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

HOME
Locating
History #10
Relocation
Resto Begins
Disassembly
Lots of Rust
Components
Sand Blasting
New Barn

Electrical
Engine
Transmission
Shifter
Hubcaps
Tires
Roof
Bumper
Body
Interior
Dash
Drive Shaft
Differential
Gas Tank
Brakes
Metalwork

Photos:
2012 - 2011
2010 - 2009
2008 - 2007
2006 - 2005
2004 - 2003
2002 - 2001
2000 - 1999
Status

The generator produces 200KW of electricity and is mounted in the rear of the vehicle. Notice the shaft on the left with the pulleys. The generator is belt driven from PTO shaft, which is driven by the drive shaft.

Among other things, the generators provided electricity for the 15 foot lighting towers that rose from the roof of each Futurliner. The lighting tower rises 18 feet above the ground and uses 36 40-watt fluorescent tubes arranged in six banks of six tubes each plus two 250-watt incandescent lamps at the end of each fin.

This is the control panel that is used to regulate the electricity to the various lights and displays. This unit is slated to be completely rewired and restored.

The instructions for operation are posted on the upper right hand corner of the control panel. We've reproduced the information below.

TO OPERATE ELECTRIC POWER PLANT

1. With engine not running, engage power take-off by turning two rods with door key (under left side of body, forward of left rear wheels) counter clockwise.
2. All switches must be in off position and all resistance in on rheostat.
3. Start engine set shift tower lever in F-1 low range and run engine speed not to exceed 24000 rpm until transmission has shifted into 4th gear, then set engine speed at 1850 rpm.
4. Throw main switch on and regulate rheostat to bring voltage up to 220 volts on voltmeter.
5. Throw door switches on to open doors and regulate rheostat to maintain 220 volts on voltmeter.
6. Throw switch to open fin maintaining 220 volts as above.
7. Regulate rheostat so that voltmeter indicates 220 volts, then throw on light switches, maintaining 220 volts as above. With this load, engine speed should be 1600-1614 rpm.
8. To shut down, reverse procedure maintaining 220 volt until all load is off. Stop engine, disengage power take-off by turning two rods (#1 above) clockwise.