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It’s April 7, 2006, and chaos breaks out in Rhea Law’s purse as her cell phone goes off. Her husband’s pocket gets noisy too as his phone rings at the same time. Their family and friends have called to tease them about taking delivery on their new car, a 2006 Z06 Le Mans Blue Corvette. Thanks to the Museum’s online web cam service, they took part in welcoming the new addition, watching its delivery on the internet.
“We see you with that car!” shouts the other end of the line.
Meeting their new “baby” was the highlight of a very exciting day. The Law’s were given a private tour of the Assembly Plant earlier in the morning and had just finished touring the Museum. Now it was time for the new owners to learn how to operate the car. The Museum staff ran through each gadget, explaining what this knob or that stick was for and how to use it, the way nurses in the maternity ward explain to new parents how to care for their newborn. Each piece was handled with care, every special feature delicately touched.
You can enjoy taking delivery on your new Corvette at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY, the way the Law’s did. The National Corvette Museum Delivery (R8C) option allows you to purchase your Corvette from a dealership, but have it delivered at the Museum. Hundreds of Corvette owners do it every year.
The National Corvette Museum Delivery (R8C) Option
How much does it cost?
A minimal cost of $490 which must be specified at the time the order is finalized.
How do I go about signing up for it?
1. Order your new Corvette at the dealership.
2. Specify and pay for the National Corvette Museum Delivery (R8C) option.
3. Wait to hear from the National Corvette Museum staff with a delivery date.
4. Make travel arrangements.
5. Visit the Museum to enjoy a day of activities and pick up your Corvette.
What will happen when I get to the Museum?
1. Signs will welcome you to the Museum and will commemorate the event.
2. You’ll be taken to the Bowling Green Assembly Plant across the street in a GM courtesy car to take a VIP tour.
3. You’ll be brought back to the Museum to take a VIP tour.
4. A member of the National Corvette Museum delivery team will provide a thorough orientation and presentation of your new car and will review how all features work.
5. You’ll be presented with a gold decal that specifies you took delivery at the National Corvette Museum and you’ll receive a one year membership to the Museum.
What should I bring with me to the Museum for delivery?
• A License Plate or Temporary Tag
• Proof of Ownership
(Bill of sale, etc.)
• Proof of Insurance
• Valid Operator’s License
• Dealer Acknowledgement Form (this can be found on the National Corvette Museum website (http://www.corvettemuseum.com/ncm_delivery/acknowledgment2.pdf)
This is a great option for Corvette owners that will provide memories to last a lifetime. The National Corvette Museum staff treats you and your car like you are royalty. Your Corvette will be in the “nursery” with other Corvettes waiting to be picked up until you get there. And web cams overlooking the “nursery” let family members and friends that can’t make the haul to Kentucky with you, able to participate in the delivery. Consider the R8C option if you are planning on getting a Corvette. It’s worth it!
Bio
Denise M. Ruggieri is a freelance writer and a “Corvette Girl” for three years now. Her and her husband, Nick, are proud owners of a 1999 Magnetic Red 6-speed Corvette which they’ve taken to local Corvette shows, and events across the nation, with their local Corvette Club. Denise was fortunate enough to meet “Corvette Girls” from around the world while writing her graduate thesis, “Corvette Girl” which focused on women with Corvettes and the Corvette Culture as a whole.
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It’s a stereotype that the sporty Corvette is an all guy car. Sure, there are many male buyers, but chicks dig ‘em too. As marketing studies done by Harlan Charles, Chevrolet Corvette Product Manager, and his staff conclude, there is almost always a women involved in the purchase of a new Corvette in one way or another. Either she is buying a Corvette herself or she is influencing her man’s purchase of one.
General Motors has gotten wise and started catering to this growing population of Corvette buyers. And it’s appreciated. Now the car is more female friendly than ever before.
Remember the Third Generation (C3) Corvette produced between 1968 and 1982? They’re hot cars, but the ride is a bit rough and the rocker panels are so high, a woman in a skirt getting to get out the car would blush. Thanks to General Motors with their more female friendly thoughts, the Fifth Generation (C5) and the Sixth Generation (C6) have smoother rides and lower rocker panels.
