New Jersey
Transportation Heritage Center

Z546 is significant as it represents the new look semi suburban so typical of New Jersey, but rare elsewhere. Its rarity and New Jersey uniqueness is demonstrated in that it is the forty-seventh of only fifty model T6M 5307N semi-suburban transit buses ever produced. All were ordered by Public Service. It features a Detroit Diesel 2-stroke 6V-71 engine mated with a 4-speed non-synchromesh v-drive transmission. The bus was delivered without factory air conditioning. The next series of this type bus (the PSCT 500A series) came with factory integral air. This and the 300A series buses were retrofitted with an under-floor mounted air conditioning units powered by and independent 4-cylinder diesel. Ductwork was installed along the left interior carline of the bus. The first cross seat on the right side of the bus was rendered unusable by a steel box structure intruding above the floor of the bus to house the a/c engine and compressor below. The retrofit was successful and the little diesel unit turns over with its electric start. While Z546 spent its service life assigned to the PSCT Southern Division at Newton Ave. and Maple Shade Garages. As delivered the Z546 was painted PSCT's typical medium blue and off white roof and stainless steel fluted side panels. Later it was painted all white with the NJ Transit diagonal three color band.

Background

• Vehicle Description - 1968 General Motors T6M 5306N Transit Coach
• Vehicle Assignment - Intrastate urban bus routes in northern and southern New Jersey

Scope of work

• Drive Train
  • Clean and de-grease the engine and transmission and subcomponents
  • 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 paint and rust
  • Clean, straighten and rechrome all bumpers
  • Repaint in PSCT colors and paint scheme
• Interior
  • Remove, clean, reupholster and reinstall 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, lenses 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

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. Bus currently operates.

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