have ? about tires and cork clutch on a 1936 hudson

Rocket

first I will start with the tires I just bought a 36 hudson two door sedan with a six cylinder I need new tires and was going to put radials on it then I was told by a club member not to put them on unless I had arms like popeye is this true or should I put on bias ply tires and were can I get them.

second the car has the cork clutch and the owner I got the car from told me he thinks the clutch oil leaked out so he starts the car in first gear so the clutch gets un stuck so he can drive it is there some place I can get a new seal and also if the clutch oil has leaked out can you drive the car with out it these oil bath clutches are all new to me thanks Tom.

PS I have not got the car here yet to MN it will be here around august tenth I need to know were I can get these things fixed again thanks Tom.

Jon B

Tom, I have never heard about the "arms like popeye" -- I've always heard that radial tires improve the control on older Hudsons. (That said, I have resisted them because I love the "look" of the bias ply ones reproduced in the diamond tread thirties pattern. And I went one size larger on my '37 tires, so they would have somewhat more road contact than the original 600 x 16's. In my opinion they are better-riding, but frankly the radials would probably drive better.)

As to the cork clutch, you might try adding new clutch fluid just to see if it stays in and doesn't leak out. (Check the floor under the car, to see at what rate the stuff is leaking. If it's only a drop or two every day, that's probably manageable. And not worth pulling the clutch apart to put in a new gasket. When you do go to replace the clutch fluid, place a can under the flywheel cover to catch the drained fluid, and then you can determine exactly how much leaked out.)

Do not drive the car without clutch fluid.

As to what fluid to use, Hudsonite is still available either from the Club, or from Doug Wildrick, at moderate cost. I'm told that you can also use automatic transmission fluid, but maybe someone else can tell you exactly which type is best. I believe 6 oz. is the recommended "fill" but someone can jump in here and correct me if necessary.

Rocket

Jon B what brand tires did you buy with the diamond tread pattern and were can I buy them also the car has 650/16 inch tires on it right now is this the stanard size tire for a 36 or is this the one size larger tire you talk about I am going to stick with the bias tires.When you put on the larger size tires did it change you speedo at all Tom.


is there some place I can look up were to put the clutch in.

Browniepetersen

I have firestone 600X16 on my 1936 LWB 8cyl car. I like the look and I wanted a true era whitewall. Got mine from Coker Tire through Big O Tire in my neighborhood. The advice on the tranny fluid is to go with the original stuff. It is available, and there are always a few cans available at a Hudson meet. If you are not yet a member of the HET you will want to join for the advice, knowledge and available parts...

Jon B

The original tire size for 1936 Hudsons was 600 x 16.

The "diamond tread" tires I refer to, are the reproduction Goodyear All Weather tires, now offered by Lucas:



They sell the 3-1/2" whitewalls for $220, the blackwalls for $180. They have a 650 x 16 blackwall for $185 but I don't see a whitewall among their offerings. These prices don't include taxes, or the inner tube cost. (You would have to verify that a 650x16 would not rub on your fender or steering linkage rods. Mine rub on the drag link a small bit. Sounds like you're running 650's already, so they must work!)

There are cheaper 600x16 tires but none have that 'diamond tread look' that you see in all the old period photographs of the cars.

I did not change my speedometer gears, but I have so many modifications (like overdrive) on my car, that the thing reads wrong to begin with. A slight tire size increase is of little concern.

As to the clutch installation, you should consult the shop manual. If you don't have one, one is available at the H-E-T website but access to many of the website's features is restricted to Club members. It's possible that "limited members" (free membership for non Club members) may have "library" privileges; I don't know for sure. You can also purchase a printed shop manual from the Club store (if you are a member) and there are a number of antique auto literature places that have them for sale as well. As to clutch parts, they are available through Doug Wildrick http://www.wildrickrestorations.com/wildrickrubberparts/clutch.html .

[Deleted User]

I would service the clutch and see what is in it before getting to worried. Get some clutch fluid as stated its available several places. The HET club store ,Wildrick Rubber Parts ,and 21st Century Hudson have it I know. Change the oil and see if any drains out .It requires changing to keep clutch working right anyway. Then you can see how fast it leaks if at all.
The condition he describes is not unusual for a car that sits too much or has a worn clutch.
One solution is a board wedged against seat or wheel to hold clutch down during storage.
Roger