Parking Lot Protection
08-18-2014, 09:04 PM
#81
Race Director
But there is something far more dangerous than a 16 year old boy driving a corvette with 300HP.... the soccer Mom driving her minivan at 60 mph while texting, digging in her purse for a kleenex or turning around to yell at the kids screaming in the back seat. At 60mph the soccer Mom is traveling at a velocity of 88 feet per second. She looks down to text for 3.4 seconds and has travelled the length of a football field. She then plows into the car in front of her that has stopped for the redlight never touching her brakes.
I agree. This type of driver is much more of a menace.
08-19-2014, 02:47 PM
#82
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '11
So nobody ever had a corvette in high school in the 50's-80's or just jealous because you didn't have one? My dads first car when he was 17 was a 66 440 Coronet and his friend had a 66 Corvette. its not unheard of for a high school kid to have a corvette. Believe it or not but some kids are mature enough to have a car like this. But back to the OP there isn't much you can do. Maybe a car cover to hide it lol.
...one in a million...some spoiled little bastich...
08-19-2014, 02:57 PM
#84
Melting Slicks
I had the exact same thing happen to me except I was at a dead stop in rush hour traffic and the woman was only going 55 when her Expedition plowed into the back of my '03 Monte Carlo. I am now permanently disabled and have spent the past nine years recovering from the 20+ surgeries I had to endure and doing whatever it took to regain my ability to stand and walk for more than a minute or two.
I agree. This type of driver is much more of a menace.
I agree. This type of driver is much more of a menace.
Similar thing happen to me. I was in my first car I bought myself, 2002 Camaro SS, I worked just to be able to afford it. I was 19 so still fairly young. I babied that thing and if your kid was taught to respect the car he will do the same with his corvette. I was sitting at a stop light, one way and 3 cars back from the first one. The light turns green and as I enter intersection a guy texting plows my car. Lucky I reacted quick enough to only have my front bumper hit but he was doing 40 and he did a 360 after hitting me and flew about 30-40ft from me because of the angle/speed. Half a second delay on my part I could of been dead! I thank god today I am alive!
08-19-2014, 03:46 PM
#85
Melting Slicks
One of the bigger questions is whether or not the 16 y.o. can afford the car....
Might not have a car payment proper, but at 65$ per tank of gas, 80$+ oil changes, 250$ each tires, plus insurance for a new driver on a sports car...
adds up pretty quick, easy to become 'car poor' really fast, especially at a (stereotypical) teenager minimum wage job.
Might not have a car payment proper, but at 65$ per tank of gas, 80$+ oil changes, 250$ each tires, plus insurance for a new driver on a sports car...
adds up pretty quick, easy to become 'car poor' really fast, especially at a (stereotypical) teenager minimum wage job.
08-19-2014, 04:20 PM
#86
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St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
One of the bigger questions is whether or not the 16 y.o. can afford the car....
Might not have a car payment proper, but at 65$ per tank of gas, 80$+ oil changes, 250$ each tires, plus insurance for a new driver on a sports car...
adds up pretty quick, easy to become 'car poor' really fast, especially at a (stereotypical) teenager minimum wage job.
Might not have a car payment proper, but at 65$ per tank of gas, 80$+ oil changes, 250$ each tires, plus insurance for a new driver on a sports car...
adds up pretty quick, easy to become 'car poor' really fast, especially at a (stereotypical) teenager minimum wage job.
Reading this thread I don't think the kid has to worry about any of that.
08-19-2014, 04:36 PM
#87
Instructor
Man, what a mixed bag this one is.
On the one hand, yeah....a Corvette, Camaro, Muscle Car In General + 16 year old kids USUALLY = disaster.
However, not always. The fact that his kid is concerned with the well being of the car tells me he at least wants to take care of the car...and that's how we all got started isn't it?
"Keep it washed" and "Don't ding it" turns into "Which exhaust/intake?" and "Got my new headers installed!" It's car guy evolution, and I like it.
IMO, if the kid asked no questions and just drove it to school, you'd have a bigger problem. Besides, it's his son. Only he knows whether or not the kid can handle it.
OP, I support your decision...but unfortunately, there's really no way to keep the car safe at school.
Side note: My first car was an '81 Mustang 4 banger with rusted through floor pans and no A/C. In Texas.
Yeah. I can pretty much assemble and disassemble Mustangs at this point, and much of that started by keeping that car on the road. However, I remember treating that car like it was the newest Ferrari. Washed it daily, took it out to the green belt and learned to launch it and drive a manual trans, etc. And when I finally saved up for the GT, that was a proud day for me.
Sorry....man....got me thinking of the good days. OP, good luck to you and your son.
On the one hand, yeah....a Corvette, Camaro, Muscle Car In General + 16 year old kids USUALLY = disaster.
