[Dusty]

Greetings fellow 'Vette Fanatics!

I'm happy to be on the forum; been reading for a few days and have finally registered. My name is Dusty, I'm 41 years old and reside in Fayette, AL I'm a proud owner of a 1999 C5 Coupe with a six speed manual; very few upgrades, exhaust, vararam, shifter and clutch components (slave and master), daily driver with about 196,000 miles on the clock, best money I've ever spent.

I'm an ASE Certified auto mechanic but gave that up to sit behind a desk. I graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and am now the chief engineer at a company in Alabama. I do all of my own work on the Corvette (aside from one episode that I greatly regret) and if I had a tire mount and balance setup, it would never be touched.

I placed a deposit to get on the waiting list for a C7 back in July; however, unfortunately, I pulled the money back due to EXTREMELY POOR customer service. I'm going to get my Stingray from a dealer that appreciates their customers (vote with your dollar) although it appears if I want Z51, I may not get it until 2015.

Anyway, just wanted to say hello and give a brief intro. The information on this forum has been wonderful to this point and I look forward to reading much more; thanks to everyone for your involvement and the creation of this community.

Best regards,
Dusty

 

[Dasyatis]

Welcome.
Getting a Z51 before 2015 would require finding what you want in dealer inventory. They are out there though it depends on what options you are wanting.

 

[Grandsport]

Hey Dusty welcome!

 

[elegant]

Glad you are here Dusty, and we look forward to your helping us all learn together.

 

[jsvette]

Welcome to our forum Dusty. Looking forward to posts reflecting your perspective!

 

[smalltowngirl13]

Welcome aboard Dusty!

 

[Dusty]

Thanks everyone!

Since I have a very well-running 99 C5, I'm not in dire need of the Stingray (want over need lol) and with the production delays I'm wondering if I should see what happens in 2015 as far as a Z06 (or equivalent) C7 'Vette. I think I'm going to email or call Kerbeck to see what they can do about a 2014 coupe, 3LT, mag ride, 7 speed, NPP, chrome wheels, Arctic White, Stinger (or dual racing), Nav, Z51, (maybe CF trim), body color roof panel, flash mirrors and spoiler, black or red interior (or maybe brownstone, I read that the online pictures do it no justice); I know I need to zone in on my requirements before trying to order.

 

[Chip]

Hey Dusty; Welcome! What part of Alabama do you hail from? I did a bunch of work in what was (at that time) the Reynolds Metals Alloys Plant up near Mussel Shoals area back in the 90's. A great place to be if you like to fish. I do...

 

[Dusty]

Hey Chip!

Great forum. Yes, I too love to fish. Bought a house on a private lake which is stocked by our association (so it's kinda cheating) but I caught a 4 lbf largemouth just on Friday. My largest is just over 8 lbf. Only lived here 2.5 years; once I get a bass in the double digits, it will go on my wall. Fishing in October was amazing; was hauling in some decent fish. Starting to get cold now which doesn't hurt the fishing much, but hurts me lol. I'm in Fayette, AL. It is about 40 miles north of Tuscaloosa. If you're ever out this way again, maybe we can hook up (pun intended) and toss a line in the water.

 

[wareagle92]

Welcome Dusty! I'm originally from Monroeville, but live in Meridian now. You may want to call Rick Conti (or visit his website) in Columbus, Ohio. That is where I got mine and I know he had some for sale at one time. Anyway, I just hope this weather clears up before this weekend: I plan on driving my baby to the Iron Bowl!!

 

[Dusty]

Hey Wareagle92. I like your ride! I saw the pics from Lipstic at Gulf Port. I should be more in tune with these shows nearby so I can go see some of these 'Rays in person. It is against my religion to spend $74,000+ on something without seeing it in person lol. But I'm getting antsy about trying to obtain one; just got to keep telling myself that there is nothing wrong with the C5 but there is something wrong, it's not a C7!

 

[Dusty]

I'll check out Conti as well. A buddy of mine ordered his 2005 C6 from Conti. We went to the museum for delivery. My buddy tells me he didn't have to pay dealer delivery fee because he paid for museum delivery but that's not the way I understand it working. I guess it is possible the dealer waived the fee for him...possibly. I think museum delivery option was $490 for the C6 according to my buddy. This may be a question for another thread in the appropriate forum (or maybe it has been asked and answered, I've not searched yet) but does anyone know how the dealer-installed options work if one selects museum delivery? I thought things like stripes, floor mats, flashed mirrors and spoiler, tinting (not on the order forms I've seen but heard it can be done) were performed at the dealership. Well, what if the ride never goes to the dealership, just a mile (or so) from the plant to the museum.

