New to a 52! Very excited to find a site for these great cars

[Deleted User]

Hi all, my name is Will and I'm very happy to be here! 

I'm 23 and just graduated from the University of Montana. Currently in the process of moving to Bozeman, MT, but wanted to share my recent acquisition and hopefully get some questions answered. Much to my mother's dismay, I've never had much interest in newer, safer, more efficient cars. My first was a 73 Lincoln Continental Mark IV (still have in pristine condition in storage). I've more recently purchased a lovely 75 Continental and project 65 Continental... I love Lincolns! But I'll show ya the Hudson now! 

1952 Hudson Hornet 4dr. Legend has it she was the last Hudson used by the Montana Highway Patrol. 

Exterior Front

Exterior Side

Interior

My immediate plans are to get the mechanicals 100%. As she sits, she runs and can move under her own power --the brakes even seemed to work for the 1 foot section I was able to rock her back and forth! As you can see, getting the car to the road will be quite a production. Still though, the whole thing needs to be gone through and that's the kind of stuff I'm good at --I've just never worked on anything quite this old (6 volt!?). 

From there, I'll gut the interior and inspect for rust or any other issues hidden beneath that gnarly carpet. Once the metal is cleaned up, I'll hit it with POR15 or something to make sure it's sealed for good. Unfortunately, interior upholstery isn't my strong suit and will probably be stupid expensive. Any links to where I can find carpet/headliner/other fabrics would be appreciated (I prefer as close to original material as possible). The seats and door panels will have to be handled by someone who knows what they're doing as well... but if I can provide original-ish materials, that'd be ideal. 

Basically, I intend to get the car running WAY better than it looks and get the interior all pretty, too. I kind of dig that patina exterior look with everything else perfect --though the car will eventually get a full exterior redo as well. 

I do have some questions for those of you who are seasoned with these cars. Is it worth doing a 12v conversion? I've been eyeballing the spotlights and amber fog lights available on the hudsonmotorcarco website and see they can be ordered in either 6v or 12v units. I don't plan on doing a big stereo install or anything --I'm a stickler for originality, but don't want to unnecessarily handicap my car either. 

Another big question I've got is the transmission: it's a 3sp w/ overdrive. I guess I'm wondering how the heck to drive the thing. I know the whole column shift deal, but the overdrive function being separate from the column is a mystery to me. 

Last question (for now) is about the doors. They all open and close with a solid thunk, but they seem to not be shutting all the way. And I don't want to just slam the hell out of them! Do I have to adjust the latch or striker or something? 

Anyway, thanks for your time and I look forward to learning more about these cars! Any direction you guys can give me going forward would be much appreciated. 

-Will 

46HudsonPU

Welcome aboard! 

Good to have you.  I'm sure you'll find a wealth of information here. Looks like a nice 'project' - I'm sure you will get much advise, assistance, etc., here. 

You may also want to visit the Hudson Essex Terraplane Club website, and consider joining that Club - Members come for the cars, and stick around because of the great folks there!

We hope you enjoy your time here at the Hudson Essex Terraplane 'Open Forum' -

Kdancy

Latigo-- Looks like you got a very good Hornet!
Do you have it home now? Have access to a lift?
First thing I would do is join the HET club and find out where the nearest Hudson club chapter is and hook up with them.
Buy the mechanical and body manuals from the HET club store.
Put it on a lift and check the parameter frame for rust.
Check the wiring for bare-bad spots so nothing shorts out.
Check the engine to see if it is free or frozen up.
If free, purchase a gasket kit and pull the oil pan and clean out before starting engine.
Don't put gas in the gas tank, use a small gas can to feed the fuel pump. You'll almost certainly need to pull the gas tank and have it cleaned out.

does it have Twin-H or single carb?
See the round knob on the left side of the steering column? Out position is "out" of OD and "in" is in OD.
Look up - google T-86 with Overdrive, you'll get all kind of info on the early OD.
http://www.fordification.com/tech/overdrive.htm
http://www.studebakerclubs.com/NorthGeorgia/Overdrive.pdf

Don't drive it on the road until you have gone thru the brake system!!

