1990 zr1 production run

[edram454]

Does anybody know when was the last day they stopped making the 1990 run of zr1 corvettes. I just got my factory build sheet and it says mine was made in June 28, 1990. My car is #3028. I saw that the last c4 made in 1996 was sometime mid june. That is the one Mid-America bought and still has. How many zr1's did they build in a day and when was the last 1990 built? Any information would be appreciated. Like I said, mine was build on a thursday, June 28 of 1990.

thanks,

ed ramos #3028:confused:

[Blue Flame Restorations]

Having worked in the GM environment, there is generally a July 4th shutdown week, sometimes two weeks, depending on production schedule and changeover for the next model year.

[edram454]

Having worked in the GM environment, there is generally a July 4th shutdown week, sometimes two weeks, depending on production schedule and changeover for the next model year.

I just read some information that was discovered by registry members that the actual amount of 1990 corvette zr1's was 3032 sold to the public with an additional 17 pilot cars. Apparently the Gm Archives dont show build sheets for 3033-3049 zr1's. The person working there, her name is Stacy, said there is no information past #3032. There is a confirmation of a red/saddle interior 1990 zr1 #3032 car. So if this information was correct, mine was 4th from the last zr1 built and sold to the public. Interesting.

ed ramos #3028

[Schrade]

I just read some information that was discovered by registry members that the actual amount of 1990 corvette zr1's was 3032 sold to the public with an additional 17 pilot cars. Apparently the Gm Archives dont show build sheets for 3033-3049 zr1's. The person working there, her name is Stacy, said there is no information past #3032. There is a confirmation of a red/saddle interior 1990 zr1 #3032 car. So if this information was correct, mine was 4th from the last zr1 built and sold to the public. Interesting.

ed ramos #3028

Pretty cool stuff to know...

I'm kinda' curious how many were produced each day too; anybody? Mine's 2794 (Red / Cognac (now Black) ), not too far removed, and I think I've read that cars' production weren't necessarily sequenced by number, but in batches (by color).

Mine would be April / May '90???

[scottfab]

In the members only section of the webpage there are several VIN lists. One of the lists shows the "Special VIN List (http://www.zr1netregistry.com/MembersOnly/ProductionNumbers/SpecialVINList.aspx)". (click on link to left)
It contains such things as "Non Saleable, Engineering Test, Pilot, Prototype and MY lead vehicle"
Quite interesting. First Lead Vehicle for 1990 was #00017"

[USAZR1]

I just read some information that was discovered by registry members that the actual amount of 1990 corvette zr1's was 3032 sold to the public with an additional 17 pilot cars. Apparently the Gm Archives dont show build sheets for 3033-3049 zr1's. The person working there, her name is Stacy, said there is no information past #3032. There is a confirmation of a red/saddle interior 1990 zr1 #3032 car. So if this information was correct, mine was 4th from the last zr1 built and sold to the public. Interesting.

ed ramos #3028


That's pretty cool stuff,Ed.

[BigJohn]

#3028 could have been built before #3021!!
VIN # does not match build the order.

[edram454]

well then one just check the build date. Mine was 6/28/1990. If there are any other 1990 zr1's built after that I would like to know. There wont be many.

[Hog]

#3028 could have been built before #3021!!
VIN # does not match build the order.
This is true, a car can get pulled out of the production run for whatever reasons.
The last GM plant I worked at I was in the welding dept. I would stop the line, pull out a car on a wheeled dolly, close teh gate and start the line again.
That station was called "chisel check" I would take a 2 foot flat chisel and a ball peen hammer and start trying to break the spot welds. If you tore the metal it was "OK" if the weld broke it was "Not OK". After I beat on that car for about 1/2 an hour, I owuld go and relieve
every other member of my team for a bathroom/smoke break. My team leader would re-insert the car back into the line later on. This is just one example of how a build number can get out of order.
Depending on which spot welds broke, the next TPM schedule would be made up and enacted on Overtime. IIRC TPM=Total Preventative Maintenance.

