1st Z06 Completed: 9:26 AM Today!

39040 Views 105 Replies 34 Participants Last post by CHeckk6, Nov 14, 2014

elegant

Discussion Starter · Nov 10, 2014 (Edited)

2

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.

See less See more

Reactions: 5

61 - 80 of 106 Posts

tmcternan

· #61 · Nov 12, 2014

Boy, I've been completely mistaken this whole time, based on what you guys are posting and based on the pictures in Post #29 the rear spoiler is apparently made up of multiple pieces. I thought it was all one piece all this time...... Whenever the Z51 spoiler was mentioned, I thought of a spoiler that didn't stand up nearly as high as the Stage-2 & 3, so I thought it was a completely different spoiler. So, if anyone ends up stuck with a Stage-1 who wants a Stage-2 as the result of constraints can get one by changing out only part of it through the parts department at a later date? That still doesn't resolve the issue with the front splitter though. I'd swear the Stage-2 & 3 front splitter stands out further and is a completely different piece, only the difference between the Stage 2 & 3 is just the end caps....

ZeeshanFarooq29

· #62 · Nov 13, 2014

Tmcternan you are correct. Anyone with Stage 1 can upgrade to bigger wickerbills to give it a stage 2 look as far as I've comprehended from reading this thread. As far as the splitter in the front goes I'm pretty sure it's bolted on the front that can be removed and changed as well but not sure we'll just have to wait and see on that.

Reactions: 1

davem

· #63 · Nov 13, 2014 (Edited)

tmcternan said:
That still doesn't resolve the issue with the front splitter though. I'd swear the Stage-2 & 3 front splitter stands out further and is a completely different piece, only the difference between the Stage 2 & 3 is just the end caps....

It is my understanding from reading here as well as other forums that the stage 1 splitter is just a continuous "arc" design and is a totally different animal from the stage 2 and 3. The stage 2 and 3 share the same splitter design that is "fanged". The end caps are the only difference between stage 2 and 3 and they are interchangeable.

Reactions: 1

Fasttoys1

· #64 · Nov 13, 2014 (Edited)

davem said:
It is my understanding from reading here as well as other forums that the stage 1 splitter is just a continuous "arc" and is a totally different animal from the stage 2 and 3. The stage 2 and 3 share the same splitter design that is "fanged". The end caps are the only difference between stage 2 and 3, and they can be swapped.

I spoke to a reliable source that gave me manufacturing details on the rear spoiler. If you look closely all 3 stages have the same base spoiler.
Stage 1 has two separate vertical panels that mount to the back of the spoiler. Stage 2 & 3 have taller vertical panels that wrap around each side by 1 1/2 inches. Stage 3 has an additional clear wickerbill center bridge.. The Z06 front bumper cover has the same mounting holes on all stages. This allows GM to produce one front bumper skin for every stage. Anyone who has been to the plant with more details please chime in..

Reactions: 3

davem

· #65 · Nov 13, 2014 (Edited)

That's all great news.

My only issue is that I am not fond of the bolts showing. I understand the need for Stage 3 due to the adjustable center but they could have been eliminated on Stage 2 and 1.

It looks a little sloppy to me on such a nice car BUT I can now upgrade it myself to Stage 2 or 3!

In addition, I would hope that some of the forum's supporting vendors would make a Stage 2 or 3 "upgrade kit" that comes with all the pieces to make a Stage 1 into a Stage 2 or 3. If it was less expensive than the Chevy parts I would go that way. With so many ordering Stage 1 due to constraints, it might be lucrative enough for a vendor to make some good money.

elegant

Discussion Starter · #66 · Nov 13, 2014 (Edited)

tmcternan said:
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).

Reactions: 2

elegant

Discussion Starter · #67 · Nov 13, 2014 (Edited)

Fasttoys1 said:
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."

jagamajajaran

· #68 · Nov 13, 2014 (Edited)

I had a great day today! Spent most of the day with John Elegant and gleaned a lot from what he had learned over the last few days. We took the 1:00 p.m. plant tour and I observed some things in the plant as well. I saw the following colors on Z06s on the line today: Shark Gray, Arctic White, Torch Red, Black, Daytona Sunrise Orange, and Velocity Yellow. While some of this information may have already been posted, I wanted to share a few things I picked up on today:

At this time, approximately 7 Z06s are coming off the line every hour. At approximately 2:00 p.m. today, I talked with someone near the end of the line about the Torch Red Z06 he was working on. It was VIN 152. It may be that the plant is back to 8 hour days, which would account for a lower VIN than I had expected to see at that point.

Quality holds are estimated to be approximately two weeks. That is the goal, but they really want to have no issues, so it could be longer.

