GM Futurliner 2004 Progress Reports |
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The following are Don Mayton's progress reports from the work sessions held in his pole barn. To read it in chronological order, start from the bottom and read up the page. 2004 Progress/Work Reports |
| Dec. 14 | NOTE:
THIS WILL BE THE LAST REPORT FOR 2004.
VOLUNTEERS: Jim Baker, Mike Ball, Al
Batts, Nancy Batts (desert), Don Bratt, Carol Bowers (appetizer), Stan
Bowers, Del Carpenter, Conrad DeJong, Ed DeVries, Ron Elzinga, George
Ferris, Don Feutz, Wayne Jackson, Tom Kuhlman, Carol Mayton (main meal),
Don Mayton, Paul Prinzing, Marty Reed, Dick Saddler, Al Scholten, Delores
Sigler (salad), Jerry Sigler, Wally Snow, Howard Sullivan (doughnuts)
(Note: Just for your information, all those that provide food for this
group have never been reimbursed for their expenses. We really thank
them.) GUESTS: John Merrymen, Mike Harper, Ken Harper. |
| Dec. 7 | VOLUNTEERS:
Jim Baker, Al Batts, Stan Bowers, Don Bratt*, Del Carpenter, Sue Carpenter
(desert), Fred Carpenter, Conrad DeJong, Ed DeVries, Ron Elzinga, Don
Feutz, Judy Feutz (main meal), Wayne Jackson, Carol Mayton (salad), Don
Mayton, Art Meidema, Paul Prinzing, Marty Reed, Dick Saddler, Al Scholten,
Jerry Sigler and Howard Sullivan (doughnuts) ARCHIVES We generally receive on a weekly basis new information about the Futurliners, the Parade of Progress, or some aspect of the many arms that this project has led us. At the Kalamazoo Toy show, Eugene Watch, stopped by our booth and stated he had seen an article in an old Popular Science magazine about the American Crossroads exhibit. Eugene had found that article and photocopied it and then mailed it to us so we can add it to our archives. In the April 1949 edition of Popular Science is an article about how the American Crossroads exhibit functions. We appreciate Eugene following up on finding and mailing a copy of this article. IF ANYONE OUT THERE HAS AN ORIGINAL APRIL 1949 EDITION OF THIS MAGAZINE AND WANTS TO DONATE IT TO OUR ARCHIVES WE WOULD APPRECIATE THE GIFT. FUTURLINER "T" SHIRTS Our Futurliner "T" shirts are now on sale through the museum, NATMUS. They are $20 including shipping. Take a look at http://www.futurliner.com/tshirt.htm "MIRACLE AT BEAVERDAM" Don Bratt spent the day at Calvin College working with Kevin. However, when Kevin went off to classes all work ceased. However, Don and Kevin are very close to finishing up on the video production. Stay tuned, as the release of this video is close at hand. Price will be $25 which includes shipping. You will be able to order it through NATMUS in either VHS or DVD versions. REAR DOOR HINGE COVERS Jim has completed the fabrication of the door hinge covers. He is now preparing them for painting. OFFICE With Mike Ball off sick Al took over the duties of the office, as well as doing the running to both the paint store and the hardware. He also continued to take our weekly photos. SPARE FRONT AXLE Del and Stan continue to remove parts from the spare axle for cleaning, sandblasting and ultimately painting. Today was not the ideal day to work outside as it was raining all day with a cold wind and temperatures in the 40's. They also drove over to Dave's Sandblasting to pick up the four sets of front wheels. Dave continues to donate his time and business to do our parts sandblasting. We thank Dave for this service that started six years ago. After picking up these four wheels they were dropped off at Nelson Hansen's house. Nels has volunteered to do the priming as well as the final painting. LEFT UPPER 16' DOOR Jerry, Connie, and Art today spent time power sanding this large door. They removed all the highs and then proceeded to repair the lows. This door is 16' X 5' and it is very flat so it has loose metal that must be eliminated. The door opening that is on the Futurliner for this door had to have extensive grinding done to eliminate all the previous welds that were required when we had the door attached with the piano hinge. Today Howard, Don F. and Paul worked on this. RIGHT UPPER 16' DOOR Ron, Paul and Ed today designed and started the construction of the hooks that will be permanently installed in order to lift this door off of the Futurliner. At the end of the day this was completed but cannot be installed until after all the body work is completed on this door. DRIVER'S COCKPIT - UPHOLSTERY Today Marty brought some panels that he had worked on at home and painted their final color. Today he spent time starting to install them. Dick worked on the mechanism that supports the cockpit hatch when it is in the up position. Fred worked at fabricating and preparing for installation one of the right side cab panels. Connie also completed the body work on the center console panel. Later Warren picked up that panel to do the upholstery. Warren also dropped off the center arm rest panel as well as a right side panel that he upholstered. DISPLAY AREA - ELECTRICAL Al S. installed the switches for the lighting fin lights. DISPLAY AREA - FLOORING Jerry, who's step sons-in-law own a floor covering business has obtained their services to provide all the materials as well as do the labor to install the final flooring material in the display area of the Futurliner. This material and labor will be a donation to the project. Brian Westmaas, of Flooring Installation Network, came to our work site today and discussed the flooring material options and what is required. We appreciate the future donation of all this material and work. Thanks to Jerry and Brian. TOOLS Wayne, using a donated chuck from Del, replaced the chuck on one of our drill motors that was simply worn out. Next he replaced the belt on our large table belt sander. Following that he and Don F. installed a peg board that Dick donated. As we continue to work to complete the restoration of the Futurliner we appreciate all the financial donations that keeps this project rolling. |
| Nov. 30 | VOLUNTEERS:
Jim Baker, Mike Ball, Al Batts, Don Bratt*, Carol Bowers (Provided the
main meal.), Stan Bowers, Del Carpenter, Fred Carpenter, Marge Carpenter*,
Conrad DeJong, Ed DeVries, Ryan DeVries, Elaine Elzinga (Provided
desert.), Ron Elzinga, Don Feutz, Wayne Jackson, Don Mayton, Paul Prinzing,
Marty Reed, Dick Saddler, Al Scholten, Jerry Sigler, Audrey Snow (Provided
the salad.), Wally Snow, Howard Sullivan (Provided our breakfast -
doughnuts.), Warren Veurink KALAMAZOO TOY SHOW The toy show provided $233.75 to our funds to keep the restoration going. We thank all the volunteers who drove to Kalamazoo to man our booth, meet people, explain the Futurliner restoration project and setup our display. WEATHER Today we started work with the temperature at 30 F, heavy fog, and later a cold light rain. Since we again were going to install the right large 16' door we had to work outside. LEFT UPPER 16' DOOR Del first had to drive the Futurliner out of the barn. This left door had to be removed so that the body work on it could be performed in a horizontal position. Most of today's crew spent the first two hours moving equipment inside the barn in order to make a large enough space so the door could be worked on. Wayne then spent the day organizing the entire shop storing stuff we do not need at this time. He also is our sand blast cabinet expert, fixing it when it needs worked on. Ed positioned his high lift on the left side of the Futurliner, the chains were attached, the hinge pins pulled, and then the door was removed. Once this door was taken off the Futurliner it was placed on a rolling dolly that will hold the door until all the body work is completed. RIGHT UPPER 16' DOOR Ed, Jerry, Ron, Don F., Ryan, Connie, Howard, Paul, and others tackled the job of preparing the right door for mounting back on the Futurliner. Ryan had previously made the new hinges. The piano hinge was removed from the door. Then the right door was hoisted up on an engine hoist to grind all remaining welds smooth. Ed's high lift was used to position the door on the right side of the Futurliner. Once correctly positioned the four large hinges were welded in place. Next the door was attached to the Futurliner's lifting arms. Then the door was raised using the motors on the Futurliner. Door sag was checked and the problem has been corrected. LOWER 16' DOORS Jerry has constructed door spacers for these doors when they are in the down position. Today Jerry painted them to protect them for the future. DISPLAY AREA At home, Fred and his wife Marge, covered the three bulkhead panels with a fabric material. He brought them wrapped in plastic to protect them until they are installed. Fred then started to tap holes for the installation of these panels. UPHOLSTERY Dick, Marty, Paul, and Howard continued to fabricate metal for the inside of the cab for the upholstery. Warren showed up to take one large section to upholster. FRONT STEERING AXLE Del and Stan assembled the starter on the spare engine. They then tried out the starter and it works fine. Next they disassembled the spare front steering axle brakes. DAVE'S SANDBLASTING Again our sandblaster, Dave, has completed the sandblasting of the front wheels. These are one of a kind wheels. 110 VOLT ELECTRICAL Al S. started the process to wire in the 110 volt switches for the lighting on the lighting fin. Previously we had a temporary system of inserting plugs in the wall. 12 VOLT ELECTRICAL Wally continues doing testing on the speedometer as directed from the folks we purchased it from. VIDEO/DVD Don B. continues to meet with Kevin at Calvin College working on the up and coming video. At the Kalamazoo Toy show we already took a few orders. REAR DOORS Jim continues to fabricate the door hinge covers. ARCHIVES We continue to receive material for our archives. Mike and Al B. had a big job to do today storing all the material from the Kalamazoo Toy Show. Al had to make his usual runs to the hardware store. Each week between work sessions he tries to get the materials that he knows the volunteers will need for the next work session. |
| Nov. 23 | VOLUNTEERS:
Mike Baker, Mike Ball, Al Batts, Ken Bogurardus, Don Bratt*, Del
Carpenter, Connie DeJong, Ed DeVries, Ryan DeVries, Ron Elzinga, Don Feutz,
Wayne Jackson, Don Mayton, Art Meidema, Wilma Meidema (fruit salad), Paul
Prinzing (beef barley soup made by Paul), Marty Reed, Dick Saddler, Al
Scholten, Jerry Sigler, Audrey Snow (desert - a great cake), Wally Snow
