Why aren't YOU going to ZCON 2008?

[TomoHawk]

There are many people signed up to go to the 2008 ZCCA Convention, but out of the thousands of Z car owners in the U.S.A, there are some that aren't going?

What's keeping you from going???

thxZ

[Arne]

Location. Too far away.

[Montezuma]

One word: Cleveland.

Just kidding.

I am the same as Arne: Too far to travel. I will attend one once it returns to the left coast again.

[sblake01]

Same here plus TomoHawk will be there (j/k)

[gogriz91]

Can't afford to make the trip.

[jmortensen]

If I want to polish my rod I'll do it in the privacy of my own home. :D In other words: I'm not a car show guy.

[Oiluj]

To take my car there would require I drive it like in a Flintstones cartoon... It's got no engine, brakes, drivetrain, seats, etc...

Plus, even if the car were ready, it's a bit of a road trip from the San Francisco area.

[cunniwj]

I'd love to go but it's soo expensive to transport my car that distance. My Z is a great daily driver but I don't trust it to make the round trip without something breaking after all it's 35 years old. Last years show was great and basically down the street for me. Besides I'd rather put the $ into my 82ZXT restoration. I hope you have a great event.

[bigoak]

A couple of things:

1) Don't know which car to bring...(240Z in ok shape but not better...300ZX in awesome DD shape...both will make the trip...280Z project...won't make the trip...feel free to chime in with suggestions...)

2) I waited too long and a couple of the events that would draw me are sold out (ok, my bad)

3) Awww...man it's at the end of September in Cleveland...(ok I need to get over it...last time I was out in the Flats it was epic...everyone should go just for a good night our in the Flats...)

4) Worried Carl Beck will smack me down for some of my smart ass comments...(nuff said...)

As such, I'm on still on the bubble...(feel free to convince me to come or tell my sarcastic ass to stay home...).

[TomoHawk]

The whole downtown area has had a big renewal thing going. there are bunch of renovated "old" houses (mansions) on Euclid Ave that are said to be close to the million $ mark. On top of that, on the old flats (not the one on the river by the lake) where the steel mills were is getting some new interest to turn it back to park land and some kind of amusement area possibly with a race track.

Don't forget we have the Mid-Ohio sportscar course reserved, plus a great place for autocross. Then there's the Rock 'N' Roll hall of fame, a dinner cruise on the lake in a reallly cool boat and there will be daily busses going downtown for sightseeing. there are over a dozen restaurants ranging from gourmet burgers to authentic Mexican to Asian and even a few microbreweries.

We're signing on some live bands so there will be music just about every night.

The more people that attend, the better this event will be. You don't even need to bring a Z car! You can just attend and hang out with other Z owners. I've even talked to some regular people whp want to fly in and rent 350Zs or Acuras just to go to Mid-Ohio!

Don't forget the weather uring the convention will still be fairly warm. You Canucks might think it's still summer, and the southern chaps would probably enjoy the break from the summer heat. I haven't used my a/c in weeks and I can still spend the day ( and evening!) in shorts & a T-shirt. I just leave the windows open all day.

thxZ

[zzzzed]

i live in australia so i am out

[gogriz91]

The whole downtown area has had a big renewal thing going. there are bunch of renovated "old" houses (mansions) on Euclid Ave that are said to be close to the million $ mark. On top of that, on the old flats (not the one on the river by the lake) where the steel mills were is getting some new interest to turn it back to park land and some kind of amusement area possibly with a race track.

Don't forget we have the Mid-Ohio sportscar course reserved, plus a great place for autocross. Then there's the Rock 'N' Roll hall of fame, a dinner cruise on the lake in a reallly cool boat and there will be daily busses going downtown for sightseeing. there are over a dozen restaurants ranging from gourmet burgers to authentic Mexican to Asian and even a few microbreweries.

We're signing on some live bands so there will be music just about every night.

The more people that attend, the better this event will be. You don't even need to bring a Z car! You can just attend and hang out with other Z owners. I've even talked to some regular people whp want to fly in and rent 350Zs or Acuras just to go to Mid-Ohio!

Don't forget the weather uring the convention will still be fairly warm. You Canucks might think it's still summer, and the southern chaps would probably enjoy the break from the summer heat. I haven't used my a/c in weeks and I can still spend the day ( and evening!) in shorts & a T-shirt. I just leave the windows open all day.

thxZ


It definitely sounds like a blast, I missed last year due to work and I don't think one will get closer to me for awhile.

[jmark]

I missed the one at Daytona due to my daughters wedding. Where is the next one after Cleveland?

[ggarrard]

Mark - the conventions traditionally alternate east/west but I haven't heard as yet who will be hosting the 2009 event.

Late September/early October is a bad time of year for me as it is prime-time for work-related meetings.

