Tucker Topics Vol. 48-03

O F F I C I A L T U C K E R AU T O M O B I L E C L U B O F A M E R I C A P U B L I C AT I O N

VOLUME 4 8 • ISSUE 2

Celebrating the Legacy

The Gathering Also in this issue: • The Mt. Rushmore of Tucker • Reviving & Driving #1026 (Part #2) 1

VOLUME 4 8 • ISSUE 2

Kelly C. Vanek, Editor Cassidy Communications, Inc.

T U C KE R F E A T U RES

CON T R IBU T ING AU T HOR S Larry Clark, Mark Lieberman

IM AGE CON T R IBU TOR S

Gary Covington, Jason Brown, Keefer Photography, TACA Archives Tucker Automobile Club of America is part of the

A AC A MUSEUM , INC .

T UCK ER CLUB A DV I S ORY COUNCIL Eric Breslow • Eileen Carpenter • Larry Clark Martyn Donaldson • Warren Erb Mark Lieberman (TACA Representative AACA Museum, Inc. Board member) Martin Mieras • Steve Tremulis Cheryl Tucker • John R. Tucker, Jr.

T UCK ERCLUB .ORG O N T H E COV E R : THE TIN GOOSE AND TUCKER #1044 PICTURED WITH MANY GATHERING GUESTS, TACA MEMBERS AND TUCKER FAMILY MEMBERS. Photo: Keefer Photography

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4 The Mt. Rushmore of Tucker Who would you choose?

By Larry Clark

Reviving & Driving Tucker #1026 (Part Two) The Tuckermatic

By Mark Lieberman

The AACA Museum, Inc. has been and remains an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, not affiliated with the Antique Automobile Club of America.

Tucker Topics is published quarterly by the AACA Museum, Inc. for the Tucker Automobile Club of America (TACA). Tucker Topics (ISSN 1540-6954) is copyright 2019

by Tucker Automobile Club of America. All rights reserved. No audio, electronic, or print reproduction of any portion of Tucker Topics is allowed without the publisher’s or author’s written consent. Unless requested in writing, all submission materials become the joint, nonexclusive property of TACA and the submitter. Unless otherwise requested, all materials received will be donated to the Tucker Club Archives in the name of the submitter. DISCLAIMERS: Tucker Topics, the Tucker Automobile Club of America, the AACA Museum, Inc. and their respective Officers and Directors do not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of information that appears herein.

Information contained in this publication comes from many sources and there is no guarantee as to its accuracy or completeness. Liability for errors is limited to the published correction of same. Each issue of Tucker Topics makes use of trademark names.

Rather than place a trademark symbol at every occurrence, we state that we are using the names only in an editorial fashion, and there is no intention of trademark infringement.

TACALEADERSHIPREPORT MARK LIEBERMAN , TACA REPRESENTATIVE AACA MUSEUM, INC. OWNER, TUCKER #1029

Celebrating the Legacy

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t has been a hectic quarter for the AACA Museum, Inc. and the TACA. The second Tucker Talk, titled “Tucker, The 50 Production Cars,” went exceptionally well. The presentation discussed the differences and unique attributes of each car. Early and late variations along with engine and transmission evolutions were also summarized. As with the first Tucker Talk, this too was presented to a sold-out crowd of enthusiastic Tucker fans. The group provided significant interaction and follow up discussions for the presenters (John Tucker and myself ). We are grateful to all those who attended and supported the TACA and the AACA Museum, Inc. Thanks to the staff of the Museum for hosting a great event.

The Museum team worked diligently to prepare the Tucker Gathering (formerly the Tucker Convention) at the AACA Museum, Inc. on June 15-16. In addition to the three fabulous Tuckers on display in the Cammack Gallery (#1001, #1022, #1026), The Tin Goose was on-site and the subject of a Tucker Talk. Also, Howard Kroplick brought and displayed Tucker #1044. Mike Tucker and Sean Tucker presented a fascinating program detailing their outstanding restoration of this car. In the Tucker Tent, enthusiasts marveled at Ken Northcraft’s display of custom models. A highlight for guests was the opportunity to watch Tucker #1044 and the Tin Goose drive around the Museum grounds. The event was part of a very full weekend at the Museum that included the annual car show, car corral, flea market and 2nd chance parts auction.