However, not always. The fact that his kid is concerned with the well being of the car tells me he at least wants to take care of the car...and that's how we all got started isn't it?
"Keep it washed" and "Don't ding it" turns into "Which exhaust/intake?" and "Got my new headers installed!" It's car guy evolution, and I like it.
IMO, if the kid asked no questions and just drove it to school, you'd have a bigger problem. Besides, it's his son. Only he knows whether or not the kid can handle it.
OP, I support your decision...but unfortunately, there's really no way to keep the car safe at school.
Side note: My first car was an '81 Mustang 4 banger with rusted through floor pans and no A/C. In Texas.
Yeah. I can pretty much assemble and disassemble Mustangs at this point, and much of that started by keeping that car on the road. However, I remember treating that car like it was the newest Ferrari. Washed it daily, took it out to the green belt and learned to launch it and drive a manual trans, etc. And when I finally saved up for the GT, that was a proud day for me.
Sorry....man....got me thinking of the good days. OP, good luck to you and your son.
08-19-2014, 05:01 PM
#88
I got my first Corvette just before my 17th birthday and drove it to school almost every day. I parked it in the most plain sight spot I could get. Someone did shoot paint ***** at it once but for the most part I never had any problems. Never found out who shot it either, have a HS reunion coming up in Oct. might have to ask around.
To all the guys that think a 16 year old should drive some beater, the only ticket I ever got back then was in a POS Pontiac Grand Prix. My Mom and Dad did a great job raising me and trusted me to have a Corvette and I didn't want to lose that trust.
To all the guys that think a 16 year old should drive some beater, the only ticket I ever got back then was in a POS Pontiac Grand Prix. My Mom and Dad did a great job raising me and trusted me to have a Corvette and I didn't want to lose that trust.
08-20-2014, 07:17 AM
#89
Le Mans Master
Pro Mechanic
While I agree that in general, MOST 16 year-olds are not mature enough for a C5 Corvette, there are exceptions to every rule. Not sure if your son is one of those exceptions or not, but apparently you believe so and who am I to doubt you?
Your son is a lucky young man!
Hopefully, he will be as responsible with the car as you think he will be.
Now, if he is person that really cares about his car, he is (unfortunately) soon going to learn a few lessons about human behavior. Namely, about the carelessness and jealousy of others.
The only way to prevent his Corvette from becoming a victim of the above is to keep it home and only take it out when he can be with it.
If he is going to leave it in parking lots all over town, there's not much you can do to protect it.
I wish him (and you) good luck!
Your son is a lucky young man!
Hopefully, he will be as responsible with the car as you think he will be.Now, if he is person that really cares about his car, he is (unfortunately) soon going to learn a few lessons about human behavior. Namely, about the carelessness and jealousy of others.
The only way to prevent his Corvette from becoming a victim of the above is to keep it home and only take it out when he can be with it.
If he is going to leave it in parking lots all over town, there's not much you can do to protect it.
I wish him (and you) good luck!
08-20-2014, 10:17 AM
#90
Melting Slicks
Originally Posted by aj98 View Post
One of the bigger questions is whether or not the 16 y.o. can afford the car....
Might not have a car payment proper, but at 65$ per tank of gas, 80$+ oil changes, 250$ each tires, plus insurance for a new driver on a sports car...
adds up pretty quick, easy to become 'car poor' really fast, especially at a (stereotypical) teenager minimum wage job.
True.
(BUT)
I make the point b/c when I bought my C7, the dealer seriously lowballed the trade value, telling me it would go to wholesalers or the crusher.
GF offered more than the dealer did...so it still lives in my driveway, and I still get to drive it when I feel like going retro
Her eventual goal is to give it to her 17 y.o. daughter (once she gets more experience with the 4rd sedan.) Meantime mom has a really cool pseudo-convertible to tool around in.
Conceptually, a great idea, but now mom is rethinking it as she begins to understand the financial reality of owning a C-(anything), and realizing the cost is likely going to fall back on (the parent(s)).
Or fearing the child will ultimately sell the car b/c it is not affordable on a still in college income.
One of the bigger questions is whether or not the 16 y.o. can afford the car....
Might not have a car payment proper, but at 65$ per tank of gas, 80$+ oil changes, 250$ each tires, plus insurance for a new driver on a sports car...
adds up pretty quick, easy to become 'car poor' really fast, especially at a (stereotypical) teenager minimum wage job.
True.
(BUT)
I make the point b/c when I bought my C7, the dealer seriously lowballed the trade value, telling me it would go to wholesalers or the crusher.
GF offered more than the dealer did...so it still lives in my driveway, and I still get to drive it when I feel like going retro
Her eventual goal is to give it to her 17 y.o. daughter (once she gets more experience with the 4rd sedan.) Meantime mom has a really cool pseudo-convertible to tool around in.
