Hudson Build Information and Etiquette

smdl

Hi, folks.

Being new to the Hudson marque, I am hoping to gain a better understanding of what information is available on each particular car, and what is generally considered an acceptable modification while still maintaining plausible "originality". I'm hoping that some of you can help educate me on these cars. Being interested mostly in Hornets, at present, most of my questions lean that way.

1. Is there a way to decode build details from the serial number or from some other source? For example, is it possible to determine original equipment, options, colours, etc., for a particular car?

2. Were major components matched to a particular chassis, creating a "numbers matching" type of scenario? If so, which components?

3. While I know that there will always be differing opinions, what is the general consensus relating to adding options to cars that originally did not have them. For example, I have heard several times that Twin H can easily be added, but is it possible to tell whether or not the car had it in the first place? I see that many cars have the Twin H emblem on the back of the car, so I assume that this is an indicator, but would it be considered inappropriate or unusual to add both Twin H and the emblem? Was Twin H available as a dealer-installed option for cars that didn't originally have it?

4. I really like the idea of boosting power on these cars, within reason and within the realm of what would have been done when the car was new. Are parts generally available to bring the car up to 7X level, or would the Clifford parts catalogue be a good place to look?

5. Can anyone recommend a really good resource (book) relating to Hudsons? History, production details, detailed photos, etc., would be very helpful if I am going to conduct a restoration. For example, the bible for the Sunbeam Tiger is the Book of Norman Volume 1, which is incredibly valuable to an owner, not to mention incredibly valuable period. Does anything like this exist for the Hornet?

Sorry for all the questions, just hoping to gain a better understanding.

Thanks,
Shaun

51hornet

1. No you can only tell the model from the serial number. You would need the invoice from the car to tell what was original. Hudson offered everything as dealer installable options so you can add anything you want and still be deemed ok.

2. Engine and body were matched. So both have the same serial number.

3. Twin H was a dealer installable option so its fine to install it.

4. Links section here contain everyone you need to boost power level on your car. Dale Cooper and Randy Maas will get you the bulk of your engine parts. Randy Maas can provide most of the performance stuff like bigger valves better timing chain and gear. You will need to machine the block for 7X but all can be done and yes clifford can supply a few parts but less and less every year.

5. Don Butlers book on Hudsons is a good catalog of the cars, serial numbers and pictures. If you are rebuilding it depends on year of Hudson as every year of car has a factory manual and parts books and most are available from the HET club or Faxon so you will have loads of info. Of course best bet is to ask someone who has done it.

We love questions. We are happy another person is joining the Hudson family.

Dave53-7C · Last edited by Dave53-7C on Sat Apr 19, 2008 10:09 pm; edited 1 time in total

1. True, but the build sheet would also reflect the options, colors, etc.

2. True, unless someone changed them.

3. True!

4. Right on!

5. The Butler book is great but is just one of many writeen about Hudsons. I haven't seen club reprints, so I can't comment. But, those I've seen from Faxon were not the best. It's probably better to find original manuals on eBay. The Master Parts Catalog I have covers 1948-54. As far as I now, the last shop manual was 1952, with a supplement available for changes on the 53 and 54 model years. Then, there's the Hydra-Matic manual for cars that are so equipped.

6. Then, there's always 1-800-ASKDAVE or 1-800-ASKSEAN where callers can get Hudsonly help and advice for only $1.95 per minute. Kids, please ask your parents before you call. For advice on Lincolns, please call 1-800-ASKAMOE. Laughing

51hornet

And kids if you call now we can explain how to get Mommy or Daddies credit card and read it to us over the phone. Operators are standing by......

Dave53-7C · Last edited by Dave53-7C on Sat Apr 19, 2008 11:37 pm; edited 1 time in total

That's right kids! And, if you call within the next 30 minutes, we'll throw in a free Little Orphan Hudson decoder ring.

smdl

Who are these people?

Smile

Shaun

Dave53-7C

Shaun,

Just a bunch of fun loving guys who aren't stick in the mud old/car farts.

BTW, have you check eBay for Hudson books and manuals?

Dave

51hornet

Also remember Alex Burrs site he has scanned and posted tons of stuff on Hudsons. You will find all kinds of production numbers, serial numbers, option codes, dealer bulletins you name it he has posted it. You could spend years going through it I know I have.

Once again the link to the site is in our links section.

smdl

Dave,

Nope, haven't looked yet, but I'm about to!

Sean,

Thanks for all the effort you have put into this site -- it's a great resource.

I'm off to hide my credit card from my son...

Shaun