Intro from an old Assembly Plant guy

[07XCSBZ71]

Double posted for some reason.

[07XCSBZ71]

I've really enjoyed your work! The only complaint I have is the rear drum brakes on my 07 Classic Z71. LOL! That parking brake cable/spring deal is a major PITA(just replaced at 130,809 miles)!Thanks for the great job!

My 99 Z71 has 421k miles on it just for the record!

[Keith Seymore]

Well - it's starting to feel like fall, which means another summer has come and gone in Michigan. I probably owe you guys an update, so I'm trying to recall what all we did this year -

* The "new job" meant I got to take a summer vacation for the first time in many years. We took both weeks of the July shutdown and rented a cabin up north. All the kids traveled back for our first 'family reunion' of sorts.

* also saw the mother-in-law twice this summer: we went to Phoenix for a week and then, about a month later she came here for a week. Probably can't see her often enough now that she is getting up there in years (she's 84 if I'm doing the math right)

* You all know the Woodward Dream Cruise weekend had morphed into a week long event; what you probably didn't know is that now it starts about a week and a half in advance of the official date. We started on Friday evening the week before and then were out every evening thereafter (usually in the Grand Prix, although the pickup saw some action a couple times). I don't usually go out on Saturday but my daughter wanted to go - and it was phenomenal. Traffic was flowing and the air was cool. I don't know if that indicates attendance was down a bit or if it was just because we managed to get out there so early (about 8 am for our first loop).




* Managed to sneak in a race event during the month of August. I've been participating in an "all motor" series sponsored by the Renegade Race Association. They alternate events between Norwalk and Thompson Ohio. I'll tell you what - I don't know why we go anywhere other than Norwalk to race. That has got to be the nicest facility in the known universe. New guy here qualified #2 (out of 18 cars) right off the trailer



and then....we got rained out.



I'm supposed to be racing again in Norwalk this weekend....

....but....

* I'm in Wentzville MO building G Vans. We are building future product engineering vehicles on the regular production line. What a mess! I've been doing this 35 years and I'm still amazed that any of this comes together at all.

So - that's probably it for now, while we transition into fall. Looking forward to the cooler fall weather - and the lower ETs that always accompany it!

K

[joesnowballz]

Welcome keith!
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[Jwood70]

Welcome back and hopefully you get to hit the strip soon.
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[jitteryguy]

not sure how I miss'd this befor but I've read thru the whole thing over the past week, very interest'n.
my girlfriend's aunt live in Michigan, I'm sure you know her.

[mrpaintstick]

Glad to here you started your career with Gm in 79. I had to replace the heater core in my 76 (with AC) this week and was singing cus word songs to the engineer who put the two bolts at the bottom of the box that requires dropping the inner fender. Sounded easy enough but one of the bolts was rusted and just spun and could not drop it. Had to use every swivel and bendy attachment in my tool box to get them off not sure how I will get them back on.

[Keith Seymore]

One of the things you guys have asked often about is video of the assembly process.

Someone posted this the other day. It's from Tesla, and I think the intent is to fill us with shock and awe about how advanced the Tesla assembly process is.

The truth is - it looks pretty much like what we are doing here at GM. The last two plants I have worked in (Detroit-Hamtramck, on the Volt; GM Wentzville - Full Size Vans) use these robots for glass and sealer application as well as presenting parts to the line and moving completed subassemblies like motor compartments and body sides around.

Cut off half the lights, blow a bunch of dust and dirt around, and double the line speed and I think you'll have a pretty good idea of what GM is like...

K

http://www.youtube.com/embed/8_lfxPI5ObM?rel=0

[Keith Seymore]

One other difference that I see: how many body styles are they building? Just one or two?

Here in Wentzville we are building short wheelbase and long wheelbase, in cargo or passenger van configurations, as well as cutaways. 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton in either a gas or diesel version. Line rate is around 40 jobs per hour.

In the C/K plants it's regular cab, extended cab or crew cab, coupled with a short-short box, short box or long box. In 1/2, 3/4 or one ton configuration, 2wd or 4wd. Three different trim levels, Gas or diesel, at about one job per minute. At four assembly plants.

It certainly keeps things interesting.

After watching the video, imagine if someone said "...Hey! We should build three (or thirty, or eighty) future model year vehicles right down that production assembly line!".

I would be one of the folks to help make that happen. That's what I have just spent the last five weeks doing.

K

[tucsonjwt]

I remember going through the shop floor at Flint Truck Assembly back in 1978-1979 on my way to CMU graduate business classes in the conference rooms. I always stopped and watched the body drops every time I went there. I was impressed that there were multiple vehicle types/colors/styles rolling down the line in succession. Even back then there was a lot of coordination to make that process run smoothly. I was working at Bay City Chevrolet at the time in the Receiving/Shipping departments, and dealt with part shortages on a regular basis. I remember when Flint Truck Assembly had completed trucks stored waiting for Bay City Carburetors.

Back then, the consensus of the GMI grads I went to school with was that AC Spark was the cleanest plant and the Olds workers were the luckiest ones since Olds was the GM sales leader during that time and had no layoffs or downsizing.

[D13]

Still remember the day we tried to drop a Caddy body on a Chevy wagon chassis. They had gotten out of sequence on the chassis line. That held up the line for a while until they sorted it out.

Back when i worked at Clark Street Assembly.

[Keith Seymore]

One more video: Corvette production in Bowling Green this time -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTe2wnfsALo#t=191

Bowling Green is one of the few GM plants that still gives tours on a regular basis.

K

[dieseldawg142]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

One more video: Corvette production in Bowling Green this time -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTe2wnfsALo#t=191

Bowling Green is one of the few GM plants that still gives tours on a regular basis.

