Corvette factory workers
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,500
Likes: 879
From: Saratoga Springs NY
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Corvette factory workers
So I've been here awhile. Was thinking that in all the people here, it doesn't seem even one actually built these cars at the plant. Where's all the people that worked there? You would think that even if your one and only job was fitting the doors to the car, that info would be priceless to people here. I know robots can't talk, and GM has the special tools and jigs, but still?
I know alot of them are probably retired and the last thing they wanna do is relive it, but was just pondering.
I know alot of them are probably retired and the last thing they wanna do is relive it, but was just pondering.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 765
Likes: 49
From: West Palm Beach,Florida
i have been on tours of the factory at least 5 times. i was totally unimpressed with the attitude of the assembly line workers. they looked like they were dying at every little job they did on the line. The look on their faces pissed me off especially because they knew visitors were watching them,. Another issue, why do GM workers dress in abrasive jeans and any other **** they want to wear. Rag tag outfits. Any other factory in the world,they wear soft non damaging uniforms. I think the answer is GM hires people who just want a job and are NOT Corvette people. Before i am attacked ,I am sure there are many great employees there but I just didn't see them
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,281
Likes: 129
From: NOVA
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07
i have been on tours of the factory at least 5 times. i was totally unimpressed with the attitude of the assembly line workers. they looked like they were dying at every little job they did on the line. The look on their faces pissed me off especially because they knew visitors were watching them,. Another issue, why do GM workers dress in abrasive jeans and any other **** they want to wear. Rag tag outfits. Any other factory in the world,they wear soft non damaging uniforms. I think the answer is GM hires people who just want a job and are NOT Corvette people. Before i am attacked ,I am sure there are many great employees there but I just didn't see them
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,648
Likes: 1,059
From: N.E. Ohio OH
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
Have any of you worked on an assembly line ? Hour after hour of doing the same repetitious task just kills your soul, no matter how well paying. When younger, I worked at one tool and die shop. There were times that I had to do runs of parts instead of machining dies. The die makers there had to do their own runs, it was a small place. Doing the same motion, over and over, 100's and sometimes more an hour for days on end is the most boring thing you could imagine. Another shop I worked at the factory workers would run up to 1000 parts an hour.
It is not exactly mentally stimulating. That is why robotics build better stuff in that kind of environment.
It gets to where you just can't stand getting up to go in, but you are stuck bringing home the wage if you are one of the kind of folks that support their families. Being a "Corvette Enthusiast" and working a line would turn you into a "Corvette Hater". Nothing glamorous, its just a job.
You ever see a "WalMart Pep Rally" where they get their employees into a circle in the middle of the store and do cheers and such ? Demeaning.
It is not exactly mentally stimulating. That is why robotics build better stuff in that kind of environment.
It gets to where you just can't stand getting up to go in, but you are stuck bringing home the wage if you are one of the kind of folks that support their families. Being a "Corvette Enthusiast" and working a line would turn you into a "Corvette Hater". Nothing glamorous, its just a job.
You ever see a "WalMart Pep Rally" where they get their employees into a circle in the middle of the store and do cheers and such ? Demeaning.
Last edited by drcook; Jan 9, 2021 at 08:05 AM.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,500
Likes: 879
From: Saratoga Springs NY
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I understand the repetitive boring factory position. And even though its not Ferrari, its still a Corvette. But I do see how doing the same dam thing would make you hate your job. Like a gynecologist trying to meet someone new lol.
But still. If you Have insider knowledge there's alot of people that would love that info. I remember (correct me if I'm wrong) that up untill the c4 there were assembly manuals available for the Corvette. I wish one existed for the c4. Although I'm mostly done with mine, that info would have been a huge help.....like I said, just a thought.
But still. If you Have insider knowledge there's alot of people that would love that info. I remember (correct me if I'm wrong) that up untill the c4 there were assembly manuals available for the Corvette. I wish one existed for the c4. Although I'm mostly done with mine, that info would have been a huge help.....like I said, just a thought.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 655
Likes: 164
From: Vancouver Washington
Assembly Manual
I understand the repetitive boring factory position. And even though its not Ferrari, its still a Corvette. But I do see how doing the same dam thing would make you hate your job. Like a gynecologist trying to meet someone new lol.
But still. If you Have insider knowledge there's alot of people that would love that info. I remember (correct me if I'm wrong) that up untill the c4 there were assembly manuals available for the Corvette. I wish one existed for the c4. Although I'm mostly done with mine, that info would have been a huge help.....like I said, just a thought.
But still. If you Have insider knowledge there's alot of people that would love that info. I remember (correct me if I'm wrong) that up untill the c4 there were assembly manuals available for the Corvette. I wish one existed for the c4. Although I'm mostly done with mine, that info would have been a huge help.....like I said, just a thought.