and Howard Sullivan (doughnut supplier) Again we were well fed. REAR DOOR WEATHER SEAL Jim has completed the fabrication of the metal pieces that the weather seal will be attached to. Today he mounted all the individual pieces and installed the weather seal to check everything out. He has a great fit. Now he must remove everything for final metal finishing and painting. 40th CIRCUS MAXMUS ANTIQUE TOY AND PEDAL CAR SHOW Mike spent the day gathering all the material to transport to Kalamazoo for the toy show this Saturday. There in our booth we will be selling hats, posters, as well as our new Futurliner "T" shirts. We hope to see as many of you as possible. Come look us up. This show is on Saturday, November 27, 2004 at the Kalamazoo County Fair grounds. If you are coming in from the east get off of I-94 at exit 81on Business Loop I-94 and travel to Olmstead Street. Right on Olmstead and then left on Lake St. Drive until you see the Kalamazoo Fair grounds on the left. From the west get off of I-94 on exit 80 on Sprinkle Road and go north to Business Loop I-94. At Business Loop I-94 turn left and drive to Olmstead Road and turn right. Go north to Lake Street and turn left. Look for the Kalamazoo Fair grounds on the left. If coming from either the south or north get on I-94 and drive to either exit 80 or 81 and following the above directions. NOTE: I e-mailed some folks last week and told them what room we would be in. However our booth location has been changed and I do not know at this point what booth we have. MATERIALS Al B. spent much of the day running for parts. When not doing that he was doing his photographing. UPPER 16' DOORS Previously we reported that the upper doors were at Sparta Sheet metal for the purpose of making new ones. Ed has been working with Don at Sparta and they discovered that the 16' piano hinge that we used to attached the door to the roof had a bind. This bind was causing the door to sag in the up position. Today Ed driving his truck with his trailer loaded with the two upper 16' doors arrived. Following him was Ryan with his truck and trailer with Ed's fork lift truck loaded. Ed's crew consisting of Ryan, Ron, Howard, Connie, Don F. prepared the left door for mounting back on the Futurliner. Don at Sparta, and Ed had designed and built four new large hinges to mount the door to the roof of the Futurliner. They mounted the door on the Futurliner and at the end of the day were operating the left door without door sag. Al this work has to be done outside so the work started with Del driving the Futurliner outside. Fortunately it was not raining or snowing but it was blowing and the temperature was 45 F. While the left door was being mounted onto the Futurliner the right door was being prepared to be mounted. Last spring, using everyone's ideas to eliminate door sag, we added all kinds of braces. Today all this metal was removed by cutting, burning, and grinding it off. This job was done by Jerry, Paul, Wayne, Connie, and Don. Next week we will tackle this door assuming we have decent weather. COCKPIT Dick and Marty continued to fabricate sections for the interior upholstery. COCKPIT ELECTRICAL Wally and Del decided to get the speedometer working. They jacked up the rear wheels, put jack stands under the rear axle, then blocked the front wheels. They spent the day tracing wires and trying everything to get this speedo working but to no avail. Wally plans to call the manufacturer to sort out what is wrong. DISPLAY AREA Al S. worked at cleaning up the electrical in the display area. STARTER - SPARE ENGINE Ken, at this machine shop, has fabricated a spacer to allow the starter we have to be mounted to the spare engine. VIDEO Don B. again spent the day with Kevin at Calvin College working on the video. |
| Nov. 16 | VOLUNTEERS:
Jim Baker, Mike Ball, Al Batts, Ken Boguardus, Stan Bowers, Don Bratt*,
Del Carpenter, Sue Carpenter, Fred Carpenter, Connie DeJong, Ed DeVries,
Ron Elzinga, Don Feutz, Wayne Jackson, Don Mayton, Art Meidema, Paul
Prinzing, Marty Reed, Dick Saddler, Al Scholten, Deloris Sigler, Jerry
Sigler, Wally Snow and Howard Sullivan. GUEST: Burt Wymsma. LUNCH Howard provided our breakfast of doughnuts. Sue provided the main meal, Deloris provided the salad and Paul the desert. Thanks again for all the cooks that work so hard to feed this big group. ANNOUNCEMENT from NATMUS John Martin Smith has announced at the Board Meeting held October 26, 2004 that he is retiring as President of NATMUS after 16 years of faithful service. John Martin Smith will remain as Director Emeritus and continue to be involved but not in the day to day operation. John Martin Smith has retained two major responsibilities for NATMUS: The first is the Futurliner Project and the second is the Eckhart Building. He will have full authority to be involved in these projects. He also indicated that he will be involved in the Library but not at the present time. John Martin's successor as President is Len McCollough. He is a retired businessman and will do an excellent job. John Martin Smith's reasons for retiring at the present time include an extremely busy schedule at his law office, books that John is writing as well as the national truck show that NATMUS is hosting in June in Auburn. I talked to John and as far as the Futurliner project nothing has changed as a result of these changes. We appreciate John being our advocate for this project. FUTURLINER MODEL Retro 1-2-3 expects the first delivery of the models within the next month. We are looking forward to the arrival of this Futurliner model. I have been asked is there any benefit of the sale of the Futurliner model to the restoration project. Retro 1-2-3 has agreed to donate a portion of the sales directly to the Futurliner account at NATMUS. This will aid in our finances and we thank John Betts for this. REAR DOORS Jim has designed and today started the process to fabricate the rear door hinge covers that are required. ARCHIVES The process of receiving material related to the Parade of Progress, the Futurliners, the Streamliners, or any display related to this project such as the Fisher Body Craftsman guild involves the following. All material gets reviewed my Mike. Next if the material is to be returned copies are made including photo copies by Al. All this material is then shipped to Jim Crame our webmaster. Jim then reviews the material and then adds what is appropriate to our web pages. Also material is sent to Dean our newsletter editor down in North Carolina. The material is then shipped back to Mike where it is filed. In the case of material that must be returned to its original owner is separated and mailed back. Excuse us sometimes when it takes longer to process this material as we only meet on Tuesday. However our volunteers are working at home on there own making this process work. We thank them for many hours of this unseen work that is done. MECHANICAL - SPARE DUAL WHEEL FRONT AXLE Today, in the rain on the outside, Del, Stan, and Ken disassembled the spare dual wheel front axle. They noted that all the bearings must be replaced. DOES ANYONE HAVE A GOOD CONTACT WITH A BEARINGS DISTRIBUTOR? DISPLAY AREA Fred and Ron worked at installing the front and rear panels for the bulkheads. Al S. completed the junction box and wiring for the 110 volt lighting and plugs. LOWER DOOR FLOORS Jerry, Ed and Art worked at installing the left lower door flooring. This involved cutting, painting and installing the plywood flooring material. NEW GRINDER Our single grinder finally just wore out. Wayne picked up a new one and he and Don F. installed it today. After lunch they spent time organizing more tools. JACK STANDS Paul with Howard welding started the process of fabricating and welding the eight jack stands required to support the lower doors when they are opened for display. DRIVER'S COCKPIT Dick, Marty and with Connie welding continue working in the cab installing sheet metal for the upholstery. ELECTRICAL Wallly has solved some of his electrical problems by locating a bad connection. Today he got the air pressure tank gages working. VIDEO Don B., working with Kevin at Calvin College, managed to get addition hours working on our video this AM. We thank all our volunteers and those that continue to support this project. |
| Nov. 11 | VOLUNTEERS:
Jim Baker, Mike Ball, Al Batts, Carol Bowers, Stan Bowers, Del Carpenter,
Fred Carpenter, Marge Carpenter *, Ed DeVries, Ron Elzinga, Don Feutz,
Wayne Jackson*, Don Mayton, Art Meidema, Wilma Meidema, Wes Myrick, Paul
Prinzing, Marty Reed, Dick Saddler, Al Scholten, Jerry Sigler and Wally
Snow. GUESTS: Phil DeVries, Allen Dickerson (Allen brought along
more Fisher Body Craftsman Guild information.), Henry Atsma, John Atsma,
Rich Saddler, Carol Scholten and Marge Carpenter. LUNCH Howard was back from his vacation with his doughnut donation. Today Wayne and Wes had planned to provide the main meal. However, Wayne had a funeral to go to so he supplied the main meal supplies. Fred took over and did the cooking. Wilma provided the salad and Carol B. supplied desert. Mike had the job of doing all the setup as Al was on a run to pick up part of the main meal from a local restaurant. Again we thank those that provided food for this large group. LEFT UPPER DOOR Today Ed arrived with his equipment trailer, hauling his high lift truck. Ed, Howard, Don F. and others quickly attached chains and then using the high lift truck removed the left upper door. Ed then loaded the door onto his equipment trailer and took it to Sparta Sheet metal. Sparta Sheet metal are the builders of the two new upper doors. Ed later returned to continue working on the other projects. ARCHIVES Mike continues to sort through all our incoming material. Today we received more material one of our Paraders. Al had a lot of running today for all our volunteers picking up materials from the lumber store and two trips to the local hardware to the tune of almost $600. If you recall we usually spend an average of $300/ week on just things like screws, bolts, broken sockets, band saw blades worn out, and lots of drill bits. We have about $2,000 left in our local account and that should last us until January 2005. Our next opportunity to replenish our account is a toy show in Kalamazoo the Saturday, November 27, 2004, after Thanksgiving. Bruce and Dee Beimer's, one of our volunteers, hosts the annual "CIRCUS MAXIMUS" at the Kalamazoo Fair Grounds. This is a one day show starting at 9 AM until 3 PM. This is their 40th show. Bruce and Dee are donating to the Futurliner effort a table so that we can sell Futurliner ball caps, posters, pins and our new "MIRACLE IN BEAVERDAM" tee shirts. These tee shirts are only $15 and they show our Futurliner on the front. So if you are in the area, stop and see an outstanding antique toy and pedal car show. Look us up and say high. DEMONSTRATION TRAILER Several years ago during the restoration of the drive-line we decided that this restoration project would be done only once. Therefore we started to accumulate spare drive-line parts that are unique to the Futurliner. These parts would also serve as spares if required. A second