My SSR: 2004 Redline Red SSR "HTRDGRL" Born On 8/19/2004 SSR Theme Song Chevrolet by Foghat
LCC Tours Feb 27th & March 2nd
I saw a thread started for more information in one area on the LCC tours. I am finishing up the ASC tour first. I have many pictures to show you of this tour. We were not allowed to take pictures in the LCC Facility. I will be taking pictures of the items we received and posters that were displayed at LCC that you have not seen yet. I will then summarize the differences between both tours.
I am asking that the information on the LCC tours only be posted here and keep the ASC tour seperated. I will gather as much information from other posts as I can to keep all of the information in one area.
I do have photo's of SSR Fanatic members that attended the LCC tours and pictures of their SSR's.
Please be patient.....I will wrap this up shortly!
Deb
__________________
With a Single Red Rose...he alway's said I Love You!
"A Woman And Her Truck It's A Beautiful Thing"
Last edited by HotRodGirl; 03-04-2006 at 11:33 AM.
Is there anyway to tour the LCC before it closes? I found out about the March 2 tour too late. I am a new member. Any information you could pass on? thanks I am a new ssr fanatic NJSSR.
My SSR: 2004 Redline Red SSR "HTRDGRL" Born On 8/19/2004 SSR Theme Song Chevrolet by Foghat
No Tours
Quote:
Originally Posted by njssr
Is there anyway to tour the LCC before it closes? I found out about the March 2 tour too late. I am a new member. Any information you could pass on? thanks I am a new ssr fanatic NJSSR.
I am so sorry but the LCC is not allowing anymore tours at this time.
__________________
With a Single Red Rose...he alway's said I Love You!
My SSR: 2004 Redline Red SSR "HTRDGRL" Born On 8/19/2004 SSR Theme Song Chevrolet by Foghat
LCC Feb 27th Tour Info...
I will be starting out with the Feb 27th tour first then leading up to the March 2nd tour.
Arrving at the Hampton Inn on Feb 26th and enjoying some Fanatic time together at Cheddar's Resturant and then a Continental Breakfast at the Hampton Inn the morning of the tour and lunch afterwards at Denny's in Lansing MI.
Below are pictures of Fanatic members at the Hampton Inn early morning on Feb 27th 2006.....
Good old Michigan Weather it never co-operates
Photo'd First...Mike in Az
Mike in AZ.....it was a pleasure getting to know you. I love your not so technical side. Thanks for your conversations and for sharing your laptop with me late Sunday night.
P.S. Oh and on the short jokes...don't forget next time you order a glass of water at a resturant..think of me.
Next...Roger & Liz (ssr blur), Marty & Dee (Marty), Mike and Roger holding up the LSJ paper that we purchased in the lobby of the hotel. This was so exciting to have seen the ad before attending the LCC tour. Last photo..Ted & Debbie (T ERNST).
I so very much enjoyed the time that I was able to spend with all of you! Debbie & Ted and Marty & Dee looking forward to having you join in on the MI runs with us this spring & summer. Roger & Liz ...you came a long way via of car and it was a pleasure meeting you also. Gald to hear that everyone made it home safe and sound.
__________________
With a Single Red Rose...he alway's said I Love You!
"A Woman And Her Truck It's A Beautiful Thing"
Last edited by HotRodGirl; 03-04-2006 at 11:41 PM.
My SSR: 2004 Redline Red SSR "HTRDGRL" Born On 8/19/2004 SSR Theme Song Chevrolet by Foghat
Feb 27th Tour....Agenda
Feb 27th Tour....Agenda
We arrived at the LCC at 8:45 A.M.
Checked in at the Security Gate before gaining permission to enter the LCC Facility. All SSR Members and guest received SSR Fanatic name tags (made by Mike in AZ). We received our LCC pass and proceeded to fill the van with members to be transported to the LCC Facility. LCC van made two or three trips before all members were accounted for. Linda Ellis (Mfg. Communications) ,Robert Fiztgerald (GM) and Don Pierce (chevylover) were all there to greet us in the Security Room. Linda and Robert took turns carting the Fanatic members back and forth to the LCC Facilty.
Inside the Security Room on the wall was a collage of our SSR Fanatic extended web site (SSRClub.com) and various photos from our SSR Fanatic.com web site.
One particular photo stood out.... as it was BoBA our lost SSR Fanatic Member.
It was so wonderful to have his spirit there with us.
