New Jersey
Transportation Heritage Center

This GMC model is typical of the New Jersey semi-suburban or "deluxe transit" type bus. This 35 foot bus features a manual 4-speed non- synchromesh "v" drive transmission, a single door with transit forward and more deluxe forward facing seating in the rear. While most common in the Southern Division operating out of the Newton Ave. Garage in Camden., G-572 spent most of its life assigned to the Elizabeth Garage. As delivered, G-572 wore the post-war gray and off white with purple belt rail stripe and red wheel paint scheme. Interior was dark green below the windows with cream homosote as the headliner. In January 1965, G572 was repainted to the blue and white stripe PSCT paint scheme that was supposed to match the "silverside" feature of later series old look and new look (fishbowl) buses. In 1970, G572 was assigned to the inactive reserve fleet. By October 1973, at age 20, it had been removed from the official PSCT roster and sold. The G-500 series bridged two GMC models. The lower number G500-G517 were TDM-4509, while the later 1953 delivered G518-G561 were TDM-4512. These latter buses were the first of their series, reflecting Public Service influence in getting the first of unique new series models. Still later in 1953, G562-585, including our G572, were delivered to Newark from Pontiac Michigan. These last vehicles in the series came with lower density (41 rather than 45 seats) and deluxe upholstery. The principal difference in these outwardly similar appearing two models was that the later 4512's had air suspension while the earlier 4509's were spring suspension equipped. Public Service purchased 82% or 208 of the total GMC production of 252 buses in the TDM-4512 series.

Background

• Vehicle Description - 1953 General Motors TDM 4515 Transit Coach
• Vehicle Assignment - Intrastate urban bus routes in Camden ,Essex, Hudson and Passaic counties

Scope of work

• Drive Train
  • Clean and de-grease the engine, transmission and sub components
  • Determine the condition and functionality of the units and subunits (including but not limited to the generator, fuel pump, starter)
  • Procure necessary replacement parts
  • Install replacement parts
• Body
  • Remove all "recreation vehicle" features
  • Remove and replace all damaged body parts
  • Remove all paint and rust
  • Replace all sash and glazing
  • Clean, straighten and rechrome all bumpers
  • Repaint in PSCT colors and paint scheme
• Interior
  • Remove all "recreation vehicle" features
  • Procure and reupholster seats
  • Remove all motor home improvements and install seats
  • Clean and repaint the front dash area
  • Replace floor and floor coverings as appropriate
• Electrical
  • Inspect all circuits and replace as appropriate
  • Inspect all lamps and sockets, and replace as appropriate
  • Inspect all gages and sensors and replace as appropriate
  • Inspect battery and battery circuits and replace as appropriate
• Air/Vacuum Systems
  • Inspect the brake system and replace components as appropriate
  • Inspect the compressor and replace components as appropriate
  • Inspect the door and windshield motors and replace components as appropriate
    
  • Inspect all air lines and replace as appropriate
• Suspension System
  • Inspect and replace all air bags as appropriate
  • Inspect the steering system and replace components as appropriate

Note

• Following completion of the rehabilitation efforts, it is intended that this bus be operable condition.

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