Edit: I better finish my story. TPM is where I would "Lock out/Tag Out" at the mani power control for the long 200 ft run of about 50 robots. and using a common set of pliers, I would grasp the used tips of the spot welder robots , give them a twist and the tips would come off. Then grab a new tip on the spot welder and give it a whack and it would stay engaged using some sort of interference fit.


Welding was a preferred area and was much better than where I started which was right after where the bodies came down from from an overhead buffer and mated with the appropriate chassis. I installed the upper plenum and t-body/air intake. Then thye next guy flashed the PCM. Then then car would raise up and I had to get underneath and instal some rubber body mounts and tighten the body onto teh chassis, then get underneath and attch the clutch cable and adjust the clutch.
Unfortunatlley that assembly plant was built off of a sister plant in Japan, and I am 6 ft 4" and while "underneath" the car I had to spread my legs like a giraffe trying to drink.
Sure the money was awesome and I could have retired at 48(30 and out) but my back was
so happy to get out of there, I had a "call to duty" and I answered it.

[edram454]

so are you saying that my build sheet date 6/28/1990 was not the date it was built?? Whether 3028 was built before 3021 is true or a possibility is one thing. If the build sheet is to be believed then by simply checking the build date that would determine when the car was built. June 28 is very late in the production run considering that in 1996, for example, the production run ended June 15 for that year. Also as a member stated, GM stopped production runs before July 4th since they stopped production for two weeks before starting the next production year. I have not seen any 1990 zr1's later than mine that are around. I heard of a red/saddle 1990 zr1 with vin 3032 somewhere in alabama. I have never seen or heard of any cars over 3032 and neither has GM archives since they should no record of anything past 3032. I have to believe the build sheet because it also states where it was delivered too. 6/28 is very, very late production date for a 1990 zr1. Mine was sent to a dealer in Morristown, New Jersey. If anybody has a production vin older than #3028 I would love to know. Thanks.

[Hog]

so are you saying that my build sheet date 6/28/1990 was not the date it was built?? Whether 3028 was built before 3021 is true or a possibility is one thing. If the build sheet is to be believed then by simply checking the build date that would determine when the car was built. June 28 is very late in the production run considering that in 1996, for example, the production run ended June 15 for that year. Also as a member stated, GM stopped production runs before July 4th since they stopped production for two weeks before starting the next production year. I have not seen any 1990 zr1's later than mine that are around. I heard of a red/saddle 1990 zr1 with vin 3032 somewhere in alabama. I have never seen or heard of any cars over 3032 and neither has GM archives since they should no record of anything past 3032. I have to believe the build sheet because it also states where it was delivered too. 6/28 is very, very late production date for a 1990 zr1. Mine was sent to a dealer in Morristown, New Jersey. If anybody has a production vin older than #3028 I would love to know. Thanks.
I never mentioned anything about a build date, just the build sequence number and how the car could be built of sequence to that number.
Build date is another question, it all depends on where in the plant the car is considered built? When it rolls off the assembly line, rolls onto the dyno, its rolled out of the plant. No matter though, it would be consistent throughout the model year. There's going to be a few after your car, based solely on VINs.
1990 ZR-1's used VIN's 1G1YZ23JxL5800001 through 1G1YZ23JxL5803049.

I used to work beside the online VIN printer, access to it was limited.

[USAZR1]

The person working there, her name is Stacy, said there is no information past #3032. There is a confirmation of a red/saddle interior 1990 zr1 #3032 car. So if this information was correct, mine was 4th from the last zr1 built and sold to the public. Interesting.
ed ramos #3028


Ed,the owner of #3032 is a member of this site. His handle is maroon88iroc.

[BigJohn]

I like #3032 it's my favorite 90!

[edram454]

Oh cool. Its nice to know. I knew that a car dealer owned 3032 a few years ago and that it is or was a red on saddle car. That's great. That could be the last one. At least based on GM Archives it is the last serial number that sold to the public. I would like to see what the built date was on his paper work just to figure out the time line. It is just pure coincidence that the car I bought was 3028. I could not care less what number it was. All I cared was that it is a black on black couple with good mods. I could have probably bought a better red car with less miles but black is just my favorite color combo. Not a lot of black on black cars with good mods and two owner for a good price. I can't say 3032 is my favorite but maybe one of my favorites.

good day.

