Checker remained as a world-class automotive parts supplier for 27 years after the last taxi was produced in July of 1982.
Six months after the car line went down; the Peoples Republic of China called Checker wanting to order 5,000 units per year, indefinitely. Too late.
While Checker had large, medium, small, and automatic presses, the equipment was underutilized. This was recognized by top management and others in automotive supply, and during the mid-Seventies it was seen as an opportunity to expand into the automotive supply market.
By 1976 Checker started running several contracts for General Motors.
* F-frames for Camaro and Firebird, 1976 – 1988
* Chevy Blazer and Suburban tailgates, 1976 – 1992
* Chevy Suburban sills (below the doors), 1976 – 1996
* Chevy Stepside box (front and side panels, tailgates, fenders), 1976 – 1988
* GM bus frames, fenders, & hoods, 1978 – 1990
* Chevy & GMC large truck fenders, 1976 – 1990
GM, G-van rear doors, large and small, 1984 – 1996
G-van hoods, and cowls, 1984 – 1996
G-van roof rails, 1984 – 1996
J-car steering outrigger assemblies, 1984 – 1994
S-10 Blazer tailgates, and cowls, 1986 – 1998
Chevy CK truck tailgates, 1988 – 1998
M-van sliding doors, 1984 – 1992
https://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2017/01/15/how-checker-remained-in-business-after-the-end-of-taxi-production-building-everything-including-the-kitchen-sink/
Six months after the car line went down; the Peoples Republic of China called Checker wanting to order 5,000 units per year, indefinitely. Too late.
While Checker had large, medium, small, and automatic presses, the equipment was underutilized. This was recognized by top management and others in automotive supply, and during the mid-Seventies it was seen as an opportunity to expand into the automotive supply market.
By 1976 Checker started running several contracts for General Motors.
* F-frames for Camaro and Firebird, 1976 – 1988
* Chevy Blazer and Suburban tailgates, 1976 – 1992
* Chevy Suburban sills (below the doors), 1976 – 1996
* Chevy Stepside box (front and side panels, tailgates, fenders), 1976 – 1988
* GM bus frames, fenders, & hoods, 1978 – 1990
* Chevy & GMC large truck fenders, 1976 – 1990
GM, G-van rear doors, large and small, 1984 – 1996
G-van hoods, and cowls, 1984 – 1996
G-van roof rails, 1984 – 1996
J-car steering outrigger assemblies, 1984 – 1994
S-10 Blazer tailgates, and cowls, 1986 – 1998
Chevy CK truck tailgates, 1988 – 1998
M-van sliding doors, 1984 – 1992
https://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2017/01/15/how-checker-remained-in-business-after-the-end-of-taxi-production-building-everything-including-the-kitchen-sink/
