'37 Hudson '8' Cpe Project

Ol racer

FYI

I began St Rodding an elegant '37 Hudson '8' Cpe last fall (to pass time until my new Hornet Drag Motor is machined after finding an unrepairable water leak in my last motor just built), then I plan to take a break to assemble & install the new motor in my Stepdown Racer.

I always thought about chopping one of these but hate to destroy the originality, so I stripped the body and had it softly sandblasted, repaired, and painted in Hot Rod Black Sealer (for now). This car came from Jim Wildrick and was'nt real bad. Jim was nice enough to woodgrain the dash & mouldings for me. So far, I have installed the following updates....

Installed Bronco XL Trip Speedometer, all 12V Instruments into original cluster, Narrowed 9" Ford Traction Loc Rear, dissembled, lubed, & re-arched the rear leaf springs with nylon sliders, then Installed Lowering Blocks, Bronco rear Sway Bar, and Lakewood Ladder Bars. Additionally, I had bumpers rechromed, fuel tank ReNewed, installed an Impala Tilt Wheel & P/B Pedal Assy, bent a Roll Bar to 'bolt in', and currently installing a 2000 Bonneville Power Seat to the original Hudson 'swivel' bracket.

Next, I will begin on the front end... I have a Pr of Carrerra Coil Over Shock/Springs, and Monti Carlo Rack & Pinion to install onto the straight Axle eliminating the leaf springs or Torque Arms (TBD). Attached are a few pictures as it comes together ...

[Deleted User]

Looks fine not chopped... great body lines already... IMHO



Craig



BTW... how about pics of that dash...

Lee ODell

Ol racer.



I have enjoyed your posts over the years.



Since you are a racer, I am curious as to why you re-arched the springs instead of de-arching the spring, so there would be no need to add lowering blocks?



I know that lowering blocks multiply the leverage for the rear end to twist the leaf springs. This happens both under acceleration and when stopping.



Under normal driving conditions, there is usually no problem. However, from the spirited drivers, I have seen many sheered center bolts and broken leaf springs during my years working on suspension systems. I'm sure you have seen the same things while working on cars.



I'm not trying to be critical, done the same thing myself. Now, I do that to set the ride height I want, then have a spring shop de-arch the springs to the level of drop I want.



Thanks for all the information you have share. Lee

Ol racer

Lee,

You raise a good point. However, I felt de arching original leafs might crack the old leafs whereas just restoring the orginal arch wouldnt present a risk, but required lowering blocks for decent stance.



Plus, on mY other '37, I just installed nylon sliders and did not re-arch the leafs, and the car sagged when completed. (In the past I have had new leafs made with shackle eyes reversed to drop ride hgt).



Additionally, your correct on the use of lowering blocks to help plant the rear under acceleration. Many Super Late Models here use 3" lowing blocks with a single Main leaf (and Coil Overs) to help plant the rear end....

Chuck

Unknown

Ol racer wrote:

Lee,
You raise a good point. However, I felt de arching original leafs might crack the old leafs whereas just restoring the orginal arch wouldnt present a risk, but required lowering blocks for decent stance.

Plus, on mY other '37, I just installed nylon sliders and did not re-arch the leafs, and the car sagged when completed. (In the past I have had new leafs made with shackle eyes reversed to drop ride hgt).

Additionally, your correct on the use of lowering blocks to help plant the rear under acceleration. Many Super Late Models here use 3" lowing blocks with a single Main leaf (and Coil Overs) to help plant the rear end....
Chuck

Chuck:
You are doing some superb and beautiful work. I didn't have a chance last fall when my C-8 was finally on the road to take a trip up and see you, but I definitely will make up this summer. I hope you do not mind visitors who like to chatter about Hudsons.

Pat

Ol racer

SRCraftsman2 wrote:

Chuck:

You are doing some superb and beautiful work. I didn't have a chance last fall when my C-8 was finally on the road to take a trip up and see you, but I definitely will make up this summer. I hope you do not mind visitors who like to chatter about Hudsons.



