Wondering about the 69 strike
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Richmond Texas
Wondering about the 69 strike
OK. Correct me if I'm wrong, there was a strike in May 69 in St. Louis that affected the Corvette factory. During a typical year this would be 3 months before the switch to the next model year. So when did the strike end and why did Chevrolet continue building 69 models thru December of 69 which then delayed the 70 models and shortened their production run?
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,866
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From: Sadieville Kentucky
OK. Correct me if I'm wrong, there was a strike in May 69 in St. Louis that affected the Corvette factory. During a typical year this would be 3 months before the switch to the next model year. So when did the strike end and why did Chevrolet continue building 69 models thru December of 69 which then delayed the 70 models and shortened their production run?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Deep South Denmark
From what I heard the story about a strike causing the long '69 production run isn't true? The reason was technical, some problems converting to the '70 year model.
No doubt there were many strikes in the sixties and seventies though
No doubt there were many strikes in the sixties and seventies though
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Yep. The strike at St. Louis began about April 9, 1969 and lasted until June. No cars were produced in May. The decision to continue 69 production into December is attributed to John DeLorean who was heading the Chevrolet Division of GM at the time.
I've never heard of potential 70 problems being responsible for the extension of 1969 production. Since the 70 model year amounted to only body changes, it's not likely any technical issues were involved.
Peter Licastro has a section on labor problems at St. Louis in his book.
Peter Licastro has a section on labor problems at St. Louis in his book.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Jul 26, 2016 at 08:06 AM.
