Gear Jammer

So I need to replace my automatic transmission shifter on my 91. Turns out, I have to remove the entire console (and most of the interior) to get the shifter out! Why? Because the console frame blocks the right-front shifter bolt (theres four bolts securing the shifter to the trans tunnel)...

Questions:
1. Why four bolts? Theres just the one bolt in there now (the one I cant remove) and the shifter still doesnt move around much

2. If fours bolts are really required, then, why not move the RF bolt inwards a 1/2 inch to clear the console frame?? Or move it aft ?

3. Or, incorporate a cutout in the console frame to allow access to the RF bolt.


Its crap like this that makes me sick of this car and GM in general. I know theres 1000s of other similar situations. Do these designers ever take maintenance and assembly into consideration? What are these morons thinking, if they're even thinking at all?


the offending bolt; my bane:
[IMG][IMG]

Joe C

- this is IMHO, but i think you should sell the car if you are that dissatisfied!

- having spent 30 years as a design engineer, i've heard that comment more than once - mostly from people that couldn't design their way out of a paper bag. i'm sure that's not the case here though...

joe paco

give him a break, joe c. as a designer, I am sure you found many many designs over the years that needed improving. the Corvette is riddled with them, and I still like it.

for starters, three points -bolts- define a plane. to say that the one bolt even has to be there, on an automatic, is a stretch, you agree? ever wonder why they didn't radius the edges of the L98 btm runners so they can be more easily removed?

at GE, after some philosophy changes at higher level, we'd send the new design out to the factory to get opinions, rather than the "throw it over the wall" attitude that prevailed unquestioned for 25 years. we got a lot of complaining from the assembly workers, also got a LOT of new ides that we had not thought of. Especially from repairmen and service techs.

your point is valid, but his is, too.

joe

oldalaskaman

why dont you take a dremel and trim the plastic

SQUIRMIN VERMIN 84

Nice!

Flame Red

Many times I have cursed the GM engineers, and thought how I would like to see them drawn and quartered - hung then shot and then burned at the stake. The part #1 (heater core) proves my point.

PLRX

I thought this thread title was about the Opti Spark. This is my opinion; besides the opti, everything else is gravy.

Compare the removal of the Opti and anything else. Heck I think it is easier to remove the differential/pumpkin.

I can remove that console in 10 minutes.

Joe C

i thought i was giving him a break - i just said that if he was dissatisfied, he should sell the car, and i never used the term "MORON."

go back, read my reply...

i have found many areas on the c4 where i felt i could have, and in some instances', did improve the design, through restoration or maintenance. as someone said, get out the dremel tool. i just thought the "moron" phrase was out of line. GIVE ME A BREAK!!!

socalman

Blame it on Henry.

History Channel: Modern Factories: Camaro, Porsche, Corvette, Challenger..etc.

They all build them the same way and have since Henry developed the assembly line.

The chassis with motor/trans/rear end is built seperatly and the body is set/bolted on top, the dash board is built (complete) seperatly and then shoved/bolted against the firewall. If you ever watch the show, you'll know why we can't get to half the bolts.

Henry should have his *** kicked!

kimmer

There's nothing to it.

joe paco

see? I knew you would improve it. same here.

dremel tool? that be for sissies, joe c. Me? I prefer the trusty wood chisel and hammer!
it's hidden anyway. he did say "morons," which is not as inflammatory as MORON!.

anyway, too late to complain now. if everyone who ever cussed the designers sold the car, we'd have no forum.

I have a LONG list, but would only sell to get another.

saludos, joe

dclafleur

I think the general assumption on that one is that the car would be scrapped long before the automatic shift handle needed replacing.

I don't think any of the car manufacturers are particularly concerned that the people who buy their cars new are going to have maintenance problems 20 years down the line.

BigDR

Repzard

Yes , The damn engineer that decided it was a good idea to put a water pump over a main unit that controls spark

The Optispark is my biggest rant on GM designers..Stuuuuupid !!!!

I think they did that to put $$$$$ in their pockets at GM

socalman

1968 VW Bus has a rubber linkage bushing in the center of the bus. You can't get to the 3 bolts to remove unless you

A.) Pull the motor/transaxle
B.) cut a hole in the floor

I opted for B

1963SS

Engineers suck......uh, present members of this forum excluded. It's a shame that GM tries to cut every corner on their flagship. Why, oh why, does the outer window seal on the door dry up and crack on my 1995 Vette. My 1989 Silverado has perfect weatherstrip. It bends and doesn't break and it's 6 years older.

Just one example, whew, let's not go there.

PLRX

Like lawyers, doctors, etc there are pros and mediocre. Remember one thing, an A in school or college doesnt make you a great engineer.

ps374

I think when the enginers build cars they dont expect things like heater cores or other hard to locate items to wear out for five years or more. Most owners by that time have sold the car. The warranty is usually expired so GM is off the hook. The second or third slob will have to deal with the high repair bills or the cut up hands. By that time the first owner is in a new Corvette or other GM product. Its worked to GM for decades. I know because I am that third or fourth slob.

Kmcoldcars

Unfortunately, Henry Ford DID NOT invent the assembly line. He was merely the first car maunfacturer to adapt it to the making of automobiles. The assembly line had been around for about 50 years before Ford started using it.
I bought my first Model T in 1962 and have had quite a few of them since. I have also learned a bit of Ford history in that time.
Now, socalman, wash your mouth out with soap for defaming the great HENRY FORD. Or we can kick yours!!!!

socalman

Symantics. He used the assembly line for cars..same thing. Was a joke anyway, but what is true is the way they build cars is not necessarily designed to let you get to it later.

Want to talk about bad engineers, lawyers and doctors? Next time you are sitting at your Doctors office waiting room staring at his Diploma, ask him to see his report card. 80% will get you a 'B'. I wonder if I have the problem in the 20% he didn't understand.........