Upon entering the doors to the LCC Facility and climbing up two flights of stairs. On the wall of the beginning second set of stairs were two posters made by Robert Fitzgerald of GM. I had goose pimples all over me when I viewed them.
Robert had also posted these in the Conference Room where are initial meeting took place.
The poster with the Redline SSR has the date of the tour and the SSR members who attended it along with full name, fanatic names and MY of SSR and color.
Very Special Thank You to Robert Fitzgerald of GM for the extra effort you put out on making us feel so very welcomed at the LCC Plant.
__________________
With a Single Red Rose...he alway's said I Love You!
"A Woman And Her Truck It's A Beautiful Thing"
Last edited by HotRodGirl; 03-05-2006 at 06:33 PM.
My SSR: 2004 Redline Red SSR "HTRDGRL" Born On 8/19/2004 SSR Theme Song Chevrolet by Foghat
Feb 27th Tour.....Conference Room
Feb 27th Tour..... Conference Room
In the conference room we were greeted by Plant Manager Rick Heithaus , Mike Knox and Dan Fairbanks. They proceeded in thanking us for purchasing our SSR's and also thanked us for the LSJ LCC Thank You Ad. We shared our thoughts on the SSR's and so did they. The atmosphere was very inviting!
On a large projection screen in the conference room was the Thank You Ad...larger then life.
Ashley Skadline was then in charge of the Safety area of the tour. We watched a 20-minute video insuring the safety of touring the LCC Facility. We were instructed to wear safety glasses, arm protectors, ring protectors and belt protectors while in the body areas. We were also instructed to stay with-in the yellow lines (designated areas) of the walking tour.
After the safety video we watched a brief history of the Lansing Craft Center Plant.
In 1940 GM purchased the LCC from Mr. Olds.
The Lansing Craft Center is a specialized General Motors automobile factory in Lansing, Michigan. It was the construction site for low-volume vehicles like the General Motors EV1, Buick Reatta, and Cadillac Eldorado. Today, it produces the Chevrolet SSR.
Then we went around the room and introduced ourselves to the others.
We were then broken into smaller groups to begin the tour.
__________________
With a Single Red Rose...he alway's said I Love You!
"A Woman And Her Truck It's A Beautiful Thing"
Last edited by HotRodGirl; 03-05-2006 at 09:49 PM.
My SSR: 2004 Redline Red SSR "HTRDGRL" Born On 8/19/2004 SSR Theme Song Chevrolet by Foghat
Plant Tour
Feb 27th....Plant Tour
I was lucky enough to get Don Pierce (chevylover) for both tours. While Don is a very fast walker he is definetly a very informative talker. Don, if I am incorrect in posting any of these areas please feel free to smack me around and straighten me up.
As Don put it... we viewed the tour "Backwards". I will now try and reverse it for you.
Don wanted us to see some areas before the line shut down for lunch. This was the reason for the" Backwards" tour.
This was the beginning of the tour....
Supermarket Area (as Don referred to it)
This is the area where all incoming parts from ASC are recieved (small & large parts) and stored until needed.
In this area we had seen 12 SSR's that were what was called (defects). Before asking..... we were told that we could not buy any parts. Some SSR's bodies had paint defects and others had body defects. On the March 2nd tour these bodies were no longer there. They have already been disposed off.
Robotics Welding Area
This is where the SSR bodies are put together. Welded and checked again by computer programing to insure precise weldments and locations. Sub assembly from ASC is the first step in the birth of he SSR’s.
Robotics Visteon Station
This is where the SSR’s are inspected for weldments. If any errors are found it will then be pulled off the line.
Body Checking Area
Verification check on the body of the SSR. There were (3) SSR’s in a lighted tunnel type checking station with approx. 6 LCC employee’s (one on each side) of the body of the SSR.
Inside the body checking area this is where the bodies were sanded and hand checked for flaws. If any flaws are larger then one dollar they are pulled from the line and repaired.
On the Feb. 27th tour we were able to view the CMM room not on the March 2nd tour..I believe the cost of the CMM machine back in 1980 was 5 Mill (just a guess). Not including the specialized floor that had to be installed and the climate controlled atmosphere. Four SSR bodies are pulled off the line per day to check for fit. It takes 1 ½ hours to check for dimensional error’s on the SSR’s body.