Conceptually, a great idea, but now mom is rethinking it as she begins to understand the financial reality of owning a C-(anything), and realizing the cost is likely going to fall back on (the parent(s)).
Or fearing the child will ultimately sell the car b/c it is not affordable on a still in college income.
08-20-2014, 10:34 AM
#91
I have personally seen when some kids are given crappy old cars they get the impression that this is an old pos who cares if it gets banged up, beat on, or driven the crap out of it.
More than likely the OP has been around cars, taken care of them and showed them respect over the years Im sure his son has picked up on that and will cherish his vette like his father has.
Above all him and his son will have a hobby they can share together.
More than likely the OP has been around cars, taken care of them and showed them respect over the years Im sure his son has picked up on that and will cherish his vette like his father has.
Above all him and his son will have a hobby they can share together.
08-21-2014, 05:41 PM
#92
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
I have personally seen when some kids are given crappy old cars they get the impression that this is an old pos who cares if it gets banged up, beat on, or driven the crap out of it.
More than likely the OP has been around cars, taken care of them and showed them respect over the years Im sure his son has picked up on that and will cherish his vette like his father has.
Above all him and his son will have a hobby they can share together.
More than likely the OP has been around cars, taken care of them and showed them respect over the years Im sure his son has picked up on that and will cherish his vette like his father has.
Above all him and his son will have a hobby they can share together.
08-21-2014, 05:48 PM
#93
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
I got my first Corvette just before my 17th birthday and drove it to school almost every day. I parked it in the most plain sight spot I could get. Someone did shoot paint ***** at it once but for the most part I never had any problems. Never found out who shot it either, have a HS reunion coming up in Oct. might have to ask around.
To all the guys that think a 16 year old should drive some beater, the only ticket I ever got back then was in a POS Pontiac Grand Prix. My Mom and Dad did a great job raising me and trusted me to have a Corvette and I didn't want to lose that trust.
To all the guys that think a 16 year old should drive some beater, the only ticket I ever got back then was in a POS Pontiac Grand Prix. My Mom and Dad did a great job raising me and trusted me to have a Corvette and I didn't want to lose that trust.
Well Said! and thanks for the vote of confidence in the actual subject, the parking
08-21-2014, 07:04 PM
#94
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04
The problem here is his piers... when all of his friends are vying for the attention of the ladies.. 16 year olds seems to know how to level the playing field . Kids at 16 will be kids, and that just how it is... while many 16 year olds are brought up right and have respect for others... many do not.. so the corvette at school is a target waiting for some jealous kid or kids looking to get a laugh at the expense of this 16 year old and also kids at 16 are always doing the Can you top this with outrageousness " the corvette is a perfect target. I doubt the Corvette will get though two years of high school , unscathed.
08-22-2014, 02:33 PM
#95
Safety Car
IMO too much car for a sixteen yr old to start out driving - they need a dependable less powerful car for first couple of years until they get some driving experience - maybe (a big maybe) then get them something like the C5. As far as protection in school parking lot - there ain't much that can be done about that except don't drive it to school.
08-22-2014, 03:36 PM
#96
Team Owner
The problem here is his piers... when all of his friends are vying for the attention of the ladies.. 16 year olds seems to know how to level the playing field . Kids at 16 will be kids, and that just how it is... while many 16 year olds are brought up right and have respect for others... many do not.. so the corvette at school is a target waiting for some jealous kid or kids looking to get a laugh at the expense of this 16 year old and also kids at 16 are always doing the Can you top this with outrageousness " the corvette is a perfect target. I doubt the Corvette will get though two years of high school , unscathed.
08-22-2014, 04:52 PM
#97
Race Director
08-24-2014, 01:55 PM
#98
Race Director
The problem here is his piers... when all of his friends are vying for the attention of the ladies.. 16 year olds seems to know how to level the playing field . Kids at 16 will be kids, and that just how it is... while many 16 year olds are brought up right and have respect for others... many do not.. so the corvette at school is a target waiting for some jealous kid or kids looking to get a laugh at the expense of this 16 year old and also kids at 16 are always doing the Can you top this with outrageousness " the corvette is a perfect target. I doubt the Corvette will get though two years of high school , unscathed.
Beater for school. Keep the sports car at home.
08-24-2014, 07:43 PM
#99
Melting Slicks
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Just bought my son a C5 for his sweet sixteen. He loves the car but now I find he is worried about the possibility of some kids being jealous at school and keying his car in the parking lot. Any tips on how to avoid that and ease his mind? All suggestions are greatly appreciated!
All he can do is to take the normal precautions many take to avoid door dings: park in a far corner of the lot away from other cars; is there security camera coverage? If so, park in the area within camera coverage. If some idiot is intent on vandalizing his car, at least make it a bit more difficult. As a side note, congratulations on having a son who has obviously earned your trust. He sounds like a great kid.
