51 pacemaker convertible

Unknown

This is my new hudson. 48000 original miles. I believe 1 repaint and a new top at some time. I replaced all brake lines, wheel cylinders, brake pads and away we went. Good 232 engine. Car came out of Iowa but I think he purchased from a dealers widow in Quincy Ill. Anyway its in St. Louis now. A real good driver but has some upholstery issues and a few other. What do you all think of dropping in a twin H setup with a hydramatic & a rotisserie restoration? Or just maintain as an original car ?



Mike H.

Unknown

truckhound wrote:

This is my new hudson. 48000 original miles. I believe 1 repaint and a new top at some time. I replaced all brake lines, wheel cylinders, brake pads and away we went. Good 232 engine. Car came out of Iowa but I think he purchased from a dealers widow in Quincy Ill. Anyway its in St. Louis now. A real good driver but has some upholstery issues and a few other. What do you all think of dropping in a twin H setup with a hydramatic & a rotisserie restoration? Or just maintain as an original car ?



Mike H.

Hi Mike. I'd drive it for a while, and wear some of the "newness" off, first. Imagine all the fun you'll miss, having it all apart, and not being able to cruise around in it. . I know I can't wait to get mine drivable again, but at least I got to drive it a little, first.

[Deleted User]

If it were mine, I'd keep the original drive train in it, especially if it is unmolested as you say it is. If you mean just add the twin-h unit (not a 308) and hydo, then I can't see a down side value wise. Since it has been repainted once already and the top replaced, then that can be freshened up as desired as well as the interior. A true rotiserrie resto will be substantial cost and the car will be down and out for along time. I would just enjoy it as is.

Regardless, it is a very valuable car and you would get your money out of it no matter which way you went.

Browniepetersen

i'd go with what he said. Every time I do a complete restoration I start worrying about damage and repairs. I worry about quitting on the road and all that stuff. It is such a sweet car I think I would drive it for a few years and then ask again with some detail on the advantages and disadvantages. Right now, it would be hard to find any disadvantages in driving a nice 51 rag top.:)

[Deleted User]

Mike H.



Did you buy it to take to shows and drive around now? If yes then fix interior to suit your taste and have fun with it.

If you bought it to be the new "project" then by all means go for the conversion. Just save the original engine.



Just remember that people here will want to see pictures of what ever you do.



Todd

Jon B

Yup, I agree. Keep it "as-is" for the time being. Then after a year or so, see how you feel. In this economy especially, it would make sense not to spend money for anything you don't need (unless your rich uncle died and left you money!). If you must spend money, let's fix those "upholstery issues" so the car will wow 'em at car shows!

harry54

It's only original once.....

Aaron D. IL

Drive it and enjoy it as-is and when that old engine gets too tired or worn, after say another 100,000 miles, re-visit the issue.



Of course I know some guys like working on old cars more than they like driving them and when restoration is complete they get rid of them. If you don't care to drive it or know that you won't and wouldn't mind it off the road probably 10 years I'd say go for it. Personally even though I know a 232 may not have as much pep as you might like it's a good engine and I'd keep it like it is and add another LWB car with a 308 Twin H /Hydramatic to my stable because that setup is not going to just drop in without some mods.