A C8 Corvette was badly damaged after it fell off a lift while in a dealership service bay.
Florida-based Chevrolet fan Jake Anthony recently took delivery of his C8 Corvette and was enjoying the car as it was meant to be enjoyed. Things went awry when he took the car in for service, however, with the vehicle falling off the lift while it was hoisted in the air, leading to significant damage.
Anthony shared a photo of the resulting damage on his Instagram page over the weekend, saying he did “did not want this to to be shared publicly,” until after the dealer had the opportunity to correct their (very major) mistake, but some service center employees began circulating photos of his car without his consent, so he felt the need to speak up. In the post, he advised other C8 Corvette owners to “please ensure your dealer is aware,” of the proper lifting points underneath the vehicle, also sharing a diagram showing the proper and improper places to hoist the vehicle from. It seems the employees at the dealership in question weren’t familiar with said diagram.
In the comments of his Instagram post, Anthony explains that he has “spoken with executives,” from GM over this matter, so it seems the automaker is working to correct the situation. He also indicated that he’s “not interested in a new base model,” ‘Vette and is now “waiting for the Z06,” if he is going to take delivery of a C8 Corvette again. It’s unclear when the C8 Corvette Z06 will arrive, but it is expected that it will feature a DOHC 5.5L flat-plane crank V8 engine that will be closely related to the 5.5L engine found in the new Corvette C8.R race car.
Let’s just hope that by the time Anthony takes delivery of his Corvette Z06, his dealership has figured out how to properly put the C8 Corvette on a hoist.
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Comments
I remember when the Fiero was out a few dealers lost the cars off the lift when the dropped out the engines from the bottom. They would flip forward and on the roof if there was no weight added to the rear to balance the car.
I can see that happening with the C8 too if they are not balanced properly.
All dealers are not created equal….salespersons not sure what their selling and service departments not worth their ASE certification.
This is exactly why I hesitate to take my cars to the dealerships…many of the people at the dealerships are not trained to properly do the repairs on the cars and are paid low wages compared to what the dealers charge. The dealers are charging $100 to $165 per hour for labor then add on disposal fees and any other garbage they can think of. This isn’t just GM dealers, my Mercedes dealer is so bad that I haven’t been near there for 4 years…amazingly my car is running fine. The last time I had to take my 2015 Corvette into the dealer they charged me $700+ to fix the screen on the dash…they said it was a major job that would take a couple of days; amazingly the repair was completed in a couple of hours but I still had to pay the $700+ repair and they put a scratch on my windshield. I don’t know where I’m going to have my 2020 service when it come but it won’t be at the dealership.
So where would you take it then? Jim’s Auto Service? I’m sure Jim is a great guy, but how many Corvette’s would he see? Don’t just paint all dealerships bad because they have a few morons in the hundred or so people employed there.
Maybe Jim is a man who knows his own ignorance and is willing to open a manual, or pull up the pertinent information from an on-line source and LEARN something.
Ray, You are 100% correct. Most dealer service reps, are just out of trade school. They hire anybody with a roll-a-way tool box. The “Factory Training”, is non existent. It’s all a scam. Took my Brand new 1969 Chevelle SS back to dealer for adjustment. Big mistake. Was worse off than before. Took it to a local gear head, and he made it all right. Since then, I have learned to wrench on my own stuff. Cheaper, and you know the jobs done right. Just sayin’
1969 Chevelle! Really? Any moron could work on a 1969 vehicle. Let me know how you make out with a vehicle with an ECM. Just sayin’
Listen butt head. That’s when I learned to wrench. Been wrenching since then. I can turn a wrench on ANY new ride. Maybe one should think a little before slamming a fellow Chevy Lover. I’ve had NOTHING but Chevy’s since 1967. Can you say that? Just sayin’
Pete. Being able to turn a wrench on a car and actually being able to work on today’s cars needs some clarification. Have you been an automobile mechanic/technician for your entire life and attended constant continuing educational classes? Don’t bother answering that because we can figure out the answer to it pretty easily. Trying to work on all makes and all models, and every possible system is probably not impossible, but it darn sure isn’t practical. There is just too much to have to learn and special tools are way too expensive to get a return on the investment in dollars and time. As a shop owner, independent technician that could work on everything for a while the 70’s, 80’s, the 90’s made it very apparent that even then it demanded way too much time for study and training so some vehicles and some systems had to be left to others who wanted to concentrate on them. For me that primarily meant European manufacturers. It’s not that I couldn’t work on them and in fact on rare occasions through the years I did bring some into the shop, but the time they demanded because all of the necessary training had to be acquired right then and there made earning a living doing it very difficult. In a number of the cases even then we had to stop because of a tooling or software issue that was just too expensive to justify buying to fix one car. Keep in mind again that was the 90’s and I had been wrenching for more than twenty years at that time.
