paging c4c5specialist

[BoeingMan]

Hi, I always enjoy reading your posts.

In one of them you were advising that all of us demand that the techinician working on our vettes at the local dealer be "certified" to work on vettes.
I didn't know one could demand this at the dealer. Does every/most dealers have "Corvette certified technicians"?

Does a "certified corvette technician" come in different flavors? C1, C2...C5 or C6 certified or does the Corvette certification, asuming it exists, cover all models. Moreover are there corvette engine only or corvette trani only certification.

Please explain.

Can anyone else chime in case c4c5specialists does not see this thread?
Thanks in advance
Matt

 

[Patrick]

Boeingman,
Hang in there- C4C5Specialist usually chimes in the morning, and including his name in the screen title is an excellent way of ensuring he will see it.

As the French say, "avoir patience, mon ami." C4C5 will be here soon...


-Patrick

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,

There are many ways that GM trains service technicians. Training is very key in my opinion to the satisfaction of the Corvette owners when they have their cars in for service.
"Corvette certified" is a loose term these days, because there is NOT a requirement of each dealership to have one person who has all the Corvette training. GM only requires that the dealership as a whole has the training taken and passed.
For instance, for ZO6 in the 2006 model year, there are 3 mechanical repair courses and 4 body repair courses in order to able to service ZO6 per GM guidelines.
Back in the ZR1 days, there were certifications for ZR1 and the techs that could work on them HAD to have the training.
As for a Corvette specialist label, unfortunately, I cannot comment on the older c3, c2, c1 because that was a bit before my time.
I can give you my particular achievements and you can make your own judgement.
I have been serving Chevrolet since Aug 25.1997. In that time, I have taken many courses, in every different systems of our cars in general.
Around 170 courses to this date, from current emerging repair concerns which tell us about problems with current vehicle models, to in depth training on specific engine and transmissions. In those courses, some are Corvette specific, like the Generation 3 engine mechanical course, which was out in 1997 for the c5 Corvette. Others are not, like a course involving Onstar, which is now a part of c6.

So, with that in mind, here is what I recommend to those who are worried about service with their car. Talk to the actual technician who will be working on your car. Get to know them, develop a personal relationship, and work with them. If you have not found a dealership with a Corvette technician, ask the service department, 'do you have a tech that specializes in Corvette??
Are the dealership technicians certified by GM, as well as ASE certified????
There is so much constant training given by GM, that it is an ongoing effort to stay trained on the latest vehicles and systems.
Those who are serious about their career, and customer satisfaction, will continue to do just that.

Allthebest, c4c5

 

[gredmer]

My local dealer refuses to allow anyone but their Corvette guy touch your vette. Even for a flat tire.

 

[BoeingMan]

Thanks for all the info and I will take your advise.

Also, thanks for taking care of us here at CAC.

Matt

 

[jrose7004]

My dealer suggested that I take the Corvette elsewhere as they really don't know much about them!

 

[yellow_2002_germany]

My dealer suggested that I take the Corvette elsewhere as they really don't know much about them!

Wow! At least they didn't try to pull the wool, or the fiberglass, over your eyes!

 

[c4c5specialist]

My local dealer refuses to allow anyone but their Corvette guy touch your vette. Even for a flat tire.

That is a very good thing. It is a shame more dealerships do not do this.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[rwpeders]

St. Louis

My local dealer refuses to allow anyone but their Corvette guy touch your vette. Even for a flat tire.

ELCO Chevrolet has a Corvette Specialist who is very experienced and does most of the Corvette work - all years. I think they let others do simple things like oil and filter changes, but he does the mechanical work.

He's the one that put new pistons in my engine last month. The car runs great, no leaks, and no more piston slap. Considering everything that had to be disassembled to get the engine out and new pistons in, there were plenty of opportunities for problems. They did a great job.