[edram454]

I never mentioned anything about a build date, just the build sequence number and how the car could be built of sequence to that number.
Build date is another question, it all depends on where in the plant the car is considered built? When it rolls off the assembly line, rolls onto the dyno, its rolled out of the plant. No matter though, it would be consistent throughout the model year. There's going to be a few after your car, based solely on VINs.
1990 ZR-1's used VIN's 1G1YZ23JxL5800001 through 1G1YZ23JxL5803049.

I used to work beside the online VIN printer, access to it was limited.

Build date to me would be whatever the build sheet says with the date and time. The rest would be speculation. Mine actually says 23:00 and that's 11 p.m. military time. I found that odd. It also had the dealer it was going too. It is probably not exactly when it was built but it is all we really have that is concrete on paper. Maybe it was when it was totally finished and ready to be dispatched to the assigned dealer. who knows? Back then not all dealers could order this car since they had to have a zr1 trained technician working there to receive one if my sources are correct. I like the 90 model the best anyway so it worked out best. The front end with the different rear end combination along with the tight seats make it feel like a serious car and well tucked in. My c5 coupe felt like I was sliding all over the place. I like them all but some a little more than others. May they all live a long and safe existence.

[BigJohn]

They could have built 30 cars that day, but they were not all ZR-1's.
I too like the 90 body styling including the black line around the body.

[Hog]

Build date to me would be whatever the build sheet says with the date and time. The rest would be speculation. Mine actually says 23:00 and that's 11 p.m. military time. I found that odd. It also had the dealer it was going too. It is probably not exactly when it was built but it is all we really have that is concrete on paper. Maybe it was when it was totally finished and ready to be dispatched to the assigned dealer. who knows? Back then not all dealers could order this car since they had to have a zr1 trained technician working there to receive one if my sources are correct. I like the 90 model the best anyway so it worked out best. The front end with the different rear end combination along with the tight seats make it feel like a serious car and well tucked in. My c5 coupe felt like I was sliding all over the place. I like them all but some a little more than others. May they all live a long and safe existence.

I agree, of course the build date, is what GM assigns as it's build date. My "speculation" is to when GM considered the car "built".
I was test driving LT1 cars, the GM discount was substantial off of the sticker.
The cars at the factory I worked had a "rider" that was taped to the open hood. It was a pice of paper with its options list etc. It also had it's build date. This was the 90's when I worked there. I just looked at some Bowling Green videos and a lot of the systems are very similar.

Later on in life I worked at a heavy truck plant, each truck was built custom and teh chassis rode around on roller carts just like the C6 ZR1 did. A cart for each axle, so if the truck had 3 axles, it got three carts

I would lift the frame rails off of a truck from Mexico and then set them into the production sequence. The guys in the "jig" would lift the frame rails and install crossmembers, they buoilt the chassis upside down and if equipped used a HUCK gun to lighten te frame together. These Hucks require a torch to remove, they were an upgrade over a bolt truck.
then the axle guys would drop down the axles front and rear and bolt them in place using gravity to drop the axles down, instead of fighting gravity and lifting them up from underneath.

The chassis was on stands and progressed laterally, then 2 cranes grbbed each end picked the chassis up and then after strapping the driveshaft so it didnt slap around, they flipped the chaissis 180° then they lowered the chassis onto the roller carts, the pins on teh carts were kicked down and then the chassis proceeds down the line in a motion as if it were driving.
Our TAC time was 11 minutes, a Class 8 heavy truck came off the line every 11 minutes. After chassis paint, the rad, engine/trans was lowered in within the 11 minutes. Each truck was chassis dynoed. When I 1st started we built 2 trucks a night, this progressed as new hires were brought in and we got up to 44 trucks in an 8 hour shift. The plant even had a test track. I enjoyed that place, but the workers ended up boxing up their own jobs and shipped them to Mexico. Great feeling.

[edram454]

I agree, of course the build date, is what GM assigns as it's build date. My "speculation" is to when GM considered the car "built".
I was test driving LT1 cars, the GM discount was substantial off of the sticker.
The cars at the factory I worked had a "rider" that was taped to the open hood. It was a pice of paper with its options list etc. It also had it's build date. This was the 90's when I worked there. I just looked at some Bowling Green videos and a lot of the systems are very similar.