The 2000’s were worse, and the 2010’s worse yet.
Now in 2020 we have cars that have multiband radar, lidar, ultrasonic sensors and the ability to use multiple cameras and video processing in order for the vehicle to make the driver more aware of a concern and even take over the driving responsibilities. These systems only work if all of the collaborative systems are working correctly and the communication between all of the modules is present. Today’s technicians have to be able to handle all of that and they still have to be the mechanic that does brakes and all of the normal repairs too. It is so much to learn for just one manufacturer that top technicians have to study every week on top of working and attending training and they are better off specializing in specific systems as well as being a general mechanic/technician.
So what this all means is yes, lot’s of people have the natural talent to be an automobile technician and can do the easiest stuff with that natural skill and a service manual. Today’s technicians have to add training, knowledge, skills and tooling that is way more engineering than it is anything else and they deserve to be regarded as the professionals that they are. But yes they are still people and people do make mistakes once in a while. Sometimes costly and embarrassing mistakes, but that doesn’t reflect their entire career of work.
John, I didn’t know I had to answer to you. But, I’ve been wrenching since 1970. I had my own 4X4, Offroad Center, until I retired in 2013. Was doing so, right along with Dick Cepek. As technology changed, so did I. That’s about all I think I owe you. Later
No you don’t have to answer to anyone, that wasn’t the point. A 4×4 off road center would have been a lot of fun (along with its own set of challenges and hard work) and that follows nicely with the need to specialize today. You should see the tools that we are all learning how to use for vibration diagnostics now. In fact GM dealers added PICOscope to their essential tools list not for the electronics side but for the accelerometers. It really goes a long way towards helping technicians that haven’t had the years of experience to learn the seat of the pants feel yet improve their skills.
Pete knows well about this. I might add that the latest I’ve seen in dealers is the service writer hard sell on unneeded maintenance AKA a wallet cleaning. Their favorite is “You need 4 wheel alignment That’s $180”. You ask why. They say your tires are wearing unevenly. You say show me. They say “it says right here on the technicians report”. You say my tires are wearing even. He says no, it says right here and you are unsafe. So they sell you on something that has no worn or broken parts as proof and it’s an easy $180 + the usual bogus fees.
Business as usual for Dealerships. The Chevy SS sedan had similar issues with the dealers being lazy and not reviewing the delivery inspection steps. They would lift the car on the pinch welds and damage them (like they did on my car). Most SS owners also found the front spring shipping blocks left in. Last time I went to the dealer I watched their Sr Corvette tech drop the clutch in my car and stall it three times trying to get out of the drop-off area. I just walked out to my car, opened the door and said “Get out”… then drove home.
The lies and layers of BS in the service bay are equal to or greater than the sales floor.
Absolutely embarrassing that the DEALER’S service center would screw up this bad. I’d be climbing the walls if I was the car’s owner I hope he’s properly taken care of.
If it looks like a lift, acts like a lift point than it’s a lift point…. til it isn’t. GM needs to make it extremely clear for any dummy to lift the car safely.
Many dealers get only a few Corvette allocations and those dealers service departments are not as experienced as the dealers with several allocations. When you shop for a new Corvette, do your homework and select a dealership with several allocations.
I was irritated when the same dealer (smack my head) delivered a black WS6 then a black Firehawk in ’01 and ’02, respectively, with swirl marks in the paint. The second time was 50% on me because I did specify no hand rubbing of the paint but then I didn’t stand over them like an ogre to insure it was done right. Silly me. I had, by July of 2002, developed a process using Zymol that effectively removed swirl marks from black paint/clearcoat and gave that black paint what I perceived as a diamond hard finish. I haven’t purchased another car, truck or SUV from that dealer over the past eighteen years.
