1964 re-assembly process

[Greg H.]

Hi all,

Now that my body is replaced onto the frame and my car is back home the questions will multiply. Here's a shot of my newly painted 64. I realize I will not be getting paint points but I'm aiming for something less than top flight. I'm very happy with the paint work I got from a long time NCRS member here in Mass.

My current question is about the AIM. I don't really understand how it is organized with regard to assembly steps. For example, I do not see if it directs me to install the rear bumpers prior to the rear valance panel or the opposite. There are hints in the sketches, and in many cases I will jump around due to parts availability, motivation, time, and other factors. But this example could end up costing me some scratches.

I used to be a process engineer so I wonder if the factory used the AIM or actually had real process documentation. The AIM is more engineering specs. Curious if anyone has more history on that but more importantly I need to understand the best way to decode the AIM.

[Bob R.]

Re: 1964 re-assembly process

The AIM has a lot of information in it but as you noted it doesn't take you through the assembly process like a model car instruction kit would. I believe you just have to think your way through the assembly to avoid having to remove something to get another part installed. You may want to post questions on this board to avoid problems. There are a lot of members with experience in assembly.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1964 re-assembly process

Put the bumpers on then the valance panel, when you install the bumper brackets you will need the room for your hands to start the bracket bolts.

Very nice car by the way..

[Harry S.]

Re: 1964 re-assembly process

When installing the bumpers, just finger tighten the bolts. When you start to torque them down start from the center and work outwards. This will avoid cracking the body.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1964 re-assembly process

Rear lights and wires before bumpers.

[Greg H.]

Re: 1964 re-assembly process

Thank you all. Some great tips and my mian questions answered. Hopefully after the weekend I will be asking questions on the front end.

[Kevin G.]

Re: 1964 re-assembly process

Hi Greg,

Just wow! That doesn't look like the car I remember! What a difference!
Really nice to see it again, back to it's original color.

[Greg H.]

Re: 1964 re-assembly process

Hi Greg,

Just wow! That doesn't look like the car I remember! What a difference!
Really nice to see it again, back to it's original color.

Thanks Kevin! You get the first ride. I still owe you lunch!!

[Jimmy B.]

Re: 1964 re-assembly process

make sure your door gaps and height are correct before adding any bumpers, bracket,s rocker panels, sill plates, don't ask me how I know

[Greg H.]

Re: 1964 re-assembly process

make sure your door gaps and height are correct before adding any bumpers, bracket,s rocker panels, sill plates, don't ask me how I know

My panels are all pretty well lined up from the body shop but I am curious what happened with yours..

[Jimmy B.]

Re: 1964 re-assembly process

even though I put the same number of shims where the factory had placed them and proceeded to put the car back toeether, the door gaps were to tight and a lot of my work had to be reversed (bumpers back off, rocker panels, etc) and I finally took the car to a fellow CORVETTE enthusiast who for many years had done this and he helped me with this as I could not get it to my satisfaction. I thought it would be easy since I had even drilled small pilot holes through my door hinges, all went to hell when I tried closing the doors, coupes are a lot easier than conv.'s believe me.

[John H.]

Re: 1964 re-assembly process

My current question is about the AIM. I don't really understand how it is organized with regard to assembly steps. For example, I do not see if it directs me to install the rear bumpers prior to the rear valance panel or the opposite. There are hints in the sketches, and in many cases I will jump around due to parts availability, motivation, time, and other factors. But this example could end up costing me some scratches.

I used to be a process engineer so I wonder if the factory used the AIM or actually had real process documentation. The AIM is more engineering specs. Curious if anyone has more history on that but more importantly I need to understand the best way to decode the AIM.

Greg -

As you noted, the A.I.M. was an Engineering document, provided as an assembly aid, with no indication of process sequence; the actual process documents were created jointly by Central Office Process Engineering and the plant, published only internally, and were never shared with or hijacked by the outside world. I spent 40 years dealing with Manufacturing and Assembly processes, including six months at St. Louis in 1967, and the attached file may be helpful to you - it details the midyear Corvette assembly process, part-by-part, from the underbody subassembly in the basement to the shipping gate, and it's 27 pages when printed.

CorvetteAssyProcess.pdf

[Greg H.]

Re: 1964 re-assembly process

Wow, John. This is fantastic!! Thank you so much!

I hope I get a chance to shake your hand at the national in Rhode Island this year.

Greg -

As you noted, the A.I.M. was an Engineering document, provided as an assembly aid, with no indication of process sequence; the actual process documents were created jointly by Central Office Process Engineering and the plant, published only internally, and were never shared with or hijacked by the outside world. I spent 40 years dealing with Manufacturing and Assembly processes, including six months at St. Louis in 1967, and the attached file may be helpful to you - it details the midyear Corvette assembly process, part-by-part, from the underbody subassembly in the basement to the shipping gate, and it's 27 pages when printed.

[ATTACH]68237[/ATTACH]

[Tom D.]

Re: 1964 re-assembly process

I neglected to install the shifter in my '66 before putting the body back. I wish I had done that before the body drop.