Paint Room
On the Feb, 27th tour the Head Painter came out to answer some of our questions. The paint thickiness on the SSR is 4.5 mils thick. The primer or under coat is tinted the same color as that of the vehicle to hide rock chips. Yellow is the heaviest color to paint.
The retractable tops are painted on the body of the SSR at LCC then shipped to ASC for complete assembly.
See next post for Assembly Line Process.......
__________________
With a Single Red Rose...he alway's said I Love You!
"A Woman And Her Truck It's A Beautiful Thing"
Last edited by HotRodGirl; 03-05-2006 at 10:53 PM.
My SSR: 2004 Redline Red SSR "HTRDGRL" Born On 8/19/2004 SSR Theme Song Chevrolet by Foghat
Plant Tour Continued....
After paint... I believe is where the SSR’s body is lifted by a mechanism that carries the SSR up and thru the building stopping at the next various station to complete the full inside assembly.
Frame Area
SSR bare frames are placed upside down on the assembly line. Here the suspension, rear axle, exhaust & drive shaft are installed. Then flipped right side up for installation of the Motor, trans, radiator, battery and electrical components etc.
Body & Frame
This is where the body and frame meet or are “married together”. The frame is hoisted up into the body and bolted together.
Doogie48084 and I were standing under the “marriage” area of the SSR assembly line in the LSJ ad while the LCC employee’s broke for lunch.
Not sure where these areas come in after this part or which is first in the assembly process…
Wheels & Tires
Doors
Retractable Top (this is assembled as a whole unit)
I have done my best to give you and idea of what we saw without pictures. I am hoping that other fanatics members can join in and help out in area’s I may not have posted correctly. I was great at taking notes. It's just that I have the notes all over the place. (just kidding).
Doogie48084 & HotRodGirl standing under the "Marriage" area.....
__________________
With a Single Red Rose...he alway's said I Love You!
"A Woman And Her Truck It's A Beautiful Thing"
Last edited by HotRodGirl; 03-05-2006 at 10:57 PM.
My SSR: 2004 Redline Red SSR "HTRDGRL" Born On 8/19/2004 SSR Theme Song Chevrolet by Foghat
Conference Wrap-Up
Conference Wrap-Up
Back inside the conference room now after the 1 1/2hr walking tour through the LCC Facility. We then had a chance to ask any questions that we would like to have answered. I think at this point….. most of our questions were answered.
Ashley then told us that we were going to play a game. Equipped with pens and paper the questioned was asked. What was the most someone every paid for an SSR?
After eliminating each one.... the closet to the $137,850.00 answer was Mike in AZ.
Mike won a Framed Slingshot Yellow SSR Picture. The LCC graciously offered to mail it to Mike’s home as he was traveling home via plane.
On the March 2nd tour the closest to the question…How many bow ties does the SSR have? HotRodGirl and rhobbel were dead on with the answer of 17. The tie-breaking question was then….How many times the SSR debuted on Magazine Covers. The answer to this question was 27 with rhobbel coming closest to the answer winning the Framed Slingshot Yellow Picture.
We all received a LCC goodie bag...Inside each bag was Poster of Slingshot SSR, 2005 Allstate 400 die cast 1:64 model, Licence plate holder "I Build Quality SSR's" with an SSR' at the bottom, 06 SSR brochere, Lansing Regional Chamber book with Redline SSR on the cover and two 8 x 11 posters of the SSR Fanatics Welcome and Thank You and the poster of the SSR Owner & Guest:Welome to the LCC along with two LCC stickers and of course the LCC bag. Pictures below....
After this point on both tours we were then able to purchase Chevy SSR merchandise that we had seen in a showcase in the hallway before the conference room. Merchandise was half off.
Some went to purchase items and others stayed around to mingle with some of the remaining LCC Staff.... others headed for home.
We did manage to get together with a few for lunch at Denny's in Lansing.
No time for lunch on the March 2nd tour due to visiting the ASC plant.
__________________
With a Single Red Rose...he alway's said I Love You!
"A Woman And Her Truck It's A Beautiful Thing"
Last edited by HotRodGirl; 03-06-2006 at 08:43 PM.
My SSR: 2004 Redline Red SSR "HTRDGRL" Born On 8/19/2004 SSR Theme Song Chevrolet by Foghat
Tid Bits
Tid Bits of info....
Some of this information here is from other members on the tour that I copied and pasted to keep in one area.
The Final Production Badges were beautifully displayed on the SSR Waterfall areas of the LCC. Very impressive and I am so gald we were able to purchase a badge for ourselves thur Marc NY.
