tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post5561368022458751622..comments2024-03-28T16:02:39.851-07:00Comments on Flint Expatriates: Chevy in the HoleFlint Expatriateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352270564340149006noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post-5453568651170929982022-01-09T19:11:54.325-08:002022-01-09T19:11:54.325-08:00My grandfather worked in Plant 4 as a pipe fitter ...My grandfather worked in Plant 4 as a pipe fitter 60 hours a week until he retired in the 60s. He had a Model T when he started and back to back it up the Chevrolet hill to Glendale when it was icy to gear down.<br /><br />Always loved the Chevrolet sign.<br /><br />My company built a lot of stamping automation equipmentfor 2A. The M Van Doors, Rad Supports, Exhaust, SMC, etc. Had a couple great customers there. GOPHERIT10https://www.blogger.com/profile/14907588806250083812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post-9189783275196035542020-10-31T18:15:33.488-07:002020-10-31T18:15:33.488-07:00I have an original Chevrolet Flint Manufacturing j...I have an original Chevrolet Flint Manufacturing jacket, it has a patch wuth the L6 / V8 embroidered on it. It has been setting in the closet for over 50 years. I tried to upload a picture but it wouldn't take. It brings back a ton of memories of the nearly 10 years I spent there as a GMI student, engineer and supervisor. It was quite an experience that I still reflect on today.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10437455556305175677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post-9197367497919202972020-10-27T11:07:15.935-07:002020-10-27T11:07:15.935-07:00I hired in to plant 6 on 7/7/77. I remember us ne...I hired in to plant 6 on 7/7/77. I remember us new hires sitting in the upstairs conference room for what seemed to be hours. Then we met the General Foreman Jack Hunt. A real gruff, grouchy guy that had to instill in us that he was the boss and we better not forget it. The saying that will always remember him telling us was "You only hurt for a minute!"<br /> The thing I would really like to find out about Chevy in the hole is a plot diagram. I like model railroading and I would like to model the plant in N scale. I don't know if I will ever be able to accomplish this but I can dream. It is hard for me to do research because I live in Florida. Any help would be appreciated.David J Shaynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post-39381652686414811642019-06-21T07:28:36.345-07:002019-06-21T07:28:36.345-07:00I worked in plants 4-5 between 1976 and 1980. Here...I worked in plants 4-5 between 1976 and 1980. Here are some of my memories:<br /><br />- Plant 5 engine line - oil in the air, on the floor, on your clothes, in your nose. The wooden floor absorbed spills, but if they were too big a janitor would bring by a bucket of metal shavings throw it down, and shovel it up. <br /><br />- Calling in your order to the bar on the top of the hill for a hamburger before the 11:36am lunch break, rushing up to the bar to drink 2 boilermakers, back on the job by 12:06, then eating your burger on the line.<br /><br />- Stacking up hundreds of V-8 engine blocks because the next line was down (or they were defective) so the foreman from your line could still get his numbers for the shift.<br /><br />- Breaking thousands of new spark plugs with a hammer so they could be written off as scrap. They had paint on them. <br /><br />- Sharing jobs. 2 people would take half-hour turns doing 2 jobs so one of them could read, visit, eat, etc. As long as the jobs were done, most foremen would look the other way.<br /><br />- Boxes of bulk salt pills hung next to the time clock on hot days. <br /><br />- Tonk, a fast card game I never understood, but watched more than one man loose their paycheck playing on Friday.<br /><br />- People with college degrees on the line because the benefits were good for a family.<br /><br />- People who couldn't read or write working along side them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post-34245742933236168792019-03-02T03:16:19.473-08:002019-03-02T03:16:19.473-08:00I inherited a belt buckle from my grandfather. He ...I inherited a belt buckle from my grandfather. He worked at the Metal Fab. shop in Flint basically his entire life. I've tried to research the buckle, but haven't been able to find a single thing about it! Has a "bowtie" in the middle with "1954 Chevrolet 1979" inside the bowtie. It says "Metal Fabricating" along the top of the buckle, & "Flint Michigan" along the bottom. Anyone familiar with one?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post-77250767634483631762018-06-06T21:29:16.360-07:002018-06-06T21:29:16.360-07:00I grew up in that neighborhood and it is not compl...I grew up in that neighborhood and it is not complicated. As you went down Chevrolet Ave South past 3rd Ave you went down a steep hill and under the Chevy sign over the river and up a steep hill. Hence Chevy in the hole. I agree this is the low point topographically but it was called chevy in the hole because of what I said. I hate how people over think analysis stuff. I worked at Pete's pub where many people drank there lunch. Lol and I've never heard any other explaination. Lived my whole life there.