Where was the fiberglass made

[Rob M.]

Where were the fiberglass panels molded for mid years? The picture in Nolands book shows very large equipment in a building with very high roof. What factory was this? What it the same for shark cars?
Thanks,
Rob

[John H.]

Re: Where was the fiberglass made

Most major panels were produced by A.O. Smith in Ionia, Michigan - the photos in Noland's book show their RTM press room (the same building housed the A.O. Smith assembly line that built 50% of the Corvette bodies from '64-'67). That facility went through a number of ownership changes in the late 60's and 70's as the fiberglass panel business consolidated (Rockwell, GenCorp, etc.), and continued as the primary supplier for C3 body panels and assemblies through the 80's.

[Joe L.]

Re: Where was the fiberglass made

John and Rob------

And, sadly, that piece of Corvette history is no more, either. I was told about a year ago that the factory in Ionia was demolished as part of a "redevelopment" of "downtown" Ionia. I'm glad that I was able to get there once and see it about 10 years ago. At that time it was operated by Gencorp and was producing, among other things, hoods for Lincoln Mark VIIs.

[John S.]

Re: Where was the fiberglass made

General Tire in Marion Indiana was also producing parts. I used to go to the local dump (1972) and pick up the ones that had defects on them. I know they were making black glass 67 hood suround's, coupe roof's, door pillar's, for shark cars I found rear door jam pillar's, side exhaust rear valance. I beleive they made parts till about 1980 or 82. The guy at the dump let me have the glass for freeeee GLORY DAYS

[Frank H.]

Re: Where was the fiberglass made

I had many rear body panels that had "mobil oil co" cast into them.