Pat

Pat,

Thanks for the kind words but I am not really a good bodyman... I dont mind chatting about Hudson's at all and not hard to find off i-79 McKean exit with the Hudson Yard Car (with lights on after dark) sitting out front!

Chuck

bent metal

I'd love to see a picture of your 'yard car', maybe with the lights on when the sun is just starting to set. :cool: Cool.



I like the look of an un chopped coupe that has been lowered. Just my opinion. Not that I dislike the others.



I see your doing some patch panel work on the fenders. Are you gas welding or TIG welding in the patches? Can you show us some pictures of what's going on there?:)

Ol racer

bent metal wrote: »

I'd love to see a picture of your 'yard car', maybe with the lights on when the sun is just starting to set. :cool: Cool.







Picture of my '37 Terraplane Yard Car with lights on a Timer

Ol racer

I see your doing some patch panel work on the fenders. Are you gas welding or TIG welding in the patches? Can you show us some pictures of what's going on there?:)[/QUOTE]



Bent Metal,



All welding by small Mig. I dont have any detail pictures, but the only rotten spots were the usual front floor holes. The door bottoms were solid with only small bad spot low just ahead of RS rear fender. All patching was done with metal.



I noticed '37 front fenders usually cracked in the wheel openings so to prevent this I borrowed a trick from my days of reinforing stock car fenders, bending 'dow rod' & tacking inside each fender lip radius to strengthen. I also bent the lower ends in toward the grille and the fenders are so strong I could run without a bumper, (but I wont)



Additionally,

I am having a 2 dr '37 Sdn doors modified to fit a '37 Coupe body. because there are No Cpe doors available in the Country. At first glance, one would think the doors are identical, but cpe's roof rolls down sooner requiring modification of the top frame, internal moulding and skin. Ill post picture when done soon....

Ol racer

FYI

Picture of '37 Hudson 8 before dissembling. The only external hole is red circled.

essexcoupe3131

this is going to be a very nice project to be finished, nice to see that you ahve lots of good steel to start with which saves a lot of grief and bucks

that can be spent in other areas (go fast)



Mike

Ol racer

FYI



Attached picture of my '37 Hudson Dash. (The Woodgraining needs final buffing later).



The Instrument cluster was updated with the following....

Bronco XL Speedometer with Trip Odometer

Mechanical Temp Gauge

12V Oil Light

Whitney Fuel Gauge

Volt Meter

High Beam Indicator

Turn Signal Indicators

All new Wiring

Plexiglass Lens





Incidently,

I have fitted a Ford Windstar Rear Heat & A/C Unit (not shown in pic) behind the dash that can utilize the cowl vent. The Unit is suprisingly compact enough that the glove box compartment, wipers, and radio will clear.

Ol racer

FYI

If any interest, Im fitting AFCO C/O springs & shocks (from my old Super Late Model Racer) using the original Hudson Shock towers. [I)Brackets only bolted for now but will be welded later.[/I] I may add a gusset at bottom even though towers are very strong and I plan to install a modern Sway Bar.



Next, I will fit up a power Rack & Pinion (like I installed on my straight Axle Terraplane last summer), or maybe upgrade the front Brakes to large Hornet lining or Discs. (Tough choice since the Hornet brakes on my Terraplane stop just like discs)... [/I]Either way, I need the car rolling so I can get my drag car in soon..



For Powertrain, considering installing fresh (stock) Hornet motor with Mopar mini starter, Electronic Ign, Headers, and GM Turbo Trans for updates. (TBD)



All nothing very fancy, just sharing progress so might help someone else.....

Ol racer

FYI

The things we do for our Passion for Hudsons since they dont make reproduction sheet metal....



I have looked for yrs for doors for my '37 Coupes but could only find Sdn doors since coupes in the old Yard's are very rare. Eventually I bought a pr of 2 dr Sdn doors with rusted bottoms (which is normal in our Rust Belt). The doors appeared icentical except when looking closer, I noticed the top rear radius needed cut down, both inside for the garnish and outside for fit with the quicker sloping Cpe roof line.



It wasnt too very difficult, so with some labor & patience 2dr Sdn's can be down for a cpe. Attached are a couple pic's before adding light filler & finishing...