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post-44880817613231889662017-11-10T04:50:10.150-08:002017-11-10T04:50:10.150-08:00I worked two summers in Buick Stationery Departmen...I worked two summers in Buick Stationery Department, thanks to my grandfather having been Comptroller of Buick. I then got a job for one semester at factory 5, making pinion gears for transmissions. That, too, was a great job. I worked for 4 weeks making pistons at Chevrolet, one of the worst jobs I ever had, but it paid well.Ken Sayershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05789744569726954867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post-18009178405452676582017-11-10T04:45:38.406-08:002017-11-10T04:45:38.406-08:00I worked at Chevy, one summer, for 4 weeks. I had...I worked at Chevy, one summer, for 4 weeks. I had an Ann Arbor Air Fare charter flight to Europe for 2 months. I had 2 month Eurail pass, but I had no spending money. I got out of school on Friday. I started at Chevrolet, grinding pistons on a lathe, on Monday. I worked 2 weeks and gave 2 weeks notice. I quit 4 weeks to the day and left for Europe the net day with $1,000 in my pocket, back in July, 1967.<br />Ken Sayershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05789744569726954867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post-54997196479491839502016-05-28T14:28:03.637-07:002016-05-28T14:28:03.637-07:00I believe it was the IMA that had the contract to ...I believe it was the IMA that had the contract to run the cafeteria.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16320834293792769365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post-82550556972876577152016-04-09T10:40:15.724-07:002016-04-09T10:40:15.724-07:00I saw one post about the Happy Hour Bar. That brin...I saw one post about the Happy Hour Bar. That brings back memories from when I went to GMI. Does anyone have a picture of that bar? GMTE Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13031373533609551552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post-30379547507117714222015-08-10T21:11:43.366-07:002015-08-10T21:11:43.366-07:00Sorry I didn't see your question until tonite....Sorry I didn't see your question until tonite. I didn't know him-I was just there for the summer-Good luck-JOHNAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15777334890048633436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post-62002279532251628872015-05-12T17:51:40.033-07:002015-05-12T17:51:40.033-07:00Hi...My name is Corey Lawson and I am doing resear...Hi...My name is Corey Lawson and I am doing research with the Heritage center for<br />the www.pilotcarregistry.com website. I am looking for anyone who can shed light on the F car ride and drives or pre-production history that took place at "chevy-in-the-hole" during the months of June, July and August of 1966. Because the authenticity of the research has to be documented, it will be necessary for us to be contacted at www.pilotcarregistry.com. Simply look at the site and contact us. ThanksAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post-52744449162840851822015-05-08T08:37:28.771-07:002015-05-08T08:37:28.771-07:00Penmanship was not Mr. Vahala's forte. I have ...Penmanship was not Mr. Vahala's forte. I have a recommendation letter to prove it. I used to get bad grades in penmanship and it brought down my Grade School GPA until they went to S/U. I think it's an Engineering thing. That's why rulers and French curves were invented.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post-63277503109972639262015-04-28T11:41:09.048-07:002015-04-28T11:41:09.048-07:00I worked closely with Ernie Vahala. He used to as...I worked closely with Ernie Vahala. He used to ask me to check over his written word since his hand writing was not very good. He was a great guy and very smart.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12235319618276544977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post-80578943323915582642015-04-05T16:49:05.110-07:002015-04-05T16:49:05.110-07:00I agree with your comments, well stated. As a stu...I agree with your comments, well stated. As a student, I worked at Chevrolet Flint from 1966 to 1975 and worked in many different departments. It was a time when there were few robots and manual labor did most of the work.; no different from other industries like mining, steel, textiles, railroads, etc. that employed millions in this country. These jobs allowed people at chance to own a home, raise a family, have medical coverage, put food on the table, and enjoy living a good life. Sure it was demanding and physical work, but with such rewards.