'73 How Long From Trim Line To Finish

[Rich C.]

For example (1973): Any ideas on how long (ballpark) the cars journey from entering trim line (I realize chassis being built concurrently) took to go through trim line, body drop, to get to completion? (before any inspection, water test, repair area?)

'73 LS-4 454 owned 21 1/2 years

[Tom R.]

Re: '73 How Long From Trim Line To Finish

Probably varies over the years if you consider that in 1973, 30,000 Corvettes were built vs in 1979 when 50,000 were built so productivity improved over this period of time. Production was about 110 to 120 per day so it took, depending upon time of day it was locked into the trim line, another day to day and a half.

[Michael D.]

Re: '73 How Long From Trim Line To Finish

An average of 22 working hours, start to finish. They ran two nine hour shifts most of the time at St. Louis. Working on Saturdays was common.

The time/build code on your trim tag is an approximation. Your car was probably not completed on that day and may have needed another half working day or full day to have been finished. Throw in a Sunday or a holiday when the line was closed and you can adjust accordingly.

Time/build for my '68 is Saturday, April 20, 1968 (I20). NCRS Shipping Data Report shows the car was completed on Monday, April 22.

[Rich C.]

Re: '73 How Long From Trim Line To Finish

My trim tag is C-19 October 19th, 72. Probably means it was finished on the 20th, a FRIDAY!!! That would explain a lot!

'73 LS-4 454 owned 21 1/2 years