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BGAP Z06 Update:1st Z06 Completed.

Or, "luck beats the heck out of brains anytime," for just happened to be in the right place at the right time as per below...

The line was not moving at 6:12 AM start of shift this morning, after Friday's frame-shop robot wiring failure, but did start at 8:46 AM. Z06's continued to move toward the finish line, with VIN 001, Rick Hendrick's black Z06 being the first one (no surprise) and it came off the line at 9:26 AM. Happened to luckily be at that exact spot as part of my public tour. Jeff LaMarche and other top BGAP Plant staff were there for photographs, etc.


The production rate continues to be just under 7 Z06's per hour. Saw a rainbow of colors, in fact can not think of a color of Z06 that I did not see.

In response to earlier-asked questions, splitter and skirts are not attached prior to the dealership PDI, so can not determine the specific appearance of the Stage 1 splitter. As noted earlier, EVERY Z06 spoiler is carbon flash metallic, regardless of whether it is a Stage 1, 2 or Z07 and regardless of whether one selects CFZ or CFZ.

 

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Sweet! Did you get a closer look at a Stage-1's rear spoiler (if any were on the line during your tour)?

A closer look but still (so far further away than I would like), but still looks just like (identical) to a Z-51 spoiler, only wider. It is a glossy carbon flash black metallic. Going back for another tour here
soon.

Please see update, probable "edit" in post below!

 

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More 11/10 Z06 BGAP info:

1) Spoiler:

Have to possibly backtrack from my earlier statements that the Stage 1 spoiler is exactly the same as the Z-51's except wider.

Reason: None of the spoilers vertical plates are now being attached during the assembly process. They were, but recently are no longer... Perhaps this was for easier assembly of other parts, or perhaps to prevent scratches or abrasions during either assembly or transport.

Thus, today during all three tours, every spoiler, when viewed from the back has a series of about nine "receiving bolt" holes for the vertical spoiler plates.

Hence, when I was viewing them from a frontal point of view, they do look exactly like Z-51 spoilers, but as no vertical plates were present, nor as of yet the right person to ask, just do not know definitive info about the Stage 1's spoiler yet.

Another possibility, though very unlikely, is that they were only running Z06's today with either the CFZ or CFZ option???

Will try and learn more as soon as possible...

2) Wheels:

A) Saw the first customer Z's with Spectra Gray wheels. There was only one set, on a white Z07, and that combination looked stunning.

B) Most of the Z06's being run today had black wheels, and do they every look fantastic clean/shiny/new!

C) Saw about 10% of the Z's with chrome wheels. With the 20-spoke wheel's many edges and angles, they were unbelievably reflective. Beautiful bling for those who want chrome.

D) Saw five sets of silver wheels, e.g. two on black cars, two on silver cars, and one set on a DSOM II. The silver wheels looked really nice on all of these cars.

3) Front fender grills!!!!!!!!!! There are not enough exclamation points to express how fantastic these grills look. They beautifully define/set out the Z06's side view.

4) Exhaust sound: An assembly worker gunned it while we were standing next to the car. All I can say is that the Z06's may well be the first Corvette that I have owned that I will not install an aftermarket exhaust on (wanting louder sound). Factory exhaust sounds incredibly, and delightfully loud.

 

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Regarding the comments and questions as to who's house the Z06 is parked at. Shhhh. No one has noticed I borrowed it for the day (and it is now sitting at my friend's house). Well, nice fantasy, but, you all remember, yet all tend to forget, that NO pictures are allowed within the Plant and that is one of the 200 manufacturing validation build test Z06's, not the actual VIN # 1.

Interesting, yet not surprising story about one white Z06. On the first public tour of the day, we saw this car from across part of the plant, one that looked like a "different color white" than the rest of the white cars. We wondered whether they were testing a pearl white color or whatever???

Well, when we were closer, we could see that it was that way due to its' having a protective covering (the kind that they often put on cars during the transport process). Approximately 100 feet from the end of the assembly line, four workers appeared and started to take off the white protective covering, revealing the black paint underneath, and you already guessed this, it was Rick Henrick's VIN # 001 who received that special protective coating. Thinking the extra $900+ K he paid for it, entitled him at at least that much (option code "PROTECT").

 

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So based on that math around 49 Z06's were built today with mine being #66 means mine should be built around 9am tomorrow and being a Vet on Veterans day how cool!.

One thought as to why they are not installing the spoilers is the shipping cover. These spoilers are pretty tall and the cover would not fit as well and maybe flap in the wind a little which could cause some paint rubbing.

Think you have nailed the reason "Redc7!"

 

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There are no window stickers on the Z06's coming off the line today, just an internal GM document. (Hence, no MPG info re gas guzzler or not info.)

There is sitting on the dash, visible through the windshield to line workers, a sign, in color, about 6" x 12" wide, saying "Z06!" A good heads up to BGAP staff that they are assembling a new model, that will have new/different parts than the StingRay at certain work stations.

 

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Think ALF01 you are exactly right. Going to the Plant this morning to again try and confirm. And as per my other post, that Harlan said we can buy the clear "wickerbill center bridge" and large spoiler end plates at the Chevy parts counter (not restricted purchase), think we have interchangeability as far as aero packages is concerned. Again, trying to confirm this has been a ----- (and so far unsuccessful).

 

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11/11, Veterans Day 06 Update:

Talk to a Plant official this morning, and verified that all Z06 mounting spoilers are similar to the Z-51, every spoiler for all three stages is identical with its 10 "bolt receiving holes", and thus allowing for the different heights for the spoiler's vertical plane wickerbills. Thus as per "ALF01's" posts number 28 & 29, the stage 1 has vertical wickerbills (as in his picture); the stage two is also identical to his (with each wickerbill being 30 mm taller than the stage 1 spoiler wickerbills), and the stage 3/Z07 having the identical wickerbills as the stage 2, though as we know, also having the clear wickerbill center bridge.