decision was to make these spares into a display. Tom Kuhlman is supplying a portion of a Korean War vintage army truck to mount the engine, Hyramatic transmission, rear 3-speed/ PTO transmission, generator and controls and the unique dual front wheel axle. This display will be a running display and will be taken to some of the future shows that the Futurliner will be shown in. Today Del and Stan spent the day disassembling the hubs off of the dual wheeled axle. They also had Howard do some repair welding on the special wheels. Del and Stan also removed the tires from the special Futurlilner front wheels. Next these wheels will go to the sand blaster. MAIN DISPLAY AREA The front and rear bulk heads will be covered plywood and then covered with material. Today Ron, Art and Jerry started cutting the plywood in preparation of its mounting. The floors on the lower inside doors continued to be covered with wood flooring by Jerry, Art and Ed. Al S. continues to wire the 110-volt junction box at the rear of the Futurliner. DISPLAY Fred continues to gather material and make plans for the display inside the Futurliner. He is getting help from his wife, Marge and Al's wife Carol. At the "EYES OF DESIGN" show that the Futurliner was featured at in June 2003, GM provided some beautiful display boards for us to use. In order to use these in our future inside display Howard had some metal frame-work made by Sterling Sheet Metal of Muskegon, Michigan. The fabrication of these frames was a donation by Sterling. Today, Howard and Wes started cutting down our display boards and assembled the frames. We thank Sterling for this donation. LOWER DOOR JACKS The photos show that when the Futurliners were at a Parade of Progress event and had their lower doors opened they supported these doors with portable jacks. Today, Paul, with Mike providing the photos, designed these door jacks by looking at the photos. Al B. picked up the necessary supplies at the hardware and then Paul and Howard started the fabrication. COCKPIT ELECTRICAL Wally is now checking out all the gauges as well as the lights in the cab. Today the entrance light was installed, wired, and tried out. Wally had a check list of ten items and got through 3 items. COCKPIT Dick, Fred, and Marty are working the inside preparing panels for upholstery. Last week Fred took home four small panels to have his wife Marge install the upholstery. Dick and Connie worked on the fabrication of the linkage for the top cockpit hatch. VIDEO Don Bratt was not at the regular work session, however he was busy working on the video project with student Kevin at Calvin College. Don utilizes whatever time he can get Kevin between classes and his studies at Calvin. We thank Don and Kevin. AMERICAN CROSSROADS Although we do not have this display to work on yet we have started to make plans in order to restore the American Crossroads. If and when we get the American Crossroads for restoration the first thing we must do is to move into building large enough to accommodate both the Futurliner as well as the American Crossroads. However to equip another building to work on both the Futurliner and the American Crossroads we will have to have the following: The following is an update on took donations. The donations will show as [ ]. + Tool cabinets - 2 [11-9-04, Howard donation a machinest tool chest. We still need a roll around tool cart to mount this tool chest on.] + Brooms - 4 + Trash containers - 2 + Supply cabinet - large + Air compressors (2) or one large one with out lets for three hoses, connections etc. + Drill motors - 3 + Complete drill sets - 3 + Hack saws - 2 with blades + Philips screw driver sets - 3 + Flat blace screw driver sets - 3 + Hammers - small, medium, large - 2 sets + Metal shears - 3 + Punches - + Set of allen wrenches - 3 + Pliers, vice grips, channel locks - large assortment + Wrench sets - 3 + Socketr sets - 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" regular sets 1, deep sets 1 + C- clamps - 6 sets + Tap and Die sets - 1 + Hole saws - 1 + File set - 1 + Tool cart work station - 1 + Work benches 30" X 72" + Bench vices - 2 [11-9-04 Don M. one vice mounted on a tool bench.] + Bench grinder -1 + Drill press - floor model - 1 + Drill press - bench model - 1 [ 11-9-04 Wayne Jackson, one drill press mounted on the above tool bench. We do need your donations. If you have that extra tool or one that has not been used in ages consider us. |
| Nov. 2 | VOLUNTEERS:
Jim Baker, Mike Ball, Al Batts, Don Bratt, Ken Bogardus, Stan Bowers, Del
Carpenter, Fred Carpenter, Ed DeVries, Ron Elzinga, Don Feutz, Wayne
Jackson, Tom Kuhlman, Carol Mayton, Don Mayton, Art Meidema, Wilma Meidema,
Wes Myrick, Paul Prinzing, Dick Saddler, Al Scholten, Jerry Sigler and
Wally Snow LUNCH Today dough nuts were supplied by Paul. Our salad was provided by Wilma. The main and dessert was provided by Carol. REAR DOOR WEATHER SEAL Jim continues to fabricate and install the custom metal to hold the weather strip. ARCHIVES, OFFICE, AND LUNCH SETUP This job has gotten so big that when either Mike, or Al B. are absent I start worrying whether everything will be taken care. Mike was late due to voting but he showed up in time for Al and he to take care of setting up for lunch. They must turn a workshop into a lunchroom. In addition Mike continues to search our archives for technical information. Al had to make runs to both the local hardware as well as the lumber store. VIDEO AND DVD Our student volunteer at Calvin College is back at full time studies and his time is very limited to due the video editing that Don B. needs to complete our up and coming video/ DVD. In the meantime Don B. through his advertising contacts has had printed 2,000 jackets for each, the video and DVD. Again, Don managed to get this done as a donation. MECHANICAL - CARBURETOR The carburetor on the Futurliner has a vacuum operated control governor. Dean Tryon, our carburetor expert took back our second carburetor to sort out why under full throttle the Futurliner lost power. Without going into the technical description of how this governor (which I do not understand anyway), he fixed the problem and I picked up the carburetor when I met him at Hershey. Since then he and Del have communicated by phone and they, together, think they have worked out the problems. MECHANICAL - STARTER We have briefly outlined the problem we have had in getting the second rebuilt starter to fit our spare engine. Last week Tom Kuhlman and Del talked by phone and today Tom showed up with starter nose cones that he removed off of 24-volt military starters that were on GMC 302 OHV engines. Tom has many GMC military engine parts. Del, Stan, Ken and Tom then found out that these military starter nose cones do fit our spare engine. The original Futurliner engine - transmission combination was the military version except for the 24-volt system. RIGHT FRONT DOOR Fred and Paul installed the covers on the hinges for the right front doors. Part of this installation was included the wiring for the turn signals that are housed in this door. ELECTRICAL - VEHICLE Wally has completed his wiring checkout regarding all lighting. He now has a few instruments to get functioning like the low air pressure alarm. ELECTRICAL - 110 VOLT To run the motors that operate the doors and lighting fin, as well as the circuits to power the inside display lights and the lighting bar lights we has simply run a cord with a plug to each of these systems. Today Al S. completed powering up display lighting. He then started consolidating the different individual circuits into one box. LEFT UPPER DOOR Ed, Don F., Ron, and Wes started the process of removing all the welds that hold this door to the body of the Futurliner. RIGHT LOWER DOOR When the lower side doors are lowered they become a floor. The inside of these doors will be covered with 3/4" plywood and then linoleum. Today Al B. brought back the 3/4" plywood sheets and Jerry, Wes and Art cut up the sections to fit these doors. Later they then painted the under side of these plywood sheets to protect them from moisture. COCKPIT Dick continues to fabricate parts for the hatch mechanism to raise it. Wayne fabricated some brackets for Dick. AMERICAN CROSSROADS Although we do not have this display to work on yet we have started to make plans in order to restore the American Crossroads. If and when we get the American Crossroads for restoration the first thing we must do is to move into building large enough to accommodate both the Futurliner as well as the American Crossroads. However to equip another building to work on both the Futurliner and the American Crossroads we will have to have the following: + Tool cabinets - 2 + Brooms - 4 + Trash containers - 2 + Supply cabinet - large + Air compressors (2) or one large one with out lets for three hoses, connections etc. + Drill motors - 3 + Complete drill sets - 3 + Hack saws - 2 with blades + Philips screw driver sets - 3 + Flat blade screw driver sets - 3 + Hammers - small, medium, large - 2 sets + Metal shears - 3 + Punches - + Set of allen wrenches - 3 + Pliers, vice grips, channel locks - large assortment + Wrench sets - 3 + Socket sets - 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" regular sets 1, deep sets 1 + C- clamps - 6 sets + Tap and Die sets - 1 + Hole saws - 1 + File set - 1 + Tool cart work station - 1 + Work benches 30" X 72" + Bench vices - 2 + Bench grinder -1 + Drill press - floor model - 1 + Drill press - bench model - 1 This is our initial list. Some of these items we can move from my workshop. However, many of these tools I currently use on a daily basis and they cannot be taken to a new workshop. It would be nice to have some tool company sponsor this effort. Again we thank all of our volunteers as well as those that support us financially. We also thank those that follow the project and give us words of encouragement. |
| Oct. 26 | VOLUNTEERS:
Jim Baker, Mike Ball, Al Batts, Don Bratt, Dorthy Bratt, Stan Bowers, Del
Carpenter, Fred Carpenter, Conrad DeJong, Judy DeJong, Ed DeVries, Jeff
Dornbush, Ron Elzinga, George Ferris, Don Feutz, Wayne Jackson, Carol
Mayton, Don Mayton, Art Meidema, Wes Myrick, Paul Prinzing, Dick Saddler,
Al Scholten, Wally Snow, Warren Veurink and John Wiltjer. GUESTS:
Steve Ferris, Casey Keckstra, Rog Wesseldy, Gary Gallenoar, Walt Davenport
