You can still crank a Hudson!

Jon B

This morning I took advantage of relatively tropical temperatures (40 degrees Fahrenheit) to let my Terraplane run for a few minutes, but discovered that the battery was too weak to turn the engine over more than 4 or 5 revolutions. So I pulled out my trusty crank handle and extension rod, hand-cranked the engine 3 or 4 revolutions (to pump the gas into the carb; the engine hasn't run for 2-3 weeks). Then I turned the key and gave 1/2 turn, and the engine roared to life.

If you didn't already know it, those of you with older Hudsons should be aware that the crank is a perfectly viable way to get your car running in a pinch. Especially if you're out on a lonely road, stall, and discover that your battery's depleted. If you don't have a crank (and extension) they're not terribly hard to find, if you set out to do so. Of course, a booster battery isn't a bad thing to carry, but those, too, can run down. And the local towing service may not be able to send out help at the snap of a finger. A hand crank is a handy and economical tool to carry in your trunk.

Uncle Josh

Or you could do like my dad did with the old Packard Pickup. Jack up a rear wheel and give it a twist. Wouldn't recommend that with fenders on...you could get wrapped around the axle. Wouldn't use a lug wrench either. Doesn't have the bevel like a crank to kick it off when it starts.

Growin up, none of the farm vehicles had a battery with any juice left in it. You either parked it on a grade or turned the crank....and you made sure the timing wasn't early either.

hudsontech

That's the prescribed method - learned by many, many Ford Model A owners over the years. Learned the hard way, I might add. Usually lead to a broken arm at least.

Hudsonly,
Alex Burr
Memphis, TN

RL Chilton

Yes, I've heard many times about broken thumbs and sometimes hands when you grab it like a broom handle.

MikeWA

I was taught (on tractors) to stand directly in front, move crank slowly to get to compression point, then move handle to about 7 o'clock, grip with right hand, with thumb on same side as fingers (just cupped around the handle), pull up smartly. If it kicks back, it will just snatch it out of your cupped hand, and since you're standing in front and not to the side, it won't crack you on the knee, either.

TwinH

Our neighbor hand cranks his 1913 Roberts (6 cylinder,2 stroke) to commemorate 100 years of scheduled airline service on new years day.
youtube.com/watch?v=VWMyyIkI4O0&list=PLy0uLLCYpFqF8h0yaiHjjeoFCUTHoKL8v