1935 Hudson Terraplane Special 4 door sedan

dklimoman

Can anyone tell me what the hole is for on the bottom of the front grill ?
I have noticed photos of other models same as mine with this hole.

Jon B

Welcome, DK Limoman!  I've "clicked the switch" and you're now a full-fledged Forum member.  Feel free to post messages in any category you wish.

If you're not already a member of the Hudson-Essex-Terraplane Club you may wish to consider joining.  The Club maintains this forum, a separate forum, and the entire website (as well as an international club).  Click "HOME" at the top of the screen, to learn more.

I assume the hole you are referring to, is the hole for the emergency starting crank -- a lifesaver if your battery is drained and you need to get the car started quickly!

dklimoman

Owe,
How come some models I see, do not have this hole ?
Was it an option or only available on certain models ?

46HudsonPU

Yup, Jon's right. 

And, most of them had covers too (crank hole covers).  They are probably the most commonly thrown away, misplaced, discarded, or just plain 'lost' piece on any older car.  And, subsequently, one of the 'hardest to find' pieces too!

46HudsonPU

Owe,
How come some models I see, do not have this hole ?
Was it an option or only available on certain models ?

It was a basic feature on just about every make and model, through at least the late 30's (my '39 Hudson Pickup has it).  If you don't see 'the hole' you are probably looking at the grille, however with the 'crank hole cover' is in place.

Of course, there is always an exception.

If you would post some pictures of the photographs you are referring to, it would help...

StillOutThere

Yes, crank hole and crank hole cover.  Your car came with a crank when new and a bracket on the center bumper bolt to guide the crank if needed.   Every 35 H and T car had crank hole in grille, crank guide on bumper (often turned behind the bumper bar when not in use), and the crank with the other few factory tools.

The only HET car in this era WITHOUT was the '32 Essex-Terraplane trying to impress the public that it was no longer needed.   They were and people let Hudson know they wanted the feature returned and it was for '33 E-T cars.

lostmind

Also helpful when setting valves

dklimoman

Thank you