1937-39 Hudson & Terraplane convertible wood top headers -- repro plans

Jon B

This is the large wooden part that rests on to windshield and is connected to the front of the folding top mechanism. Should fit all 1937-39 convertible broughams and coupes.

I've had a repro project on and off the burner for at least 5 years now, but I've finally found a fellow in Pennsylvania who's willing to go into (limited) mass-production in order to keep costs down. We're still talking about $600+ per unit, though. Still, this is a not-for-profit venture, so I'll keep it just as inexpensive as we can. It's for the wood header only; you will need to have the metal hardware to attach to it. (I have just heard of someone who has repro'd the three clips that hold this to the windshield; I can give you that information.)

A prototype, lightweight pattern will be made in July or August (at least that's the plan) and shipped to several '37-39 owners for verification that they fit all cars. Then, a price will be established and all interested parties can reserve their header by sending in a down payment.

If you have NOT contacted me previously regarding this project, and are interested -- or if you think you know someone who might be interested -- please get in touch with me at HETdetailed@verizon.net .

RL Chilton

Well, that's good, Jon. We are still available to help out with that project, but if you found someone closer to home, then that's a good thing, I guess.

bob ward

I've recently been through this exercise, I needed a header for a (non-Hudson) tourer. I was going to tackle it myself, but realistically it the first 2 or 3 attempts would have been learning exercises before I finally got it right, what with all those compound curves etc.

My upholsterer who is retired, contacted one of his retired woodworking friends who was only too pleased to make up the header, and quite inexpensively too.

The point being that if the repro project isn't a goer, there are plenty of people scattered throughout the community that have the skills inclination and equipment to make something like a header.

StillOutThere

I thought they were already cataloged and available from:
Oak Bows
122 Ramsey Ave
Chambersburg, PA 17201-1293
Phone (717) 264-2602

Jon B

I laid a reproduction into Mr. Kesselring's hands maybe 3-4 years ago, asking if he would like to go into limited production of several of these (8 to 10 Hudson guys need them currently). He replied that he'd prefer not to go into production because he felt that Hudson convertible tops may have been pre-fitted at the factory (i.e. each one was built slightly differently) and that attempting to do a production run would thus be futile. He certainly did not tell me at the time that I could order one from his catalog!

Sincerely,
Jon

essexcoupe3131

If I was in the states I would have made them for you guys
but Mr K is right they all need a little titivation to suit the car
I made tack rails and bowls and the rear timber that goes on a 36-37 (I think) original r/h/d
Chev convertible, I still have a pair of pieces of timber work that goes to the rear roof section where it all Constantina's down (don't know the proper Name for that part)
I made them all out of Teak as they didn't want them to ever rot again

Mike

[Deleted User]

Jon, when you get the prototype completed I will be more then willing to try it on my '38. Just let me know.