Yes, you can convert to 12v, but I would save that project for later, plenty of info on that subject.
Do each item in steps so you don't get overwhelmed ! Keep it fun!!

Jon B

Welcome to the group, Will.  You've come to the right place, and (as has already been suggested) you may want to consider joining the Hudson club http://www.hetclub.org/

Contact SMS (you can google them) for the correct fabrics.  They do make some Hudson upholstery, but if they don't make yours, they might have something similar.

The suggestion that you pull the oil pan and clean it, and check out the brakes (especially rubber lines) is a good one.

The overdrive is a piece of cake.  Essentially a semi-automatic cruising gear.  For the time being, just pull the overdrive knob out all the way, which disables overdrive and gives you the conventional 3 speeds.  It will take you about 2 minutes to get accustomed to overdrive.  And if it doesn't work, rest assured that most of the problems are in the electrical connections, and don't require overhaul.

Frankly, I've been running my 1937 on six volts for the past 40 years, so just get your car running (on six volts) and decide about any changeover later. 

The door closing problem is standard; my guess is that the rubber seals have hardened with age, and you're fighting them every time you try to close the door.  But the StepDown folks will have ideas on how to fix that.

There are people who make rubber and plastic parts, redo clutches, sell engine parts, floor patch panels, and so forth, for Hudsons.  And people with lots of used parts.  Unfortunately, each person tends to specialize in just one type of thing.  There isn't a "NAPA for Hudsons" where you can buy everything.  Best thing is to join the Club so you will have access to the magazine and see where to buy all this stuff; also join the Club's website (Club members get full access to everything, but there is a "limited" membership (free) that gives access to a whole bunch of stuff, which you could do until you join the Club.

Browniepetersen

Very nice looking 52 and it looks like it has all the neat things with it. Lucky find with the Texas Tan and Ivory paint combination. Most likely my favorite colors. There are many ways to answer each of your questions and I am sure you will need to make a bunch of decisions as time goes on.. I like the 6volt system. If your car is in top mechanical condition there is no need to do the 12. A lot of folks get talked into it and then do not like it that well. You are moving to a very good area for Hudson folk. You will hear the name Stu Coleman a lot up that way and you should meet him sooner than later. My guess is that he would have any part you need in his large collection of cars and parts. He is north of Livingston in Pray Montana. Interior cloth for the 52 is very expensive (only limited amounts in production today) but the tan material on the caps and side is easy and inexpensive to get. You can do your car in the tan and it looks great. Google 1952 interior and look at the way the seats are done. Good Luck and since I live down in Utah I expect that we will meet in the near future.

[Deleted User]

Thanks, 46HudsonPU! I'll check into the other site mentioned, I didn't realize there were chapters for these cars across the country! That's pretty cool!

Kdancy,

I haven't taken delivery yet. It's buried pretty deep and I doubt it'll be out by even October. Which is fine, it's been there since before I was even born, so it's not going anywhere! 

It is a Twin-H. We fired it up briefly feeding the carbs as carefully as we could --just long enough to hear it purr and see if she'd move (which was interesting haha). I plan on doing gaskets, dropping the pan and fuel tank, cleaning or replacing lines, etc. Those are the things I can definitely do. I looked under it as best I could and didn't see anything concerning as far as rust goes. It's cleaner underneath than my 65 Lincoln. Thanks for the info on the transmission! 

Jon B, 

Thanks, I'll check out SMS when I get around to that part of the build! Anything that's rubber and serves a vital function to the car I intend to replace. I don't want to worry about popping a gas line or losing brakes on almost 2 tons of old steel!

Per yours and Kdancy's input, I'll likely leave the 6v system. If I want to listen to my own music, I've got a bluetooth bose thing that runs on battery. 

I figured I wouldn't be finding parts at napa, but I'm used to that with my Lincolns. Just another excuse to reach out to others in the community and make new connections! 

