C7 bodywork
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 32
Likes: 5
C7 bodywork
I have been looking at buying a new corvette but after looking at many of them I'm disappointed with the quality of the paint/fiberglass work. It especially evident between the windshield pillar and front wheel opening. I have none of this on my C6. Opinions?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 8,244
Likes: 850
From: Hamilton Square NJ, Ocean City N. J. Key Biscayne Fla.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 6,140
Likes: 2,745
From: Northeast
Some are worse than others. Flaws are less noticeable on lighter colors. All car companies have their issues. Should be improved when the new paint facility opens. There are numerous threads on this topic. Search and enjoy.
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2014
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I would make the switch even if a c7 was painted with a roller.
My paint is fine, I don't see the car from the outside when I'm driving
I do however see the interior. And the interior of the c6 (same interior shared with base model chev pickups) would be enough to get me out of a c6
My paint is fine, I don't see the car from the outside when I'm driving
I do however see the interior. And the interior of the c6 (same interior shared with base model chev pickups) would be enough to get me out of a c6
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,742
Likes: 629
From: Manheim Pennsylvania
I would make the switch even if a c7 was painted with a roller.
My paint is fine, I don't see the car from the outside when I'm driving
I do however see the interior. And the interior of the c6 (same interior shared with base model chev pickups) would be enough to get me out of a c6
My paint is fine, I don't see the car from the outside when I'm driving
I do however see the interior. And the interior of the c6 (same interior shared with base model chev pickups) would be enough to get me out of a c6
Last edited by Larry/car; Aug 21, 2016 at 08:15 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 4,788
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From: Austin Texas
St. Jude Donor '15
My paint job could be better but the car couldn't be better. I just really get a kick out of it every time I get in it. I can't get rid of the grin that it puts on my face and it is my daily driver.
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34,932
Likes: 12,344
From: NE South Carolina
The Vette body is made from SMC, Sheet Molding Compound (or Composite, both terms are used.) There is no weave to print!
In fact there are differences: In 2013 the Specific Gravity of the SMC was 1.9 (almost twice that of water.) In 2014 it was changed to reduce weight to a SG of 1.6. In 2016 there was a further reduction and the specific gravity is down to 1.2. That was achieved by adding hollow microglass beads (the next step will probably achieve under 1 and the car will float!
) It was reported to provide an even "better surface finish." Have not heard any complaints about the material being an issue in 2016s.However there have been issues with the C6 and C7 (and prior Vettes) regarding "Orange Peel" in the paint. It does vary and color makes a difference. That is why GM is spending $440,000,000 on a new paint facility in Bowling Green!
Last edited by JerryU; Aug 21, 2016 at 09:17 AM.
Race Director
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From: ►SICAMOUS◄
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34,932
Likes: 12,344
From: NE South Carolina
Here's some info:
"General Motors Lightens the Corvette with Continental Structural Plastics’ TCA® Ultra Lite™
Published: July 21, 2015 2:00 p.m.
Space-age material offers significant weight- and cost-savings over aluminum
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jul 21, 2015 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Continental Structural Plastics (CSP), the global leader in lightweight composite solutions, announced today that its TCA Ultra Lite material is now in production on the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette. The use of TCA Ultra Lite, a Class A body panel material, results in a 20 lb (9 kg) weight savings on the Stingray Coupe model. This is the first production use of CSP’s Ultra Lite advanced composite.
“Through a joint continuous improvement effort, Chevrolet and CSP have significantly reduced the density of the Corvette body panels – from 1.9 specific gravity for the 2013 model year, to 1.6 specific gravity for the 2014 model year to 1.2 for the 2016 model year,” said Christopher Basela, Lead Engineer for Corvette Body Composites.
The mass savings afforded by TCA Ultra Lite is accomplished through the use of a CSP-patented technology that uses treated glass bubbles to replace some of the Calcium Carbonate filler, resulting in a lighter density material. On the C7, a total of 21 body panel assemblies, including doors, decklids, quarter panels and fenders, are molded from TCA Ultra Lite.
“In materials engineering, shaving a single pound per car is a significant accomplishment, so saving 20 pounds per car is monumental,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette Chief Engineer. “This is a great example of how Chevrolet is continually looking for innovations that improve performance on Corvette, and could benefit possible future applications.”
When combined with CSP’s patented vacuum and bonding manufacturing processes, TCA Ultra Lite offers a premium Class A finish with paint and gloss qualities comparable to metals, including aluminum.”
Last edited by JerryU; Aug 21, 2016 at 10:27 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 10,118
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From: ►SICAMOUS◄