Special thanks to Jake Dunnigan for his work in curating the Tucker Archives. In our ongoing effort to provide you with the best historical Tucker information possible, new items are soon to be posted in our digital archives. Special thanks also go to Sean and Mike Tucker for their diligent work with the archived Tucker blueprints. Their efforts enable us to understand these cars better than ever before. Thank you for the continued support.

From Far and Wide Bob MacDonald and his wife, Irene, traveled from England to attend The Gathering

History & Restoration of #1044 Presented by owner Howard Kroplick and the restoration team

Tucker Talks Still drawing attention after 70 years

On July 18, 2019, the Automotive Hall of Fame celebrates the fifth anniversary of Preston Tucker’s induction. John Tucker and I plan to participate in this beautiful ceremony. It is quite exceptional that the Automotive Hall of Fame continues to recognize the substantial contribution that Preston Tucker made to this industry, and we are honored to be a part of it.

Lastly, there were two Tuckers offered and sold at auction recently, #1040 and #1028.

Tucker #1040 was sold at the RM Sothebys event in Scottsdale, Arizona for $1,600,000 to a private collection in Colorado. Tucker #1028 was sold at a Bonhams auction in Tupelo, Mississippi for $1,985,000 to the Motorland Museum. Congratulations to the new owners of these historic automobiles!

On Display TACA Member Ken Northcraft shared a collection of Tucker Models

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The Most Impactful Tucker People

The

Mt. Rushmore of

By Larry Clark

Editor’s Note: Larry Clark, a TACA Committee Member, has conducted research into the history of Preston Tucker, the company and the car since his joining the Society of Automotive Historians, in 1977. All opinions in the article are his alone, including the final four names.

A

recent popular challenge is to determine who belongs “on the Mount Rushmore of _______.” To illustrate, in 2012, OnAllCylinders.com named their Mount Rushmore of the all-time most significant American performance automobiles: 1908 Ford Model T, 1941 Willys/Jeep MB, 1955 Chevrolet and 1964½ Mustang. Have the idea?

If so, who should be on the Mount Rushmore of Most Impactful Tucker People?

The most obvious first name has to be Preston Tucker. No explanation needed. I also consider him the placeholder for all of his immediate family members, extending to the recent exciting work of John, Jr., Sean and Mike Tucker with Rob Ida. Who else?

From the era directly associated with the company and/or persons of the company, the following names (in alphabetical order) come to my mind.

• Dan Ehlenz, a Tucker dealer. His disclosure that he drove #1025 to the trial from Minneapolis significantly undermined the prosecution’s case against Tucker.

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• Bill Kirby, lead legal counsel. Kirby’s game plan to defend Preston Tucker was superb. If convicted, Preston Tucker’s great entrepreneurial story likely would have died (and we might not have 47 surviving Tucker cars).

• Cliff Knobel. His strategy for Tucker dealers to sell accessories boosted company cash flow and later resulted in hundreds of online sales of Tucker radios, heaters, seat covers, and luggage.

• Dan Leabu. A very loyal friend to Preston Tucker, Leabu was the glue that held things together, from reworking the engines and transmissions in Ypsilanti, to being the General Production Manager.

• Nick Jenin. Jenin toured the USA displaying his ten Tucker cars. His collection of Tucker items became the foundation of David Cammack’s collection, now housed at the AACA Museum, Inc.

• Fred Rockelman. Although the model for “Barrington” in the movie, Rockelman was a strong company leader, as he was in the early years at Ford.

• Tom McCahill, Mechanix Illustrated writer.

His initial road test of the Tucker ’48 spoke glowingly of its performance. Twenty-five years later, he retested #1014 and declared that it might be the best American car he had ever driven.

• Alex Tremulis, Chief Stylist. Besides his lead design efforts, in the years that followed, Tremulis was the most invested person of the era in helping to “Keep the Legend Alive.”