Browniepetersen,

Thanks for the input. Can you elaborate on "neat" things a bit? I think the whole car is pretty nifty myself, but don't know much about them yet. I'm glad I'll be living so close to someone that knows the ins and outs of Hudsons and possibly access to old parts! I'm fairly certain Pray is south of Livingston, but that's not important. I'd very much like to keep the interior original-ish or at least tan (cooler in the summer!). Carpet I might go with black or something darker just because a lighter color would show everything. Does anyone sell a carpet kit or is that something that would have to be made? 

Hope to meet you one day! 

oldhudsons

hey guys, isn't Stu Coleman in Mt.??? Know he has a huge stockpile of parts ~

Browniepetersen

Stick shift, Overdrive, Twin H, Visor, window wind shade and the various other items for the sedans. As I said, Stu would have any items you are missing such as the fender skirts that are not shown? Also, in the White Triangle News (official publication of the HET Club) you will find a number of vendors that have new and old parts for your car. Jon B that has been responding to some of your comments has a listing of a lot of other vendors for parts. I will not mention them all but you will find Dr. Doug Wildrick listed in member services and he supplies all the rubber parts.

Just as an example of a seat I have posted a photo of the one Russ Mass has in his 1954 Convertible. It is the same pattern That is correct for your sedan.

Lee ODell

WOW!!!

Great looking Hudson. I was very surprised to see such a good looking complete Hudson in a salvage yard. It looks out of place setting there. If it hadn't been surrounded by so many cars I would have believed it was a set up.. I love the color combination. Congratulation on a great find. You have been given a lot of good advice. You will experience a very comfortable road car when it is back on the road.

Most likely what you feel when stepping on the brake pedal is the secondary mechanical brake system that will stop a Hudson when the hydrologic system should fail. Since the car has been setting so long the brake fluid has probably dried up. When I got my first Hudson (52 Hornet) in Las Vegas I drove it home to Burbank, Ca. I drove about 400 miles around Vegas and the trip home. On the way home I stopped at a club members because the generator light came on. While checking that problem we checked brake fluid and we found the master cly. was dry. The secondary mechanical brake system worked so well on that trip I was not aware I had a brake problem. Added fluid, but it was gone by the time I got home. Brake line rusted thru. I replaced all brake lines, master cyl, hoses, wheel cyl,, shoes and all hardware.

Before I got out of Vega I had requests for permission to take pictures of my Hornet at 3 different locations I stopped looking to buy a new battery. There were a few times people were trying to catch up on the highway to take pictures. I GUARANTEE you will enjoy the EXPERIENCE of people wanting to take pictures of your Hudson.




You might consider replacing generator and regulator with a 6 Volt Alternator. After 2 year of generator problems I switched to 6 Volt one wire Alternator from CHEA WILLIE'S in Iola, Kansas, Ei-mail:howent@Hotmail.com. Walla, no more charging problems with a great big plus. The head lights are now much brighter as well as the dash lights. It is so good seeing the dash gauges and speedometer at night now instead of a dim glow.

Please keep us informed on your Hudsons progress. Congratulation on such a grate find.

Lee O'Dell

Glowplug

Great that you have made the decision to add Hudson to your automobile appetite. 

The decisions you make today will have an exponential effect on how your Hudson project evolves and completes. So with that in mind I offer the following:

Inspect your car-  

The inspection should include trying to determine if items are missing, what they are and a note on where to ask assistance in finding the missing item.

Sitting as long as the car has it will require a complete and through inspection, repair and service.  The Hudson manual for your car is on line and is available to download, study and use.   Placing it on a smart phone assures you have ready access when working on your  Hudson. 

http://www.hudsonterraplane.com/tech/1952/1952_Hudson_Service_Manual.pdf

Making the car sound mechanically is the MOST IMPORTANT aspect of your task when the car is in you posession. Slow and methodical is the most productive means you have to create a safe and reliable automobile. 

Some have said make it stop, make it run, make it pretty.   To me the first two are important.  The last piece is something many new to the car hobby put at the front. Only to find that they are still looking at many hours and dollars of work before the car is road reliable and safe.

Above all the best advice I have beyond the last comment is;  Do not disassemble your car other than to  accomplish  required service or maintenance.  Once the required maintenance or service is done reassemble the car... many a Hudsonite has been distracted and when they return to their car they do not remember how to reassemble to car.  

