Factory Model Changeover
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,426
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From: West Barnstable MA
Factory Model Changeover
Are the factory workers involved in retrofitting the plant for C7 production. Or, is this work done by another group?
Are the factory workers furloughed?
Are the factory workers furloughed?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 906
Likes: 26
When i visited the factory last month the tour guide pointed at a closed section of the plant and said thats where the XLR was made and that they now are now working on retooling it for a special project that he could not tell us about.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: SouthEast PA
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,886
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From: Carmel CA
The equipment manufacturers have their own installation crew. Or at least key installers that know the sequence of how the various components and machinery go together. I doubt the factory workers on the line have a clue how it all goes together. I've always been amazed at the fabricators and machine designer/engineers who design/develop these machines. They are truly sharp people that are both left and right brained.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,820
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From: Deep in the Heart, TX
might just be an area to build the 427 verts
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 8,099
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From: Oakland, CA
but giving the C7 a folding hardtop option would be one way to make more money off the base platform and make "higher-end" customers happy...
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 47
Likes: 1
From: Fort Erie Ontario
When I did the tour they told me that aluminum frame fabrication was coming in house and into that area. I asked if all C7's would have al frames I got a wide eyed "I've said too much already" look.....FWIW.
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Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Short Hills, NJ
I love hearing little tidbits and hints such as these, hopefully some pretty damn exciting new stuff coming in the near future. 
Safety Car
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From: SouthEast PA
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2012
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Definitely agree it would also be more appealing to people in cold weather areas as well who want something unique with the C7 Vette to make up for the lack of performance and the "affordable" interior
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,254
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From: Short Hills, NJ
Or just a really really awesome crystal ball? 
Please share with us your insight and fact based
information oh wise one. 
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10,776
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What is wrong with the cloth top? It is quieter than the coupe, works well, and looks just fine!
Last edited by BlueOx; Mar 22, 2012 at 08:24 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 8,099
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From: Oakland, CA
To be fair, the XLR sacrificed a lot for that very long sloped backlight. A "ballcap" hardtop a la the C5 Billybob would package better and cost less... and make some hardy fans of that look quite happy.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Alpha/Coopersburg NJ/PA
Could it be for a C7 retractable hard top convertible??? I could only dream and salivate on that prospect.
Safety Car
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From: SouthEast PA
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcbhK...e_gdata_player
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 23
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From: Berkley MI
When tooling is changed at an automotive plant the assembly line workers do not play much of a part other than being trained on applicable changes. Those responsible for tooling change typically include manufacturing and quality divisions within the company.
The changes are typically done during a "shut down" period when cars are not being produced for 2-3 weeks. So, yes, some of the workers would be furloughed or depending on the companies policy could use vacation time. Workers that are considered skilled trades (i.e. electricians, plumbers, etc) often times are still needed during this "shut down" period to assist with the change over.
The changes are typically done during a "shut down" period when cars are not being produced for 2-3 weeks. So, yes, some of the workers would be furloughed or depending on the companies policy could use vacation time. Workers that are considered skilled trades (i.e. electricians, plumbers, etc) often times are still needed during this "shut down" period to assist with the change over.
Last edited by Matt_Kah84; Mar 24, 2012 at 02:17 AM.
