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I am pleased to report that the Paint Quality Petition has been one element of several that has made an impact on Corvette's Bowling Green plant management. Earlier today, I had the privilege of meeting with Jeff Lamarche, Bowling Green Assembly Plant Plant Manager, to discuss the petition, examples of paint problems (areas of extreme orange peel, paint runs, debris in the paint, etc.), and steps that the plant has already taken and is working to take to improve the paint quality coming out of the plant. I presented the petition, with its signatures, comments, and photos, and learned a great deal of information that I would like to share with the Corvette community.
The first thing I would like to report is that Jeff Lamarche, Tadge Juechter, and Harlan Charles were all aware of the petition several months ago and took it seriously. They did not turn a deaf ear, but were already working on solutions to the problems that the petition addressed. The petition did, however, raise their awareness that there is a lot of interest in paint quality issues among current C7 owners and potential C7 owners alike.
Secondly, there are specific and addressable factors contributing to the paint issues that exist. There are also solutions that are already being implemented and other solutions that are being explored.
1) The quarter panels, doors, and rear hatch of the 2014 Corvette were made of a new and lighter composite material than those used in previous years. The lighter composite contributes to maximized performance. However, it also has a different surface shape and absorbs paint differently than the composite material used in the C6.
Two solutions exist. The first and easiest to implement has to do with the paint and paint process. Jeff shared with me that they have tried different primers and top coats and are now painting the 2015 Corvette quarter panels, doors, and rear hatches with double primer coats. The second solution involves making changes to the composite material itself. This takes more time, but Jeff stated that they are making good strides in this area.
As a point of information, the hood and targa top are carbon fiber, which is a much easier surface to lay paint down on. This is the reason the hoods and targa tops almost always have less orange peel.
2) The paint and fitment quality control inspection process was not as effective as it needed to be initially. Paint and fitment quality control were both performed at the same time until they reviewed the process and made a significant change. The solution involved separating the fitment and paint inspection into two, individual inspection processes. Not only are the Corvettes more effectively inspected, but cars are also randomly selected during each day for even closer paint and fitment inspection and auditing.
There is one additional issue that I discussed with Jeff having to do with exhaust tip alignment. The mufflers and their corresponding exhaust tips are provided to the plant by a supplier. The plant is already working with that supplier to ensure that every set of exhaust tips lines up properly.
In conclusion, I would like to thank Jeff, Tadge, and Harlan for the work they have done and continue to do in making the Corvette the best that it can possibly be. I would also like to thank them for their commitment to both current and future Corvette owners. They hear us and they listen to us, not only because they want to make better Corvettes, but because they are also Corvette enthusiasts and part of the greater Corvette community. Displayed on a large billboard on the Bowling Green Assembly Plant is the motto, "Precision Never Rests." After my discussion with Jeff Lamarche today, I fully believe that this is not just a motto, but is also the truth. The future of America's Sports Car is in good hands!
Footnote: If you have a Corvette with a paint or fitment issue, please contact your local service manager and work with him or her to find a suitable solution to the problem. GM is committed to addressing these kinds of problems.
The first thing I would like to report is that Jeff Lamarche, Tadge Juechter, and Harlan Charles were all aware of the petition several months ago and took it seriously. They did not turn a deaf ear, but were already working on solutions to the problems that the petition addressed. The petition did, however, raise their awareness that there is a lot of interest in paint quality issues among current C7 owners and potential C7 owners alike.
Secondly, there are specific and addressable factors contributing to the paint issues that exist. There are also solutions that are already being implemented and other solutions that are being explored.
1) The quarter panels, doors, and rear hatch of the 2014 Corvette were made of a new and lighter composite material than those used in previous years. The lighter composite contributes to maximized performance. However, it also has a different surface shape and absorbs paint differently than the composite material used in the C6.
Two solutions exist. The first and easiest to implement has to do with the paint and paint process. Jeff shared with me that they have tried different primers and top coats and are now painting the 2015 Corvette quarter panels, doors, and rear hatches with double primer coats. The second solution involves making changes to the composite material itself. This takes more time, but Jeff stated that they are making good strides in this area.
As a point of information, the hood and targa top are carbon fiber, which is a much easier surface to lay paint down on. This is the reason the hoods and targa tops almost always have less orange peel.
2) The paint and fitment quality control inspection process was not as effective as it needed to be initially. Paint and fitment quality control were both performed at the same time until they reviewed the process and made a significant change. The solution involved separating the fitment and paint inspection into two, individual inspection processes. Not only are the Corvettes more effectively inspected, but cars are also randomly selected during each day for even closer paint and fitment inspection and auditing.
There is one additional issue that I discussed with Jeff having to do with exhaust tip alignment. The mufflers and their corresponding exhaust tips are provided to the plant by a supplier. The plant is already working with that supplier to ensure that every set of exhaust tips lines up properly.
In conclusion, I would like to thank Jeff, Tadge, and Harlan for the work they have done and continue to do in making the Corvette the best that it can possibly be. I would also like to thank them for their commitment to both current and future Corvette owners. They hear us and they listen to us, not only because they want to make better Corvettes, but because they are also Corvette enthusiasts and part of the greater Corvette community. Displayed on a large billboard on the Bowling Green Assembly Plant is the motto, "Precision Never Rests." After my discussion with Jeff Lamarche today, I fully believe that this is not just a motto, but is also the truth. The future of America's Sports Car is in good hands!
Footnote: If you have a Corvette with a paint or fitment issue, please contact your local service manager and work with him or her to find a suitable solution to the problem. GM is committed to addressing these kinds of problems.
