Why would Side Moulding be an option on a Super?

[davepl]

My Sierra-Grande-Custom-Camper has the B85 "Body Side Molding" option, but I'd assume that everything in the Super/Sierra Grande class would have the side molding by default.

Anyone know why it shows up as an option? Or is it just equipment that's included in the Z17 option?

[CaptRMW]

The B-85 option was upper (belt) moulding and was an add on if you wanted it on the '69-'70 Chevy CST model and was likely an add on on the Sierra Grande models as well. Rare to see either without the upper side moulding. This is just my guess but the Sierra Grande gurus can chime in...

[SS Tim]

Off the top of my head I don't know. But in 70 B85 belt molding was optional across the board on Chevys including CST trucks. Also of the few early GMC SPIDs I do have there is a 70 Oshawa built Z17 without the B85 callout. So it may have very well have been an option. Maybe Special-K can add to this in the morning. There is a thread with background on the Grande intro I just don't have a link to direct you too.

[73737373]

The assembly line workers needed to know what options went on the truck, by specific item, not by an option "package". The guys working the B85 Belt Molding station didn't know, or really care, if the truck was going to be a Sierra Grande or a plain old C/10. All they knew was that if the truck came coded w/B85 Belt Molding", they'd attach it. If not, they'd let it go by.

[davepl]

Originally Posted by 73737373

The assembly line workers needed to know what options went on the truck, by specific item, not by an option "package". The guys working the B85 Belt Molding station didn't know, or really care, if the truck was going to be a Sierra Grande or a plain old C/10. All they knew was that if the truck came coded w/B85 Belt Molding", they'd attach it. If not, they'd let it go by.

Actually, no. You're confusing the SPID with the build sheet. The build sheet, which accompanies the vehicle down the line, is generated based on the options on the SPID and other info. That's what tells the line workers what goes on the vehicle, not the SPID or order form.

But there's no B85 belt molding station. If you look at box 90 of the build sheet it specifies which external moldings the vehicle needs. In my case that is S-AAF, though I don't know what that means.

I notice it's the same IBM chain printer. No doubt even in the very early days like this they had their "computer" calculate which springs are needed based on the options fitted.

[davepl]

Sorry, I'd hoped that'd come through readable. Just trust me on Box 90 :-)

[73737373]

Some assembly line worker needed a cue from some sort of document to attach (or not) his particular item. Call that piece of paper anything you wish. I guarantee you that they did not arbitrarily attach (or not) whatever item they were in charge of.

[leftybass209]

These trucks didn't have an "everything" package like cars and trucks have now. They were truly customizable in days past.

[SS Tim]

Originally Posted by 73737373

Some assembly line worker needed a cue from some sort of document to attach (or not) his particular item. Call that piece of paper anything you wish. I guarantee you that they did not arbitrarily attach (or not) whatever item they were in charge of.

Its not a matter of calling it what we want.
Actually we are talking about two very different documents.

The "build sheet" or more correctly "broadcast sheet" was a detailed build variation document listing every change to that truck from a base model. Think of it as a waitress' order slip to the kitchen. It covered items from frame drilling to option specific wire harnesses to moldings and trim. It was not intended as a permanent record. In fact most were tossed during the build process. However some survive (mostly Fremont, CA) and those give us production insight as do the much more commonly seen GM car broadcast sheets.

The SPID however is a permanent service record. It gives the basic specifics, VIN and model number.
Due to the highly varied nature of trucks it is expediant to also list the variations (and options) beyond the basic model build. If an option was ordered it is generally on the SPID.

To use a Chevy as an example (easier for me).
CE21034 would be a C20 V-8 Longhorn (Fleetside) pickup.
Stock it would have had 307 and a 3 OTT manual transmission.
If it were ordered that way then neither an engine or transmission would be listed on the SPID.
However most people (thankfully) upgraded to a 350 or maybe even a 396-402 along with an automatic transmission.
So as these represented variations for service and parts needs, they are listed on the SPID. As such you might see a LS9 or L47 engine and a M35 or M49 transmission.

In most cases an option is listed seperately unless it is included in another option. Chromed hubcaps (PO3) on a Cheyenne Super (YE9) is a good example of this. They were included with Cheyenne Super trim but were optional in other applications.

Sometimes included options are SPID listed for clarity.
Tinted glass (A11) was included with the A/C (C60) but almost always listed seperately on the SPID.
Or in the case of "package trucks" like the "Inflation Fighters" (YF7)or "Highlander" promo package (YG6-8) trucks. They list the package as an RPO line and the individual RPO options included in the package as well. Again this is for service/parts clarity more than anything else.

Hope this helps everyone when they look at a SPID.

[73737373]

Tim,

Very enlightening and it helps tremendously, but they still needed to be told to put something on, or let it go down the line without it.

Hope you find your dog.

[ChevLoRay]

The CST's for '69, had a listing in the Truck Data Book. It was used by dealerships to order new vehicles. In that part of the data, was a listing of what was a part of that package. But back then, we had the ability to tell the person taking our order that we did or didn't want specific items. For instance, the part of the book that lists colors and interiors, had a chart that listed the suggested combinations. But, if you were hell-bent on a turquoise body color with a red interior, you could get it. Nowdays, the plants have packages that exist as much as anything to maximize profits.

In '67-72, the buyer had some control over what we want and what we got.

I guess that a person ordering a CST in '69, could opt-out on certain features if he/she didn't want them. You just had to check (or not) the right box.

[SS Tim]

Originally Posted by 73737373

Tim,

Very enlightening and it helps tremendously, but they still needed to be told to put something on, or let it go down the line without it.

Hope you find your dog.

Glad it helps!
And I agree completely that the assembly line worker needed to know what parts to install or not.
The broadcast sheet was their production reference.
The SPID was attached to the truck fairly late in the production sequence and would have been of zero help to say the guy who welded (or not) the D99 divider molding studs on the cab.

Thanks, we still have hope of finding and getting him home.

[davepl]

Keep in mind on some vehicles, generally high end, you can still customize. I have a Range Rover Autobiography where the "Autobiography" part is that it's sort of bespoke. Not to the level of a Rolls-Royce, but if you want purple trim and a bright green console, you can get it.

When I ordered mine (in boring all black) the dealership (which also sells Rolls and Lamborghini and Bentley) had finally gotten approval from the factory on some truly crazy color combination. The manufacturers do have an image to maintain, so they'll push back if you're too crazy.

I think the "package of options" part is far more practical than they way they used to do it, if less interesting. If you want a Ford Explorer all you need to do is find your color and then there are maybe 3 trim levels and a couple of engines and a few options. It makes more of the dealer inventory more relevant to the average customer (which is good, and I'm sure is the point) but less interesting to the kind of guy that'd order a 2-door-post Biscayne 427-4speed car.

While I'm at it, and this is not the right thread, everyone claims they want to be able to go in and order the lightest Camaro they can with just a big engine and no heater and radio. Yet what percentage of the people who say that (and that's the key part) would actually do so? I wish I could sneak a COPO past the State Patrol and get it street registered :-)