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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
Pg. #2
Pg.
#3
Photos:
2012 - 2011
2010 -
2009
2008 - 2007
2006 - 2005
2004 - 2003
2002 - 2001
2000 -
1999
Status
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Metalwork and
re-fabrication is a very big part of the restoration project. Mother Nature tried very
hard to pull the Futurliner back into the ground from where it came from. Rust had eaten
away at just about everything and once the sandblasting was completed, damage was even
more evident. However, the volunteers are not without the skills to re-fabricate and
replace the metal framework and body panels. |
This picture shows the wheel-well and demonstrates the extent of re-fabrication that needs
to be done to complete the restoration. The framework and metal must be fabricated and
shaped by hand -- one piece at a time. |
This picture shows how large the area is above the wheels that will have to be replaced.
Unfortunately, with only 12 hand-made Futurliners created, there are no pre-fabricated
panels that can be purchased. The men use raw metal stock and laboriously shape it by
hand. |
Conrad DeJonge inspects a rusted area of the Futurliner as he confers with Ed DeVries as
to the need to be replace it. |
Conrad uses an air powered grinder to level off high spots on welds on a newly replaced
panel. |
Sparks fly as Conrad cuts out the bad metal and replaces it with new, re-formed pieces. |
The frame, or undercarriage, was in pretty bad shape. This is one of the many storage
compartments that run along the bottom of the Futurliner. Many work-sessions were spent
being showered by sparks from the cutting and welding torch. |
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