Sorry, that many getting a stage 1 Z06 will be disappointed in this news.

 

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I was thinking those who wanted no vertical wickerbills (wanted it flat across, side to side like the Z-51), would be disappointed.

 

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Just finished the last tour of the day, and once again no Spectra Gray wheels. That makes six tours, and only one Z06 with Spectra Gray wheels -- inspite of my seeing about 80 Z06's in total. This is certainly different from what I have heard from two of the top five dealers who have lots of Spectra Gray orders, mine is Spectra Gray, as are two of my friend's. Maybe just coincidence, with tomorrow or the rest of the week running a fair amount of them?

 

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Actually, my tour has been postponed till Thursday at 9:30 AM. More opportunities for public tours before then (laughing at myself).

 

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ALF01, I might be wrong here, but I think John may have been referring to the mounting hole locations being the same and ease in being able to switch them out.

Correct, the mounting holes on base spoiler unit (the Z-51 looking base), are in the same place because the base spoiler unit is identical for all three Z06 stages, and further correct that it is the vertical planes that are different between stage 1, on one hand, and stages 2/3 (both stage 2 and 3 have the identical raised wickerbills, with the only difference between the latter two stages being the additional clear "wickerbill center bridge" on the stage 3).

 

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I spoke to a reliable source that gave me manufacturing details on the rear spoiler. 1st lets remember this is a mass produced car so the base spoiler on all Z06's coming off the line are the same. Look at all them coming off the line they all look the same. If not someone who has been to the plant please chime in..
I was told if you look closely they all have the same rear holes for mounting the aero 1,2 or Z07. The stage 1 is two separate panels that mount to the back of the spoiler (gives extra height to the rear on each side) Stage 2 is taller panels that wrap around by 1 1/2 inches on each side. Stage 3 is either taller or the same as the stage 2 panels but adding the Z06 clear center piece. I was told the reason GM went in this direction was to reduce complications in manufacturing and less costly to produce. With the rear of the Z06 being wider they did not have to create a special Z51 look alike spoiler for stage 1. You just add on pieces which explains the exposed bolt heads on all 3 stages. So I would assume if GM parts are available for each stage you can upgrade by bolting them on. The front splitter can be changed out too. The Z06 front bumper cover has the same mounting holes on all stage. This allows one front bumper skin for every stage. So the only difference is the splitters and add ons. Its less expensive while reduces complexity on the line. Time will tell if my info is correct

Believe that you were given accurate info except for one thing, that the base Z06 spoiler is not a Z-51 spoiler, though it looks very much like one. The base Z06 spoiler component is, however, 3.0" wider than its Z-51 visual-look-alike (to match the Z06's wider width), and it also has 10 "receiving bolt holes."

 

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The total amount of time to build a 2015 Corvette, StingRay or Z06, is 31 hours.The Buyers Tour is approximate the last 12 hours of that, most often spread over two days, though very occasionally over three days.

 

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I do agree. I am not a fan of the exposed bolts & will try to redesign a flush mount version once my car is received.

The base mounting spoiler for the Z06 is very very attractive, looking a lot like to Z-51, though wider as we have discussed.

As Jag and I discussed when just inches away from the rear of the deck spoiler, one could easily grind down the "washer head" of the "receiving bolt holes". Then with the little body filler and some carbon flash metallic paint you have a gorgeous Z06 spoiler (without any of the vertical plane wickerbill attachments).

At this point there's a 50% chance that I will be doing exactly that, placing it with the wickerbills aside.

There's also a 50% chance that I will have the wickerbills mounted during the PDI, live with them for a month or two, decide if I can "get used to them" and/or whether they get put aside for the remainder of my ownership.

There is also a 50% chance (I know that doesn't add up), that I will remove every Z06 factory spoiler component, and get a gorgeous aftermarket spoiler and put it on the curb car. I know that there is at least one, high quality aftermarket company, a vendor on this forum, that hs already created renderings of his Z06 spoiler and I excitedly look forward to that!!!

 

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WRP SPD started its buyers Tour at 10:08 AM. During the rest of the day, had major progress, including, most importantly, got its chassis and its body married today. In fact, Jag (licensed to perform weddings), broke into an impromptu marriage service at the time. Fun!

All body panels now on, except for the front fascia and hood. No wheels/tires yet. While the engine is in, lots to do to complete it (e.g. alternator, air intake system, fluid fill, and the like). Then lots of vehicle checks, inspections, adjustments during the estimated 4 1/2 hours remaining until it rolls off the line.

Exciting day and another one ahead. Saw several forum member's Z06's who's VIN's were in the 235 to 270 range. None are done yet, though all are stunning! Some forum member's Z06's, in the range of 150-200, were completed today. Early in the week, I was expecting Z's up to 300 to be completed, but due to slightly lower daily production, revising that now to approximately to VIN 285.

 

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A couple of upcoming cautions in terms of Z06 production later this month and early December.

First, already the Plant will be totally closed for two production days during Thanksgiving week, and the remaining three days, they will be running eight hours per day instead of 10. Second, for those who are calculating as to their Buyers Tour, please all be aware that December 3rd and 4th are "no public" days, meaning no visitors -- not even those who have a Buyers Tour nor Museum Delivery will be allowed into the plant, only GM employees. Please consider this before you buy your airline tickets, for if your car/Buyers Tour starts in Tuesday, December 2nd, your car will keep going down the line to completion on the 3rd/4th, days while you will be shut out of the Plant and not be able to watch that happen.