1949 hudson rebuild

Unknown

I have a 1949 super six with original engine. I live in NY and have family in MN. I would like to put a crate engine and tranny new in to avoid any problems down the road. I just need help on where to start. Would like to put in a gm small block nothing too fancy or loud just reliable. Would also replace suspension as well. Any sugestions.

I would consider selling it since it is all original or trade for simular body style.

Thanks, suprrsixsho

rambos_ride

Are you doing the work yourself? Handy with a welder?

If you're looking to replace suspension/engine the quickest route is a Fatman Kit, then buy your crate motor of choice.

they have this setup for 40-54 Hudsons.
http://www.fatmanfabrications.co/products/mii/mustang-ii-frame-stubs/

I have a 49 setup for a 454 and still using the original suspension without having to do too many mods but more than some would want to attempt..and its a tight fit

Small block chevys can fit, but theres usually some sub-frame transmission fabrication to do.

The other thing is you might want to beef up the driveline and rear-end if you put a modern engine in.

onerare39

Suprrsixsho,

Check out the Hudson Essex Terraplane Club web site, go to Forum, and scroll down to Modified/Street Rod.

http://www.hetclub.org

John Forkner
New Membership Coordinator
Big Country Senior Director
Hudson Essex Terraplane Club

Uncle Josh

Ouch! Just rebuild the 262 that's in it. Probably all it needs is a thorough cleaning inside and out, hone the cylinders and put new rings in it. It will be as reliable as anything out there, and outrun a lot of them.
If you take it to a show with a non-Hudson engine people won't give you a second glance. If you have the original engine..and start it for them, it will draw a crowd and they'll talk with you all night

Been there with a 212, 262, 254 and 308

53jetman

Yea Josh, why would you want to screw up a good savable, rare automobile by changing the front suspension and engine. Just as you say, the engine would be a simple matter, and the car already has Most likely the strongest suspension of any car on the road (new or used). I'll bet this guy has never driven a Hudson step-down, and already he's got it all figured out how to "Improve" it! ! ! !

Jerry

rambos_ride

Come on guys..I have both types of cars..they each serve their purpose..but there is definitely more options for a reliable driver by using replaceable parts within a modern suspension and drivetrain.

I can gaurantee you its easier to get a Mustang II brake pad than a 49 Hudson

[Deleted User]

I think what upsets most Hudson guys is the newcomer that will say he "Just wants to make it reliable" . Hence it must have a Chevy 350 and Mustang front end.
I agree they both have their good and bad points . It just needs to be realised that that a 49 Hudson is NOT like a 49 Chevy.
Roger

harry54

As for Hudson reliablity, I can vouch for it. I bought my 54 hornet sedan 11 years ago. Other that doing the valves , its been like a loyal friend. ( Always there when you need it) . I've put 50,000 miles of real driving. Highway and Ny City @ 95 degree's..... The Hornet never lets you down... Keep the 262 one of the best engine's ever...

[Deleted User]

I don't mean to say not fix it up however you like . There is a whole lot of guys in the Hudson club with modified cars. The cars were ahead of the rest in most aspects and the new owner of a Hudson will find that out soon.
If put in proper order a later model Hudson can run anywhere you want to go. The most I've driven one of mine is about 15,000 miles . Not a reflection on the car at all just me wanting something different. Or somebody talking me out of it in a weak moment .
I did retire a daily driver 51 super six once that only had about 40,000 actual road miles.
but had badly rusted frame. Its last trip was to a Hudson meet about 250 miles round trip mostly around 70 mph . 232 motor with overdrive ,had back seat removed to haul stuff to the swap meet. Two years later someone saw it out in my lot and just had to have it. Told him it was no longer safe to drive but he insisted so off it went to another life.
Roger

Unknown

Thanks for all the feedback I am obviously very green to this. Thankful that I stumbled upon this site. Rebuilding the 262 sounds good and less costly (knock in wood).

The car is mostly complete I do need seats, frontpassenger inside chrome around window sil, and some of the chrome at the bottom of the sides. The headliner is gone but I do have the visors. Does anybody recommend where to get such items.

Also what other items about rebuilding what i've got should I be thinking about.

Thanks, supersixsho

Jon B

Before you do anything, you might want to get out and meet some fellow Hudson owners, to get some idea of how easy it is to find parts and information, how expensive it is to have things fixed, and how practical it is to drive a Hudson on modern highways. There are local and regional Hudson meets all over the country. (Some of these are listed at the events calendar on the H-E-T website.) There are a couple chapters of the Hudson club in upstate New York (as well as Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New England). By interacting with these people and maybe looking at (and riding in) their cars you can formulate a plan to either restore or upgrade the car mechanicals, or a little of both. Generally you will find that Hudson owners are a friendly and helpful bunch. It's great to have this forum (as well as the one on the H-E-T website, but there is no substitute for connecting with real, live people.

[Deleted User]

Very true ,find a Hudson meet to visit .First thing you'll notice is most of them are driven in not trailered. I'm sure some one will give you a ride in their car if you wish,
Roger

Glowplug

If you are in eastern NY I recommend you contact UNCLE JOSH and schedule a time to visit him. He is a true Hudson fix-it and run it Hudson guy. Meeting Josh, will put you in great company, as Josh took in a 1949 Hudson and made it a runner. Then he drove it off to a national Hudson meet and won the Albright Award, a significant cash award for the best owner restored Hudson at that national meet. A great achievement for anyone and Josh accomplished this restoration out of a 2 car garage attached to his home. There are others in NY who can and will help you return your car to driver status and restored if that is your desire. Enjoy your car and the people who appreciate this marquee.