Last but not least... you are NOT ALONE in your journey.  If you are interested in assistance there are plenty of willing Hudson folk who are available here and through HET Chapters and independent owners.   Most of what you will have questions about can be found on the INTERNET or through a chat or conversation on the telephone of INTERNET.  

Check out the following website.  It contains a wealth of information that is there to assist folks like yourself.  The webmaster has collected together and continues to post information that will allow a Hudson Stepdown owner and restorer bring their favorite car back to safe reliable operation.

Good Luck and do not hesitate to ask for help.

http://hudsonrestoration1948-54.com/

[Deleted User]

Oldfarmer,

Thanks for the advice and I agree that making a car pretty should be the last accomplishment which is why I'm doing that part last. I'll definitely utilize the community in my restoration and look forward to one day meeting some of you. I'll try to contact Stu one of these days regarding the spotlights and amber fog lights (those are on my must-have list). And I'll need a left brake light lens. 

Brownie,

Appreciate the clarification. I kind of assumed it was those parts but didn't know for sure. The panels on that convertible look incredible -- can't wait for mine to be that nice! Would you happen to know offhand what all the rubber costs from the good doctor? That will likely be among my first purchases along with gaskets and fluids. 

Btw, I haven't search this site yet, but any word on what these things use for oil? Clearly not synthetic given their age, but weight and such. Maybe a common online place you guys get oil, brake fluid, gear oil, etc. Last I went to Napa, I only found half synthetic and synthetic fluids available for the most part. 

Lee ODell,

You and me both! 

I'm likely going to be replacing all the parts you did. Do you recall what that cost? I know the car runs and moves, but all that's pointless if the brakes aren't 100% in my opinion. I'm guessing the metal lines had to be ordered or custom made? 

Assuming the electrical system needs a bit of servicing (who knows what field mice have been gnawing at) I would definitely go with a 6v alternator. Thanks for the heads up on that. 

DocHubler,

I'm just in the process of leaving and will be all moved out by this weekend. The Hudson is about 1/3 of the way to Bozeman and I can't pick it up until a LOT of other cars have been moved haha. I actually think I met Charlie at a show a few weeks back with a black Hornet Twin-H. Just a regular "beautiful car" type conversation... I don't think we exchanged names. Especially since I hadn't had a Hornet of my own to reference haha. 

You may be right about the history of the car, but the colors would actually be correct. MHP used green, gold, and blue Hornets for their cars. Idk if it was 'this' gold or the traditional green/blue, but it's all good haha. I'll definitely be going through all the nooks and crannies! 

Lee ODell

I do not remember the brake parts cost. You can call Norm Blackmer the California Inland Chapter Club Store Manager at 909 984 5544. I bought the parts from him. The prices were much less than the brake supply houses prices I dealt with when I had my brake & wheel alignment shop. There is no mark up prices.

Another suggestion is to make the brake lines after installing the new wheel cylinders because some of the replacement wheel cylinder inlet ports may be at a slightly different angle than the old wheel cylinders. I made my own brake lines. I have a hydrologic pump action flairing tool that made perfect double flares every time as appose to the cheap tool that usually requires more than one attempt to make a ugly useable double flare.

Have a safe trip to your new home.

Lee O'Dell

dwardo99

Rockauto.com lists a surprising number of Hudson parts like wheel cylinders and etc. at least the last time I checked. You can buy pre-made brake lines in various lengths from any auto supply store and it's no big trick to put together all new lines. This is a must-do, as well as replacing all the rubber hoses. The most challenging parts to get will be the correct Hornet front brake shoes. Somebody may tell you that various Ford or Chevy shoes will fit, and, they will fit, but the anchor height is wrong and they will not contact the drum all the way around unless you do a lot of grinding on them. According to my Bendix brake shoe catalog, the correct shoes fit ONLY Hudson, 49-53 Pontiac, and some 40s Oldsmobiles.

[Deleted User]

Thanks for the tips, guys.
Once I get settled in my new home and can actually get the car out of there, I'll have a lot of good contacts to source parts and get this great old gal back on the road!