The restoration project is done and the vehicle has been placed in the
storage garage near Zeeland MI that is being provided by one of the
volunteers. The work crew will reconvene monthly to take care of any
unfinished items that arise and to plan for the various requests to show
the Futurliner this year. As we’ve said many times, it has been 7 years
of Tuesday work sessions for this talented group of volunteers and we all
owe them a big thank you. Since NATMUS has to alter their driveway, change
a door for entering the museum and build a ramp, we will continue to store
it in Michigan.The group will continue to finish the construction of the display trailer that we’ve discussed. This phase of the project is being headed up by volunteer Del Carpenter who lives not far from Don’s house. This trailer is utilizing the actual dual front wheels, axle and suspension of a spare Futurliner and includes an operating engine, transmission, PTO in the rear that drives an original generator with the original electrical control box. The inspiration behind it was the fact that visitors to the show vehicle cannot see any of the powertrain components. It is an impressive addition to the Futurliner exhibit. See photos below.
Another project being done by our volunteers is
building a new display for the inside of the Futurliner. (Our discussions
with GM about rebuilding the original "American Crossroads"
display and reuniting it with the vehicle have not been successful.) Al
Scholten is heading up this project. Fred and Marge Carpenter have been
doing most of the work at their home putting all of the elements together.
They have collected lots of memorabilia representing some of the original
displays that Futurliner #10 carried as well as displays that were in
other vehicles. One of our shows for 2006 will be at Iola, WI and this
will be the first show for this new display. Ryan DeVries is also putting
together the motor and gearbox for a rotating turntable for this display.
Other items completed since the October issue includes
the cockpit upholstery, wiring and speedometer, door locks and enhanced
display materials of the restoration project.
The group
and NATMUS continue to get many requests to have the Futurliner at
various shows around the country. These are not easy tasks to do
however. Although we have our own special trailer, we need a tractor to
pull it, at least 4 of the volunteers present anytime it is moved
(driver, mechanic and 2 for show setup), other volunteers there to
answer questions, set up display materials and to generally oversee the
vehicle and exhibits. The trailer display is being set up to be pulled
with most any truck with towing capability of 5000#.
Consequently, guidelines have been set up for each of
these events and basically require the show to provide money, trucking
services, etc. Neither NATMUS nor the project can finance these requests
in our present financial situation.
Tentative plans for 2006 include the following shows:
- Ameila Island, Florida – March12
- Iola Wisconsin – July7-9
- Auburn, Indiana Labor Day parade – 9/4
- Glenmoor Gathering near Akron Ohio – September
- AACA meet & show at Hershey, PA – Oct. 7
Posters and hats are available thru NATMUS for $10 each plus $3 shipping. You can also see the poster (along with its history) and the hat on this web site.
"T" shirts are available for $20 with a color photo of the Futurliner and the words "Miracle at Beaverdam".
The Futurliner model built by John Betts from Retro 123 is a large-scale model (33" long) with excellent detail including all doors and the top light bar that operate. They have obtained a licensing agreement with GM for its production and a portion of the proceeds will go to NATMUS to support this project. Cost is $1845 + shipping and handling. Photos are on our web site and below with Don. To purchase one, contact Retro at 815-338-7693 (in IL) or check out their web site at www.retro1-2-3.com.
Donations are still required to close out this project and to cover the outstanding loan on the special trailer that was purchased. Many people have been very generous in their financial support of the project and all donations are deeply appreciated. You can be proud to be a part of this very special and unique restoration project.
Joe Bortz and his Buick Wildcat I in NYC
And of course, we want to again recognize Don Mayton for his vision of restoring this Futurliner when most others thought is was an impossible, and extremely costly, venture. As many of you know, Don saw one of these on the streets of Calif. in 1997 and had no idea what it was. This one turned out to be owned and converted by Bob Valdez to an art deco motor home. Bob had used modern engines and drivetrain components and converted the inside to an elaborate motorhome décor. The outside was intact and still has the GM letters on the front. When Don saw this and started his research, he came across the unit sitting behind NATMUS and worked out an arrangement to head up this project. As Don researched this unusual vehicle, he discovered one at NATMUS, negotiated a plan to restore it for them and the rest is history.
Don Mayton at a 2004 Christmas party receiving a gift from the volunteers.
A 1957 Buick Special 4 door sedan was donated to the project and sold several years ago. The Buick provided much needed funds for various aspects of the project.
The Futurliner that was restored by the FIDO Company in Canada (as shown on our web site) was sold at the Barrett Jackson Auction in Texas in January. This group provided much needed assistance to Don and our project several years ago that is very much appreciated.