For early champions of the Tucker story and/or car, names that come to my mind include:

• Charles Pearson, writer. His PIC Magazine article launched Tucker. His book, The Indomitable Tin Goose, is still a valuable Tucker source book.

• Ezra Schlipf. Schlipf was the impactful early owner of Tucker cars. Without Schlipf, we would not have 47 surviving vehicles.

The formation of TACA in 1973 began a solid era of Tucker champions including: • David Cammack. For me, like Preston Tucker, Cammack belongs on Mount Rushmore without a need for explanation.

• Bev Ferriera. A founding member of TACA, Ferriera drove his yellow Tucker #1041 nearly everywhere with gusto and pride.

• Stan Gilliland. TACA began in Gilliland’s shop in Kansas. Along with Curtis Foester, he helped keep many Tucker cars rolling.

• Bill Hamlin. Hamlin, in his era, was the leading guru of Tucker automobiles.

• Richard Jones. A TACA Co-Founder, he completed the restoration of #1022, 5

• Mike Schutta. Schutta’s JalopyJournal.com blog page was terrific. He is the ultimate authority on Tucker car ownership history.

• Frank Tucker. A cousin of Preston Tucker, he rebuilt the TACA Archives. His widow, Sharon, donated one of the four Tucker replica cars to TACA. Concerning Tucker car owners, some have already been mentioned. Others exceptional on my list include: tried to restore #1023, and guided Cammack with his collection. With Russ Brownell, he kept the Tucker cars operating during the movie’s filming.

After the Tucker movie in 1988, at several times, there came the need for strong leadership to help “Keep the Legend Alive.”

Among these TACA leaders: • Eric Breslow. By 2018, TACA, as an entity, was struggling. As president, he led the transition of TACA to be under the auspices of the AACA Museum, Inc. He owns #1031 and a movie replica car.

• Martyn Donaldson. An accomplished Tucker restorer, and historian, he has continually provided “wind beneath the wings” of TACA. • Jay Follis. Follis is an accomplished Tucker historian. He and Bill Pommering, along with their wives, were the glue that held TACA together for well over a decade.

• Brent Morris. With TACA at a critical crossroad, Morris stepped up and provided valuable leadership, ably assisted by John Schuler.

• Bill Pommering. His savvy leadership is the foremost reason that #1039 was claimed by and is now owned by the Smithsonian Museum.

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• Russ Brownell. Put him in the picture with Ezra Schlipf, Richard Jones, and Bill Hamlin.

• Eileen and Keith Carpenter. In 2011, the Carpenters won “Best in Class” at the Amelia Island Concours, and then demonstrated further class by taking #1017 to Richard Jones in Florida so he could ride in his last Tucker car before his passing.

• Brent DuCoing. I love seeing pictures of a Tucker owner driving a $1M+ car to a Cars and Coffee event. Four Tucker cars. Awesome.

• Francis “Fuzzy” Fruzyna. Fruzyna won $8.84M in a lottery and then bought a Tucker car, #1048.

He lived the dream!

• Howard Kroplick. His passion is contagious.

Thanks to social media, we were there with Kroplick during the incredible restoration of #1044 and its showing at Pebble Beach (#1044 had my vote).

• Mark Lieberman. With his impeccable restorations of #1006 and #1043, he set a high standard for the restoration of a Tucker car. From this, ultimately came Tucker cars featured at the 2018 Pebble Beach Concourse. Also, Lieberman owns Preston Tucker’s personal car, #1029.

Alex Tremulis: A self -taught automotive designer, he was asked

by Tucker to sketch an innovative car for Tucker’s new company. What he presented was the Tucker 48, known as the Tucker Torpedo.

Nick Jenin: Purchased Tucker vehicles following the company liquidation. He set up the traveling “Fabulous Tuckers” road show. The last of his collection was sold to David Cammack in 1974 founding his collection.

My special mention category:

(TACA Convention videos), Bernard Weiss and Stephen Backus (once youngest TACA member) to today’s great enthusiasts like Dave Velez (Visual Story Teller) and Ken Northcraft (incredible Tucker model car collection).

• Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas. Great movie. Both are still Tucker car owners, including Lucas’s #1009, winner at Pebble Beach.

• Rob Ida. Ida’s tribute vehicles and his restoration of #1044 are incredible (his family tie-in to Tucker is itself a great story).

• Joe Kahn. Kahn has provided leadership to keep TACA relevant in today’s social media world through Facebook (just avoid talking about “the convertible”).

• Steve Lehto. Like Phi Egan’s book, Lehto’s recent valuable book Preston Tucker and His Battle to Build the Car of Tomorrow has helped bring new followers to the Tucker story.

• TACA “Enthusiasts.” These TACA members have done amazing individual things in support of “Keeping the Legend Alive.”

They include past members like Dick Hulse, Bill Riemer, Joe Walker and Bill Wells to Jon Bleser, Mark Boone (cookie jar car and Zippo lighters), Bud Harrington

David Cammack: Instrumental in preserving the Tucker legacy by purchasing Jenin’s vehicles and accumulating the world’s largest Tucker collection. His collection is on permanent view at the AACA Museum, Inc. Photo: Gary Covington

• Toyota. Years ago, Toyota bought #1004 because the Tucker car represented what the American car should be … what the consumer wants for design, performance, quality, and safety. The Big Three should have been so astute.

• Steve Tremulis. Alex would be proud of how effectively Tremulis has elevated the discussion of the design of the Tucker ’48.

It is time. My final names for the Mount Rushmore of Most Impactful Tucker People. In alphabetical order, they are Alex Tremulis, Nick Jenin, David Cammack, and Preston Tucker. My honorary guides are “Fuzzy” Fruzyna, Richard Jones and Ezra Schlipf. Your names? n Editor’s Note: If you would like to share your choices for the Mount Rushmore of Most Impactful Tucker People, mail your suggestions to kvanek@cassidycommunications.com.

Preston Tucker: A man of pioneering spirit and ingenuity dared to revolutionize the auto industry with his “Car of Tomorrow.” The memory of “Tucker” lives on thanks to the people who committed to preserving the legacy.

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Reviving

&

DRIVING

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Tucker #1026

Editor’s Note: This article is the second in a multi-part series documenting the endeavor to “revive and drive” Tucker #1026 in time for participation in the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

(Previous page) Mark Lieberman driving Tucker #1026.

The Tuckermatic: Part Two

By Mark Lieberman

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s the previous installment of our story concluded, we recognized that removing the fuel tank of Tucker #1026 was necessary. Extracting the tank posed several challenges. #1026 was the first “front tank” car, and some of the fixtures used, along with the dimensions of the space allocated, were yet to be determined. To safely extract the fuel tank for cleaning and sealing, we removed the entire front clip carefully. On a Tucker, this includes the luggage tub as well. Our team meticulously taped off the edges to protect the paint and unbolted the bumper, fenders, and tub. We slowly removed each piece to expose the fuel tank. At this point, extracting the tank was as simple as removing the straps, and out it came. We sent the tank to a specialist to boil it out and coat it for long-term protection.

The Fuel Tank Exposed fuel tank ready for removal Fresh fuel tank installed

Building the Suspension Through Trial and Error Next, we shifted our focus to the suspension. The original Torsilastic tubes were still in place but had long since perished.

The collapse of the tubes was a common issue for the suspension. Tucker had three tube suppliers: BF Goodrich, Firestone and United States Rubber. The tube design exhibited issues from the beginning. The technology for bonding the rubber to the steel was not very advanced, and vehicles experienced frequent suspension settling or collapse.

Suspension Original rear Torsilastic tubes, trailing arms

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The Suspension

Original front Torsilastic tube, control arm and clamps New Front Torsilastic tube

In theory, the concept was innovative: Replace the steel springs with a compact rubber torsion bar that would provide a smoother ride and have limited adjustability. Execution of the concept encompassed a series of iterations. The first attempts were on the test chassis and Tin Goose.