So how did this change in the car come about? Well, first starters more women were hired in roles in the design department, rather than just the traditional secretarial positions. For the last ten years or so, women have been hired more than ever to help create the exterior and interior. In fact, the department that focuses on the interior is primarily made of women, which is perfect since many of the job responsibilities mirror that of an interior designer, a woman dominated field, and a task generally loved by women.
In an interview I did with Erin Crossley, Lead Color and Trim Designer, in January 2007, there were 22 women and eight men in the department. Picking out fabric for the seats, coordinating the coloring and worrying about the details like stitching, are just some of the things this department handles.
But the women (and men!) of the interior department don’t just bring their personal talents to the table. They go out and seek out the trends to keep on top of things and keep Corvettes from looking outdated.
“We try to anticipate what people will want to see in the car,” says Crossley. “So we visit auto shows, home furnishing expos, interior design, and fashion shows to see what trends are emerging in their fields. We let that be our guide when designing the interior of the ‘Vette.”
Female consumers drive decisions on what changes and improvements take place in the Corvette, too. Focus groups bring men and women together to discuss needs and the Corvette staff takes them seriously. Corvette buyers want their needs met and General Motors is willing to meet them.
“With a female audience, we now offer more options within the inside of the car because most women want to pick out the colors of the car,” says Crossley. “They want it to match their personality.”
General Motors has listened to other issues women have had with the Corvette. Now the knobs on inside of the car are more friendly to females with long fingernails, making it easier for them to use; the scoop beneath the door handle is deeper to prevent long fingernails and well endowed diamond rings from scratching the paint job; the rocker panel is lower making the car easier to get out of, and both the driver and the passenger seats have controls to increase comfort.
Kudos to General Motors for making these improvements for the ladies. This is a smart move considering the growing number of gals purchasing these cars. And with more improvements like these, I am sure even more women will gravitate to America’s hot sports car, the Corvette.
Bio
Denise M. Ruggieri is a freelance writer and a “Corvette Girl” for three years now. Her and her husband, Nick, are proud owners of a 1999 Magnetic Red 6-speed Corvette which they’ve taken to local Corvette shows, and events across the nation, with their local Corvette Club. Denise was fortunate enough to meet “Corvette Girls” from around the world while writing her graduate thesis, “Corvette Girl” which focused on women with Corvettes and the Corvette Culture as a whole.
Membership to the National Corvette Museum (Price: Family Membership $100). What would make a Corvette owner feel more like part of the Corvette family than getting a one year membership to the National Corvette Museum? The cost of membership includes two membership cards, two lapel pins, certificate of membership, an annual subscription to America’s Sports Car, free admission to the Museum, discount on events sponsored by the Museum, 10% of merchandise from the Corvette store or catalog. Other memberships available.
To obtain a membership, contact 800-53-VETTE.
A Brick on the Walk of Fame at the National Corvette Museum (Price: Varies from $100 - $2,600) Bricks come in all sizes from small to large, in rectangular, square or hexagon, and can include just text or graphics.
To purchase a brick, contact 800-53-VETTE or http://www.corvettemuseum.com
Corvette Luggage (Price: Varies from $54.95 to $299) Part of the fun of a Corvette is all the traveling you get to do because of it. Traveling often requires luggage and there are plenty of pieces that say Corvette on it to make the Corvette lover special. From toiletry kits for your lady to bring along her make-up, to duffle bags, good for a long weekend, to vintage luggage with Corvette photographs, there is something for every length of trip.
To purchase luggage, contact 800-53-VETTE or http://www.corvettegearusa.com/c6luggage
Folding Chairs (Price: Varies from $39.99 - $49.99 and up) While Corvette cruises have you on the move, car shows involve a lot of admiring others Corvettes and chit chatting with friends. Have Corvette folding chairs is a must if you are going to be at a show all day. Get sturdy rayon canvas chairs with the Corvette logo or the word Corvette embroidered into and get it to match your car. Some chairs come with cup holders, while other sets have matching tables with cup holders.
