Bendix has shipped all the parts we need to rebuild and upgrade the brake system. Special and unique brackets are being fabricated on site. We owe a big thanks to Jeff Miller and Chuck Eberling for working with Bendix on these parts. Installation is underway.

GM has agreed to build the roof at the Pre Production Operation (PPO) in Detroit. Marvin Benedetti has been pursuing this approval thru GM and with his boss Kurt Johnson since last spring when he first learned of the project of this major "need" we had. GM had previously developed new drawings for a new, stronger assembly for us and since the drawings are already in the computer system, construction should be facilitated greatly. Thanks again to Paul Jankowiak at GM for this design.

Most of the framework now has been sandblasted and primed. Part of the outside skin is being fabricated and installed.

Installation of the windshield has begun and is no small task due to the fit required and the expense of the one windshield we have purchased from FIDO in Canada who had this extra one made when they made one for their vehicle. It is almost 180 degrees around, a true panoramic view from way up there. Many templates are being developed to build the frame exactly as required and to assure it fits.

The gas tanks have been installed.

The lower cargo/storage doors along the sides have been rebuilt and final assembly is in process.

Marge Carpenter has been diligently working at home to polish the many trim parts.

Bud Juneau out in Calif. has donated a case of a rust penetrate product. Bud writes many articles (including for this project) for antique automobile magazines so you may recognize his name. Supplies come from all over!! Thanks Bud.

The large 16’ doors have been started. They have been mounted on a framework that allows rotating them to work on all sides. This is similar to the large frames that are used to rotate car bodies during restoration.

The motors, jack shafts, bearings and gears that move the 16’ doors are being installed and debugged. On 10/2, the first temporary electrical hookup was completed and the right side door motor was actuated successfully!

Unfortunately, the framework on some of the doors is beyond repair and major rebuilding will be required. One of the lower 16’ door frames has been dropped off at a local metal fabricator to get a quote on building two new ones.

Montana Paint through their local distributor Wyrick Products continues to donate paint supplies for the project.

Again, all the memorabilia found and donated is be the property of NATMUS and will be displayed at the museum or at special events with the vehicle.

We are still looking for an Industrial Electrical Contractor to restore the large electrical 220/110 generator along with it’s control cabinet.

We have heard from Pat Austin this summer whose father, John Brady, was a Parader in the 1930’s. She and her sister Sharon Gammons have several of the small busses that were part of one of the displays. Pat lives nearby in Holland and has visited the project with her mother Betty. During his time with the Parade from 1936 to 1939, he sent many letters of what was happening, where they were and took many photos. In addition, Pat brought six miniature models of vehicles that were used in the New York’s 1939 Worlds Fair. They also brought to Don’s house an article showing their use at the fair. Although the display was very small, GM used a magnifying system so that people could view it. Many of the photos were copied and Jim is adding them to the web site archive.

The photo below shows you some idea of where the restoration stands. You can see the bare frame that has been rebuilt, the large opening for the display doors and one front door leaning against the front of the vehicle