Avanti MFG!

[mfg]

What happened at the Molded Fiberglass Company in October/November 1962 which was detrimental to the production of the Studebaker Avanti fiberglass bodies?

[Gunslinger]

No body assembly jigs.  

[studegary]

It was discovered that they could make the parts but could not assemble bodies in sufficient quantities.  A second assembly line was started in South Bend in December 1962.  

[mfg]

12 hours ago, Gunslinger said:

No body assembly jigs.  

Certainly part of the problem....but not the main issue!

[mfg]

11 hours ago, studegary said:

It was discovered that they could make the parts but could not assemble bodies in sufficient quantities.  A second assembly line was started in South Bend in December 1962.  

Again, this was a big part of the problem, however, not the main issue!

[studegary]

MFG was busy making Corvette parts for the new 1963 models that were big sellers, particularly the coupe (split window).  This tied in with my previous reply.

[mfg]

1 hour ago, studegary said:

MFG was busy making Corvette parts for the new 1963 models that were big sellers, particularly the coupe (split window).  This tied in with my previous reply.

This is true....but not the real answer here.

[Gunslinger]

I'm guessing either paint issues as their contract with Studebaker specified complete and painted bodies or maybe a strike.

[mfg]

23 hours ago, Gunslinger said:

I'm guessing either paint issues as their contract with Studebaker specified complete and painted bodies or maybe a strike.

Gunslinger nailed it!......Apparently there was a strike at MFG during those months which REALLY upset the folks at Studebaker......especially when it was leaked that although Avanti body production had stopped, Chevrolet Corvette bodies were still being assembled and shipped!