and Nels Hansen. LUNCH Doughnuts today were compliment of Fred Carpenter. Lunch for this big gang was compliments of Dorthy Bratt, Judy DeJong, Connie's son-in-law and Carol. REAR DOORS Jim is fabricating the retainer for the weather strips for these two doors. DISPLAY AREA CEILING AND LIGHTING Ed DeVries and his crew of Don F., Ron, Don B., Wes, and Al S. completed the ceiling installation and installed 23 of the 24 light fixtures. The wiring is also being done. TOOL ORGANIZATION Wayne and Wes worked at installing a tool board to free up space in the toolboxes. They completed the project. TURN SIGNALS Fred, Paul and Wally completed the front turn signal wiring and checked everything out. The front turn signals are housed in the front doors and when they light up there is actually an arrow that flashes. MECHANICAL Stan and Del worked to install the starter on the spare engine. We still have a problem as every starter that we have tried has a slightly different nose cone that will not fit up to the engine. Del plans to stop at the generator repair shop to show them exactly what is required. PAINTING Art and Connie worked at painting the door face on the right rear of the Futurliner. DRIVER'S COCKPIT Dick continues to work in the cab and on the mechanism that operates the top hatch. Warren dropped off some more of the upholstery that has been completed. ARCHIVES Mike and Al B. had lots of company today to deal with along with there normal job of getting material out for the volunteers. Today George Ferris, who is co-authoring the Futurliner book was also here digging through our 13 binders of material. |
| Oct. 19 | VOLUNTEERS:
Jim Baker, Mike Ball, Al Batts, Don Bratt, Stan Bowers, Del Carpenter,
Fred Carpenter, Marge Carpenter, Sue Carpenter, Conrad DeJong, Ed DeVries,
Ron Elzinga, Don Feutz, Wayne Jackson, Carol Mayton, Don Mayton, Paul
Prinzing, Dick Saddler, Al Scholten, Audrey Snow, Wally Snow and Howard
Sullivan. GUESTS: Nels Hansen, Bob Parshel (Bob had the original
Futurliner tape made into DVD's for each of our volunteers. We thank Bob
for this.) Elwyn Jones (Elwyn, is Fred's cousin from Wales. He assisted
Fred today working on the Futurliner.) LUNCH Howard arrived on time with our supply of doughnuts. He will be on vacation for the next few weeks and we have to have him UPS the doughnuts to us. Our lunch was provided by three of our ladies; Audrey supplying the main meal, Carol salad, and Sue desert. SPARE ENGINE -- STARTER/GENERATOR One of our continuing contributors to the Futurliner project is a small generator - starter repair business in Coopersville, Michigan. Adema Starter / Generator repair has just finished the restoration of both the starter and generator for our spare engine. We thank them for this contribution. Adema is used by most of the old car folks in this area as they will repair any of this old stuff. Today Del and Stan proceeded to install these components. One of the first things they had to do was to sandblast and paint the generator bracket. While waiting for the paint to dry they removed all the letters on the Futurliner's left door in preparation for its removal. PAINT Wyrick Products in Zeeland continues to supply the Montana Paint products that we need for the Futurliner. We continually make trips here to pick up their products. Again we thank them. REAR DOOR WEATHER SEALS Jim has about 3/4 of the lip for the weather seal constructed for the two rear doors. OFFICE MANAGER Mike in addition to all the archive work has sort of become our office manager. Today Mike, Wayne and Al Batts put away all of our Hershey supplies. Mike also tallied up what we took in at Hershey and paid out some bills today. We thank all the volunteers who sold at Hershey, the total gross was $1,200. This will certainly help with the weekly expenses of keeping the volunteers working. Al Batts had to make a run to the paint store as well as two hardware stores today. SHOP MANAGER Wayne takes on the job of shop manager when things need done. Today he again worked on getting the three sets of drill bits sorted and some sharpened. In addition he added places to hang tools to make them more accessible for all of our willing workers. DISPLAY AREA CEILING Ed picked up the pre-painted display area ceiling sheet metal today. He along with his crew of Don F, Ron, Don Bratt, and Al S. went to work installing this ceiling. Al S. also started installing the wiring to each of the light fixtures. RIGHT UPPER DOOR This door is presently at Sparta Sheet Metal where they are making a new door. However today Howard and Connie were working to make the upper door opening face ready for final paint. The large door opening faces we had never did the final painting and they are preparing this area for paint. DRIVER'S COCKPIT Lots of activity here. Wally had designed and had printed the identification for each of the instrument panel switches. Paul, who is very good at detail work took on the job of installing these preprinted identification labels for each of the instrument panel switches. Dick had worked out the mechanics of the upper cockpit hatch arms and started the fabrication of his system. He also worked on the upholstery installation. Wally also worked on the wiring. LEFT FRONT AND LEFT RIGHT DOORS Fred with his cousin Elwyn worked at running the wiring for the turn signals (mounted in each of these two doors) into the Futurliner. These two doors had hinge covers. The door that accesses the engine this hinge cover was painted. The door that accesses the cab, this hinge cover was originally covered with upholstery. Marge had previously covered this hinge with upholstery. Fred and Elwyn started the installation of these hinge covers. |
| Sept. 28 | VOLUNTEERS:
Jim Baker, Mike Ball, Al Batts, Don Bratt, Del Carpenter, Sue Carpenter,
Ed DeVries, Don Feutz, Wayne Jackson, Carol Mayton, Don Mayton, Dick
Saddler, Jerry Sigler, Wally Snow and Howard Sullivan. LUNCH Howard again provided our coffee break doughnuts. Carol made lunch with the salad coming from Paul and desert from Sue. UPHOLSTERY Dick and Jerry are working on installing interior panels. ELECTRICAL Wally continues to wrap up the electrical system. REAR DOOR SECURITY Jim is installing a means to lock the rear doors. INSULATION Insulation material was installed by Ed, Ron, and Don F. STARTER - SPARE ENGINE Our spare engine, that was built by Bill Bicknell, does not have a starter that fits. We found a starter that was on a GMC 302 engine, had it restored but it does not fit. We stopped at the local generator/ starter rebuild shop and they told us to compare the two starters. Today, Del took the starter off of the running Futurliner and placed it along the spare engine starter. The nose, or gear-end of the spare engine starter, is quite different than the one on the Futurliner. The generator / starter shop told us that they could possibly change the gear-end. Today when Wally left he took the two starters to the shop for them to match the good one and rebuild the spare. LOWER CARGO DOORS - RT Wayne installed the inside lower cargo door covers. BODY Connie repaired an area on the upper roof body that he was not satisfied with. Howard and Don M. worked on some miscellaneous items that needed done. FUTURLINER SHIRTS Don Bratt has been working with a local vendor to develop tee-shirts with a photo of the Futurliner on them. Don, working with the shirt company, designed the shirt. It looks great. Don is to pick up the shirts this Friday just in time for Hershey. He and his wife are financing the first batch until we get enough money to pay him back. Thanks Don and Dorothy. HERSHEY AACA ANNUAL CAR SHOW Today Al B. and Mike gathered up all of the display materials as well as the articles that we would be selling so that we can transport them to Hershey. Look for the volunteers at the annual AACA Hershey car show. About a 1/2 dozen of the volunteers have regular booths at the swap meet. In order to continue to raise money for the restoration of the Futurliner we sell a few items. If you are going to Hershey please stop by. Here are a few items that we will be offering: + Hat + Posters + Futurliner pins. + Tee shirts. THIS IS A BRAND NEW ITEM, AND SHOWS OUR FUTURLINER ON THE FRONT. THE SHIRT WAS PRODUCED USING A PHOTO THAT AL BATTS TOOK WHEN WE HAD THE FUTURLINER OUT SIDE. NEXT TWO TUESDAYS No work for the next two Tuesdays as we will be at Hershey. |
| Sept. 21 | VOLUNTEERS:
Jim Baker, Mike Ball, Al Batts, Del Carpenter, Fred Carpenter, Sue
Carpenter, Don Feutz, Judy Feutz, Wayne Jackson, Carol Mayton, Don Mayton,
Wes Myrick, Dick Saddler, Jerry Sigler, Al Scholten, Audrey Snow, Wally
Snow and Howard Sullivan. GUESTS: Rob Engmen, RVTV - Canada; Paul
Cruickshenk RVTV - Canada; Allen Dickerson, Fisher Body Craftsman Guild LUNCH Howard provided our daily calorie count with doughnuts. Judy provided the main meal, Carol provided homemade bread, a fruit and veggie salad from Audrey and desert from Sue. RVTV - Canada Today Rob and Paul from RVTV, Toronto, Canada and spent four hours taking videos and interviewing the volunteers. Although this is a Canadian TV show they said the program usually ends up in the US. It will be airing some time in 2005. FISHER BODY CRAFTSMAN GUILD The Fisher Body Craftsman's Guild was a design-and-build, model car competition sponsored by Fisher Body. Fisher Body was the car body and stamping division of General Motors. They sponsored this competition and the grand prize was various levels of college tuition. The competition was for young people on into college. Fisher Body laid down the guidelines, which included building a scale model car of a certain scale starting with a clay model and then advancing to a wood model. Completion of the model included trim, painting and installing the wheels. Allen, from nearby South Haven, Michigan called last week and explained he was a winner in both 1953 and 1954 with the model car he built for the Fisher Body Craftsman's Guild competition. He also stated he had a photo of himself and other winners in 1953 standing in from of the Futurliner that show cased Fisher Body's Craftsman Guild. I explained to him that the Futurliner he was standing in front of in 1953 when he was 13 years old was the one we were restoring. Today he was reunited with that Futurliner and he also brought along his winning model cars. Of course photos had to be taken. Al has changed a little since that first photo was taken 51 years ago. Al will, in the future, fill us in more about the Fisher Body Craftsman Guild and this competition. RETRO 1, 2, 3 I have been getting e-mails asking about the Futurliner model. Their web site is www.retro1-2-3.com Check it out. MORE HISTORICAL INFORMATION Louanne Kay sent us an envelope full of personal photos, a Parade of Progress pamphlet, copies of news articles, and other materials. Richard, her husband was a Parader and is currently bed ridden. We thank Louanne for this contribution of materials. It again continues to complete our history of the Parade and the Futurliners. MEDIA With today's visitors Mike and Al B. were kept very busy. They are so valuable to this project. They often serve as tour guides just so the rest of us can get some restoration work done. Look