Tomohawk: There are a few TIZCC members planning to attend....One specifically wants to play at Mid-Ohio and the autocross (think 450Z)... the others will be in the show...

Best of luck from the Thousand Island Zed Car Club - host of the 2001 Convention in Kingston, Ontario...

GWGarrard
prez TIZCC

[hls30.com]

Scheduling last year was a breeze, this year is just an offensive exercise in getting past that damn Murphy...
I am still planning to go, and if everything falls into place by the end of next week, I will be signing up and planning the route for the truck and trailer.
Will

[Arne]

I will admit that if I were to attend, no trailers would be involved. My 240Z would easily handle a 5000 mile road trip. Me? Not so much...

[26th-Z]

I have yet to take my Z to a convention and this will be my fifth. Ya'll hop on a plane and come party with us!

I'm coming up with Jim Frederick and I talked to Beck yesterday. He says he's coming. $303 round trip from Tampa, 2-1/2 hours - beat that! I'm part of the ZCCA judging team now which means I'll be at the next few conventions. Commander Buoni is bringing his car and I'm hoping to team up with him for another rally trophy. The rumor I hear for next year is San Diego to celebrate the Datsun Heritage Museum however I only heard that rumor once and no one else seems to know anything about it. Conventions are a blast - a week of activities and socializing. The Ohio people are way cool and the Cleveland schedule looks to be fun. Mid Ohio is the race track! Lots of Nissan racing history there. We plan to eat and drink like pigs, wallow in the mire of Z, and Rock-N-Roll on down the road. Let me know if you are going and would like me to bring anything for show and tell.

[hls30.com]

Chris,
With the recent changes in Air travel, I don' think the Tricky Garage could come as a carry on!
If it all works out, I pack my trailer with show and tell(26'6" trailer, 13' car...) If there is still room for a judge, when I sign up, count me in. If there is still a car in VA, I might have to stop on the way home, take of the bumpers and give my '72 some company!
Will

[Jeff G 78]

I am going to try to make it. I have to make sure the schedule works out, but I think I can do it.

[TomoHawk]

Great. We'll look forward to meeting you there. There are a number of people from MI (and Chicago- windy-city Z club) going to the convention. I think one MI guy goes by the name ZMAX.

thxZ

[westpak]

Last year at Daytona was my first one, luckily it was so close to home, and I have to say it was more than I expected.

For those that say they wont go because they are not into car shows, this is more than just a car show, I entered the non judged show just to be part of it, didn't hurt I won people's choice :) but I just loved spending the day looking at some incredible examples of Z's and the rest of the week looking and talking and having a great week.

Also I got to meet or reacquaint with some great people, and realized how many were from Florida we are lucky down here, 26th/Carl/Zwolf/George71.......

Also got to meet some personalities in the Z world like Johnnie Gable, Mad Mike, Fred Jordan.... and everyone else, it is an experience not just a car show, if you are within driving distance and don't go you are missing out in a great experience, I was planning on going but couldn't get it worked out, still trying but probably without a Z if I go.

[Jeff G 78]

Since I have not attended any national meets, I always wondered how people figure out who is who. There are certain members with recognizable cars, but most are not and everybody is wandering around anyways rather than hanging around by their car. Is there a nickname/nametag system in place? Between the IZCC, zcar and this site, I have been online for over ten years, but I have never met any of the people I consider my friends. I would hate to attend the meet only to miss meeting everybody.

Even at our local club events, it is tough to figure out who is who when many people are only known by an obscure online nickname. :bandit:

[26th-Z]

Oh! The national convention is first class, Jeff G! Everyone gets a name tag on a neck lanyard. Even if you don't rececgognize someone, the name tag is a big help.

Frankly, Tomo, the title of this thread is w-a-y too negative. It should be "Why are you going!" I hope they have a Hooters in Cleveland. Wouldn't want to miss the party at Hooters.

You can't miss me. I usually have on one of my "26th-Z" shirts and I'm the one partying really hard.

I'm trying to figure out what to bring, Will. I guess I should make some more copies of the DVDs and I might make up some posters. I talked to Beck this morning and he is thinking of having some posters made to sell and donate to the DHM. I might do the same.

[TomoHawk]

IMO, it doesn't matter if you-know-who is going. If YOU go, is what is important and is what makes the convention great. Aside from the car show, there will be seminars & tech talks, hot-lapping at a real race track (where it doesn't matter if you're not experienced) and autocross (for all skill-levels.) You will most likely meet people that you will get to know, and make new friends that maY NOT even be a member of any car-related website.

Do some arm-twisting and get everyone you know to go! The party will only get bigger & better!

ythxZ

[TomoHawk]

Yeah, we have a Hooters here. It's one of the hottest or busiest places downtown, located on the flats by the river.