Two small rubber impregnated pucks were used on each upper control arm. The pucks proved insufficient to suspend the car under stress.

Next, a revised design incorporated the use of a 12.5” tube to suspend each corner of the car.

The new suspension system—first employed on #1001—used steel inner tubes bonded to molded rubber. The tubes, in turn, were bonded to an outer steel tube. The outer tube clamped to the chassis, and the inner tube connected to the control arm (front) or trailing arm (rear).

The redesigned tubes performed much better than the puck design. However, unpredictable handling due to complicated linkage connecting the tube to the front suspension presented a new challenge.

Ultimately, the Tucker team would utilize a rubber shear plate design for the front of the car instead of the rubber torsion bar for cars #1002 - #1025. The rubber shear plate significantly improved handling but provided no adjustability and was prone to rubber bond failure as well.

The #1026 Suspension Beginning with Tucker #1026, a new, simpler design allowed for the use of rubber torsion bars in the front. The change provided the adjustability desired, but handling continued to present a problem. They addressed the issues on some cars at the Indiana Motor Speedway highspeed trials. Cars, such as #1029 (Preston’s car), received anti-sway bars and stability bars.

To correct the collapsed suspension on #1026, we removed the original Torsilastic tubes. The front tubes unbolt from the lower control arms and slide out of their retaining clamps.

We replaced them with new units of our own manufacture that duplicated the appearance

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of the originals and performed to the original specifications. A threaded hole was machined in the retaining clamp and located to accept a locking pin. Once these were in place, it was just a matter of sliding the new tubes in place and adjusting them to the correct ride height.

The rear Torsilastic units proved more complicated than the front units. The center tube was welded to the rear trailing arms. To remove the original units, we machined the weld off and recentered the hole to accept the replacement tubes. A special jig was employed to ensure proper alignment. Also, the new units must remain cool while they are welded in place to protect the rubber from overheating. Once complete, locking pin holes were machined and threaded, and the new units were installed.

Before final assembly, we inspected the rear axle shafts for cracks (another common issue) and replaced all of the axle bearings and seals.

The bearings and seals ensured proper, smooth operation. Once all four Torsilastic tubes were in place, #1026 was standing tall. The final ride height adjustments were made following reinstallation of the front clip. #1026 Brakes and a Surprise We then turned our attention to the brakes.

The master cylinder was dry, and each of the wheel cylinders was locked solid with corrosion.

The brake shoes were old and cracked but not worn. We elected to replace them along with the bearings and seals. In addition to the master cylinder, the wheel cylinders and brake lines required replacement. We also observed that there was an additional brake line T-ed from the rear brakes to a hydraulic cylinder mounted on the upper section of the Tuckermatic Transmission. When the brakes were applied, the brake line would depress a rod that went into the transmission. With the help of Mike and Sean Tucker, research in the Cammack archives revealed original blueprints for R1, R2, and R3 Tuckermatic Transmissions. These prints gave us a clear look at the inner working of the transmission.

Engine Left: Engine before work performed Right: Engine ready to run

From Stan Gilliland, we were surprised to learn that the #1026 had a third pedal on the floor near the seat bottom. The pedal was depressed with the left heel of the driver. I have no idea how anyone over 5’ 4” could do this. We located the mounting holes for the pedal and the remnants of a bracket. We don’t know if it was hydraulically- or cable-actuated because no blueprints were located. Stan informed us that depressing the pedal would stop the external torque converter from spinning, allowing the driver to shift from forward to reverse with the engine running. That might have been what the previous mechanic was trying to accomplish with the added line off of the rear brakes.

We determined that this modification created an unsafe operating condition. It depleted the liquid displacement capacity of the master cylinder because additional fluid was needed to fill and expand the extra wheel cylinder.

We omitted the brake line and ran a series of experiments with a separate source of actuation (I’ll detail that for you later in the article). At this point, we completed the rebuild of the braking system, and #1026 was finally able to stop safely.

When the brake system is working correctly, it’s very effective. Under hard braking conditions, the weight shifts forward due to the rear suspension design. The weight shift allows the front brakes to grab harder and reduce the chance of the rear wheels locking up. The combination of factors resulted in reduced stopping distances compared to other vehicles of the time.

