Our first trip home to from MN to WI in the Hornet

[Deleted User]

A couple of weeks ago was my family's maiden road-trip in the Hudson to my home town of Oshkosh WI, four hours each way. If you are interested, you can read the details here http://52hornet.blogspot.com/

[Deleted User]

Nice writeup in you blog!

The rattling you heard is more than likely spark knock. If you read the 262 Vs 308 tread there is a bit of information about the detonation of fuel in a Hudson.

The gas tank filler tube seal can be repaired as follows:

RL Chilton

Note what Ken said in the above post, Michael. I'd lay money that he is right. Really noticeable when "pushing" it. Something to take note of and plan on doing when you decide to re-build.

Sounds like the leaks are just old weatherstripping, which is a fairly easy cure. Make sure you have the sheetmetal plates over the hinges on the A and B posts. This was a late-year addition in '49 or '50, can't remember exactly, but a lot of step-downs were retro-fitted. Didn't check your pictures to see if I could see them. They kept the doors from leaking on the leading edge. Of course, good WTSP is a must (at least in the rain).

As far as gas mileage, there's no reason you shouldn't be getting 15-16 mpg, even with Twin-H. Maybe not at 75, but certainly around 65, or so. My guess is that your carbs need to be adjusted properly, if you haven't done it all ready. 12's kinda standard, but super-fine tuning will yield a few more mpg's.

Nice write-up and Congrats on the trip. I'm glad it was virtually problem-free. She sure is looking good.

hudsontech

Ah life is good!!!! What could be better - a road trip in a Hudson is just about the top of the line.



I belong to another e-group, American Road. Recently there were some stories on their forum from Mike Murphy, down in Lake Havasu, AZ, making road trips with his 1919 Hudson. He doesn't baby the old girl - drives it 65, 70 on the interstates when he has to.

Mike is also into collecting old camping gear - so takes his gear, loads it into the Hudson and goes camping the old fashioned way.



Keep tinkering with the old girl Michael (1952 Hornet Michael to keep the Mikes straight!!) - as the man says she'll get better the more you drive it. They love the attention they get!! Just remember - this is NOT a recent model. These old cars required attention when they were new so why shouldn't they need it now.



Hudsonly,

Alex Burr

Memphis, TN