To purchase folding chairs, contact 800-500-1500 or http://www.motorworks.com
Global Positioning Systems (GPS) With so many trips to take, particularly to unknown events or attractions, it’s helpful to have a GPS. Garmin is a large maker of the GPS and they offer many types and styles including systems that can be just for the car or those that can be freestanding and taken with you in your pocket.
For more information on a Garmin GPS, visit: http://www8.garmin.com/aboutGPS/
Corvette Jackets (Price: Varies) Corvette jackets come in all styles for men and women. Get a leather jacket or something more practical for cold events such as a zip up fleece with the Corvette logo. Some resemble a checkered flag and others are completely denim. Why not get one to match your car?
To purchase a jacket, contact 800-500-1500 or http:///www.corvettegearusa.com
Zaino Ultimate Protection Show Car Kit (Price: $116) A wealth of car care products for the Corvette lover to wash, buff, and make his or her Corvette sparkle. Includes: ZFX™ Flash Cure Accelerator Additive, Z-2 Pro™ Show Car Polish, Z-5 Pro™ Show Car Polish, Z-6™ Ultra Clean Glass Enhancer Spray, Z-7™ Show Car Wash, Z-9™ Leather Soft Spray Cleaner, Z-10™ Leather in a Bottle, Z-16™ Perfect Tire Gloss, Z-18™ ClayBar, Zaino Metallic Silver Decal, and Two Zaino Custom Polish Applicators.
To purchase Zaino, contact: 888-999-9870 or http://www.zainostore.com
Magazine Subscription to Corvette Quarterly Magazine (Price: $33.95 for a 3-yr subscription) Corvette Quarterly is General Motor’s official magazine for the Corvette. Each issue includes 68 pages of information on road trips, Corvette owners, the latest Corvette products, things to enhance your Corvette, and more.
To subscribe, visit: http://www.cqmag.com
A Car Cover (Price: Varies) If the Corvette lover in your life does not have a garage (and even if they do) a car cover is a must. Car covers help to minimize the college of dirt and dust on your precious car.
For a wealth of car covers to choose from, visit: http://www.calcarcover.com/
Custom Corvette Car Mats (Price: Varies) Every Corvette owner knows the importance of keeping the car clean, particularly the floor. Get custom Corvette Car mats to keep dirt off your nice carpet. Mats come with the Corvette logo to match the year of your car.
Go to Google checkout to order mats.
Bio
Denise M. Ruggieri is a freelance writer and a “Corvette Girl” for three years now. Her and her husband, Nick, are proud owners of a 1999 Magnetic Red 6-speed Corvette which they’ve taken to local Corvette shows, and events across the nation, with their local Corvette Club. Denise was fortunate enough to meet “Corvette Girls” from around the world while writing her graduate thesis, “Corvette Girl” which focused on women with Corvettes and the Corvette Culture as a whole.
During the post-war area, the design for the Corvette began in 1951 after General Motors’ chief stylist Harley Earl visits a Watkins Glen sports car race and becomes impressed with the foreign sports cars that watched in the race. His decision to create an American sports car, later to become known as the Corvette, earned him the name, “Father of the Corvette.”
A prototype was created in 1952, made of fiberglass with balsa wood floors, both of which the Corvette is still known for today. The light weight of the body was created to increase speed. Now that the car was taking shape, it needed a name. Myron Scott, then a member of the General Motor’s Public Relations department came up with “Corvette” which means Royal Navy Warship, representing strength, speed, and maneuverability.
With great anticipation, the Corvette first made its debut during the 1953 New York Motorama Show at the famous Walforf Astoria hotel ballroom. Little did the public know that General Motor’s employees were scrambling to replace the car’s logo just a few hours before the show. The original design sported a checkered racing flag crossed by a patriotic American flag. A member of the General Motor’s legal staff realized at the last minute that the American flag is copyright protected from commercial use and it had to be pulled quick. The Chevrolet “fleur de lis” was put in it’s place and no one ever knew the difference.