Chris-

Cleveland (Ohio) is a great place for a convention. We have lots of places with hotels or lodging, the city isn't so big it takes you an hour in heavy traffic to get to the suburbs, (the convention hotel is only 20 minutes from the Rock'n' Roll Hall of fame or the lake) and getting around town is very easy or even convenient.

Don't forget the weather is always nice here, even in late summer. I haven't used the a/c or furnace all summer!

thxZ

[Jeff G 78]

Hey Tomohawk,

Is there additional info somewhere about the schedule of events? I can't find any additional info on the poker run other than the start and end times. Also, on the registration form, I'm a bit confused about the car show. Are the fees only required for car registration? I will likely only be able to be there for a few days, unfortunately. I think I can make the opening banquet and car show. I'd love to do Mid-O, but my car isn't quite track worthy yet. I still need to sort a few things.

[TomoHawk]

My car isn't what you'd call a 'track star' either, but I'm going to Mid-Ohio. I've never even done a road course before, except in cycling. I'll be in the autocross, and the poker run too.

If you'd like any information, there an email link on the clevelandrockZ.com website.

BTW- Cleveland is only ' 3 1/2 beers' from Detroit LOL

thxZ

[Jeff G 78]

My car has the right parts to be a track star someday, but I have a bunch of work to do before I would try it. I still have heavy tire rub under hard cornering or full wheel travel, my brake pads and shoes are close to 25 years old :paranoid: and I have a driveline vibration under acceleration that I can't seem to fix. I haven't replaced the rear wheel bearings yet either, so that is another good reason to wait before tracking it.

My car sat for five years before I bought it way back in 1990 and I just got it on the road for the first time last year. Even though I have rebuilt or replaced nearly everything on it, there are still weak or unknown parts. For example, I can drive in slow traffic all day and it stays cool, but it runs a bit warm (on the gauge at least) at speeds above 80mph. I'm guessing that I am building up a layer of stale air in front of the radiator. With some close-out panels and proper sealing, the airflow should improve.

I wish I had the time and money to fix everything at once, but there are too many other things emptying my wallet. :disappoin

[Mike B]

I would go (without the Z) if it weren't at the end of the month. My job requires me to be there for every month-end, and this is also a quarter-end, so the timing definately won't work for me. If it is in San Diego next year I will do my best to go and maybe even drive a Z down.

-Mike

[hls30.com]

I took my family with me last year, and hope to again this year, and though I did miss several events due to Daddy duty(an 8 month old and a terrible two year old), and left early, I still met a great many people, and got a wealth of Z stories-even without the infamous visit to Hooters!
Will

[geezer]

Tomo - There are 3 of us here that have talked about making a day trip or overnighter, so we could take in the car show at least, but being on a Tuesday makes it a little more difficult for the other 2 guys, who are tied to work. It is coming up fast and we just realized that we don't know if the car show is open for foot traffic by the general public? None of us are affiliated with any official club, because it is just us, with no other Zs in the area other than our own. I hesitate joining the OZC; attending meetings would mean being on the road all day. It just seems too far removed. We have never belonged or paid dues to the ZCCA, but sure would enjoy seeing the cars in the show.

[TomoHawk]

Anyone can go to the car show. :D

[Jeff G 78]

For a follow-up question, do we even need to register if we are only going to view the car show? I don't mind supporting the event, but if it turns out that I can only make it for the show, I'd rather not pay the registration fee for the opening and closing ceremonies. I'll buy a few shirts and such while I'm there. If it turns out I can make it on Monday, I will gladly register.

[geezer]

Anyone can go to the car show. :D

Thanks for clarifying that. I know the car show is only one aspect of the convention, but it is too bad it wasn't on the weekend when more people would come. I don't know, I guess I'm more acustomed to just a car show/swap meet atmosphere. Anyhow, I hope to shake hands and actually meet a few of you guys during my brief visit.

[westpak]

not to confuse things, but at Daytona you had to have event credentials to enter the show area or at least be in a car with the a driver that had credentials.

That I believe was not due to the show organizers but due to the show being held in the Daytona Speedway and the speedway required people to be cleared to enter the speedway, so just something to check and make sure something similar doesn't apply at Cleveland.

[TomoHawk]

I don't see why you can't drive whatever you have to the car show and look around, visit, and have a bite. I'm not sure about what to say about the t-shirts and souvenirs, but you can go to the convention website and there's an email link for information. just click on the link in my signature.

[Jeff G 78]

I don't see why you can't drive whatever you have to the car show and look around, visit, and have a bite. I'm not sure about what to say about the t-shirts and souvenirs, but you can go to the convention website and there's an email link for information. just click on the link in my signature.

I sent an email and will post the answers when they reply. Like I said, I don't mind supporting the cause, but $85 is a lot to spend for attending only the show.

