https://www.facebook.com/reel/2314419329131477
This is a link to an incredible, but as off-topic as you can get, factory assembly of a newer Corvette. I was amazed at the complexity of the vehicle compared to our simplistic '57s. Wish it was a Ford product in the video, but I think you guys will find it interesting anyway.
I've always found those types of videos fascinating to watch. The specialized jigs and tooling coupled with computer-controlled assembly techniques makes it all look so simple but it is a very complex product.
It pretty much removes the human factor from the process. No more variability in coating applications or welding techniques from plant to plant. All done precisely the same no matter which shift or which plant produces the vehicle.
Was talked in to going to LS Fest in Bowling Green Wow unbelievable time was had by this diehard Ford fan. We toured the corvette museum and went to the plant to watch them assemble. Pretty cool to see regardless of what is being built.
As I was ordering a new F150 I found several u-tube videos of the assembly line for the truck. They included the assembly line, panel fitment and painting. Most interesting. And yes, the technology used in todays builds is mind blowing!
This is one of the newer ones (after 2006?) because it has the transaxle. My wife has a 1992 C-4 from the Mc Dorman Collection. Even those were pretty much a giant move towards the car becoming a race car sold for street use. With this technology, I always think that each car has a minimum diminished value of $1,500 after an accident. Heck, Ferrari has had a jig at certain restoration shops to get the car back square, and ensure it meets factory specs. They charge by the hour for this service, and I think it is over $250/ technician hour. It's a time $ material kinda thing.
Just drove my 63 Riviera 1100 plus miles to Az. Flawless performance, 13 MPG at 75to 80 MPH, around $700 for fuel. Non air car, last leg was nasty. Decided it was time to enjoy my cars at 85 instead of leaving in storage. Poor car has been in storage 90% of its life for the last 27yrs.
Quote from: thomasso on 2026-10-10 11:56Just drove my 63 Riviera 1100 plus miles to Az. Flawless performance, 13 MPG at 75to 80 MPH, around $700 for fuel. Non air car, last leg was nasty. Decided it was time to enjoy my cars at 85 instead of leaving in storage. Poor car has been in storage 90% of its life for the last 27yrs.
If it has 4 tires, an engine and transmission...it belongs on the road, NOT in the garage!
Good for you...bet it was more enjoyable looking out over the hood while driving it than looking at it in the garage! :burnout:
I had to give my new-to-me Outback a good run, and I was also in Mesa, Arizona on Monday. 1550 mile round trip I had to cut short because my oxygen equipment was having issues. US hywy 60 that runs thru Mesa also runs just past my house in Texas a block away.