Despite the minor bump, the public responded well to the car and production began in a small, thrown together, assembly plant in Flint, Michigan, rolling off 300 Corvettes within a six month time frame. The sticker price at the time was only $3,000.
To keep costs down and to increase production time, all 300 Corvettes were created exactly the same. They were all Polo White with Sportsman Red vinyl interior and a black top. Most of the cars, surprisingly, were sold to celebrities and other highly visible personalities like town mayors and other public officials. This strategy was done as a marketing technique to get this sport car into the public’s eye.
Unfortunately, the car’s launch didn’t take off so well. People were skeptical since it was pricey for it’s time and somewhat impractical being that it was a two-seater. Sales didn’t take off all that well and numerous times through the car’s history, it almost was yanked from General Motor’s line up. It was the people behind the car, though, that really fought for its existence, and thankfully, won.
Zora Arkus-Duntov was one of those people. He was hired early on in the life of the Corvette and become the Corvette’s Chief Engineer and known to some as the godfather of the Corvette. His experience and improvements to the car really improved its image. The car was a labor of love to him his entire life even after he retired in 1974. His ashes now remain on display at the National Corvette Museum, a final wish before he died – that’s how much he loved the car.
With Duntov’s influence and opening up sales to the general public, the car’s popularity began to take off. So much so, that production moved to St. Louis, MO, the second of only three places the Corvette would made in its history.
Seven generations or body styles later, Corvettes are now made in Bowling Green, KY, known as the “Home of the Corvette.” Between the Assembly Plant and The National Corvette Museum across the street, the two have created a network of Corvette lovers, helping to increase sales and the car’s popularity. It looks the American Sports Car is here to stay.
Bio
Denise M. Ruggieri is a freelance writer and a “Corvette Girl” for three years now. Her and her husband, Nick, are proud owners of a 1999 Magnetic Red 6-speed Corvette which they’ve taken to local Corvette shows, and events across the nation, with their local Corvette Club. Denise was fortunate enough to meet “Corvette Girls” from around the world while writing her graduate thesis, “Corvette Girl” which focused on women with Corvettes and the Corvette Culture as a whole.
Linda stares at her new Corvette, not yet fully formed. It’s beautiful, but incomplete. She can hardly wait to get her hands on the car. She stares it up and down imagining the fun the two of them are going to have on the open road. An employee at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Bowling Green, KY, invites her to sign her autograph underneath the seat before they fix it into place. Feeling famous, she gladly agrees and decides this is one of the most exciting days of her life. Aiding in the birth of brand new Corvette on the Assembly Plant is a dream come true.
And the privilege isn’t just reserved for Linda. Any Corvette lover interested in making the journey to Bowling Green, KY, to help construct their car and who has the money to do so, can. For only $350, a mere drop in the buck for most Corvette enthusiasts, you can purchase a Corvette at your local dealership and then opt to be part of the Corvette Buyer’s Plant Tour. The tour gives the you, and up to three guests, a VIP tour of the Bowling Green Assembly Plant on the day your car is being created. Although there is no 100% guarantee because of plant shut downs and other unexpected events, the National Corvette Museum staff, who work in conjunction with the Assembly Plant, make every effort to get you on the Line when your Corvette is being formed.
Interested? The process is simple:
1. Purchase your Corvette
2. Visit the National Corvette Museum’s website to fill out a registration form to sign up for the Corvette Buyer’s 3. Plant Tour (http://store.corvettemuseum.com/services/buyertour.asp)
4. Pay your $350 fee
5. Wait to hear from the Museum’s staff who will notify you 8-14 day’s before the car’s build date.
6. Make travel plans.
7. Arrive at the Assembly Plant for your VIP tour and to make memories with your new Corvette.
Although the car spends 36 hours winding its way through seven miles of conveyor systems, the VIP tour only lasts 3 to 5 hours. But it’s well worth it. The public tour of the plant alone reveals some pretty awesome things. The fact that you can tour the plant where America’s sports car is made is unique all in itself. As a VIP, it’s even better. Along the way, you’ll see how Corvettes are put together from the ground up. Brightly colored car parts descend from the ceiling while Corvette frames meet at the bottom, waiting for the “marriage.” And while you are there, your tour guide will tell you some rather interesting history and fun facts about the Corvette.
