Connecting Rods

[Deleted User]

Does anyone out there have a set of connecting rods that will fit my 1917 Hudson Super Six? They are interchangeable with 1916 through 1927. Mine are bent from hitting the head, and the machinists that is trying to straighten them, has suggested another set if possible.
Frank DePasquale
New York

Geoff

Just one point - the rods are only interchangeable with others that are centre-lock pins, I believe up to around 1920. Later rods are floating pins, and are shorter. Rods up until mid 1928, had bronze shells, and then the last series had direct babitted rods. You could fit a complete set of pistons and rods from a later series.

Jon B

Frank, have you talked to Carl Weber? He's fairly knowledgeable about the early Hudsons and sells parts for them. Dave Kostansek has restored the early ones too and may have some answers for you. Both are listed in the H-E-T roster, and advertise in the WTN.

[Deleted User]

Thanks for your replies. I was not aware of differences that Geoff mentioned. Was under impression that those up to 27 would fit merely by changing bronze backings, mine have been recently rebabbitted. To reply to Jon's comments, I have talked to both Dave and Carl, they have given me technical help and provided me with a possible supplier, but so far no firm parts. Barry in Australia has a set of 23H rods but advised me to locate in states first if possible, due to expense of shipping.

[Deleted User]

Just curious, but what caused the pistons to hit the head???? RD

[Deleted User]

I was thinking that too .............
Roger

[Deleted User]

I had the engine rebabbitted and purchased new valves and pistons from EGGE Machine. The original pistons were replaced in the 1950's with, then, new packard 8 cylinder ones. Brass bushings were installed at that time for the smaller Packard piston pin. When I started the engine there was an knock. which I could not hear from the driver's seat. We think that is when the damage occurred. When discovered we milled the pistons down about 50 thousands, and after reinstalling the engine seized up. That's when we found the bent rods.

Geoff

That's because the Packard pistons fit the later series motors, and have a higher compression height.