I was a Chevy salesman years ago. I was also a very successful Corvette salesman, because I knew everything that was humanly possible about the Corvette back in 1974. I also made it my business to know each of the service techs. Every one of them is different in their talent and ability. Out of the 15 techs in our service department, there was 1 outstanding Corvette tech and 1 heavy line (engine and trans replacement) tech that I trusted completely. I made certain that when a Corvette sale was made, that I took the client back into the service department to meet my Corvette tech. He wasn’t polished or proper, but he knew everything about the proper way to service a Vette. I made certain my clients understood those facts before we ventured out into the service department. If the customer needed any service they contacted me first, and I went back into service and talked to my Corvette tech about his recommendation and when he could fit the client into his increasingly busy schedule. He was busy because I sold a lot of Corvettes and he was able to work on Corvettes all day. We had a good relationship, and every Corvette was serviced to levels that exceeded everyone’s expectations. After leaving the car business, I have told every Corvette owner to talk to other Corvette owners about where to take their cars and who in particular they should ask (demand?) work on their Corvette. Our current Corvette is our 12th, and when we move to a new part of the country, I ask people in the local Corvette club where they take their cars, and who I should ask for. I will then go to that dealership and ask the service advisor or manager if I can take a few minutes and talk (interview?) to their Corvette tech that others have recommended. So far., this has worked out very well, and I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the finest GM techs that really know their stuff and love the Corvette. Take the time to find those great techs, and you will never have issues like those that are pointed out in the article.
Many years ago I worked a Chevrolet Dealership that specialized in Corvettes , they had two technicians that mostly worked on Corvettes and a third tech that worked on the suspensions . They even had several Vette race cars that were highly competitive in road racing at major tracks . So you need to do research for that kind of dealership.
C8.R alludes to it, but one immediately obvious cause of the slip was likely not just using incorrect lift points, but also the orientation of the C8 to the lift. The lift arms are asymmetrical with the engine to be positioned on the short arms of the lift to align the vehicle’s center of gravity with the hoist. It is clear that the car was driven into the lift bay front-wards, putting the center of gravity over the long arms of the the lift and away from the hoist – increasing the horizontal pressure on the lift points. I would think the C8 should have been backed into the lift bay with the mid-engine position of the C8.
He did not need to back in, he could have lifted it just fine if he used the correct lifting points. Also he could move the car forward or back to balance the weight correctly.
I am a 20yr A.S.E. Master Technician. Some of you commenting here are correct that certifications don’t amount to much without the experience and hands on knowledge. But let’s get a few things straight. The chances of having a crappy tech are lowered significantly when a tech has that patch on their sleeve. Next, Corvette owners are some of the biggest prima donnas in the motoring universe. There is nothing special about your car. Is it a cool car? Can be. But for every cool Corvette out there, there are 5 POS’s that the doting “parent” is deluding themselves over. It is nothing more than another car. You are right that some techs are going to know more than others, but the good ones don’t see the nameplate, and don’ give 2 extra spits that its a ‘Vette.
If a tech is not committed to doing a good or great job servicing Corvettes and doesn’t “give a spit” about them, he will never touch my Corvette. I have seen guys with this attitude, and yes Corvette owners can be very picky and at times real classless prima donas. However, those techs that lump the Corvette into a group of just another Chevy aren’t being realistic. There isn’t another Chevy or GM, Ford, Chrysler, Ferrari, Audi that can accelerate faster than a ZR-1 or Z-06 Corvette. These are special cars, and very valuable vehicles that the owner has worked very hard to attain. Yet under that exotic body it is just a Chevy that can be serviced just about anywhere. To many owners, the Corvette is a goal and something they worked years to own. In many cases the Corvette represents far more than 4 wheels and a plastic body. Techs that refuse to respect that should just work on other Chevrolet models- we don’t want or need you to work on our Corvettes. That is why we seek out the top Corvette Techs so we can avoid indifference. It is also a losing proposition for a tech to be careless around a customer’s Corvette. In the eyes of your dealer principal, the customer is always correct. They want to sell that client many more cars and Corvettes. Scratching paint, soiling leather interiors and carpet, bending aluminum wheels, over torquing wheel lug nuts, or driving a customer’s Corvette irresponsibly will just get a tech terminated while leaving the dealer with the responsibility to repair all the damage- a lose lose situation for everyone.
To a true professional, your mid-life crisis is no more worthy of special treatment than my long time customer driving a ’96 Protege. In fact, the owner of that car truly NEEDS and receives my upmost care and courtesy, which is exactly what she gets. She doesnt hassle me. She doesnt second guess me. She knows I will NEVER take advantage of her. So again, I dont care one lick that your car is a Corvette or a ’96 Protege. You illustrate my point succinctly.