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post-84334943953781626572015-03-28T18:57:07.315-07:002015-03-28T18:57:07.315-07:00Hey, Hi, I was there too. My name is mark and I ...Hey, Hi, I was there too. My name is mark and I started at plant 4 in 1978 working for Tim Kennedy on the engine assy line hanging exhaust manifolds and wound up in 79 working in 6 on the header panel presses and also at the van hood machines. I recall the smell so vividly.<br />My dad was a foreman all over the place for years. Wendell Thulen. Thanks for the memories. <br />Mark ThulenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post-10329506432355809602015-03-25T10:22:30.596-07:002015-03-25T10:22:30.596-07:00I served an apprenticeship at Chevy in the hole 19...I served an apprenticeship at Chevy in the hole 1965-1970. First, why all the bewilderment of why it was called Chevy in the hole? It was down in a low spot by the river---period! That complex provided good jobs for a lot of people over the years, some of whom could not have made that good a living anywhere else. To those who complain what a hellhole it was, you could have quit and gone elsewhere to work, it was not Russia. We could certainly use some places like that about now and I don't think you would find too many complaints. I'm sorry these plants are history. most likely never to return.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post-16690660142669116412014-11-13T17:41:16.705-08:002014-11-13T17:41:16.705-08:00I remember Bozo's Bop Top and I was an expert ...I remember Bozo's Bop Top and I was an expert Hula Hooper but too afraid to enter the show's contest. On the way out the door they gave us a loaf of Wonder Bread.<br />The Expo's that came to town every year and the Creepy Side Show's where we always wanted to see the baby in the glass jar. My Dad & Uncle would buy those expensive hats at Blackstone's. Thought one would make a good Christmas Gift but came right back out due to the costly price!<br />Jazz bands at The River Front. Margaritas at Walli's on Pierson Rd for Saturday Night Happy Hour from 12p-2a. Hearing noise above our heads and looking up into the blue sky to see a slow-moving "Dirigible". Sheer Excitement!! The Beecher area flood of 1985 from the rain downpour during the night due to the backed up sewage drains. People being rescued by boat and my Uncle rescuing us with his F-150, the water even with the hood. The next day children were swimming in the streets. What Memories!! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post-33597767488908495952014-07-29T13:27:45.979-07:002014-07-29T13:27:45.979-07:00Hi John, did you by chance know a Robert Sutherlan...Hi John, did you by chance know a Robert Sutherland at that time working there also....need to find him and not having much luck. I know he worked somewhere around these plants. lived in Niles and had a relationship with Jeanane Wilson.......any info would be helpful!!!<br />Thank you<br />L. RussellAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post-72449969621781422502014-07-29T13:25:32.425-07:002014-07-29T13:25:32.425-07:00Hi Anonymous and anyone else out there that worked...Hi Anonymous and anyone else out there that worked at one of these plants in 1971....I know it has been a while since this post but I am hoping you might be able to help me. I am looking for a Robert Sutherland that was in Niles, Michigan in 1971, he worked in some capacity at the Flint plant, might be in his mid to late 60's now. Any info would be greatly appreciated !!! <br />Thank you<br />L. RussellAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post-89821126337076623292014-04-01T16:58:52.340-07:002014-04-01T16:58:52.340-07:00You're right-Ground zero for a Russian nuke wa...You're right-Ground zero for a Russian nuke was located at Chevrolet and Bluff according to Michael Moore.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15777334890048633436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post-66746094927514545342014-04-01T16:57:02.621-07:002014-04-01T16:57:02.621-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15777334890048633436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post-56285979899269851892014-04-01T16:47:13.296-07:002014-04-01T16:47:13.296-07:00Kirk worked for my dad who was a foreman in plant...Kirk worked for my dad who was a foreman in plant 5 for many years.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15777334890048633436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post-31843951472763692332014-04-01T16:44:50.965-07:002014-04-01T16:44:50.965-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15777334890048633436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post-2903154246328306592014-04-01T16:43:58.980-07:002014-04-01T16:43:58.980-07:00Plant 3 was a parts plant when I started working t...Plant 3 was a parts plant when I started working there in 1971.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15777334890048633436noreply@blogger.com