Finally found my Tucker!

[Thefatsquatch]

Well, I finally found a pontoon cat. Appears to be in decent shape, but I suspect time and inspection will differ.
I already know I need to redo the pontoon surfaces, and it needs a new ignition (and I am quite sure some wiring) but it looks decent.
I won't be getting rid of the Thiokol, because it is getting a blade, and I am sure I will need it to rescue this one. (or vice versa) I won't get rid of the Cushman, because it is a toy, and my wife is willing to drive that one. And I won't be getting rid of the 4vl, because it is old and I kinda dig it. But, this one runs and has all the parts already, so it is going to take priority.
The body work and welding I can do, but I will be searching the forums often to understand how the pontoons work.
I suspect that simply making sure everything is safe, and the operational parts are... operational will be the only thing I manage to get done before summer, but that should get me out in the snow.

 

[DAVENET]

Very cool!

 

[Thefatsquatch]

Clyde is off for 2 weeks at Tucker. Anyone know where I can find a manual for this thing?

 

[Blackfoot Tucker]

Congratulations!

FWIW, I think there is a lot more knowledge of steel tracked Tuckers on the forum than there is at Tucker, Inc.

Yes, they built them, but that was well before almost all of the current employees worked there. So how much knowledge, and recent experience do they really have? (Hint: Precious Little!)

 

[Thefatsquatch]

Congratulations!

FWIW, I think there is a lot more knowledge of steel tracked Tuckers on the forum than there is at Tucker, Inc.

Yes, they built them, but that was well before almost all of the current employees worked there. So how much knowledge, and recent experience do they really have? (Hint: Precious Little!)

Fair enough, although they do have the building sheet, or so I’m led to believe. It appears to be a GM motor in there, so I’m curious just how much has been swapped out on this unit. I’m certainly not opposed to continued modification. If I have to chance things, they will get improved.

 

[Thefatsquatch]

Ok. So I am pretty sure the engine and transmission have been swapped, but I can't tell for sure yet. It currently has a period-appropriate GM 250 inline 6, mated to a Muncie SM420 transmission, with the driveline parking brake. Unfortunately the brake drum is nearly worn all the way through. I know a place to get the bands re-surfaced, but there is no way anyone has the drum for sale. So that will be either a re-fab or a significant repair. The engine runs fine, but won't idle, but half the vacuum hoses are missing, so that is to be expected. It also has completely the wrong air filter on it, so who knows what has gotten in there. One of the pontoons looks either new or freshly redone, so I am modeling all my repairs on the other 3 after that one.
I have read a ton of threads regarding the rollers, and I might try a few of the ideas, just to see if they work. HDPE rollers or sliders, nylon, still flat rollers with oversized washers... I will keep you posted if any of those actually work. Looks like about half my track wheels are good, which means I will still need a loan even after an arm and a leg.
The dash is coming out Monday for a complete re-wiring. The last time it was apparently done by a monkey on amphetamines. I also plan to add a light system to the top, but haven't seen one I really like. Any examples out there?

 

[Thefatsquatch]

Also, what aluminum skin did Tucker use on these things? 3003? 6061? 7075? My daughter's boyfriend works at a custom sheetmetal shop, and is offering to help me replace some of the more beat-up or broken panels, but he wants to make sure it's the correct stuff.

 

[DAVENET]

Also, what aluminum skin did Tucker use on these things? 3003? 6061? 7075? My daughter's boyfriend works at a custom sheetmetal shop, and is offering to help me replace some of the more beat-up or broken panels, but he wants to make sure it's the correct stuff.

I replaced my bad panels with .063 using 5250-H32. My engine panels and especially the rear cab from snow guns getting pitched in the bed were hammered. The 5250 is a better product than what was available back in '69 for corrosion resistance and the slightly thicker skin should be much more durable.

 

[DAVENET]

I replaced my bad panels with .063 using 5250-H32. My engine panels and especially the rear cab from snow guns getting pitched in the bed were hammered. The 5250 is a better product than what was available back in '69 for corrosion resistance and the slightly thicker skin should be much more durable.

To clarify the material was available, but Tucker would not and did not incur the extra cost to use it.

 

[Don Coyote]

Ok. So I am pretty sure the engine and transmission have been swapped, but I can't tell for sure yet. It currently has a period-appropriate GM 250 inline 6...

Lol..................I just pulled a GM 250 out of my 442, and I'm getting ready to put a 292 back in it. I bought the spare engine three years ago. Now, the 250 needs a new clutch and a new oil pan... so I'm putting the spare engine in it, just for the heck of it. When Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire Michigan owned my Tucker, I was told it had a Dodge 318 in it. (I doubt THAT was original, either). So when Shanty Creek sold it, I'm sure that whomever bought it only wanted the engine and they scrapped the rest. Someone salvaged it and put the 250 in it.

That's funny....... I thought I had the only Tucker with a Chevy engine in it.