1930's Hudson Heater ID

Unknown

I have a few questions on Hudson approved or factory installed heaters. When did Hudson first offer a heater? I have a '33 Essex Terraplane with a heater, it appears aftermarket (no Hudson name)but very period correct, shaped like a early thirties radiator.I have just come across a 1930's Heater assembly that has the "Hudson" name. How would I tell what year this would be? I will post a pic of it ASAP..... I would like anyone having a 1930's era Hudson heater to post a pic of it, especially early Terraplanes! Thanks for any help, Scott

Jon B

I could be wrong, but I have a feeling that Hudson didn't offer a 'factory' heater with the Hudson name on it, that early.

You should definitely post a photo of the Hudson heater you found. We can probably identify the year or years in which it was offered.

Unknown

Here's the Hudson branded heater in question........

Park_W

Looks mid-thirties to me. If it has no provisions for defroster hose connection, it's '36 or earlier. I think it's '36.

[Deleted User]

Here's one from a 37 terra that I have on ebay right now..Todd

Jon B

Scott, that is the "mid-level" heater from 1937. I don't know if it was carried over to '38. Anyway, it does have a defroster connection so, as noted, it could not have been used in 1936 since 1937 was the first year Hudson had real, built-in defrosters.

Todd, I believe that your heater is post-1937, though perhaps it once resided in a 1937 as an add-on. I have seen all three 1937 Hudson heaters and it does not match any of them. As I say, it might possibly fit the '38, in which case it is probably much scarcer than the '37 heaters due to the low number of 1938 Hudson cars manufactured.

Unknown

Thanks for your help,Jon B. I will keep the era-correct aftermarket heater in my '33. I would like to sell this 37 Hudson heater,if anyone is interested,(works,needs cosmetics!) let me know.....