First Days For 1982 Production
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First Days For 1982 Production
Does anyone for certain what the first days of 1982 Firebird/Camaro production were at the Van Nuys and Norwood assembly plants?
For Norwood, I believe it was sometime in November 1981, but I'm looking for the actual date. Same with Van Nuys.
Thanks!
For Norwood, I believe it was sometime in November 1981, but I'm looking for the actual date. Same with Van Nuys.
Thanks!
#2
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Re: First Days For 1982 Production
I have always thought October 26, 1981 was the first day of production,but where I came across that date I do not remember. I'm thinking I was in a book or a road test.
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Car: 1982 Z28 Indy 500 Pace Car
Engine: Come alive CFI 305!
Transmission: TH200C
Re: First Days For 1982 Production
From Michael Lamm's book, "Camaro, The Third Generation", Van Nuys production began on October 12, 1981 and Norwood production started on October 26th.
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Car: 1982 Z28 Indy 500 Pace Car
Engine: Come alive CFI 305!
Transmission: TH200C
Re: First Days For 1982 Production
Probably safe to say production began on the same day for both, just a matter of nailing down what shift produced which car. It is said in the book the first ones produced were sent to the various GM divisions for durability testing, emissions certification, GM and ad agency photo-ops, as well as export models for overseas divisions to modify for their local markets.
The book is a wealth of knowledge - GM was expecting to pair the LU5 with a 4-speed manual for the 1982 mid-year, as well as future mods including a 5-speed manual and a split 50-50 seatback for more versatile loading of the cargo area. Guess the recession iced those plans at the time.
The book is a wealth of knowledge - GM was expecting to pair the LU5 with a 4-speed manual for the 1982 mid-year, as well as future mods including a 5-speed manual and a split 50-50 seatback for more versatile loading of the cargo area. Guess the recession iced those plans at the time.
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Car: 83 Z28/L69
Engine: L69 305H.O.
Transmission: 6spd T56
Axle/Gears: 4.10 LS 4th Gen
Re: First Days For 1982 Production
I've read that T/As and Firebirds didn't hit the ground until Jan 14, 1982.
Link where I read it.
http://www.gtasourcepage.com/TransAmTimeLine.html
Link where I read it.
http://www.gtasourcepage.com/TransAmTimeLine.html
Last edited by 83Z28/L69; 10-10-2014 at 10:08 AM. Reason: Added link
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Car: 83' Camaro, 88' TPI 350 Firebird
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Re: First Days For 1982 Production
I remember seeing the first 3rd Gens I ever saw in Las Vegas on New Years Eve 1981. Red, blue, and white models if I recall correctly.
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Car: 1987 trans am, 1988 Formula
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Re: First Days For 1982 Production
From what I always heard according to interviews with Glen Larson (The producer of Knight Rider), he liked the look of the new 82 Pontiac Trans Am so much that Universal Studios called GM and they gave them the first 2 off the assembly line to use in the show. Don't know which assembly plant they came from though
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Car: 1982 Trans Am KITT Replica
Engine: LU5 305 CROSSFIRE
Transmission: TH-350
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3:23
Re: First Days For 1982 Production
Had a BASE 1982 trans am,Van Nuys build,(Hardtop,LG4,Stripped down base interior) years ago with vin 5006XX,Cowl data plate had a Nov 81 build date !!!
To this day I REALLY regret selling that early production car
Dave
To this day I REALLY regret selling that early production car
Dave
Last edited by 3rdgenparts; 10-31-2014 at 01:31 PM.
#13
Re: First Days For 1982 Production
The dates provided by Lamm are correct.
Norwood plant had to rebuild its lines from Body Drop to TOVEYOR prior to the start of 1982 production.
Norwood plant had to rebuild its lines from Body Drop to TOVEYOR prior to the start of 1982 production.
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