Splitters, skirts, and the spoiler's two vertical planes are not attached at the plant. The mounting holes are built into the spoiler and the two vertical planes are attached at the dealership.

All of the spoilers I saw at the plant today were painted carbon flash.

Normal Z06 build time is 31 hours, which is the same for the Stingray. The buyer's tour covers the last 12 hours of the build process (approximately). Both cars take between 3 and 4 days from start to completion depending on the length of the shifts.

See less See more

Reactions: 5

Z06 Owned

· #69 · Nov 13, 2014

152 at 2P. So, elegant may not see his car come off the line tomorrow? Guessing my SG 1LZ should be coming off soon after his car based on the timing of prior events.

All good things come in good time...

Also...2 days production time...does that include frame construction?

With cold weather headed east, will they be able to move cars outside if temps are 20 degrees or less? Won't the tires crack?

jagamajajaran

· #70 · Nov 13, 2014

Z06 Hopeful said:
152 at 2P. So, elegant may not see his car come off the line tomorrow? Guessing my SG 1LZ should be coming off soon after his car based on the timing of prior events.

All good things come in good time...

Also...2 days production time...does that include frame construction?

With cold weather headed east, will they be able to move cars outside if temps are 20 degrees or less? Won't the tires crack?

John's start time tomorrow hasn't changed. While VIN 152 was at the end of the line at 2:00 p.m., there would have been approximately 40-45 plus or minus Z06s behind it on the line already. Plus there will be a couple of hours before John's comes down for assembly. The process of less than two days is assembly after frame construction. I'll try to get a total time to build tomorrow. The cars coming off the line will be placed outside. I don't know if there will be any problems with the tires or not. Just be sure to check your tires when you take delivery.

Reactions: 2

Redc7

· #71 · Nov 13, 2014

John told me his car will start down the line tomorrow but won't hit the finish line until sometime early Friday morning.

If you can see a door open can you verify the door sills just say Corvette on them? I believe that is what I could see from the pictures.

Redc7

· #72 · Nov 13, 2014

Z06 Hopeful said:
152 at 2P. So, elegant may not see his car come off the line tomorrow? Guessing my SG 1LZ should be coming off soon after his car based on the timing of prior events.

All good things come in good time...

Also...2 days production time...does that include frame construction?

With cold weather headed east, will they be able to move cars outside if temps are 20 degrees or less? Won't the tires crack?

Looking at BG weather it doesn't look like it will get down to 20 looks like the coldest it will hit is 23 Friday night but they won't be moving cars at night. During the day the temps are above freezing.

Reactions: 1

jagamajajaran

· #73 · Nov 13, 2014

Redc7 said:
John told me his car will start down the line tomorrow but won't hit the finish line until sometime early Friday morning.

If you can see a door open can you verify the door sills just say Corvette on them? I believe that is what I could see from the pictures.

Will do!

jagamajajaran

· #74 · Nov 13, 2014

3

elegant said:
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).

Photos from Jeff Lamarche's Z06 to illustrate:

Automotive exterior Hood Spoiler Auto part Windshield

Automotive exterior Spoiler Bumper Auto part Vehicle door

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Automotive design Automotive exterior

See less See more

Fasttoys1

· #75 · Nov 13, 2014 (Edited)

elegant said:
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."

Thanks John I had a long week & typing this out on a small devise was not easy. LOL
You articulated what I was trying to say perfectly.

Fasttoys1

· #76 · Nov 13, 2014

davem said:
That's all great news.

My only issue is that I am not fond of the bolts showing. I understand the need for Stage 3 due to the adjustable center but they could have been eliminated on Stage 2 and 1.

It looks a little sloppy to me on such a nice car BUT I can now upgrade it myself to Stage 2 or 3!

In addition, I would hope that some of the forum's supporting vendors would make a Stage 2 or 3 "upgrade kit" that comes with all the pieces to make a Stage 1 into a Stage 2 or 3. If it was less expensive than the Chevy parts I would go that way. With so many ordering Stage 1 due to constraints, it might be lucrative enough for a vendor to make some good money.

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.

ALF01

· #77 · Nov 13, 2014

elegant said:
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.

GM Authority has an article this morning referring to this forum, and this thread...Congrats John!

Reactions: 2

elegant

Discussion Starter · #78 · Nov 13, 2014

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.

Reactions: 2

elegant

Discussion Starter · #79 · Nov 13, 2014 (Edited)

Fasttoys1 said:
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!!!

See less See more

Reactions: 2

jagamajajaran

· #80 · Nov 13, 2014

elegant said:
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.

Thanks for the clarification. I stand corrected, but am grateful for John and his wealth of knowledge!

61 - 80 of 106 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.