Hudson Leaks

JasonNC

My Commodore normally is garaged, but while it was at the paint shop, several times it was moved outside to make room for other cars to be painted. We've had an unusual amount of rain here in NC and when I got the car back, there were puddles on both sides of the front floorboard. I'm pretty sure that another HET member said his car leaked the same way several years ago, which leads me to think this may be a design flaw. The water appears to be coming in at the corners behind the hood. Before I get out the fiberglass and bondo, any suggestions on how to tackle this problem.

Chris Smith

here are some photos of the drain hose connections. I have my dash face out and fenders off so its easy to see. There are no hoses attached at this time. Picture three you can see the passenger side drain nipple in the foreground and the exit hole at about 8 o'clock (back lit) in the background.

JasonNC

I can't make out the diagram that shows how to make the "drain tube jack" that is mentioned in the repair manual. Is the drain nipple even present on the 1948 model? This must have been a design flaw as Hudson didn't start installing the drain tubes until midway into the 1949 models. If there is no drain nipple on a '48, there must be another method of fixing this than following what's written in the manual.

[Deleted User]

As stated the drain tube is only needed if the seal leaks. It gives the water a place to go.
So the root problem is the seal on the glass is leaking,
Roger

[Deleted User]

And of course while you have it apart it would be easy to put drains in,
Roger

charles4d

Hudson's don't leak they mark there spot

Kdancy

Is anyone making new seals since K-gaps demise?

53jetman

Kerry - Try Wildrick Restorations. I'm sure this is at the very least one of the first items he would have available!

Kdancy

He didn't have them a few months ago.

nick s

jason, the factory had a retrofit kit to suit add the drains to the early stepdowns

JasonNC

Wonder if any of those kits can still be found.....