in the Detroit News Paper, the Wednesday September 22, 2005 issue, as there is scheduled to be an article about this project. REAR DOOR Jim has been working to correct the latch problems on the rear doors. CLEANUP Over the past five years we have accumulated a lot of stuff to restore the Futurliner starting with all the materials taken from Canada when the FIDO Futurliner was restored. Today was clean up and throw away all that "STUFF" that never will be used. Every body got into the act to make sure nothing important was thrown away. However leading this charge was Ed, Wayne, Don F., Wes, Al B.,Al S., Fred, and Mike. MECHANICAL Del did some engine checks today to try to determine why the Futurliner runs hot. He tightened belts, topped off the radiator, and some other general maintenance. RIGHT UPPER DOOR Last week the right upper door was removed. Howard spent today grinding all the welds that were cut away last week preparing the Futurliner for the new door. ELECTRICAL Wally continues to clean up the last of the wiring. Today he also painted the Autronic Eye its final color. UPHOLSTERY Dick continues to make and fit metal panels to the inside so that they can he upholstered by Warren. Today he was assisted by Don F. and Jerry. INSIDE DISPLAY Our first show for next year is the truck show in Auburn, Indiana June 2, 3, 4, 2005. Even if we received the American Crossroads exhibit today we could not have it ready for this show. Fred, Al B. and Mike B. today started the process of designing a display so that when we do go to shows starting in 2005 we will have a story to tell. However, we are going to keep the display secret so that you can come and see it yourself. FINANCIAL This project would have been dead year one if it were not for all you who continue to support this project financially. The cost of building the two upper doors will be about $5,000. We do have just about that in our savings account at NATMUS. To finish the upholstery we have enough in our account here in Michigan. However we still will have miscellaneous expenses just as materials for our interior display, cab flooring material (ordered today), pay off the loan that financed the purchase of the trailer ($25,000), the air conditioner rebuilding, and I could go on and on. I know this is the time of year everyone is asking for donations starting with the politicians. I also know that each of us have our charities that we faithfully donate to year after year. However, after fulfilling the above priorities if you have anything left over throw it our way. We again thank the volunteers, our financial supporters, those that provide free services, those that continue give us materials to complete our story, and those that support us with their encouraging comments. |
| Sept. 14 | VOLUNTEERS:
Jim Baker, Mike Ball, Al Batts, Conrad DeJong, Ed DeVries, Don Feutz,
Wayne Jackson, Carol Mayton, Don Mayton, Art Meidema, Wilma Meidema, Wes
Myrick, Paul Prinzing, Dick Saddler, Al Scholten, Jerry Sigler, Audrey
Snow, Wally Snow, Howard Sullivan. GUEST: Paul Schurr. LUNCH Howard arrived with his weekly doughnuts for our sweet treats. Carol provided the main meal with a salad by Wilma and desert from Audrey. RIGHT UPPER DOOR Both upper 16' doors we had previously sand blasted, repaired all the rusted out frame sections, and then reskinned the outer skin. They were installed and all the mechanics hooked up and tried out. Every thing worked out however we noticed that when the door was in its extreme upper position it had a sag of 2" in the center of the door. After extensive reinforcements we reduced the sag to about 1-1/2". We also noticed every time we raised the door we were putting enough stress on the upper doors to cause small ripples. We even had a GM body engineer visit us to see if there was a repair that we could make. After following his instructions we still had the sag. Next we had a local sheet metal shop visit our work site to evaluate what could be done. The bottom line is, because of the extensive original rust, and then the sand-blasting operation there was enough metal taken away that made the door weak. Last spring we made the decision that the first job this fall would be to remove these upper doors and make new ones. Since we do not have equipment to bend 16' long sections of steel we have contracted Sparta Sheet metal to make the two new upper doors. They have done work for us in the past, both as a donation as well as more extensive work that we had to pay for their services. This will be the biggest job they have done for us so it will be a pay job. Our decision to make new upper doors is based on our desire to do this restoration correctly so that the Futurliner can be used for many years in the future with out problems. Today, Ed with a big crew of Don F., Paul, Wes, and Jerry started removing all the chrome letters and next the chrome trim. Next come-a-longs were attached to the inside of the door to hold it in place until the door was cut from the roof frame of the Futurliner. Howard then got up on the scaffold and started cutting away the welded piano hinge that he had welded in place previously. Large "eye" hooks were installed on the upper part of the door. Ed had brought on his trailer his fork lift truck. Ed drove the fork lift truck up and then chains were attached to the door and it was lifted off the Futurliner. It was then loaded unto Ed"s trailer and later transported to Sparta Sheet Metal. They will use the original door as a pattern to make a new one. They have made a field trip and understand the problem. ELECTRICAL Wally and Al S. continue to check out all the electrical circuits. CAB - INTERIOR In the top of the cap are some metal panels. Today Art and Connie prepared them and painted them their final color coat. Dick, Don F. and Wes started the installation of some of the upholstered panels that Warren had dropped off this past summer. REAR DOOR LATCH We have had some trouble with the rear door latching mechanism that we built so Jim spent the day analyzing and making repairs. ARCHIVES Mike continues to file material that has arrived over the summer months. VIDEO Al B. continues to document the restoration with videos as well as still shots. Don B., at home, continues to do editing to complete the video. He is having a little scheduling problem with Calvin College as all the students are back. However they said they would fit us in some how. |
| Sept. 10 | Today,
Friday, September 10, 2004, the Futurliner Restoration team hosted the
Alumni from the west Michigan area of Kettering University. Kettering
University is the former General Motors Institute and is located in Flint,
Michigan. It is a cooperative engineering school with disciplines in all
the engineering fields. Many of General Motors engineers and managers are
graduated from either Kettering or GMI. In fact Futurliner volunteers,
Dean Tryon, Stu Allen, and I graduated as a mechanical engineers from GMI.
Volunteer Dick Saddler's son, Rick, is another Kettering alumni. Plus we
have many other supporters of this project that are alumni. There is a loose connection of Kettering University, GMI , The Parade of Progress, and the Futurliners. General Motors first Chief Engineer and their most prolific inventor was Charles Kettering. Charles Kettering's more famous inventions included: + Electric cash register + Electric auto ignition + Self starter for automobiles + Spark plug + Freon for refrigerators and air conditioners + Anti-knock high compression gasoline + Quick drying paint for automobiles + Safety glass + Portable electric generator + Four-wheel brakes + First mass produced Automatic transmission + Electric railway gate + First synthetic aviation fuel Charles Kettering initiated the General Motors Research Labs and then General Motors Institute. That is why when this school was no longer under the umbrella of General Motors it was renamed Kettering University. Charles Kettering was also the instrument that created the Parade of Progress and thus the reason for the vehicles that transported this engineering and technology exhibit all over North America. First in 1936 came the Streamliners carrying the show, followed by the Futurliners in 1941. We have a photograph of Mr. Kettering hovering over the first clay models of the Futurliner. We also have a photograph of Charles Kettering at the introduction of the Parade of Progress in 1941 in Florida. Today at the event we had about 30 of the volunteers along with some of their wives. Our guests, Kettering University Alumni, numbered about 100. We had volunteers from both our group as well as from Kettering prepare for this gathering. I want to thank all the Futurliner Restoration team for the hard work at preparing and hosting our visitors. We also thank John Martin Smith for coming from Auburn, Indiana. I also want to thank all the Kettering University staff starting with Sue Weiss and the lead Kettering University alumni Armen, for the outstanding planning job that was done. It was a very successful day. VIDEO I cannot pass up a comment on the "Chief of Stress", alias "Cecil DeMille" on his work on our up and coming video. All kidding aside, Don Bratt has been doing an outstanding job on putting this video together. He is down to capturing a few last video shots of the Futurliner. One that he desperately needed was the Futurliner riding off into the sunset. Today was clear as a bell here in Western Michigan. Our Kettering event was scheduled to terminate just after sunset. Don B. suggested now or never to get this sunset shot. To our guests delight we fired up the Futurliner. Don B. had his staff with him and had Del doing the driving. The President of NATMUS, John Martin Smith, and his wife, Bobbie, rode shot gun in the cab and off into the sunset they went. FUTURLINER MODEL John Betts brought along his 1:12 scale Futurliner model. It is fantastic. This was the first time I saw the model. John's company only plans to produce 325 models, each model being numbered. At a price of $1,845 for each copy I know that this model is not for every one. However John's company, RETRO 1, 2, 3, has every door on this vehicle that can be opened. Take a peek at the web site. TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS Again we thank each of you, our contributors, those that are following the web site, those that have donated information and those that simply give us moral support. |
| Sept. 7 | VOLUNTEERS:
Jim Baker, Mike Ball, Al Batts, Don Bratt, Bruce Beimers, Del Carpenter,
Ed DeVries, Don Feutz, Wayne Jackson, Carol Mayton, Don Mayton, Art
Meidema, Wes Myrick, Paul Prinzing, Dick Saddler, Wally Snow and Howard
Sullivan. GUESTS: Bob Parshall, Joe Mayo, Steve Perez (Detroit
News), Cal and Norma Schulte. (Donations today from our guests, $151.00.
