Tucker suspension

[DAVE COUDRIET]

Were the suspension systems the same on all Tuckers? What were front/rear suspensions arranged like? I'm curious if the Tucker model I have is a correct representation of how these were laid out.

[plancor 792]

Dave, it depends on which model you have as to if it is correct. Does it represent the first 25 Tucker's or the last 25 as on the last 25 cars the rear torsilastic suspension units were larger than the first 25 and the last 25 used the torsilastic units in the front. When speaking of the first 25 Tuckers this is roughly Serial Number 1001 through 1025. The last 25 cars are Serial Number 1026 through 1050.

Richard

[DAVE COUDRIET]

Thanks for replying Richard. The model I have is 1:18 scale. Shows "A" arm front with what looks like trailing arm rear with long single lateral links going out from frame under transaxle to the wheels.

I'm curious as to how the suspension was laid out on these cars. So far, photos seem to be hard to find...

Interesting- I didn't know there were variations from 1-25 & 25-50, but I'm not too surprised. Did Tucker do this to simplify/save money on the suspension design? Would you have more details, or where could I find some photos of this part of the cars?

Thanks,
Dave Coudriet

[plancor 792]

Dave sorry to have taken so long with a reply. Pressing matters at home.

The front suspension was equal "A" frames in shear with rubber blocks bonded to each. Bill Hamlin replaced that rubber with springs on approximately 12 of the first 25 cars. The rear suspension was trailing arms bonded in Torsilastic cylinders. Starting with vehicle 1009 the length of the trailing arms was increased 2 inches This increased the wheelbase of the car from 128 inches to 130 inches.
Tucker #1026 and up had unequal "A" arms in the front. The lower one cranking off the torsilastic cylinder. These units were smaller than the rear units.
I prefer the early front suspension with Bill Hamlin's modification. His modification included a couple of special tension springs mounted into the original plates after removing the rubber blocks.
Richard

[Larry Clark]

Richard: Thanks for further sharing some of your extensive technical knowledge with us. There has always been a small number of TACA members who really understood the inner-workings and mechanical aspects of the Tucker car. Today, there are even fewer. You have always been the Sage of Tucker. You help us all better understand and appreciate Tucker cars. It is greatly appreciated.

Larry