To add to this ultimate experience, like Linda, you may get to help assemble some parts of the car. Plant workers are known to let you adhere the tires, fill up the gas tank, and assemble certain parts.
The most exciting part? Giving birth to your new Corvette, otherwise known as, starting the Corvette for the first time when it’s completely finished. It’s like being a being a proud parent showing off their newborn for the first time.
For additional questions regarding the “Buyers Tour” contact Corvette Buyers Tour Coordinator – Lori Bieschke at: lori (at) corvettemuseum.com or Gary Cockriel – Museum Delivery Program Manager at: gary (at) corvettemuseum.com or call (800) 205-4248.
Bio
Denise M. Ruggieri is a freelance writer and a “Corvette Girl” for three years now. Her and her husband, Nick, are proud owners of a 1999 Magnetic Red 6-speed Corvette which they’ve taken to local Corvette shows, and events across the nation, with their local Corvette Club. Denise was fortunate enough to meet “Corvette Girls” from around the world while writing her graduate thesis, “Corvette Girl” which focused on women with Corvettes and the Corvette Culture as a whole.
Zaino polishes, cleans, and protects the precious one. It is an excuse for Corvette owners to bond with their car - an opportunity to escape from chores and the responsibilities of the family – to become one with their ‘Vette. Some perform the ritual more often than they bathe themselves and others do it with more passion than newlyweds making love.
The process is simple, but time consuming. It can take any where from a few hours or up to a week to complete, depending on the owner, their stamina and how deep their obsession is. In the end, the one with the cleanest, shiniest car wins.
So what’s the best way to apply Zaino car car products?
Step 1: Wash the car
According to the makers of Zaino, the car must be delicately bathed with Dawn Ultra® liquid detergent. Then thoroughly dried with a 100% cotton, white towel. Tantalizing her owner, the voluptuous curves of your Corvette, hide under the cloth, anxious to be exposed. She is cradled while beads of water are lovingly blotted from the arch of her back and backend.
A 210 mile per hour electric leaf blower is an even better drying option – it dries the car in five minutes or less and doesn’t touch the paint’s surface, eliminating all possibility of scratches. It’s not quite as romantic as running a soft towel over the car, though.
Step 2: Check the car’s surface for smoothness
Run your hand caressingly over the car to check for dirt or other contaminates on your Corvette. To get rid of them, use Zaino Z-18 Claybar™ ($16.95). This synthetic bar is used by auto body shops and automobile manufacturer’s to remove things like break dust, rail dust, general pollution, tree sap, bugs, and more. To apply it, combine Zaino
Z-7 Show Car wash ($8.95) with water and her squirt her down. Rub the Claybar back and forth lightly and rub the residue off with a terrycloth towel. Throw your bar away if you drop it to avoid scratches on the car.
Step 3: Check for swirl marks or hazy paint
If you find any imperfections on your Corvette, use Zaino’s Z-PC Fusion™ paint cleaner and swirl remover ($12.95). Apply a small amount to a cotton or foam applicator pad. Rub the product into small areas of the car, taking car to massage each piece until you are satisfied with the results. This process may require a few applications. Your ‘Vette won’t mind – who doesn’t like lengthy massages?
Step 4: Add a light coat of Z-AIO™ ($26.95)
Z-AIO™ serves as a foundation for Zaino Polish. Use a soft cotton applicator to apply. Remove with clean, soft towels.
Step 5: Add Zaino Polish to your Corvette
Choose from the following Zaino Polish: Z-2 Pro™ ($14.95) for paint with a clear coat finish; Z-3™ Show Car Polish ($14.95) for paint without a clear coat; or Z-5 Pro™ ($16.95) which is similar to Z-2, but covers swirls and scratches on dark colors.
No matter what car polish you choose, it must be passionately applied as gently as a lover giving a back massage with scented oils, working them into the body with slow, long, circular strokes.