Ol racer

FYI

Attached is a picture of GM power Rack & Pinion installed on the '37 straight axle front end.



The slip shaft only slides 1" (notice red marks) from fully compressed (axle up to frame), to fully extended (hanging down), because of the very slight shaft angle. The two piece shaft is inserted 6" into the larger section...



I utilized as much as possible from the 2002 Monti-Carlo except for fabricating two triangle shaped 3/16" brackets to bolt the Rack onto the axle. I also had to shorten the Tie Rods...



I installed an identical R & P Assy on my Terraplane last year and it worked out well...





Perhaps I will install the Disc Brakes next.......

Ol racer

FYI

Just a little update on my St Rod thats been on the back burner while working on the drag car.....I brought into my work bay this wk and installed the rear fenders & valance.(It looks like I accomplished something for time spent in Hudson Garage when putting on large panels).I bought the Stainless fender Welt like '40's Commodore's had at Carpenter's; The only place that sells it....I plan to install the motor assembly before the front sheet metal......I painted tutone Gold not only because of several cost overruns, but appropiate color now being in my 'golden yrs' ...

[Deleted User]

Looking good!

Keep the pictures coming.


Kevin C.

Ol racer

FYI

Here is another picture of my '37 Hudson Cpe after Months
up on Stands....

Hornet Twin H aluminum head Motor coupled to a 200R4 OD Trans. Some of the udates completed on the front half the Car are....EZ Wire Fuse Box & Wiring, 12V Crane Ign, Hi Efficency 3 core Radiator, AMC Flex Fan,7X Dual Exh, A/C, Mopar V8 Starter, Polished Stainless Firewall & Air Filters, Adjustable Coil Over Shock & Springs, Power Rack & Pinion connected to original Axle, Tilt Wheel, Power Brakes, Power Windows & Locks*, Power bench Seat connected to the Hudson 'swivel Brkt'.....

*(The '37 locks incorporated within the inside handle and not seperate Rod or Link, required slotting the linkage arms to work the power Solonoids horizontically and still be able to utilize the inside door handle)...the only part of the whole project almost gave up on....
Work in progress on another Ol' Hudson Hot Rod...

GrimGreaser

That's quite a list. Ol' Racer. That's one hell of a Hudson you got there. Very nice!

essexcoupe3131

Looking real good kept those pics coming
must be getting itchy hands wanting to get behind that steering wheel LOL
Mike

Ol racer

FYI
Pictured with grill installed. Tinted glass arriving later this week to install. The fenders were painted but later decided on a side mount after finding a rare 'Bracket Assy' so I cut a hole and painting another fender. Does'nt look like much progress between pictures but a lot of little things been completed.

Ol racer

FYI
Picture wont upload tonight for some reason.... Perhaps its my computer since its been acting strangly this wk.. Ill try uploading later...

Ol racer

FYI

Another picture of my Hudson '8' Project. Im glad to get all the windows installed without cracking any. I made one pc power windows for the doors eliminating the disapearing vent windows....(The special mechanisms went to a friends Hudson Cpe).
My Side mount fender will be finished next wk.

essexcoupe3131

your Hudson is looking real sweet keep the pics a coming
Mike

Kdancy

Olracer,
Can you put your photo's in an online album like photobucket and post the link? some of your photo's are not showing up when I pull the forum up.
very nice build-!

Ol racer

Kerry,
I havent done one but I will try. Thanks for the suggestion.

Ol racer

FYI'
Just installed the front end & glass on my '37 Hudson .....

Lee ODell

Very impressive Olracer. Beautiful car. Lee O'Dell

Ol racer

Thank you Lee

Ol racer

FYI
Right front picture of my Hudson 8 Cpe. Still need complete the interior and some misc things..Its been a long project in-between working on my other Hudson's.. Beng a workaholic with an understanding Wife has been a plus..

Ol racer

FYI
My '37 Hudson '8' is almost completed (finally) except for road testing whenever our Snow quits falling and the Salt is washed away by rain. Sure to be some 'bugs' to sort out though....