GM Futurliner Progress Photos
GM Futurliner Restoration Project
National Automotive and Truck Museum of the United States

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    Three visitors from GM-PPO operations came to visit the project. These will be the folks that will supervise and construct the roof for the Futurliner. There are a lot of people in the process that allowed this to take place starting with Marv. I will not try to mention everyone's name, as I will probably forget someone. Today Chris, Juan, and Clifford poured over their drawings, making field measure measurements, and making decisions as to the right process to build and install the roof. As everyone has found out on this project there are no two measurements that are the same when they should be. Their plan, to minimize us having to make further alterations after the roof arrives, is to build the roof in three sections. The first section will be the center (front to back). Once it arrives we can install all the hardware associated with the lighting fin (which is a lot). Once all this hardware is installed then we can actually operate the lighting fin on the floor prior to installing this mid section of the roof. Then this section can be installed.
    Next they will build the two outside right and left sections. Then these can be installed.
    Then the end roof supports will be built and installed.
    Prior to the roof sections arriving the following must be done:
  • bracing must be installed to support each end of the Futurliner (cab and back section).
  • center plates removed from roof and sent to GM-PPO to build new. (Ed and Phil did get them removed today.)
  • lighting fin track removed to be used in new roof. (Ed and Phil got this done today.)
  • a structure made for working up 8' off of the ground. This structure must be along the 16' door opening on both sides. Here we could use some help. We need to borrow two aluminum painter's picks about 20" X 18' long.
  • an "A" frame hoist for removing the old roof and installing the new one. Dick has an "A" frame that he is going to bring next week. However it has to be modified to be able to be a lot higher.
  • as we go forward we will be adding items in this column.

It was obvious that the roof is in the hands of professionals, thanks.


    Ed Harben just donated a Parade of Progress Card Case. This case holds two decks of cards, a mechanical pencil, and a note pad. The case is leather and it and its contents are in excellent condition. The only thing missing is a deck of Parade of Progress cards. We do have one card that has been found, a King of diamonds. All we need now is the rest of the deck. Thanks Ed for your donation.


    Del holds a valve for the braking system. It was completely frozen but took it home, sand blasted it, cleaned it up and painted it. He and and Wayne then installed the valves. 

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