We thank you.) FUTURLINER CLEANUP Most of our day was spent cleaning up the Futurliner. Del started it up and drove it out of the barn. Next they raised up the lighting fin. Ed and Al S. put up ladders and used the vacuum to clean out the roof recess where the lighting fin lays. Then they started a chain of removing each fluorescent bulb out of each fixture, passing it to the ground where a crew (Wes, Howard, Paul, Wayne, Al B., and others) cleaned each bulb. Over the years of working on the Futurliner the bulbs had over spray as well as weld speckles in addition to the normal dust. However, each bulb ended up shining. All the lights in the lighting fin were tried out and pronounced ok. The remainder of the crew cleaned the aluminum siding, rubber along the lower side, the aluminum letters, and the painted sides. UPHOLSTERY Warren over the summer had completed four sections of upholstery. Today Dick mounted the padded bolster that is just below the windshield on the left inside of the cab. He also started the installation of the same part for the right side of the cab. ELECTRICAL Wally and Al S. continue to check out the wiring solving some of the problems today. SHOP Wayne mounted another large vice that we obtained over the summer. VIDEO Our "Cecil DeMille", Don B. and photographer Al B. continued to add scenes for our up and coming video. ARCHIVES Mike had his hands full with a summer's collection of photos, articles, letters and other literature that we have received from all over. We appreciate those that keep finding past and present articles about the Parade of Progress, and the Futurliners. FUTURLINER MODEL John Betts, Retro 1, 2, 3, had the prototype Futurliner model at this past weeks Auburn Kruse show. From some of our folks that were there we had glowing reports of it. Also, one of today's guests, Bob Parshall, was in Auburn and ordered one from John. Bob called this AM and asked if he could come and see the real thing. We thank our visitors for showing their interest. MEDIA Photographer Stephen Perez, from the Detroit News, was present to take photos of the Futurliner that will be featured in an up and coming article in the Detroit News. Judith Stock, from the LA area in California, is the writer. The article should show up next Wednesday, September 15, 2004 in this newspaper. |
| Aug. 16 | VOLUNTEERS:
Mike Ball (Assistent Director), Al Batts (Camera Man and Logistics
Director), Don Bratt (Director), Del Carpenter (Driver), Don Mayton
(Flunky), Kevin Vuist (Off site at Calvin College) and John Howard (Off
site at WOOD TV Studios). GUEST: Mike Anderson (From California) Our mini work session started with us installing the rear taillight, brake light bezels on the rear doors. We even involved our guest Mike Anderson in this work. We were preparing the Futurliner for more videos. Our "Cecil de Mille" (alias Don Bratt) really did some directing today for the video shots he wanted. He had a list of 36 items he wanted recorded for the video. He had Del driving the Futurliner all over the Beaverdam area getting various shots of the Futurliner on the road. Don B. and Al have spent a lot of time at Calvin College working with Kevin (College Student) cutting and inserting the narration. Don B. and Al also have spent considerable time at the local TV Station (WOOD TV) working with the person that has volunteered his voice for the video. John Howard, our voice for the video is a professional who sells his voice for many commercials in this area. Mike continues to dig out all the still photos that Don B. requires. I might add that we got permission to do all this work at Calvin College from the department head of their audio/video department. At this point I only know how to spell his first name which is Randy (when someone pronounces one of these Dutch last names I have no clue how to spell it). Again all this work is being done with volunteers and using professional facilities that these organizations have donated so that we can produce this video. We want to thank each of these people. We also want to thank Mike Anderson as he gave us a donation of $500 prior to leaving today. AMERICAN CROSSROADS We continue to communicate with GM regarding the American Crossroads exhibit. I know that presently they (GM) are having discussions as far as the proper way to allow us to restore it and use it. Stay tuned. FALL WORK SESSIONS Our fall work sessions will officially begin the day after Labor Day. |
| July 29 | GOEBEL
LAND CRUISER I have mentioned previously that we discovered that the Goebel Beer Company had once owned our Futurliner, #10. When we disassembled the Futurliner we discovered Goebel Beer literature behind the seats in the cockpit. Later, volunteer Howard Sullivan, looking through literature at a swap meet, found a post card with a Goebel Beer Futurliner. Now the rest of the story. Fred and Marge Carpenter have a business selling automobilia. They attend many car meets over the eastern half of the country. This summer they were at the annual Oldsmobile Homecoming and along with their material they always show case some Futurliner material. Fred and Marge have been great in promoting this project through their business contacts. Al Batts has made several color booklets for the volunteers to carry with them. Fred had one of these hanging at their booth in Lansing. One of the attendee's saw the booklet and exclaimed to Fred that he knew the person that drove the Goebel Futurliner. Immediately Fred turned his business over to Marge and Fred engaged this person in conversation. To make a long story short Fred was promised that this person would get the person who was the Goebel Futurliner driver to call Fred. Subsequently Fred Carpenter received a call from Frank Frye who worked for Goebel Beer in the late 1950's. Here is Frank and Jack Frye's story that Fred received by phone as well as letter: "The public relations department of Goebel Brewing Company on Rivard St. in Detroit bought Futurliner #10 (our present Futurliner) in 1956. Goebel had it refurbished at a display firm in Detroit. (A black and white photo shows the right side with painted graphics on the side just above the aluminum ribbed trim and GOEBEL BEER on the front and the sides. The refurbishment for Goebel Brewing Company included making the curb (right side) a stage for the speaker for Goebel. In fact, the photo shows Frank Frye himself posed making his speech. On the opposite (left side) is a miniature brewery that lays out how Goebel Brewing makes their beer. Frank Frye was the first driver in 1957 or 1958. Frank worked previously as a part time tour guide in the Goebel Circus Room all through college. He then took the full time driving job for about 2 years. As Frank recalls, Goebel used it initially only in Michigan. However, since Goebel also marketed in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Frank remembers driving it down there for two or three weeks. (Does any one down in New Orleans have photos or has time to search the local newspapers or library?) Frank used to keep a cooler of canned been behind the driver's seat which was dispensed only to the local beer distributor sponsoring the activity. [Beer was never dispensed to the public.] One time, in Lansing, Michigan, the radiator sprung a leak and the engine was overheating, so Frank poured several cans of beer into the radiator and limped to the nearest GM Dealer for service. As a result, Frank made it to the next activity on time. Since the Futurliner had a complete and powerful P.A. system, it was usually used as a Central Stage by the committee for many types of outdoor activities. Homecoming affairs for the many smaller towns in Michigan were one of Goebels most frequently requested activities with fairs and parades also quite popular. When Frank left Goebel Brewing in 1958 to resume his graduate school work, his brother, Jack Frye, took over as the driver of the Land Cruiser. Shortly thereafter, Goebel Brewing started to experience financial problems and in 1960 had to discontinue the Land Cruiser program. Jack Frye was laid off and Goebel sold the Land Cruiser to Pulte Construction in Detroit. Pulte Construction subsequently hired Jack Frye to drive the vehicle to Florida where they had a large subdivision building project they wanted to promote. Just southeast of Tallahassee, near the town of Perry, the engine threw a rod and caught fire. Jack had to scramble out of the vehicle and seek help. Jack also remembers that a local newspaper reporter came out to the site of the breakdown and took pictures. He subsequently made arrangements to have the vehicle towed to Pulte's construction site where he left it and returned to Detroit." We want to thank Frank and Jack Frye for providing this information. This type of information again fills in more details of the history of Futurliner #10 and its usage after its time spent with GM's historic Parade of Progress. We also want to thank Fred Carpenter for pursuing these contacts. FUTURLINER TRAILER PARADER'S "ADVANCE PROMOTION"
BOOK |
| July 15 |
Today Ed DeVries and Don Mayton met Fred Hoffman in Fennville, Michigan at
Transport Trailers to pickup the Futurliner Trailer. The necessary
modifications have been made for us to use the trailer. Fred Hoffman owns Star Truck Rentals, Grand Rapids, Michigan and he personally drove about 50 miles (100 miles both directions) to pick up the Futurliner Trailer as a donation to this project. We really appreciate this donation. The trailer was taken to Ed DeVries's storage facility. Ed plans to modify one of his storage facilities to be able to store the trailer on the inside. Once the Futurliner is completed this facility will be able to store the Futurliner on the trailer inside the facility. From there it will be easily transported to shows or the museum, NATMUS. |
| July 10 |
The West Michigan Region of the Antique Truck Historical Society (ATHS)
visited the Futurliner Restoration work site today. They were impressed
with the progress as many of their members have been following the
restoration work. Their members were very generous in purchasing hats and
posters as well as leaving donations to the total of almost $200. We thank
them for their support in this historic restoration. One of the members of the ATHS is Fred Hoffman. In the discussion of the Futurliner he asked if there was anything any of their members could do to help in this restoration. I stated that there was and that we needed someone to donate the services of a tractor to pick up our new Futurliner trailer. Fred said to call him and he would work something out. |
| July 8 | Don Bratt and Al Batts continues to work on the video gathering all the materials required and working with Calvin College personnel. We thank them for their dedication in doing this work as well as Calvin. |
| June 29 |
Another important step in the project, our new Gooseneck-Low Boy trailer
has arrived in Beaverdam. A local church allowed us to use their parking
lot to meet with the hauler and trailer, and give Del Carpenter the
opportunity to drive the Futurliner on to the trailer for the first time.
Once on the trailer, out came ladders, levels, and measuring tapes to
ensure clearance tolerances are all met. After new anchor rings are
installed, and some adjustments are made, we should be road ready. Oh yes, there is a matter of needing a tractor to pull it. (see pictures) |
| May 27 |
This will be our final official work
session until the Tuesday after Labor Day. In the meantime there
will be updates of anything happening during the summer months.
