New Hudsonite - Would appreciate any help, tips, etc!

[Deleted User]

Hello Forum! I've just purchased a '54 Hudson Jet. It's actually for my 16 year old daughter. She saw the car and it was love at first sight.

I will begin changing the fluids, checking the brakes, and basically getting it to a daily driver standard.  The car needs cosmetics, but I'm hoping the engine/tranny are in decent shape.

The only issues I see right now, are a strange sound when the car starts and a trans fluid leak. It sounds like a chain rattling right as we turn the key. It's lasts 2-3 seconds after start then goes away.  I'm hoping it's just the starter.  The leak appears to be from the drain plug, but I haven't crawled under the car just yet.

Any advice? Tips?

I appreciate the help! 

Jon B

Welcome to the Open Forum at the Hudson-Essex-Terraplane website!  Congratulations on your purchase!

I myself don't own a Jet so can't help you, but it should only be a matter of time before someone jumps in here with some good suggestions.

Meanwhile....are you an H-E-T member?   If not, you may wish to consider doing so.  It serves as an excellent clearinghouse of information and parts, and its many chapters (which you can join, optionally) you can tap into a great network of Hudson owners.  (If you are already a Club member, you know all this.)

Just one other thought.  Where are you located?  Possibly, a fellow Jet owner who reads this, might live near you, and then you could get firsthand technical or restoration information if you needed it.  Also, if there's a chapter near you, there may be some Hudson gatherings you could attend, whether or not you are a Club or Chapter member.

Uncle Josh

Congrats on your new Jet.  It's a good solid car and when you get it sorted out is one of the most reliable cars on the road.

But really, you don't have to use the kids as an excuse.to own a Hudson.  We all have the disease.

Great to get the younger generation involved however.  It's a nice simple car and she can learn quickly.

 

Geoff

Does the rattling co-incide with the time it takes for  the oil light to go out?  If so you need to renew the  bearing shells most likely.  

[Deleted User]

Thanks guys! Yes, I've found Sarah's web site. I contacted her and she was nice enough to write back.  I'll watch the oil light next time I start the car.  The battery is charging up right now, so it'll be tomorrow.

I do need to get all of the door glass replaced.  I was hoping for some dimensions, but can't seem to find them. most of the glass is broken so I'm hesitant to schlep it to a glass place for measurement. I'd probably lose a finger during the process!

I'm looking forward to getting these old hands dirty.  I restored my father's '75 Midget (and drive it all the time). I've also worked on a '63 Ranchero and an old Nash Metropolitan!

Jon B

Some of the glass places that cater to antique car folks, may actually have patterns for that glass. I'd try Googling stuff like "classic car glass" or "antique car glass'.

This place for example -- http://www.vintageglass.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=3 -- charges $185 for all four doors (including vent glass, if I'm reading it right) and says they have patterns for all cars.

This place http://www.vendio.com/stores/bobsclassicautoglass/category/hudson-glass/catId=4144591 shows Hudsons but doesn't mention the Jet -- might be worth a phone call.

[Deleted User]

Geoff is correct about the Rods rattling. May also be the starter not disengaging from flywheel quick enough

[Deleted User]

bearing shells... rods... are these things I could grease a little to quiet the noise?

Geoff

Afraid not!   They are inside the engine.