Waking up the Engine Our next task was to wake up the 335 engine.

After draining and inspecting all of the fluids, we were very encouraged. Everything looked pretty good. Fresh spark plugs, points, and a condenser began the process. The carburetor was removed and rebuilt. The mechanical fuel pump was absent and replaced with an electric pump. Adding the electric pump was a standard change for many of these cars. It was a long distance from the fuel tank to the mechanical pump. Since the distance could be problematic, we employed the electric replacement pump.

The previous unit was as crispy as burnt toast.

Fresh oil and coolant were installed, and we carefully rotated the engine by hand for a few revolutions. Everything looked, sounded, and felt very good. We next checked the fluids in the transmission (we would attend to this further in the process), they looked good in the body of the trans. A few deteriorated wires were replaced, and we installed a fresh battery.

Brakes Corroded wheel cylinder Reconditioned brakes

With the new battery in place, we checked the electrical system. The lights, turn signals, and gauges checked out properly. Everything powered up and was in good order. Before the engine could be fired up, we reinstalled the freshly reconditioned fuel tank, installed a fuel line, new fuel tank sending unit, and re-fitted the front clip. Everything went together beautifully.

We then replaced the oil pressure sending unit.

We were ready to bring this engine to life! n

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INC.

A AC A MUSEUM , INC .

161 MUSEUM DRIVE, HERSHEY, PA 17033

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MUSEUM E V E N T S & E X H I B I T S

Photo: Jason Brown

The AACA Museum Ranks in the Top 5 Nationally

n Studebaker Cool Exhibition Through October 20, 2019

n Matchbox Toy Show September 22, 9 AM – 3 PM

n Harley-Davidson: The History, Mythology & Perceptions of America’s Motorcycle Exbition Through October 20, 2019

n Night at the Museum: The Characters Behind the Cars October 9, 2019

n Cars 4 Critters Sports Car Show August 17, 2019

USA Today’s Readers’ Choice 2019 ranked the AACA Museum 5th among the nation’s “Best Attractions for Car Lovers.” A panel of experts and editors picked the initial 20 nominees, and the winners were determined by popular vote.

n Wish Upon A Food Truck Festival September 14, 10 AM – 5 PM n Smithsonian Museum Day September 21

n Autos & Ales – 10th Anniversary November 1 Coming exhibits n Age of Aquarius November 22 Exhibit Preview Event November 23, 2019 through April 26, 2020

For events and exhibits info, visit our website: AACAMuseum.org

Driving Tuckers: The Tin Goose and #1044

See the Museum Behind the Museum Not every automotive treasure in the Museum’s collection can be on display at all times. This summer,go behind the scenes to see the “museum behind the Museum.” We have opened our collection’s 15,000 sq. ft. storage facility for exclusive guided tours. Explore 50-70 vehicles located a short distance from the Museum’s entrance. Visit our ticket counter when you arrive and reserve your chance to delve into our “garage.” Transportation to and from the garage is provided. The sixty-minute tours are available at 11:00, 12:30 and 1:45 on most days from Memorial Day-Labor Day. Behind the scenes tours are $10 per person.

Tucker enthusiasts gathered in June to share their passion for the hobby and all things Tucker. The highlight of The Gathering — held concurrently with the Museum’s Annual Car Show — included seeing The Tin Goose and #1044 driven around the Museun grounds. The events also included two “Tucker Talks,” a display of five Tucker vehicles, and a “Tucker Tent” sharing a variety of Tucker Models. This was the first official gathering of TACA members since the 2016 convention in Ypsilanti, Mich.

Driving The Tin Goose at The Tucker Gathering

Don’t Miss the Corvette Raffle! Winner Chooses a NEW 2020 C8 Corvette Get your ticket NOW for the annual Corvette Raffle! Proceeds benefit the AACA Museum, Inc. Tickets: $50 each; only 2,000 tickets will be sold. Visit AACAMuseum.org for details.

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Not actual vehicle.