The last production number should be in and around 24,000.00 (guess)
Final numbers is being kept a secret
Final color is also a secret
Last SSR will be going to the GM Heritage Museum located in Sterling Heights MI (working on hubby to get me in to see this one).
One will be raffled off to the dealerships
One will be raffled off to a LCC employee
Red and yellow are done
alot of two-tone
alot of smokin asphalt
alot of pacific blue.
Saw one Aqua Blur/Silver on the Feb. 27th tour.....Very Sharp!
On the March 2nd Tour we saw Black/Blue.
One piece of information that may be of interest to some of you is that the last run of vehicles are not all customer orders. A lot of them are going to dealer inventory so they will be available.
I sould also let you know that Plant Manager Rick Heithas informed us in the conference room that most of the employee's have been relocated to other plants. Some are still waiting to hear.
I will be adding more info into this section as I search more of the posts and theards.
__________________
With a Single Red Rose...he alway's said I Love You!
"A Woman And Her Truck It's A Beautiful Thing"
Last edited by HotRodGirl; 03-07-2006 at 02:21 PM.
My SSR: 2004 Redline Red SSR "HTRDGRL" Born On 8/19/2004 SSR Theme Song Chevrolet by Foghat
March 2nd Tour
March 2nd Tour
I arrived in Lansing the night before the tour due to severe weather in the MI area.
Meet up with Devastator when I arrived and we both headed to get something to eat at Denny’s in Lansing. We could not find any other members at the Hampton Inn. Later I had heard that some stayed elsewhere.
While sitting in Denny’s with Devastator I had a full view of the booth we had sat in for the Feb27th tour. Bringing back great memories of my time in Lansing.
Chris and I enjoyed some conversation and enjoyed catching up on the past Woodward Dream Cruise weekend where we had first met.. It was great to see him and his SSR again.
I was lucky enough to attend both tours thanks to my boss, as he understands the love I have for my SSR and he also see's the joy’s this vehicle has brought me.
The difference between both tours…
Much more busier on the Feb27t tour, the building seemed and was so much more emptier on the March 2nd tour. I was amazed at how much the LCC had already been cleared out.
The Feb 27th tour was a much more slower tour and allowing us to see more areas then on the March 2nd tour (like the CMM Room). We did not see this room on the March 2nd tour.
Difference of Department heads on the Feb 27th verses the March 2nd tour.
The goal was to have as many SSR Fanatic members at the Feb 27th tour and I could see why. The time schedule for this tour at the LCC allowed much more.
Below pictures….
Devastator
In front of the Hampton Inn
Heading to LCC
Burnout (thanks Chris I smelled like rubber by the time I got to the LCC)
SRR Top comes down (3 blocks away from LCC, Chris knows how to make an entrance)
Arriving at Lansing (from his crazy driving I’m not sure he was happy to be at the LCC or happy that he made it there safe)
__________________
With a Single Red Rose...he alway's said I Love You!
"A Woman And Her Truck It's A Beautiful Thing"
Last edited by HotRodGirl; 03-06-2006 at 11:48 PM.
My SSR: 2004 Redline Red SSR "HTRDGRL" Born On 8/19/2004 SSR Theme Song Chevrolet by Foghat
LCC Tours Wrap-UP
Lansing Craft Center Wrap-Up
Compared to the LCC Homecoming and these tours there is no comparison. Each had their own meaning at the time and served a purpose to each event.
These tours were up-close and personal and seemed to me "fitting" as I realized at both that we were very welcomed. The LCC and GM do really appreciate the owners of their products.
I was thrilled to have met and shook hands with many of the Staff and employees of the LCC. The welcoming was even more so visualized by the assembly line workers who stopped for a moment to waive, give a handshake and our shout out “Thank You” words to us. At one point on the tour Don Pierce took us in to the lunchroom where we had the chance to meet with the employees. I remember clearly standing in that room with my Fanatic members and I began to clap and stay” Thank You” as a chain reaction occurred and the clapping became louder. Truly deserved!
The highlight for me was when I had a chance to meet LCC employee Susan Devoy.
Don Pierce arraigned for us to meet at her assembly line. Susan was given a break so we could have a few moments together. I didn’t shake Susan hands; I gave her the biggest hug I could. Susan is planning on someday returning back to the Sterling Heights/Utica area. I am planning on maintaining a relationship with her.