K

just watched it twice! that is an engineering marvel. robots, humans, precision, & timing, like watching the body drop, wished they showed more powertrain.
and that row of red stingrays-sweet!

[tucsonjwt]

Keith, I am glad to see that GM caught up with Ford on the fuel economy race in the new pickup truck line. Now I need you to work on a new high roof van at that Wentzville plant to compete with the Mercedes (and formerly Dodge) Sprinter diesel. Just add a couple feet to the sides and slip in that super secret lightweight GM diesel that was abandoned during the bankruptcy.

[Axle]

tangent alert!:
Keith, since you mention vans... If you got some pull with HVAC, tell 'em, to go back to the pointed knobs (2005 and older? I've lost track). That round knob with a line on it pisses me off everytime since you can't see where it is pointing without leaning over. (which is in part due to the rounded knobs also seem to have been accompanied with less positive stops you can't feel very well even while motionless when it comes to the selector switch). Due for a new one in three years, so that should be enough time to impliment the change. =-) Thanks.

Alex.

[jitteryguy]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

One more video: Corvette production in Bowling Green this time -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTe2wnfsALo#t=191

Bowling Green is one of the few GM plants that still gives tours on a regular basis.

K

pretty cool, I live 70 mile's from the plant and have yet to stop there or the museum . I need to put that on my list.

[aotte1]

Keith,
Probably missed it here in reviewing your posts, is your 87', a V6 (rebuilt?) and what rear ratio do you have. Questions in reference to my 86', C10 SBSS barn find, 108K miles, 3.08 rear, that has been stored around 20 years. Started it on 2.5 gal gas can in engine compartment (not sure of the condition of original gas tank, need to check it out before using. Replaced hydraulic clutch cylinders and line- they leaked. Engine started easy, runs kind of rough. Replaced plugs, runs some better. Plan to run some Sea... top engine cleaner through it to see if that helps. Thinking the intake valve seal are probable pretty dried out, and some of the exhaust valve likely have lots of rust on them from long storage ( leaky exhaust valves not as important as intakes). It smokes a little when running, however, reving does not generate more smoke. Have not changed oil yet, so not sure how thick the oil in it now is, will see if smokes more w/ new 10-30 ( will probably add some marvel... to the new oil). It has a tall intake along w/Q-jet carb).

The question on your rear ratio is generated by your pics showing 87' towing 73', does your V6 do that?

Still thinking about engine question: keep V6 and repair as needed or replace w/stock looking V8.

thanks,
Les

[Axle]

Drive it for a while, even under best conditions, something that has been stored away for some time is going to smoke for a while.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by aotte1

The question on your rear ratio is generated by your pics showing 87' towing 73', does your V6 do that?

Still thinking about engine question: keep V6 and repair as needed or replace w/stock looking V8.

thanks,
Les

It's a 4.3L V6 (never been apart; 205,000 miles). Rear axle ratio is a 3.73 and it does all the towing shown. No problems with the open trailer but the enclosed trailer is a bit much and not recommended.

I should mention the water pump did finally let go on the trip back from St Louis. So - I guess one needs to re-gasket every 200k miles or so -



K

[aotte1]

Axle, thanks for the suggestion.

Keith, What kind of MPG do you get with your 4.3 V6, How is it to drive w/3.73 gears. I have only driven in driveway, however, 3.08 ( which I have) seams like in first, it is kind of fast. Need to register and take for drive.

[Keith Seymore]

I get around 20 - 22 mpg; I do a 30 mile commute (one way), mostly expressway.

I like the 3.73's. I wish it had a little bit more in first gear (for launching with a trailer) but don't wish it enough to do anything about it. It's pretty peppy and will hold it's own across the intersection with just about anything - provided you get the jump at the light

Growing up our default gear for most packages was 3.42:1. I usually start there and then move one way or the other depending on the desire for more launch (and the addition of an overdrive trans) or the desire for more fuel economy.

K

[D13]

My 1990 was 4.3 auto 3.08's, towed many vehicles on open trailers, just don't be in a hurry (run 45-55mph) and NEVER tow a 700R4 in OD. Once overloaded my 7000# trailer badly enough the the wheels flexed and popped off the hubcaps. Fixed that with 'burb wheels and HD tires, but truck did fine. Did have some issues stopping since trailer weighed 2X the truck...
Enclosed trailers have a lot of aero frontage.
One of the big keys is think of how you will use your truck the most, set it up for that, and accpet the compromises. Mine are DD, set up for fuel economy, and accpet that towing will require some attention. i highly recommend a posi of some flavor, the worst towin experiences are when I can't move the trailer because the greass is wet or the ground a little soft....

[Keith Seymore]

Lil Red has been resting quietly in the front garage for the last few weeks but had to bust out and do some work on Saturday.

My wife's family does their Christmas gathering the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year. Her brother was supposed to host - but - both he and his wife got sick the day before. So - we volunteered...



Saturday was crisp and clear so we ran off to the tree farm to get our Christmas tree, with Red getting the hauling honors.

A few hours later (and a lot of house cleaning) we were ready to entertain. Seems like it went well and a good time was had by all -

K

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by D13

My 1990 was 4.3 auto 3.08's...

I haven't spoken to you since the All People's meeting: congratulations on your GM Patent award!

K

[aotte1]

D13 thanks for the advice, been away from my truck for a while. Plan to get back working on it first of new year. Trying to convince body man to come work in my warm garage and do metal work on dents this cold winter. I can do plastic work myself. As mentioned before mine will be an errand and Sunday fun truck. MPG will also be important to me.

Keith, tree looks really nice. Have my truck in garage now.
Les