Thread: Daily driver 32

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I have been thinking about the possibility of using a 32 sedan as a daily driver. It seems to me with the new bodies and frames you don’t have to feel bad abusing an old car. I don’t want a nice car because I don’t want to have to worry about it. I want to drive it, rain, snow, gravel roads etc. I would like a FI and manual transmission.

My question for you guys is this at all realistic? I am not talking about a show car or a cruiser. I don’t like driving just to go for a drive and I don’t like going to car shows. My experience is with old corvettes and using an old corvette as a driver is not reasonable. I want a sedan because I have two kids and that is one of the other reasons I never drive my old corvette.

Why not??? Heck, build what you want and drive it when and where you want..... If it's your car, what's it matter what anyone else thinks?????

As long as you don't get upset about vandalism (it will draw attention), and things like rock chips and grocery basket "dings".

Another thing to consider is licensing it for the road. At least in Utah, a daily driver will have to meet specific safety and emission requirements, where as a specialty vehicle (ie age specific licensed) only needs to meet the requirements of the year the vehicle is made to represent.

I've always liked that idea too. As Rick said it would have to have to pass your vehicle inspection in order to be tagged for the road. You would also have to have daily driver insurance because most collector car insurers won't touch a daily driver, so that means "agreed value" insurance is out.

Other than the other concerns, I like the idea. There are plenty of people doing just what you want to do, especially in the warmer climate states.

I put my 27 Track T together as a daily driver, (satin black paint, ZZ4, auto trans, cruise control and 2.79 gearing. Best move I ever did.

Go for it.... I am building a 32 3W right now with the idea that it will be driven all the time - Maybe not winters but rain and all the other weather that is thrown at us up here. I doubt it will ever see a show other than from the spectator parking lot. I like the look of the car and it will be built from all new parts (I know that some people cringe at that) but it will be reliable and comfortable and I will know that the 75 year old parts will not be giving out. Like Dave said...it's your car...do what you want and if someone is a truly into cars they will appreciate it for what it is.....As I was raised....if you don't have something good to say....well you know the rest

Dan

Thinking about it more I think I would only like a coupe. It will be a tough decision I would have to sell the vette to have space for a 32. It would be nice having a car I use more often and don’t have to worry about.

32driver, there is a lot to take into account but the fun factor is definitely there! I envy your thinking. Just to twist the vette thumb screw tighter you did mention in your first post,

"[snip]...one of the other reasons I never drive my old corvette."

Sounds like there are more reasons. I'm not a die-hard vette guy so please excuse this next comment. Would selling the vette fund your 32 build?

Ah - but would you regret the sale? That is the ultimate question, sounds like you're already thinking.

Originally Posted by Gretsch

32driver, there is a lot to take into account but the fun factor is definitely there! I envy your thinking. Just to twist the vette thumb screw tighter you did mention in your first post,

"[snip]...one of the other reasons I never drive my old corvette."

Sounds like there are more reasons. I'm not a die-hard vette guy so please excuse this next comment. Would selling the vette fund your 32 build?

Ah - but would you regret the sale? That is the ultimate question, sounds like you're already thinking.

I could drive a 32 to work and anytime I went somewhere alone or with one other person. The corvette I drive only just to drive it. The paint is nice and I don't like leaving it unattended. It is fun, 427 435 hp with three two barrels. It has no AC and the engine puts off SO much heat. If I get a 32 I would like FI and AC to make it more useful.

The big question is would I regret selling the vette. I wouldn’t miss paying insurance on it and never using it…I haven’t had it out since June. I only have three garage stalls so I do not have space for both.

Driver, what year is the Corvette? Inquiring minds want to know.

Mike

1968 convertible...I will try to get a picture up.

I drove my 27 roadster virtually every day as my go to work, grocery store, errand, and just for the heck of it car. It took a lot of the pain out of going to work every morning. It was really cool to be sitting in traffic, surrounded by all these boring soccer Mom cars , knowing all the other drivers knew I was having more fun than they were. I never got tired of driving it and only needed to hear "Honey, we need a loaf of bread" and I was on my way to the grocery store...........any excuse to drive it.

You do have to get used to your commutes taking longer than usual though because when you do stop for gas or groceries you will have a crowd standing around it when you come out. You have become an Ambassador of Hot Rodding so you have to politely stand there and answer all their questions, because you want them to have a good feeling about us hot rodders. Sometimes it is fun talking to them and sometimes you want to just get on your way, but it is all good.

I would still keep a second car as my "real" daily driver because sometimes the weather is just too horrible to take the rod out (although I got rained on with no top just about daily) and hot rods do have their occasional issues and may be out of service for a little while until you get it fixed. Plus, sometimes Mom and the Kids don't share your enthusiasm for driving the car so often and it is nice to have the other one sitting there.

I say do it. Every morning when you turn the key and you hear it rumble to life you will lose 10-20 years off of your age.

Don

Here is a suggestion that might cost a little more but it might be worth it in the end.

Rent storage for the vette and drop the insurance down to just cover the stored vehicle. The cost of the insurance just might offset the cost of the storage. Then go for the '32. Then, in a years time, if the vette isn't "begging" to be driven, sell it without regrets. Also in one year, the market will likely be better and a better prices will be out there for the vette. By doing it this way, you get a chance to feel what it is like without the vette and have room for the '32.

Just a thought.
Jerome

Sure 32 for a daily driver. But have a stand by vehicle. If you have a problem or want to make changes (who would do that) you could get strung out with the repair.