Drying time is required and the length of time can vary depending on the weather. This allows the car a chance to relish the tingle of its full body massage.
To someone outside of the culture, this can be slower than watching a pot of water boil – but not so for the Corvette enthusiast. This is an opportunity to make love to other parts of the car. Sixty full minutes can be devoted to the inside, caressing her seats, vacuuming her floor and fondling her dash.
Step 6: Remove Zaino polish
After you are sure the polish has dried, remove it using soft towels.
Step 7: Spray with Z-8 Grand Finale Spray Seal ($19.95)
Most ‘Vette owners still are not content and feel compelled to apply Z-8 Grand Finale Spray Seal, a quick process, that when applied, leaves the car looking extra shiny and smooth looking. It’s particularly useful for repelling dust and dirt and contains anti-UV protecting agents – it’s sunscreen for your car.
The entire process can be repeated two to four times depending on the desired amount of cuddle time you require with your Corvette!
Step 8: Get out there and strut your Corvette’s stuff!
To purchase Zaino, contact:
By mail:
Zaino
4057 Highway 9 North #106
Howell, NJ 07731
By telephone:
888-999-9870
By email: info@zainobros.com
By Website: http://www.zainostore.com/
Bio
Denise M. Ruggieri is a freelance writer and a “Corvette Girl” for three years now. Her and her husband, Nick, are proud owners of a 1999 Magnetic Red 6-speed Corvette which they’ve taken to local Corvette shows, and events across the nation, with their local Corvette Club. Denise was fortunate enough to meet “Corvette Girls” from around the world while writing her graduate thesis, “Corvette Girl” which focused on women with Corvettes and the Corvette Culture as a whole.
When my husband and I joined a Corvette club after buying a Corvette, some of our friends rolled their eyes. They thought it was bit corny and that we’d be out of element. Boy they were wrong. Joining a Corvette club is something every Corvette owner should do.
Being in a Corvette club is more than just attending obligatory meetings every other week or once a month. It’s a chance for camaraderie, a time to come together with like minded people, it’s an excuse leave behind the dirty dishes behind to go to events, and a chance to grow closer to a spouse.
Because of our car and the Club we joined, I have been to places I’ve never been to, I’ve made memories on sunny Saturday afternoons at local events, and have had the opportunity to evaluate some pretty hot Corvettes as a judge at an event my Club sponsored. And we’ve made some pretty good friends, including a couple I hold dear to my heart.
Why can you get out of it? Benefits of joining a Corvette Club:
• Make new friends to spend time with during club events and other social outings.
• Visit local attractions
• Take day trips
• Take week long vacations together
• If you own your own business, a connection with a club is a great way to network, particularly if you can provide a service the club can use.
• Gain valuable information on how to service, enhance or maintain your car.
• Find buyers for your Corvette, parts or accessories.
• Connect with those selling their ‘Vettes for an opportunity to find a car in decent shape.
• Participate in charity events to help your local community.
• Make a difference by organizing events for your club, giving you something positive to spend your energies on.
So are you sold yet? What do you have to do to join a Corvette Club? It’s easy.
• Find a Corvette Club of interest in your area. I’d recommend picking only one. Joining two or more questions your loyalty the first club you joined.
• Each club has different rules for becoming a member, but usually they like you to attend about three meetings, events, or a combination of both to show you truly are interested in attending.
• Once the club votes you in, pay their reasonable annual membership fee (my club asks for $25 a year for my husband and I)
• Attend events, make new friends, and have fun!
So how do you find a Corvette club to join?
• Well, it’s easy. Here are a few suggestions on how to find a local Corvette Club:
• Ask around at places that would be involved with Corvette clubs, such as Chevrolet dealerships who often sponsor the clubs.
• Ask your local Chamber of Commerce.
• Talk to the National Corvette Museum who has partnerships with Corvette clubs across the world.
• Talk to the National Council of Corvette Clubs, one of the oldest clubs in the nation who has many relationships with Corvette clubs across the U.S.
