Corvette Plastic Progress Enters Third Decade
740979
02/01/1974
- Event
- Content
- 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.
- Pages
- 24
- Citation
- Vogelei, R., "Corvette Plastic Progress Enters Third Decade," SAE Technical Paper 740979, 1974, https://doi.org/10.4271/740979.