VOLUNTEERS: Jim Baker, Mike Ball, Al Batts, Don Bratt, Ken Bogardus, Del Carpenter, Fred Carpenter, Marge Carpenter, Sue Carpenter, Conrad DeJong, Ed DeVries, Ron Elzinga, Don Feutz, Wayne Jackson, Don Mayton, Art Meidema, Wilma Meidema, Wes Myrick, Paul Prinzing, Martin Reed, Dick Saddler, Al Scholten, Jerry Sigler and Howard Sullivan. GUESTS: Dale Buttermore, Bill Seavey, Junior Schreur, Ron DeYoung, John Vander Heide and Bob Messenger. LUNCH Howard again supplied our morning breakfast of doughnuts. We had lots of help with lunch today. The main course was supplied by Marge and Sue (ham and beans). Wilma provided two salads and Al S. brought another salad. Paul brought along desert. Yes, and we ate everything. DONATION When we prepared the Futurliner for the show last year for the "Eyes of Design" we cut red plastic for the rear brake light lens. We did not like the look of our plastic even though the original lens were cut from red plastic. "Custom Tail Lights" owned by Johnny Smith out of Richmond Landing donated new custom lens that he cut for the Futurliner. They now look great on our Futurliner. He custom cuts lens for antique and street rod cars. His phone is (859) 369-2500. Thanks Johnny. LENS INSTALLATION These lens had to be further trimmed and installed in the Futurliner's rear bezels. Ed, Don and Wayne took on this project today. REAR DOORS Jim continues to fabricate the metal flange around the rear door openings to attach the weather strip. THE BATTS AND BRATT SHOW Today at the end of the work session the Futurliner was taken out of the building and with us all standing in front of it photos and video's were taken. We plan to use this in our future video of the restoration of the Futurliner. Don, Al, and Mike have been spending a lot of time putting this video together. Mike digs out all the information, Al does the photographing and deBratt does the directing. PAINTING The area between the windshield and the trim had to be repainted. In the past few weeks Art and Connie have been preparing this area for painting. Today just prior to our morning coffee everyone pitched in and taped off and covered the Futurliner with plastic and paper to prevent over spray. This area was then painted when we all went to coffee. At the end of the day the paper, plastic and tape was removed. As usual Wyrick has been visited several times in the past month again supplying Montana Paint products as a donation to this project. Also Wyrick gives us great discounts on the other paint items that have to be purchased. Thanks to Cal and Ray at Wyrick. FRONT DOORS Fred, Ken and Wayne assembled the left rear door and then hung it on the Futurliner. They then hooked up the wires to the turn signals. The left turn signals are housed in this door. Next they prepared the right front door for painting around the door edges. Connie and Art then painted this surface. Towards the end of the day when the paint was cured the inner upholstered panel was installed. Following this the door was hung on the Futurliner just in time for photos. ELECTRICAL Al S. worked on assembling the entrance courtesy light. Don F. had to make a spacer bracket with Howard doing the welding. CLEANUP Since this was our last session for the spring we had to do some major cleanup. We started with making a pile of scrap metal and rearranging our outside storage. Howard and Del did most of this work including stacking all of our surplus steel on the inside. Later everyone pitched in on this effort. UPHOLSTERY Dick, Marty, Ron, Paul, Jerry and Ron all worked on different sections of metal being fabricated that ultimately will be upholstered. Connie and Art did the preparing and painting of some of these pieces. WINDSHIELD WIPER Wes supplied the remaining parts for the windshield wiper and Del then completed its assembly. It was tried out again and it works fine. Previously a NOS wiper washer bottle and pump was donated by Bruce Berghoff. He sent us another e-mail stating what other components he has in order to complete the entire system. Wes volunteered to take the e-mail and then working with Bruce accumulate the balance of the materials. STEERING WHEEL Art took the steering wheel home to apply its final coat of paint. SUMMER SHUT DOWN This will be our final official work session until the Tuesday after Labor Day. In the meantime there will be updates of anything happening during the summer months. FUTURE UPDATES This summer some updates may include: + Trailer progress + American Crossroads. + Future challenges and opportunities. + Financial update. THANKS We again thank all our faithful volunteers, those that support us financially, and the business that continue to support this project. Also thanks to those that follow this project and give us notes of encouragement. |
| May 18 | VOLUNTEERS:
Jim Baker , Mike
Ball, Don Bratt,
Dorothy Bratt, Ken
Bogardus, Stan
Bowers, Del
Carpenter, Fred
Carpenter, Conrad
DeJong, Ed
DeVries, Ron
Elzinga, Don
Feutz, Wayne
Jackson, Don
Mayton, Art
Meidema, Wilma
Meidema, Wes
Myrick, Paul
Prinzing, Martin
Reed, Dick
Saddler, Al
Scholten, Jerry
Sigler, Wally
Snow, Warren
Veurink and John
Wissink. GUESTS:
Joe Polonowski and Seth.
Buick Driving Enthusiasts (about 120
people) LUNCH Fred provided the doughnuts. Dorothy prepared and Don brought the main dinner course as well as the desert. Wilma provided our salad. BUICK DRIVING ENTHUSIASTS After lunch today the Futurliner volunteers were hosts to about 120 members of the Buick Driving Enthusiasts (BDE) organization. They arrived in approximately 60 antique Buick ranging from 1939 up through the 1990s. Most of the cars were in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. They were show cars being driven and that is what this club likes to do -- drive their Buicks. The owners were from all over the USA. In fact they limit the participants to 60 cars and have to turn folks away. After their arrival, Del fired up the Futurliner and drove it out of the barn so folks could get a better view of it as well as photograph opportunities. The light fin was raised as well as the left 16' doors were opened. Not only did this group enjoy the Futurliner but also had a good look of some of the old cars that the volunteers drove in for the day. The BDE members really showed their appreciation by purchasing Futurliner hats, posters, and pins to the tune of $576. We thank them for supporting this project in such a great way. PREPARATION Mike, Al, and Don B. did a fantastic job of setting up all the displays, video, even getting Don F. and Art to paint the shoes on our "dummies" that wear the original Futurliner uniforms. Everyone else became tour guides with that many people. USED TRAILER Approximately six months ago we reported that Wayne spotted a low boy trailer and with Ed's help got it donated to our project and then hauled to Ed's place of business. At the time we figured that we could restore this trailer, lengthen it, and then use it to haul the Futurliner. However, after really looking it over and recognizing its deteriorated condition we came to the conclusion that this was not a good idea. Ed, being able to sell refrigerators at the north pole, managed to recently sell this trailer for $500. This money has been collected and now added to our finances. Thanks to both Wayne and Ed. REAR DOORS Jim continues to work on the weather seal frame on these doors. Jim also took home our steel sheet nibbler that gave up the ghost. He has repaired it and built a new trigger switch (the old plastic switch simply broke and fell apart). FRONT LEFT DOOR Fred, Ken and Wayne worked at installing the door lock mechanisms on this door. Wayne had previously called and ordered parts from "THE FILLING STATION" (Chevrolet and GMC reproduction parts). Once they heard it was for the Futurliner project they donated the parts. WINDSHIELD WIPER Stan, Del and Wes spent time trying out the windshield wiper. The Futurliner has one windshield wiper positioned in the center of the windshield. This wiper is an air operated double cylinder mechanism. It works great. Although we have a windshield wiper arm we have yet to locate a wiper blade. Wes assured us that with all his old car stuff he would find one. LEFT SIDE LOW Connie and Art successfully eliminated a low spot on the left front of the Futurliner. UPHOLSTERY Those working on the fabricated parts that will be upholstered included Paul, Dick, Ron, Marty and Wes. Today Warren got to take home several pieces to upholster. LIGHTING FIN Gray Bar Electric supplied four new 110 volt sealed beam lights for the lighting fin. Al S. and Ron today replaced these lights and then tried them out; everything is ok. WHITE WALLS Jerry had the job of cleaning up our wide white wall tires and then wiping down the rubber that is around the entire Futurliner. STEERING WHEEL Art and John have the done the work to prepare the steering wheel for paint. |
| May 11 | VOLUNTEERS:
Jim Baker, Mike Ball, Al Batts, Don Bratt, Ken Bogardus, Stan Bowers, Del
Carpenter, Fred Carpenter, Conrad DeJong, Ed DeVries, Jeff Dornbush, Ron
Elzinga, Lois Jackson, Wayne Jackson, Don Mayton, Art Meidema, Wes Myrick,
Paul Prinzing, Martin Reed, Dick Saddler, Al Scholten, Jerry Sigler, Dee
Sigler, Audrey Snow, Wally Snow, Howard Sullivan, John Wiltjer and John
Wissink. GUESTS: Gerry Petersen, Jim Veresh, Jim Stranways and
Kevin Roloff. LUNCH I failed to mention for our trip to Stubbs, Fred and Marge provided our doughnuts. Today as usual Howard provided our doughnuts. You would think we could not function without our fix of doughnuts. Lunch was provided by Lois, with salad from Dee and desert from Audrey's garden - rhubarb pie. WEEKLY WORK SESSION REPORTS In case you think that all this information comes from me weekly, Mike does an invaluable service of keeping me informed with a lot of information as well as digging through the archives when I need specific data. Thanks Mike. REAR DOORS After a lot of detail work for the past few weeks Jim and Don B. assembled the completed bezels for the two rear doors. VIDEO Don B. continues to dig information out with Mike's help and has Al B. taking specific photos of the work progressing. Mike and Al had to make runs to the hardware store also. FRONT DOOR LOCKING MECHANISMS It has been decided to install the original key locking mechanisms in the two front doors. In the process of doing this work Fred and Ken have discovered that critical pieces are missing. Ken has volunteered to make these pieces. FRONT END ALIGNMENT Today Del and Stan jacked up the front of the Futurliner and adjusted the tow-in. Unfortunately when they let the Futurliner off of the jack stands the toe-end changed. They have been advised by long time mechanic Wes, that the toe-in must be adjusted with the vehicle sitting on the ground with the full weight on the tires. PAINTING Connie and Art today spent time painting smaller parts including the storage compartment box for the cab of the Futurliner. UPHOLSTERY PREPARATION Dick, Art, Ron, Paul and Jerry today all were working on fabricating components that must be upholstered. CAB HATCH Al S. arrived with two stainless steel door hatch slide brackets that he had made at several local machine shops. Again another donation. Al also sanded these brackets and then Ron did the final buffing. WELDING Howard spent the day welding and grinding parts for others. Every time I turned around he was welding for others. ELECTRICAL Jeff removed one of our 110 volt spot lights from the lighting fin. When we were at the EYES ON DESIGN show last year we blew all these 110 volt spot lights out due to insufficient voltage. They had provided a very long extension cord (a couple hundred feet) and due to the voltage drop these four spotlights all blew. He also discovered that the ballast in one of our other lights was not defective, again from the same problem. Wally continues to tie up his wiring into a neat and presentable fashion. WORK PLACE ORGANIZATION Wayne and Wes, using a cabinet picked up from a garage sale, mounted it on the wall to better store our materials. Wayne then gathered all the sandpaper, grinding supplies, and masking tape and properly stored them. It sounds mundane but the less looking for stuff the more efficient we are. STEERING WHEEL John continues to work on the steering preparing it for final paint. |