• Check online. There are many places on the internet to connect with your local Corvette Club. Visit the Corvette Forum under the “Tools” section (http://www.corvetteforum.com), Club Corvette (http://www.clubcorvette.com/main.asp), Corvette Club Listing (http://www.idavette.net/clubs.htm) for starters.
Bio
Denise M. Ruggieri is a freelance writer and a “Corvette Girl” for three years now. Her and her husband, Nick, are proud owners of a 1999 Magnetic Red 6-speed Corvette which they’ve taken to local Corvette shows, and events across the nation, with their local Corvette Club. Denise was fortunate enough to meet “Corvette Girls” from around the world while writing her graduate thesis, “Corvette Girl” which focused on women with Corvettes and the Corvette Culture as a whole.
Genuine Corvette accessories are fairly new to the world of Corvette. Besides C5 & C6 Corvette logo apparel there are other accessories on the actual car. These factory included accessories that can be added are created and fully backed by General Motors and can be installed at the time of a new Corvette’s delivery. If installed at that time, the accessories are fully covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. These accessories can also be installed on an older car, but are only covered by the balance of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty (if it still exists) or for 12 months/12,000 miles – whichever comes first.
Under Hood Cover:
With a black background, this under the hood cover features the crossed flags Corvette emblem. The molded design will fit the hood of coupes and convertibles. It’s perfect to dress up the inside of the hood and particularly helpful to keep the inside of the hood clean. A must when entering your Corvette into car shows.
Body Color Engine Cover:
Cover your engine with a casing that matches the body of your Corvette. It comes in all Corvette exterior colors, however, isn’t made for the Corvette Z06. With bright coloring the color of your car and the word “Corvette” written on it in white, it really makes your engine look sharp when you put the hood up for judging in a car show. The most important part of this accessory – it keeps the engine clean.
Convertible Wind Screen:
This accessory is useful for Corvette Convertible owners. Placed right behind the seats, this black mesh screen reduces the amount of wind passengers feel in the car when the convertible is down. The see through mesh screen has the word “Corvette” imprinted on it that can only be seen from behind, without being a distraction to the driver in the rear view mirror.
Front-End Cover:
Also known as a Corvette bra, this black, heavy-duty vinyl covering features the crossed flag Corvette emblem. Not only is this feature useful to enhance the look of your car, it protects the front end from dead bugs and pebbles and rocks that can cause harmful scratches and dings to your paint job while on long (or even short!) Corvette cruises.
Rear Fascia Protector:
It has an odd name, but does a very important job. This black protector with the crossed flags Corvette emblem is mounted on the inside of the trunk. It can hang on the outside of the back of the car when working in and out of the trunk to protect scratches on the paint job from belt buckles and other abrasive objects. It’s really easy to forget about those sort of things when you are on a long trip and having a good time. Why not get one of these protectors so you don’t have to worry about it?
Fifteen Spoke Polished Aluminum Wheel:
Fifteen spokes is a lot of spokes and it really looks sharp when you’re driving your Corvette around town. The wheels really appear shiny. Not available for the Corvette Z06. Please note, that the wheel features the sixth generation (C6) Corvette logo in the very center of the wheel. Although these wheels fit on all generations, you may want to reconsider them if you don’t have a C6.
Interior Trim Package:
Spiff up the inside of your Corvette with the Interior Trim Package. It comes in all Corvette exterior colors except for Arctic White. The trim package includes a center trim plate that surrounds the options around the sides of the steering wheel, and the center instrumental panel that separates the driver and the passenger. While the trim package will be colorful, it makes a nice contrast with the black instruments.
Bio
Denise M. Ruggieri is a freelance writer and a “Corvette Girl” for three years now. Her and her husband, Nick, are proud owners of a 1999 Magnetic Red 6-speed Corvette which they’ve taken to local Corvette shows, and events across the nation, with their local Corvette Club. Denise was fortunate enough to meet “Corvette Girls” from around the world while writing her graduate thesis, “Corvette Girl” which focused on women with Corvettes and the Corvette Culture as a whole.