I totally agree. I had the assembly manual for my 75 and could not have replaced even the weather-stripping without it. Mind you this was 1989 when I rebuilt that car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,706
Likes: 485
From: Everett WA
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
So I've been here awhile. Was thinking that in all the people here, it doesn't seem even one actually built these cars at the plant. Where's all the people that worked there? You would think that even if your one and only job was fitting the doors to the car, that info would be priceless to people here. I know robots can't talk, and GM has the special tools and jigs, but still?
I know alot of them are probably retired and the last thing they wanna do is relive it, but was just pondering.
I know alot of them are probably retired and the last thing they wanna do is relive it, but was just pondering.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...c4-school.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...he-rescue.html
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,500
Likes: 879
From: Saratoga Springs NY
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
You have been around here for a while. Never heard of Gordon Killebrew?
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...c4-school.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...he-rescue.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...c4-school.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...he-rescue.html
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Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 30,427
Likes: 1,609
From: Outside the Quick Stop N.J.
This is C6 related, but some of the workers from the GM Performance Build Center in Wixom MI posted in this thread, including the OP.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...mp-engine.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...mp-engine.html
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,500
Likes: 879
From: Saratoga Springs NY
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Actually i was thinking...Since most maybe hated their jobs on the line, maybe they could get together and write a book of all the stupid things they did to these cars on the line. Maybe hungover, no raise, bad lunch whatever. All the 'gremlins' they added.
When i removed my K member to clean and paint, not only did i find another (horrible shape) build sheet, but i found a spend shell casing from a .38 if i remember correctly. Odd thing is the firing pin indent was a double d shape.Never seen that before. But where it was found, it HAD to be there upon assembly. No way did it happen to fall in there.
Maybe a new thread for all of us to show the odd things found while working on their cars?
When i removed my K member to clean and paint, not only did i find another (horrible shape) build sheet, but i found a spend shell casing from a .38 if i remember correctly. Odd thing is the firing pin indent was a double d shape.Never seen that before. But where it was found, it HAD to be there upon assembly. No way did it happen to fall in there.
Maybe a new thread for all of us to show the odd things found while working on their cars?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 6,942
Likes: 1,490
From: New Jersey
Wrong build sheet, guy writing in fancy paint pen on some of the interior panels, I think there was a smiley face on something though that could have been my truck... there were a couple of weird things on mine.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 161
Likes: 52
From: Tickfaw, Louisiana
Where I work, "we" build Fire Trucks. I have to say "we", because just one person can't do it by themselves.
It gets monotonous at times. Fortunately the plant where I work builds fully custom trucks.
Some things are repetitive and some things are not.
Most employed there are just working there. They are trained and they do their job (some, most of the time).
I take care of all upholstered items, preparation of metal parts, seats and some of the unique options chosen by the customer in and on the cab.
I have two other people that I work with to achieve the goals given to us every week.
We here on this site are enthusiasts of all different levels of expertise and capabilities, yet we all share a passion for cars.
Corvette's being the car of choice.
When I see a Fire Truck that I had a part in building driving down the road in response to whatever emergency they are responding to
and I am very proud of what I do and did and hope "we" provided that fireman with that appropriate tool(s) in that truck to save someone's life.
When I drive one of my vehicle's, whether it be the GTA or the Corvette (I buy the basket cases and fix them).
I am proud of the result of my labor(s)
However, I do not give myself any delusions that this is a business.
We are timed on our job tasks assigned. The results to determine if you are needed the next week.
Where if something goes wrong, you could loose your job. Some mistakes tolerated, others not.
We have employees that used to work for Toyota assembly lines and such, which are more obsessive over how you do things.
On their assembly lines - you can not "just" go to the bathroom. People don't usually think of things like that.
This all weighs on you over time.
I have been doing this coming up on 14 years,
excuse me if I do not always have the enthusiast in me show through when a tour walks through.
We are not allowed to talk to people touring the plant, but if asked a question -
be courteous, honest and quickly get back to work.
I am just giving a different viewpoint to this topic.
It gets monotonous at times. Fortunately the plant where I work builds fully custom trucks.
Some things are repetitive and some things are not.
Most employed there are just working there. They are trained and they do their job (some, most of the time).
I take care of all upholstered items, preparation of metal parts, seats and some of the unique options chosen by the customer in and on the cab.
I have two other people that I work with to achieve the goals given to us every week.
We here on this site are enthusiasts of all different levels of expertise and capabilities, yet we all share a passion for cars.
Corvette's being the car of choice.
When I see a Fire Truck that I had a part in building driving down the road in response to whatever emergency they are responding to
and I am very proud of what I do and did and hope "we" provided that fireman with that appropriate tool(s) in that truck to save someone's life.
When I drive one of my vehicle's, whether it be the GTA or the Corvette (I buy the basket cases and fix them).
