When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I love the C3, but I am sometimes amazed at the poor build quality that went into them when they were built. This is why the Japanese car makers were able to gain a large foothold on the US market in the 80s and 90s. Ironically, it was an American quality guru (Demings) who pioneered and taught the Japanese the quality management techniques that they used to kick the butts of the US carmakers. The US car makers had to play catch up later to compete with the Japanese as far as quality.
I love the C3, but I am sometimes amazed at the poor build quality that went into them when they were built. This is why the Japanese car makers were able to gain a large foothold on the US market in the 80s and 90s. Ironically, it was an American quality guru (Demings) who pioneered and taught the Japanese the quality management techniques that they used to kick the butts of the US carmakers. The US car makers had to play catch up later to compete with the Japanese as far as quality.
Remember Ford's "Quality is Job One" motto?
Agreed - we love our '77 as well, but you are correct, the build quality as a whole was poor. I've found that to be true of all brands during the 70s. Just leaves us more room to improve the cars!
I love the C3, but I am sometimes amazed at the poor build quality that went into them when they were built. This is why the Japanese car makers were able to gain a large foothold on the US market in the 80s and 90s. Ironically, it was an American quality guru (Demings) who pioneered and taught the Japanese the quality management techniques that they used to kick the butts of the US carmakers. The US car makers had to play catch up later to compete with the Japanese as far as quality.
Remember Ford's "Quality is Job One" motto?
Can't agree more... I own a 1978 SA car that has been indoor stored since day one, it has very low mileage on it (I'm ashamed I don't remember how low, I will never drive the car and I forgot). But the front bumper fitment is horrible, the rear bumper is horrible, the original carpet barely covers the side shift console panels, the kick panel carpet is fuddy as well... and the glove box door is horrible. There is a hidden story about this car that some day I'll address as to how I obtained it and how original it is.. but not today.
The car still sits exactly where my buddy Hugh parked it years ago..... It is however a great case or an original car.
Ernie,I am orig owner of a 78' SA. Car came in late in the model yr,was delivered last on the btm rack of transport. Dealer called all excited,come & pick-up your Corv. I took one look @ it & said 'you gotta be kidding me'! It was @ dealership for 3 wks fixing dropped grease from transport,poor alignment of h/lite's,dr's,fndr's,bumpers,yes glove-box dr. Not to mention poor paint quality,mismatched silv-grey stripes & one wheel ctr cap missing. After 3 wk's I told them it still was undeliverable,they said 'take it or leave it'....It took me yrs of painting,buffing,re-aligning and fixin' all the shitty factory quirks! The 8-track still works along with pwr ant,I guess I can't complain. Hdal
Made me chuckle
Maybe it was built after a lunch break at the park?
