corvettes? There are many members of NCRS (and this forum) that have classics other than Vettes.

Your passion for the 63 may return, or it may never return. But it's a good invesment and I would'nt sell it until I was sure that I was through with it. How many times do you hear someone say that they wished they had never sold a particular car. Don't make that mistake until you're sure that it is not a mistake.

When I finish my 64 I will campaign it at NCRS events and then drive it until I give it to my kids. There are two other classics waiting to get into the shop for full frame-offs when this restoration is done.

Paul

[Philip P.]

Re: How do I regain my Corvette passion?

Like some suggested drive it go to some carshows, you will be amazed how that will bring back you "passion" when you get to talk to people about your life with the car.
At least that is what I have seen when we take the 1960 to shows. No matter what my be believed, most all like to see an old Corvette in is glory, even the Ford guys.
Phil

[Scott S.]

Re: How do I regain my Corvette passion?

Stan, Why not join an NCRS Road Tour and enjoy your efforts. All o our Duntov cars have been on many Road Tours.
Scott Sinclair

[Thomas H.]

Re: How do I regain my Corvette passion?

I received a Duntov in 2004 on my 63 SWC, unloaded the car and that was that. I do not like the car after doing a 14 year restoration, mostly myself but I have to much of my own effort invested to sell it. How do I regain my Corvette passion? Thanks stan 19259

Stan,

I have to agree with the others, take the car out and show it off. Local shows / cruise nights an be a lot of fun. Since you have done a lot of the work yourself, you can provide a lot of support, as well as hope, to those that are suffering from "middle of the project blues". Sort of a been there, done that, look what you can acheive encouragement to a lot of folks that may feel like they are in over their heads. I think you will start liking the car again once you see the interest others take in the car and knowing that you did most of the work yourself.

Paul brought up a good point that maybe another classic may spark your interest. A Chevelle, Camaro or whatever. Maybe a driver that would allow you to cruise around, but would also let you get your hands dirty doing some fixing up.

I had a SS-454 Chevelle that I did a total resto on. It got to the point where I didn't want to drive it for fear of getting it dirty or worse yet getting a chip in the perfect red lacquer paint. It was a garage queen and I finally sold it back in the mid 90's. At the time it seemed like the right thing to do, but now I wish I hadn't.

Today all three of my Corvettes are drivers (nice weather only.......) and I "like" each one in a different way. But, I am seriously contemplating starting a body off on the 71 LS5 this coming fall.......... and so it continues.

Good luck and go drive the car!

Tom

[Stan E.]

Re: How do I regain my Corvette passion?

Most members suggest that I drive my car. I can't stand it! Others have suggested taking an interest in another car. That car is a rotisserie restored 51 Packard buisness coupe with 370 cu. in.'s of straight 8 Packard with two Paxton superchargers, ported,Edmons head,electronic ignition, port fuel injection,3 speed W/overdrive and a 410 rear. I have been sorry that I've sold cars in the past. I sold a restored 50 Merc convertable so as not to argue with my wife. That annoyed me enough to get rid of her!

[Paul H.]

Re: How do I regain my Corvette passion?

Driving is what keeps my passion alive. If the car is too perfect maybe selling it and buying a driver quality car is the answer to keeping the flame alive.