THANK YOU FOR THAT. I went through some pretty hard times, and it was an understanding mechanic that kept my decrepit Mercury going for that extra few months it took me to get back on my feet.
Over my considerable years, I have found that, in general, the over-picky drama queen waving his arms and screaming over his precious Porsche, Mercedes… or Corvette, came from an easy background. No after-school jobs; mom and dad provided everything, or at least most of it; went from college right into some high-paid job. In short, they never got their hands dirty.
The ones who worked 80 or more hours a week and built up their success from nothing are generally the ones who have patience and understanding.
You claim to be a true professional, but blather about typical stereotypes such as Corvette owners are mid-life crisis buyers, or ‘Prima Donnas’. I see all types of people come to my shop, but I don’t judge them.
Since I own a lifted Duramax and a newer Corvette, I must be compensating for something in your world, right? The fast cars from the 80’s, 70’s, and 60’s that I own are because of some mid-life crisis instead of the fact that I have worked hard my entire life to get to where I am today and enjoy buying, selling, or restoring older vehicles?
When people bring vehicles to my shop for repairs or modifications, I simply take their money and await the next one. You seem like a judgemental tool that probably can’t afford a newer Corvette or a real muscle car from back in the day.
You illustrate my point succinctly.
A dealership no longer has mechanics or technicians. They are parts replacers. What they know about machinery would fit loosely in a thimble. Quality shops exist, you just need to find them
Dan, You are so right. One can find that not only dealerships, but many fly by nite shops, are just that. Parts changers. They really don’t know how to diagnose real life issues. Just keep replacing stuff,(at our cost, of course) until something works, maybe! One can find this not only in wrenching, but at the Dr. office and especially your local veterinarian too. It can cost a small fortune to both get your vehicle and your beloved family pet taken care of. And you will be lucky, if the problem is ever found and fixed. Just sayin’
I know a lot of great technicians both in the dealer world as well as in the aftermarket who use advanced tools and techniques for diagnostics that would make an engineer’s head spin. These men and women often learn these skills on their own time and buy the tools to use them on their own dime because that’s how committed to their career they are. Follow this link to the PICOSCOPE website and read a little about just what it takes to master diagnostics on today’s cars. https://www.picoauto.com/ Now, yes it is true that there needs to be more techs walking this path, but that’s not going to happen unless there are real career rewards for the ones that do.
I agree, Dan. I had a neighbor kid that liked working on his own car. He tried to replace the timing chain tensioner on his 04 Cavalier because it was making noise (plenty of issues with this tensioner on these Ecotec engines). He thought it was plug and play after reading from some forum, and ended up bending his exhaust valves. They took it to the ‘Stealer’ and were quoted $6k for a new engine, or a used one for $3k. The car only had 65k miles on it, and the ‘stealer’ didn’t bother to offer to pull the head after what he told them he had done. Fixing the problem is much easier than replacing the entire engine. SMH
I ended pulling the head off for them and replaced the 8 valves he bent. I only charged them $100 labor on top of the new valves, gasket kit, and fluids. I felt bad because he was young and in tears. He was a good kid, worked, and wanted to learn. He got to learn as I allowed him to help me fix his problem. This was years ago.
Point is, they just seem to want to replace everything without actually looking at the problem.
A service technician’s job today is one of the most challenging careers that anyone can strive to master. It takes fifteen to twenty years to really get enough experience to be good at it and yet there will always be something that you have never seen before even when you have been at for more than forty years. The need to study and learn new routines and systems never ends for automobile service technicians. No doubt the tech made a mistake, it’s pretty easy to sit back and judge that from the aftermath but I wonder how many people would make the same judgmental error if given the chance before they saw this end result. Earlier (other) Corvettes use the points that are marked “don’t lift here” in the instruction photo above for the C8 and I could see some complacency come into play after someone has used the regular points numerous times on Corvettes. Personally I don’t like the lift points on the regular ones because just eyeing it up the arms are too close to the balance point in my opinion on them. But they work in spite of my concerns and techs just have to get used to using them. So you have a situation that causes a heightened concern, but through regular use that concern is diminished. Now along comes a Corvette that is different from the rest but apparently from the instruction photo that I saw still has those regular Corvette lift points visible. I can well imagine a technician falling for the trap that has been set at that point. Why would someone go look up something that they have used before and learned to trust? The trap is those holes were you insert the lift cushions so that the hoist doesn’t touch the vehicle, if the tech can see them and has used them numerous times, why would this time be different?
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