[westpak]

I sent an email and will post the answers when they reply. Like I said, I don't mind supporting the cause, but $85 is a lot to spend for attending only the show.
wow prices went up from last year

[Jeff G 78]

I got a confirmation that we do not have to register if we are attending ONLY the car show. Of course you should buy lots of souveniers to help them pay for the event.

[TomoHawk]

There are some really cool souvenirs & clothes you will be able to get.

[26th-Z]

Last year the car show was at Daytona Speedway and not open to the public. You had to register for the whole convention to get in to the speedway for the car show. Evidently, this year the car show is open to the public. Some info I got in the morning e-mail:

Greetings from your 2008 Z Convention Team!


This year's "Cleveland RockZ" convention is shaping up to be a very memorable convention. We have a variety of surprises in store.

From now through Convention our team will be forwarding additional details for the variety of Events throughout the week and help you to be prepared...and have FUN at this year's convention.

Our team can be reached at info@clevelandrockz.com for any questions prior to convention. At convention, look for any of our team members wearing blue & black convention-team shirts with the "Cleveland RockZ" logo. Hotel registration will be available along with the "Z Store" just inside the hotel and off to the right. Signs will be posted to help direct convention visitors.

For those participating in the Mid-Ohio Performance Driving Event, please be sure to prep yourself and Z car per the instruction packet which can be downloaded from the convention website here: http://www.clevelandrockz.com/Mid-Ohio_Perf_Driving_Event_v11.pdf. Safety regulations & tech-inspections MUST be completed in order to participate - please be sure to review the requirements!

This year's car-show will held at the Cuyahoga County fairgrounds which is only 20 minutes from the Embassy Suites - Independence host hotel. Hoses will be available for last-minute cleanings at the fairgrounds. As this is the 21st ZCCA convention, new-comers will definitely want to review the judging rules in preparation for this year's judged car show. Rules can be found at the ZCCA website, here: http://www.zcca.org/downloads/JudgingRules_rev2005.pdf

If you're coming in Sunday, the 28th be sure to sign up for our downtown tours being provided by Lolly The Trolley, a Cleveland-area tradition or join us for the "Mad Mike" party for food and music.

Please be sure to visit our Sponsors page off the convention website - we have a ton of goodies to auction and raffle off throughout the week. Note - 50/50 raffle proceeds this year will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Our team is putting final touches on details for this year's convention and are very excited to be able to be your hosts. Stay tuned for more updates and tips regarding this year's "21st International Z Car Convention" !

Best Regards,

Christopher Karl
21st Annual ZCCA Z Car Convention Chairman
Event info: www.clevelandrockz.com

[26th-Z]

Monday morning e-mail... 8.25.08

FYI...the convention staff has managed to secure 25 single-car garage spaces and are available for track day at Mid-Ohio.

If you are interested, please send us a note ASAP. Payment can be made via Paypal or check. The fee for the garage will be $50 - first come, first serve!

Regards,

Christopher Karl
21st Annual ZCCA Z Car Convention Chairman
Event info: www.clevelandrockz.com

[TomoHawk]

If you are planning on going to any of the speed events, make sure you go over the tech checklist with a mechanic, so you don't get any surprises ...

thxZ

[hls30.com]

OK, I am in!
I signed up for the convention today! I have a prior engagement the same week, so I won't be there for everything, and will probably be there in a rental car instead of a Z, but unless something serious happens I will be there.
Who else is signed up?
I(hopefully We-depending on my wifes schedule clearing up)will be headed up Saturday and stay through Wednesday or Thursday. I just signed me up, but hope to add the rest of the family before too long!
Will

[cunniwj]

As others have said, last year in Daytona if you wanted to enter the speedway and attend the show you had to be registered which was costly I guess a DIS rule about getting in the track. In order for my son to attend just the car show I had to pay the entire 5 day registration alot of $ for the the average spectator. I'm sure there would have been alot more spectators if it had been prorated but it was well worth it to be able to drive my Z on banks of Daytona.

[hls30.com]

Don't feel too bad, I registered a car, and wasn't able to bring it-but then that is why I was behind my camera on top of the press box instead of having it beside me on the seat driving with you on the track!
Will

[cunniwj]

Will, You did take a great pick of my Z, Thanks again. May be we can get together in Amelia this spring. I thinking about coming

[ZWOLF]

Don't feel too bad, I registered a car, and wasn't able to bring it-but then that is why I was behind my camera on top of the press box instead of having it beside me on the seat driving with you on the track!
Will
Hey Will,
You were exactly where you needed to be! (smile)

[hls30.com]

... May be we can get together in Amelia this spring. I thinking about coming

Don't think, do! I am working on some sort of a Z show for Saturday before the main show on Concours on Sunday...I will pass along the info as it unfolds...

Hey Will,
You were exactly where you needed to be! (smile)

I am so confused by how very wrong that is while at the same time being so very right!
Will