I am proud of the result of my labor(s)
However, I do not give myself any delusions that this is a business.
We are timed on our job tasks assigned. The results to determine if you are needed the next week.
Where if something goes wrong, you could loose your job. Some mistakes tolerated, others not.
We have employees that used to work for Toyota assembly lines and such, which are more obsessive over how you do things.
On their assembly lines - you can not "just" go to the bathroom. People don't usually think of things like that.
This all weighs on you over time.
I have been doing this coming up on 14 years,
excuse me if I do not always have the enthusiast in me show through when a tour walks through.
We are not allowed to talk to people touring the plant, but if asked a question -
be courteous, honest and quickly get back to work.
I am just giving a different viewpoint to this topic.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Here
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I believe in the Beer Fairy
there have been several GM workers here over the years.......maybe just not in your little section of the forum
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,167
Likes: 2,511
From: ...tearing up the highways, one state at a time™®©
i have been on tours of the factory at least 5 times. i was totally unimpressed with the attitude of the assembly line workers. they looked like they were dying at every little job they did on the line. The look on their faces pissed me off especially because they knew visitors were watching them,. Another issue, why do GM workers dress in abrasive jeans and any other **** they want to wear. Rag tag outfits. Any other factory in the world,they wear soft non damaging uniforms. I think the answer is GM hires people who just want a job and are NOT Corvette people. Before i am attacked ,I am sure there are many great employees there but I just didn't see them
The answer = UNION PROTECTION
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,167
Likes: 2,511
From: ...tearing up the highways, one state at a time™®©
You have been around here for a while. Never heard of Gordon Killebrew?
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...c4-school.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...he-rescue.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...c4-school.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...he-rescue.html
Last I heard, he was not running his schools any longer. Wealth of knowledge, that fella.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,648
Likes: 1,059
From: N.E. Ohio OH
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
They are paid the same as a UAW worker than assembles a Geo Metro. UAW workers don't recognize that they work for Chevrolet or General Motors. In their minds and culture, UAW workers work for UAW. The union is their employer. Union / Management relations have always been adversarial.
I was in the UAW. Local 856 out of Akron, Ohio. I knew who I worked for and took care of them as much as they took care of me. I worked at another, non-union place, where they stole little bits of money
some of you people that have never worked a factory job have no fooken' clue. one time at Aerospace some d*ckhead low level manager tried to order some guy to walk over the curve of the air dock and knock icicles off with a broom while holding only a rope. Look up the Airdock in Akron and see if you have big enough brass ones to do that. The UAW saved his job and life over that.
there are abuses, I was called baby names by a union rep because I did a good job.
not everyone feels like that.
my wife's family was all GM UAW or salary members in the Cleveland area. they were all classy guys and did their jobs and took care of GM as much as GM took care of them.
Last edited by drcook; Jan 10, 2021 at 12:38 PM.
T2T SUPPORTER
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: NNCC No Name Car Crew; Owned 1 C2, 2 C3's, 1 C4, 3 C5's, 1 C6, 2 C7's; Now '86, '03; S. DE
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2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Wnner - Unmodified
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22-'23-'24-'25-'26
Worked an assembly line job for a short while, hated it, which led me to other career paths.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 387
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From: Langton, Ontario, Canada
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I worked as a contractor at the GM-Cami plant in Canada. They were building a piece of junk. Suzuki Swift /Geo Metro. They KNEW they were building a piece of junk. They treated it like a piece of junk. It really was a piece of junk. I don't blame them.
I also worked at the Chrysler plant in Bramalea. They were building the Challenger / Charger platform. They treated the car much better. Lots of pride there.
I worked at the Honda plant in Alliston, Ontario. Those workers didn't know anything. The assembly line was imported from Japan and we put it all together in the plant. They were building the Honda CRV. The workers knew nothing and were just there to do a job.
I worked at the Ford plant in St. Thomas, where they built the Ford Crown Victoria / Mercury Grand Marquis / Lincoln Town Car. The plant is now a parking lot. But those guys knew they were building a fine automobile and treated it as such.
A world of difference between the four plants.
I also worked at the Chrysler plant in Bramalea. They were building the Challenger / Charger platform. They treated the car much better. Lots of pride there.
I worked at the Honda plant in Alliston, Ontario. Those workers didn't know anything. The assembly line was imported from Japan and we put it all together in the plant. They were building the Honda CRV. The workers knew nothing and were just there to do a job.
I worked at the Ford plant in St. Thomas, where they built the Ford Crown Victoria / Mercury Grand Marquis / Lincoln Town Car. The plant is now a parking lot. But those guys knew they were building a fine automobile and treated it as such.
A world of difference between the four plants.
Last edited by LiveWire1; Jan 10, 2021 at 04:16 PM.