New Jersey Transportation Heritage Center

				PUBLIC SERVICE COORDINATED TRANSPORT - P700 Public Service P700, 1960, SDM-5301-001
					The P700 series as it appeared at the time of delivery. The P700 as it appeared at the time it was transferred to the historic collection.
		History and New Jersey Transportation Heritage Sketch Arguably, the most significant bus in the state collection, P-700 is sought after by various collectors. P700 is the first production new look, 40 foot suburban fishbowl ever built! It is first in a generation, first in a series and first of a major redesign that typically lasted 25 years or more. As the first production model, P-700 was subject to retrofits and service bulletin fixes to remedy structural weaknesses in early production models. Its engine compartment, forward bulkhead and some other appliances are not original. Unlike later Public Service suburban orders, this bus has a 6V-71 engine and 4-speed manual transmission. Its air-conditioning unit compressor works directly off the engine, reducing power on hills on hot days. This bus has a distinguishing hump or nacelle above the rear window for the air conditioning evaporator. We are aware of only one operator in NJ who ordered this and subsequent suburban models without air conditioning. PS specified 49 rather than 53 seats, as did most Jersey bus operators. These buses were used on short-haul charters and featured reclining seats, individual reading lights, luggage racks and under floor luggage compartments. This was considered a highly successful model, but in its early PS versions, it was under powered. PS received 120 of these buses in their first order (P700-P819) but were unable to get 120 consecutive units directly off the production line (serials 001-100, 200-219). PS purchased 240 SDM-5301s comprising 41% of GMC's total production of 589 SDM's. Public Service purchased over 560 suburban "new look" buses. Over a thousand SDM's operated in New Jersey. Background Vehicle Description - 1960 General Motors SDM 5301 Suburban Coach, the first production model Vehicle Assignment - Interstate bus routes in northern and southern New Jersey Scope of work Drive Train Remove engine and transmission cradle Clean and de-grease the units Determine the condition and functionality of the units and subunits (including but not limited to the generator, fuel pump, starter) Procure necessary replacement parts Overhaul the units Reassemble the units Reinstall the cradle and connections Body Remove and replace all damaged body parts including repair of the engine bulkhead Remove all paint and rust Replace all sash and glazing Clean, straighten and rechrome all bumpers Inspect and repair major structural members including the frame and bulkhead Repaint in PSCT colors and paint scheme Interior Remove, clean, reupholster and reinstall seats Reinstall luggage racks 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 , lenses and sockets, and replace as appropriate Inspect all gauges 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 air compressor and replace air and brake system components as appropriate Inspect the door and windshield wiper 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 It is intended that when the above work is complete that this vehicle will pass all relevant state and federal inspections requirements that are necessary for operation of the vehicle in common carriage revenue service. Next Page
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