 

[elegant]

Dusty, you are correct that one always pays for delivery/transport @ $995. If you do Museum delivery, it is $990 additional.

You are also correct that doing Museum Delivery does not allows for dealer installed options (LPO's), though you can, as you suggest, buy those parts from your dealer, or from a GM parts' discounting dealer and either install them yourself or have someone install them for you.

 

[elegant]

 

[Dusty]

Wow! Thanks John. It is a good thing I asked because I'd planned on driving (relatively short drive) to Bowling Green but there are options I want that are dealer options. I'm glad I asked; seems odd that the museum or plant couldn't pick up the ball on this and have a local dealer in town perform this work or a local shop in BG. I don't know, just seems odd to me but I'm sure glad I asked because my trip may be to Ohio or New Jersey if I want these options. If I have the car delievered to me, I assume that is the same scenario as museum package because it is coming directly from the plant. I wonder if I can find a local dealer here that will accept delivery and perform the mods but there seem to be very few around here with allocation (and therefore the required training to get allocation and said training may be required to perform the mods). hmmmmm.....the plot thickens.

 

[wareagle92]

Dusty, the issue with local corvette expertise was the only thing I was worried about when I ordered my C7. I'm going to have to go to Jackson or Birmingham to have mine serviced. I even have issues with detailing here...had to do it myself because I just didn't trust anyone. Anyway, I imagine that Birmingham should be getting allocation by now.

 

[Dusty]

Wareagle92,
I assume by the screen name that you're an Auburn fan; jeez, I don't know if I'd go to that game if I were you lol. Just teasing. I'm relatively new to Alabama (4 years here) but they take football as serious as they do in Nebraska (born there).
I just made the assumption that smaller dealers would be out of allocation, be charging over MSRP, and wouldn't be able to get me a Z51 before 2015 (unlike Kerbeck or Conti) but I base this assumption on absolutely no evidence; merely speculation on my part. Thanks again to Elegant and you for all the advice and answers. Normally I do my homework more thoroughly before making these assumptions and asking questions but you are all so helpful that its hard not to pick your brains.

 

[wareagle92]

Wareagle92,
I assume by the screen name that you're an Auburn fan; jeez, I don't know if I'd go to that game if I were you lol. Just teasing. I'm relatively new to Alabama (4 years here) but they take football as serious as they do in Nebraska (born there).
I just made the assumption that smaller dealers would be out of allocation, be charging over MSRP, and wouldn't be able to get me a Z51 before 2015 (unlike Kerbeck or Conti) but I base this assumption on absolutely no evidence; merely speculation on my part. Thanks again to Elegant and you for all the advice and answers. Normally I do my homework more thoroughly before making these assumptions and asking questions but you are all so helpful that its hard not to pick your brains.

Ha,ha! Your assumption about my allegiance is correct! If you haven't noticed in your 4 years in Alabama, most Auburn fans are actually Auburn grads or at least have some actual tie to the University, whereas most Alabama fans are/do not. I could have said something mean here but I will refrain.
I am having second thoughts of driving "Wolvereen" to the Iron Bowl...mainly because the temperature Saturday morning is going to be in the 20's, and this talk of people losing control because of cold tires and cold roads has frightened me a little. Guess I'll just take the 4Runner.

 

[Dusty]

Wareagle92,
Actually, I do agree with you about the allegiance of fans. How do I say this nicely....ummmm....in Fayette, AL there are more tide fans than tiger fans but the number of college grads has got to be under 15% of the local population (I bet it is closer to 7%). I hope you enjoy the game and don't freeze (I've not been in AL long enough to figure out the football fan thing but I've been here long enough to be acclimatized to the warm weather lol). It should be a great game, by far the toughest opponent the tide has had all year and many people I know that do know about football (more than me) are picking Auburn. Honestly, I hope the tigers win.

May I ask if you're part of a local Corvette Club? I am not but I really should be and have been considering it lately. Since you're not taking Wolvereen to the game, does that mean she's available for borrow? Again, I'm obviously just teasing. Enjoy the game!

 

[jsvette]

wareagle92: independent of the football ribbing (and I am pleased you did not say something mean 'cause we would have to intercede) I would strongly encourage NOT driving Wolvereen if the temperatures are in the 20's. As noted elsewhere, these tires are truly not intended for use with ambient temperatures that low no matter how safely you think you would be able to drive. Be safe and enjoy the game taking the 4Runner.