Page 37 - Sample pages "Raymond Henri Dietrich" by Necah S. Furman

Throughout the remainder of the month of May, Dietrich worked on improving the riding comfort of the Tucker automobile. During his first test ride, he identified an uncomfortable pitching motion of the seats that confirmed the need for a better slant. He also heard irritating transmission and motor noises that required attention. Despite these problems, Dietrich initially felt generally positive about the Tucker car and issued an optimistic report:
“The performance and appearance of the car on the road greatly impressed me,” he wrote. “I am certain that any incidental difficulties can be easily rectified.” He referred to experimental model #1026, which was assigned to him specifically, essentially becoming his special project and the car on which he implemented many of his improvements.43
At a meeting with R. D. Grover and an associate, Dietrich presented drawings and layouts illustrating new steering post and pedal positions, a change in the toe board angle and floor height, new fore and aft position of the driver’s seat including new height, slope, and riding angle, which he designed to give more space for entrance to the front compartment. He also introduced a revised design for the fore and aft positioning of the rear back seat, new height, slope, and angles of cushion and back, as well as a more accessible foot entrance. The men agreed that the changes would be an improvement and add to the riding comfort of the car.
With these innovations accepted, Dietrich began work on the clearance and location of the new transmission. Since two torque converters on the Tuckermatic lengthened the engine/transmission, the decision was made to move the fuel tank in the Tucker ‘48 from behind the rear seat to the front of the dashboard. This improved weight distribution and was implemented “on all Tuckers from car #1026 forward.”44
Dietrich’s design changes to the Tucker ranged from the interior positioning of seats and new steering post and pedal positions to having the fuel tank moved from behind the rear seat to an area in front of the dashboard. This rear view of the Tucker ‘48 sports a personalized T for the Tucker 1948 license plate. A master marketeer, Preston Tucker with his “bigger than life” persona became well-known throughout the industry for his “car of tomorrow.” Unfortunately, the car would never reach the mass production status he so badly sought. (DPF)
By June 1948, Dietrich had orders from Tucker to begin work on a new “Standard Interior” for the Deluxe Line, asking that he incorporate “all present constructions and stampings if possible.”45 In addition to such assigned projects, various departments frequently called on Dietrich to iron out trouble spots. Chief Engineer and mechanic, John Eddie Offutt, for example, had him look at the new wheel disc designed by Alex Tremulis.
The disc, neat in appearance, contained a depression for the tire valve. Dietrich found that it would not chrome plate properly and was also a dirt catcher. Someone
380 RAYMOND DIETRICH: AUTOMOTIVE ARCHITECT
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