There are countless numbers of Corvette websites between Corvette Clubs, dealerships, and product and services sites. But there are many informational sites that every Corvette owner or wanna-be should know about. Besides www.CorvetteGearUSA.com, here are my fav-5.
The National Corvette Museum
www.CorvetteMuseum.com
Just as the real Museum itself is a place for Corvette fans, the world over, to congregate, enjoy camaraderie with each other, and learn more about their precious vehicles, the website has the same person. Here you’ll find out about the Museum’s expansion progress, connect with other Corvette lovers and their clubs, learn about the history of the Corvette, and get helpful information to help you make the best decisions when purchasing a ‘Vette. There is even a full Corvette store online for you to purchase things for your car or Corvette accessories for yourself. And this site is always jam packed with Museum sponsored events that take place in the Museum’s hometown of Bowling Green, KY. Considering going to the Museum and want to really see what it looks like? Visit the site’s webcam page for live views.
The Corvette Forum
www.CorvetteForum.com
The Corvette Forum is an independent site for Corvette enthusiasts. Its existence relies solely on advertisers and is not associated by General Motors in anyway. If you check out the site, though, it looks like it could be because it is such a successful robust site. Good job to those that run it! Check out the site for more information about Corvettes than you can find anywhere.
There is the “Corvette Mall” where you can purchase tires, parts, books and manuals for old Corvettes and new, accessories, like stereos and speakers, car covers, garage equipment, license plate holders, and more. And if you are looking for events across the nation or in your own back yard, you’ll find them, big and small, on the Corvette forum. Product reviews are a helpful part of this site as well. Perhaps the best part of this, though, is the reason for its name, “Corvette Forum.” There are a multitude of forums varying by the generation of your Corvette (C1, C2, C3, etc.), but there are also “Off Topic,” “General Corvettes,” and “Events,” forums. This is a great way to gather new information and to connect with Corvette friends across the globe. WARNING: You will become addicted to this site. All ‘Vette lovers eventually do!
Corvette Action Center
www.CorvetteActionCenter.com
The Corvette Action Center is similar to The Corvette Forum. It’s a great place to gather for camaraderie and information. There are numerous forums on here as well, along with product reviews, relevant news articles, an all important tech center that explains how to care for your Corvette, how-to information, storing a ‘Vette, tips for buying one, and so much more. The cool videos section shows Corvettes racing and doing burnouts (I don’t recommend this with expensive ‘Vette tires!) Other areas to note is the showroom section where you will find Corvettes to purchase, along with parts and accessories and the Owner Research section which provides you with the necessary tools to document information on you and your Corvette. This will be helpful for future buyers of the car. And you can look up information on those who have already documented things if you plan on purchasing their car.
Vette Finders
www.VetteFinders.com
As the name indicates, this site is packed with information on buying and selling Corvettes. It indicates the value of the cars, what you should price it at, and what you pay for a ‘Vette if you are planning on buying one. The site also provides a “classified ad” section which serves as an avenue for you to put your Corvette up for sale, or find others that are up for grabs.
VetteTube
www.VetteTube.com
I work in the world of academia as my steady gig, and through that job, I’ve learned that everyone has a different learning style. So while all the sites above will help you read more about the world of Corvettes, VetteTube helps you learn through videos. The best part of this site, in my opinion, is the “Tech Corner Channel,” which provides instructional videos on improvements and maintenance for your Corvette. Each of the videos are very brief, spanning between thirty seconds, up to just under ten minutes. There are plenty of other channels to watch on VetteTube, too, many of which are just fun to see what people are doing with their cars.
Bio
Denise M. Ruggieri is a freelance writer and a “Corvette Girl” for three years now. Her and her husband, Nick, are proud owners of a 1999 Magnetic Red 6-speed Corvette which they’ve taken to local Corvette shows, and events across the nation, with their local Corvette Club. Denise was fortunate enough to meet “Corvette Girls” from around the world while writing her graduate thesis, “Corvette Girl” which focused on women with Corvettes and the Corvette Culture as a whole.
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Where the rubber meets the road….
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Thursday, April 10th, 2008 
