On the Road to Pebble: John Tucker, Jr. Delivers the Restored Tucker 1044 Radio
I had a wonderful day yesterday visiting Rob Ida and the Tucker 1044 team at Ida Automotive in New Jersey. The big surprise was John Tucker, Jr. showing up and presenting the restored working Tucker 1044 radio...with a little help from his friends.
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
Tucker 1044 Radio
The Tucker '48 radio control head featured the T-U-C-K-E-R initials. This head is 1948 NOS from a box that was never opened.
The radio was made for Tucker by Motorola. However, the radio in Tucker 1044 just provided static.
Fortunately, John Tucker, Jr. has friends with the New Jersey Antique Radio Club. When John approached the club, they immediately joined the Tucker 1044 restoration team. The radio is now working and somehow broadcasting 1948 radio shows!
Rob Ida, John Tucker, Jr and I all thank the New Jersey Antique Radio Club for their great work. Much appreciated!
State of Tucker 1044- July 24, 2018
Tucker 1044 is coming together. Never fear, it will be polished for Pebble.
Check out the amazing door trim.
Yes, the "Chicago" ignition key is the original one.
The engine has been painted to the correct Tucker colors.
Better still, it runs!
Comments
IS BOB IDA ANY RELATION TO THE BOB IDA WHO HAD A PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO IN BROOKLYN, ON NEW UTRECHT AVE AND 75 STREET?
Should be just perfect for Pebble Beach
The Tucker radio was restored by NJARC club member, Bob Bennett of Nunellen, New Jersey. Bob is an antique radio restorer and car collector. Be sure to check-out his You Tube channel ...“Radio Wild”. Richard Lee Pres. NJARC
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Howard Kroplick
Thanks Bob!! Great job!