Corvette Plastic Progress Enters Third Decade Chevrolet Motor Div., General Motors Corporation

Format:

Book

Conference/Event

Author/Creator:

Vogelei, R. A., author.

Conference Name:

International Automobile Engineering and Manufacturing Meeting (1974-10-21 : Toronto, Canada)

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource cm

Place of Publication:

Warrendale, PA SAE International 1974

Summary:

This paper traces the more than 20-year history of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) as the primary body material for the Chevrolet Corvette. Reasons for the original decision to use FRP are reviewed, followed by a discussion of the difficulties encountered in design, manufacturing techniques, and material compounding. These problems, and the solutions to them, include the progression from the original wet-mat material to low-profile systems. Sheet molded compounds (SMC) are discussed as non-low profile and low-profile applications. Unresolved production problems and outlined with a review of industry attention necessary to assure continued FRP application to Corvette body panels.This paper also discusses the design and application of flexible facias used on both front and rear-end bumper systems and the use of plastic as a bumper energy-managing system

Notes:

Vendor supplied data

Publisher Number:

740979

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license