'37 Terraplane front axle or frame needed

[Deleted User]

Hi all, I just got my hands on a '37 Terraplane...with the mystery '36 grill on it. Naturally it wasn't as good of deal as I was hoping...not bad, but not great either. Upon closer inspection I figured out what is going on. Someone in the past fit a '36 front axle to the '37. From what I've heard here on this forum and from what I see under the car...the front axle of the '36 must be narrower. Different spring perches were cobbled together and it looks as if the frame may have been cut and squeezed together to allow the '36 axle to fit under there. It's what it looks like. Not very good workmanship either. It doesn't steer very well, looks bad, and looks unsafe.

I would like best to find another frame for this car...along with the axles (at least the front). If anyone has a line on one I would appreciate the tip.

Some folks think I should go IFS and fore go the other....and I would do that if I knew what I was doing with that sort of work, but I'm more comfortable just putting original parts back together. It's easier for me and I know what the results should be.

As well, I would like to get my hands on a '37 grill and grill shroud.

many thanks, Erik

[Deleted User]

Erik, I have a 37 T'plane grill, shroud, stainless trim pieces and nameplate. Give me a PM

Ol racer

FYI
The front end probably was wrecked then someone used a '36 as a donor.. It may have been driven that way quite awhile. Might be easier to reinforce the questionable areas and figure out the steering problem rather than retro fitting back to '37. The '36 Terraplanes were narrower, but had similar Wheel Base and steered alright, so perhaps the 'Caster' is wrong after welding in the '36 spring mounts differently, or the Toe-In is off, and/or drag link is bent.

If decide Mustang11 (IFS) though, There are many EZ Instructions Online from Fatman Fabrications, TCI, Etc for anyone to install at home, if have torch & welder....

frank spring

Erik. Where are you located?

[Deleted User]

Frank, I am located in Fort Bragg, CA...on the coast, 3 1/2 hours north of San Francisco.

I would work with what I've got, but it looks to be missing the unique Terraplane front control arms. Those arms that run parallel with the springs and somehow keep the car steering straight even over rough road. I read about them and have seen some diagrams. Those are missing and the car doesn't turn fully to the left. Something very wrong down there.

I'm sure with some investigation and some tinkering, I can get things serviceable, but it sure would be nice to have some original parts to work with...

thanks, Erik

jtroberg

Erik, I have the front axle and springs from a '37 Utility coupe. Unfortunately, it does not include the control arms - I think they were for more upscale models. I also have a serviceable grill, shroud and headlamps. PM me and we can talk. I am in WA state

John

Glowplug

There is a 37 Hudson parts car on eBay.

ebay.com/itm/1937-Hudson-Terraplane-2-door-sedan-rat-hot-rod-project-/400187381753?pt=Salvage_Parts_Cars&hash=item5d2d06d7f9&vxp=mtr

jjbubaboy

Hey Eriik,
I believe I have a 37 front axle and arms. Will need sandblasting and probably new kingpins and probably spindles etc.
Let me know what you decide to do.
Good luck!
Jeff

[Deleted User]

Hey all, thanks for the responses. I've PM'd a couple of you about your parts. Photos and prices would be very helpful.

Today I had time to check out the fenders and it seems that they are '37 fenders and running boards. The tires fill the fender well nicely. Nothing odd looking about how is sits or looks in terms of proportions...just the junky work holding the front axle and steering box in place.

Does anyone know about the Terraplane "control arms" as I'm calling them? I think they attach to the frame near the rear spring perch and go forward and attach to the front axle at someplace. Basically helping the car from reacting too quickly to bumps. Are they only on more spendy models, or were they on all '37 models? Are they necessary...can a guy get by without them?

thanks, erik

frank spring

Erik, here is a story for you. I am in Indiana. About four months ago I bought a 37 parts car out of California and brought it back here. As it turned out the guy in California had purchased it about 10 years ago out of Indiana and shipped it to California. I think I should I just ship it back to California. location is everything I guess.

Courtesy Man

This is probably too little and too late. Years ago I sold Jim Harmon a 37 Terraplane 4 door model 71 frame - He and Harvey Huber came to my place in SLC, UT and picked it up. Seemed that Jim was unwilling or reluctant to sell anything - with his passing I have no idea as
to fate of this. Which bring up perhaps a different topic of what finally happened to the remains of his collection and parts in Bend, Oregon ? Gert Kristiansen

[Deleted User]

Frank...that funny. Small ironic world I guess.

-E

Ol racer

FYI
I would consider buying the Axle set up mentioned above. Greyhound Frieght would probably be the cheapist to Ship it. All the '37's I have had 'Torque Arms', but 'heard' some Models didnt have them. Alignment Caster was adjusted with Shims at the Axle mounting point of the Torque Arm. Dont know how adjusted without Torque Arms unless shimmed under Axle. Those Torque Arm front ends were really Strong....

Geoff

No torque arms used until '36, and then not used on H112 models. All other '36-'39 models had them. '36 was a "one-off" design, otherwise '37-'39 all used same.

[Deleted User]

Eric..just saw your post..I have a 37 terraplane I have been parting.heres whats left. solid frame with front and rearend.running gear,motor block.body shell with no doors and fenders. I'm in North centrl MN 55775. but would work with you on shipping all or parts..my number is 218-256-8775 Todd

[Deleted User]

doors no..fenders yes

[Deleted User]

jjbubaboy...I just sent you a PM. I'm in conversation with John about his front axle and other parts, I am also interested in your parts too. Let me know.

thanks to all for your offers, E