For those who might be interested I have taken the liberty of compiling some links about the GM vehicle assembly process. These are in depth first-hand accounts from inside the various GM assembly plants and can be helpful when doing an accurate total restoration of a classic vehicle.
Eric White is an author, illustrator and Pontiac enthusiast. He had the opportunity to interview a Pontiac Michigan assembly line worker, Mr Carl Papke, and recorded that exchange for our benefit.
(Scroll down after the page loads)
“Made in Pontiac” part 1
http://wildaboutcarsonline.com/cgi-b...=9990286562979
“Made in Pontiac” part 2
http://wildaboutcarsonline.com/cgi-b...=9990404596316
“Made in Pontiac” part 3
http://wildaboutcarsonline.com/cgi-b...=9990404601846
“Made in Pontiac” part 4
http://wildaboutcarsonline.com/cgi-b...=9990286562979
“Made in Pontiac” part 5
http://wildaboutcarsonline.com/cgi-b...=9990408229209
Camaro Research Group: Camaro Assembly process, written by John Z Hinckley. John was the assembly launch manager for the new in 1967 Camaro and Corvettes and has meticulously recording the steps to create those cars in the assembly plant. Although specific to Camaros (in this case) most of the techniques and processes will translate into any other vehicle of interest, like trucks or Firebirds.
http://www.camaros.org/assemblyprocess.shtml
John’s documentation is so thorough that I have no motivation to create anything similar to this for truck. I just send folks with questions to this site to start the conversation.
73-87 Photos:
http://www.73-87.com/7387info/Assembly%20Line.htm
Nice photos of some pre 1980 pickups going together at my alma mater Chevrolet Flint Assembly. Make sure and scroll down for insightful commentary.
K