I was impressed by the walking tour given the amount of time that was left before the final closing. This again, assured me that time was given to us personally by the LCC organizers.
This was a wonderful experience for an SSR owner. I was very proud to be a part of these tours as I am sure many of you were too that attended the tours.
I’m not superstitious, but I did wear for both tours for luck, the bracelet that wildcat66 sent me a few weeks back, the Betty Boop that circlek454 sent me that I ironed on my SSR jacket and the SSR pin Local 163 that Denise had given me at the Detroit Auto Show.
In closing I have many people to thank…..
First is Donnysan without his persistence in obtaining these tours we may not have had two day’s to spend at the LCC with the Staff and employee’s.
To the LCC Staff and employee’s for welcoming us in to their home once again and for allowing us to have the privilege of touring the Craft Center once more.
To Robert Fitzgerald for his extra time and effort into making us feel so very welcomed.
Mike Moro (Mike in Az) for all of his up to date information via of e-mail/telephone and for taking on the Lansing Craft Center "Thank You" Ad and the ASC Tour.
My job is done here now…………….ENJOY…….the photos and information.
I was so very happy to be a part of this team
__________________
With a Single Red Rose...he alway's said I Love You!
"A Woman And Her Truck It's A Beautiful Thing"
Last edited by HotRodGirl; 03-06-2006 at 11:46 PM.
That was great. Thanks so much for the report and photos. You did a wonderful job and for those of us who couldn't attend, it was as close to being there as possible. THANK YOU ALL for your efforts to bring it to us!
That was great. Thanks so much for the report and photos. You did a wonderful job and for those of us who couldn't attend, it was as close to being there as possible. THANK YOU ALL for your efforts to bring it to us!
My SSR: 2004 Redline Red SSR "HTRDGRL" Born On 8/19/2004 SSR Theme Song Chevrolet by Foghat
Overcomed
Quote:
Originally Posted by Z16Z06
HEY Chris GREAT entrance!! HAHAHA!
I laughed hard thinking about you doing those burnouts and donuts and then making HotRodGirl smell like buring Rubber!!
Funny hahaha...this is no joke I had to roll down all four windows to air the car out. That's OK thou cuz I'm pretty sure he was overcomed by burning rubber as well. That's right about the time the top came down.
__________________
With a Single Red Rose...he alway's said I Love You!
Funny hahaha...this is no joke I had to roll down all four windows to air the car out. That's OK thou cuz I'm pretty sure he was overcomed by burning rubber as well. That's right about the time the top came down.
Who's TOP yours or His????
Sorry had to ask
"I love the smell of burning rubber in the morning"
My SSR: 2004 Redline Red SSR "HTRDGRL" Born On 8/19/2004 SSR Theme Song Chevrolet by Foghat
Special CD
At the Lansing Picnic I was given a very special CD from a very special lady
Would like to share these photo's with all of you.....many of you are seen in these photo's as well.........ENJOY!
The last two are LCC employee Susan Devoy and myself while touring the facility.
__________________
With a Single Red Rose...he alway's said I Love You!
"A Woman And Her Truck It's A Beautiful Thing"
Last edited by HotRodGirl; 09-05-2006 at 08:54 PM.
My SSR: 2004 Redline Red SSR "HTRDGRL" Born On 8/19/2004 SSR Theme Song Chevrolet by Foghat
Special CD
Special CD.......photo's inside the LCC Plant on tour
Mike in AZ winning his framed SlingShot SSR
I don't know why I was ducking
Photo 1 (left to right)
Don Pierce (chevylover)
Glynn (SS My R)
Mike in AZ - behind Mike in AZ is.......
Doug (3G Services)
HotRodChevy-behind HotRodChevy is...
Scott (3G Services)
Deb (HotRodGirl) behind HRG.....? (Help)
Next to HRG......?(Help)
In the corner is HRG's hubby Steve
Picture 3 (left to Right)
Steve (HRG's hubby)
Deb (HotRodGirl)
Barbara Wieland (Lansing State Journal)
Mike in AZ
Ashely Scanlan (LCC Saftey/ Tour Speaker and Organizer)
HotRodChevy
__________________
With a Single Red Rose...he alway's said I Love You!
"A Woman And Her Truck It's A Beautiful Thing"
Last edited by HotRodGirl; 09-19-2006 at 09:13 PM.
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thanks for sharing !!!
Let It Snow !!!
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Z16 Z06 # 210 of 2012
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