Later on in life I worked at a heavy truck plant, each truck was built custom and teh chassis rode around on roller carts just like the C6 ZR1 did. A cart for each axle, so if the truck had 3 axles, it got three carts

I would lift the frame rails off of a truck from Mexico and then set them into the production sequence. The guys in the "jig" would lift the frame rails and install crossmembers, they buoilt the chassis upside down and if equipped used a HUCK gun to lighten te frame together. These Hucks require a torch to remove, they were an upgrade over a bolt truck.
then the axle guys would drop down the axles front and rear and bolt them in place using gravity to drop the axles down, instead of fighting gravity and lifting them up from underneath.

The chassis was on stands and progressed laterally, then 2 cranes grbbed each end picked the chassis up and then after strapping the driveshaft so it didnt slap around, they flipped the chaissis 180° then they lowered the chassis onto the roller carts, the pins on teh carts were kicked down and then the chassis proceeds down the line in a motion as if it were driving.
Our TAC time was 11 minutes, a Class 8 heavy truck came off the line every 11 minutes. After chassis paint, the rad, engine/trans was lowered in within the 11 minutes. Each truck was chassis dynoed. When I 1st started we built 2 trucks a night, this progressed as new hires were brought in and we got up to 44 trucks in an 8 hour shift. The plant even had a test track. I enjoyed that place, but the workers ended up boxing up their own jobs and shipped them to Mexico. Great feeling.

Thanks for the insight. I know many things must go on in an assembly line and at times mistakes are made I suppose. Very sad to hear about jobs going abroad.

ed ramos #3028

[maroon88iroc]

I own #3032 and I have extensive history on the car, it was purchased new in Washington DC and moved to SC then to FL where I bought the car. I have all the original paperwork and service history on the car. I am looking to sell the car, but am also working a trade with a guy that owns a '69 convertible non #'s matching car that is said to be an original big block car.

Anyone have any advice for me on my #3032 if it is this rare I would prefer to sell to a collector.

Can anyone give more info on the 17 pilot cars, what is a pilot car and what were they used for?

[edram454]

I can tell you that 3032 is the last serial numbered car sold to the public. there is no record of 3033-3049 in the GM Archives. The pilot cars were probably the first non sequenced cars produced and used for all kinds of experiments, mods, driving, etc.... pilot cars are used to make tests, corrections and to iron out gremlins before the cars are sold to the public. they are also used by the press to drive on roads tests etc... they built 3049 cars. 3032 sold to the public. 17 pilot cars. could have been some crash test cars etc... durability testing cars...

I think you car is unique because it is the last 1990 ZR1. do you know your build date?? By the way I would never trade for a 1969 convertible without its original motor. I had a 1969 and I love them but a big block without an original motor loses lots of value. they are a dime a dozen. It is only worth while if you are going to drive the crap out of it or put a 572 big block in it or something like that. You could also build an (original stamped) engine but then you are stuck in the fact that you must disclose what it is when you sell it so the value on that car is very limited. At least get an original engined big block car. Get a 1970 big block car. It is more rare and the last of the high compression.

[edram454]

I own #3032 and I have extensive history on the car, it was purchased new in Washington DC and moved to SC then to FL where I bought the car. I have all the original paperwork and service history on the car. I am looking to sell the car, but am also working a trade with a guy that owns a '69 convertible non #'s matching car that is said to be an original big block car.

Anyone have any advice for me on my #3032 if it is this rare I would prefer to sell to a collector.

Can anyone give more info on the 17 pilot cars, what is a pilot car and what were they used for?

I wasnt sure if it was alabama but I did know it was in a southern state at a dealer for sale. funny you said it wound up in florida and then you bought it. You have a rare little car and I would think twice about selling it. If you just want to change then by all means go ahead. What ever you own must please you first and if the zr1 is not doing it then get rid of it. The good thing is that there are lots of nice corvettes of all years and colors so you wont ever get tired of them. Good Luck.

