AboutJeff Clark Expertise I can answer most questions on vintage-car history and trivia, but there are three things I can't help with:
1) repair questions
2) "where-can-I-find-the-VIN-on-my-car?" questions
3) what's-my-car-worth questions
I'm not a mechanic, I can't know the location of every VIN plate on every vehicle ever made, and I can't appraise a vehicle I can't see.
Experience I've been a classic-car fanatic my entire life, and have spent most of my free time studying the automotive industry and its history.
Education/Credentials 25 years experience in the automotive industry.
Question I just bought a 79 Corvette and waiting on it's delivery. I have a 5 year old grandson and wonder what the law is for this car and my g'son riding with me. Since it's a 2 seater he would have to sit in the front? Is that safe and legal?
Answer Is it legal? Child safety-seat laws are state-based, not federal, so it will depend on which state you live in. I can tell you that most safety experts agree that ANY child under the age of 12 should ride in the back seat, where it's safest for them in case of a front-end collision and/or air-bag deployment. Check out this website:
Since the Corvette has no back seat, and the car in question has no air bag, you really should check with your local police department for their advice. But if I were you, and I had an accident with my 5 year-old grandson in the Corvette, I'd have to ask: how could I ever live with myself for taking such a chance? Don't you think you should play it safe and wait till your grandson is old enough to safely ride in the car?