| May 6 | Following
is a special report of the Futurliner Restoration volunteers traveling to
Stubbs on Thursday, May 6, 2004, to look at the AMERICAN CROSSROADS
exhibit that is in storage. Traveling to the H. B. Stubbs facility were the following volunteers: Jim Baker, Mike Ball, Al Batts, Stan Bowers, Del Carpenter, Fred Carpenter, Marge Carpenter, Wayne Jackson, Don Mayton, Art Meidema, Wes Myrick, Paul Prinzing, Marty Reed, Al Scholten, Jerry Sigler and Wally Snow. Volunteering to use their vans and driving the 3 hours to Warren, Michigan were Fred, Wayne and Wally. Our host at H. B. Stubbs was Paul Grondin. Paul has been with Stubbs for 33 years and has a detail knowledge of the AMERICAN CROSSROADS display as well as its history. The purpose of the trip was to determine the condition of the AMERICAN CROSSROADS exhibit and again talk to GM representatives of the possibility of reuniting this display with the Futurliner that we are restoring. H. B. Stubbs built the AMERICAN CROSSROADS display for the first Parade of Progress that used the Futurliners. This particular show started in February of 1941. This display was used until World War II started in December of that year. Again after the war the display again was used starting in April of 1953 until the Parade of Progress was terminated in July of 1956. (We have one document that states that the AMERICAN CROSSROADS display was built in 1932 for the 1932 World Fair in Chicago. However others refute this and state it was built specifically in 1939-40 for the 1941 Parade of Progress. The vehicle used to transport the display was the Futurliners. If anyone has documents and/or photos showing in being used prior to 1941 we would appreciate that information.) To again bring up to date exactly what the AMERICAN CROSSROADS display is I will briefly take a few facts out of a GM Press Release about the display: "Our American Crossroads This 16-foot animated diorama, through voice and action, demonstrates the transformation of a rural community of 50 years ago into a thriving suburban community of today (1953). The exhibit emphasizes the major part the automobile has played in bringing the country and city together. Crossroads is one of the Parade's most popular exhibits -- and certainly one of the most complicated ever built. It represents a real step forward, in the opinion of GM officials, in exhibit technique and showmanship. The complete exhibit, not counting the Futurliner in which it rides, weighs more than 4,000 pounds (we found it stenciled with 6200#). and contains practically every metal as well as various plastics, synthetic enamels, rubber and wood. Exhibit techniques used in Crossroads include stop-motion, conveying chain, automatic light dimming, synchronized sound and action, and diminishing perspective in motion. Altogether the mechanical construction and modeling took more than 15,000 man-hours of labor. This intricate exhibit involves the proper synchronization of some 25 electrical motors and 70 contacts. Our American Crossroads is designed to show the part the automobile has had in changing the face of America -- and not only the nation's looks but also her way of life. It covers four decades in the life of an imaginary crossroads community, Pleasant Corners. To cover these changes, the entire scenery is shifted three times -- from 1902 to 1920 to 1953. " After the Parade of Progress was over the AMERICAN CROSSROADS display was stored at H. B. Stubbs. At one time there was discussion by GM to destroy the display but at this point several GM people as well as Stubbs employees (including Paul Grondin) stepped in to save the display. Subsequently it was restored and then moved to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Again after a long tenure at the Science and Industry Museum the display needed considerable refurbishment to keep it running. Again there was discussion to have it destroyed. Again GM and well as Stubbs (Paul Grondin and others) stepped in to stop this from happening. It was again placed into storage at Stubbs. For the 2001 International Auto Show in Detroit at COBO hall the AMERICAN CROSSROADS exhibit was again repaired for this show. Software was developed and computers were employed for the electrical as well the audio portions. The firm hired to do this work rented all the equipment to Stubbs and as a result once the show was over the rented equipment went back to the electronics firm. So presently the AMERICAN CROSSROADS exhibits is without its brains to function. That brings us to today. The AMERICAN CROSSROADS exhibits sits in a warehouse. It cannot be used until it again is restored and furnished new brains. The volunteers of this historic Futurliner Restoration project are still seeking a way to sometime reunite a working AMERICAN CROSSROADS exhibit with the FUTURLINER. Stay tuned |
| May 5 | Special
Work Session VOLUNTEERS: Del Carpenter, Don Mayton, Conrad DeJong and Art Meidema. After session after session of the interior framework being put in to support the interior decorative walls and ceiling this all had to be painted. Since you cannot paint the inside of a vehicle as large as the Futurliner on the inside of a building due to the safety of the individuals as well as being able to see what you are doing it had been decided that the first warm day forecast (above 55 degrees) that this job would be done. On Tuesday, our regular workday, the outside of the Futurliner was completely wrapped in plastic and paper to prevent overspray. All materials were removed from the inside. Then on Wednesday morning, Del fired up the Futurliner and drove it outside. Next, the side doors were opened to allow a breeze of air to circulate through the vehicle as it was being painted. Art and Connie spent the next 5 hours priming and then painting the interior walls to protect the vehicle from rust. Although all these walls will later be covered with pre-painted aluminum panels we wanted to prevent rust so future generations could enjoy this vehicle. Later that evening Del drove the vehicle back into the barn. We also must again thank Montana Paints and Wyrick Products in Zeeland for providing the paint products as a donation. FUTURLINER TRAILER Also today, Del and Don M. traveled to Fennville to make some further measurements on the Futurliner Trailer that was ordered. I talked to the manager of Witzco Trailers in Florida about the fact that the trailer was delivered outside our specifications. He stated that they would do everything they could do to correct the situation. The manager specifically asked me to make these further measurements. Again, stay tuned. |
| May 4 | VOLUNTEERS:
Jim Baker, Mike Ball, Al Batts, Don Bratt, Carol Bowers, Stan Bowers, Del
Carpenter, Fred Carpenter, Sue Carpenter, Conrad DeJong, Ron Elzinga, Don
Feutz, Wayne Jackson, Carol Mayton, Art Meidema, Wes Myrick, Paul Prinzing,
Martin Reed, Dick Saddler, Jerry Sigler, Al Scholten, Wally Snow, Howard
Sullivan, John Swanlund, John Wissink and Warren Veurink. GUESTS:
Nels Hansen and Gail Bumber. LUNCH Howard showed up with our weekly supply of calories in the form of doughnuts. Carol M. made lunch, Carol S. provided desert and Sue made the salads. To feed this crowd Howard has to order the doughnuts the night before and then in the morning pick them up, and the gals must make 3X recipes of food. Again our faithful crew of Mike and Al do all the work to setup for lunch. FUTURLINER AND FUTURLINER TRAILER FINANCES The question has been asked by some of our donors with the problem with the trailer not meeting our requirements what about the finances. All donations for the Futuriner project go to the museum (NATMUS). There it is kept in a separate Futurliner Restoration account from the regular museum accounts. The museum auditors do a thorough analysis of the Futurliner expenses and we submit all our receipts of expenditures to the museum. The donations specifically for the trailer are kept in the same account but we have been keeping a separate account of those monies. We do have a small checking account here at a local bank that is kept to keep current the small expenditures we make such as the local hardware, the paint store, or our volunteers who frequently stop on the way to our work site and purchase materials for the job they are working on. We require receipts for all these type expenditures. Occasionally we have a group that visits and usually that ends us in some cash donations. This money is also deposited in the local checking account. The money donated for the trailer will be used for that. We only have a small percentage of that money so far. In order to pay for the trailer a person that wishes to remain anonymous has loaned the museum $25,000. This, with YOUR DONATIONS will pay for the trailer as well as the upholstery. Of course sometime in the future we must pay back the loan. Bruce Berghoff, who made the financial challenge, myself and the volunteers all thank those that have so generously given to this project. I urge you to encourage your friends to join us in becoming stakeholders in this venture, as we have not met our goal and we will have future obstacles (opportunities?) to overcome. TRAILER STATUS Today I talked to the general manager of the company that made the trailer, Witzco Trailers. We are working on a plan to walk through each of our requirements to see if alterations to the trailer can be made so that it will be fully functional for our purposes. Stay tuned. REAR DOORS Due to the tight clearance of the rear doors Jim has been visiting all the local RV dealers, truck repair shops, truck parts supply shops in order to find the right weather seals for the rear doors. He does have a sample that will work except he has not located who we can purchase it from. VIDEO PRODUCTION Today Don B. had arranged for a truck with a sky bucket to arrive to do the video taking of the guys arriving to the work site. Our volunteer for that service was Jim Swanlund. Al B. had the privilege o |