[QB93Z]

I own #3032 and I have extensive history on the car, it was purchased new in Washington DC and moved to SC then to FL where I bought the car. I have all the original paperwork and service history on the car. I am looking to sell the car, but am also working a trade with a guy that owns a '69 convertible non #'s matching car that is said to be an original big block car.

Anyone have any advice for me on my #3032 if it is this rare I would prefer to sell to a collector.

Can anyone give more info on the 17 pilot cars, what is a pilot car and what were they used for?

Here is some more information about the 1990 production data:

1990 ZR-1s VIN ...L5800001 to ...L5800016 were 1990 VIN'd ZR-1 Pilot Cars VIN ...L5800017 was the ZR-1 Engineering Lead unit VIN ...L5800018 was a Chevrolet Advertising Vehicle VIN ...L5800019 was the first public customer ZR1

The 1990 Active Suspension test ZR-1's had their own VIN sequence:
...L5700001 to ...L5700017

[maroon88iroc]

Here is some more information about the 1990 production data:

1990 ZR-1s VIN ...L5800001 to ...L5800016 were 1990 VIN'd ZR-1 Pilot Cars VIN ...L5800017 was the ZR-1 Engineering Lead unit VIN ...L5800018 was a Chevrolet Advertising Vehicle VIN ...L5800019 was the first public customer ZR1

The 1990 Active Suspension test ZR-1's had their own VIN sequence:
...L5700001 to ...L5700017


I was under the impression that Vin # 3049 was the last produced in 1990. Thats why I am confused on the pilot car stuff b/c I assumed (and you confirmed) that the pilot cars were #1-16. So does that mean the very last vin # issued in 1990 was #3032?

thanks,
-Gibson

[QB93Z]

#3032 is the last VIN issued to a "for sale" 1990 ZR-1. The 3049 number that was used in the ZR-1 Community for a long time is wrong. The confusion came from the count of LT5's installed in the 1990 production run. The 17 Active Suspension cars were used for engineering testing, had a different VIN sequence and were never sold to the public. Another way to say it is that there is NO 1990 ZR-1 VIN that ends in ...3033 to ...3049.

Jim

[maroon88iroc]

#3032 is the last VIN issued to a "for sale" 1990 ZR-1. The 3049 number that was used in the ZR-1 Community for a long time is wrong. The confusion came from the count of LT5's installed in the 1990 production run. The 17 Active Suspension cars were used for engineering testing, had a different VIN sequence and were never sold to the public. Another way to say it is that there is NO 1990 ZR-1 VIN that ends in ...3033 to ...3049.

Jim

That is pretty cool information, I wish I would have known that sooner as I may have tried more aggressively to sell the car. I do have a trade deal pending on the car for a restored '69 corvette convertible NOM in New Mexico, looks like that is the route I am going.

[edram454]

Here is some more information about the 1990 production data:

1990 ZR-1s VIN ...L5800001 to ...L5800016 were 1990 VIN'd ZR-1 Pilot Cars VIN ...L5800017 was the ZR-1 Engineering Lead unit VIN ...L5800018 was a Chevrolet Advertising Vehicle VIN ...L5800019 was the first public customer ZR1

The 1990 Active Suspension test ZR-1's had their own VIN sequence:
...L5700001 to ...L5700017


Great information. what a sleuth. That is what I was looking for. Makes perfect sense and now the owner of 3032 will see how unusual his car is. He's going to trade it so there it goes. The winner will be the guy who trades for it. congrats to both.

[csavaglio]

Hey, guys. I'm the one with the '69 that Mike's trading to. It'll reside happily next to my '91 Steel Blue ZR-1, so it's going to a good home. There's a few things that need freshening up, so it'll give me some good weekend projects....assuming I ever get a weekend off. 5 to 7 12 hour shifts a week makes for solid paychecks, but not so much for getting important stuff done.

He was looking for a classic and I was looking to sell or get a Z I could drive more than I would my SB, so it works in both our favor.


Chris

[USAZR1]

Hey, guys. It'll reside happily next to my '91 Steel Blue ZR-1, so it's going to a good home.
Chris


:thumbsup: