Restoration Quandry

Freebitz

Hello fellow HET forum members, fishing for some advise.  I bought my 37 Terra with the engine disassembled.  Some parts have come up missing and the seller, while profusely apologetic, got it from the prior owner in that condition and never new these were missing (minor things like main bearings, guides and the CAMSHAFT!).  Anyway the gent I took it to for rebuilding has now 'passed' on doing that rebuild.  Now I'm just pondering aloud whether I should continue to seek everything needed for a restoration or maybe go the resto-mod route on her.  Any thoughts from the wise Jedi masters of HET?

Thanks

Michael C

Jon B

You'll get different opinions from different members. 



I'm more of a traditionalist and have been quite happy with my original 212 CID engine for the past forty years.  Some will suggest a modern Brand X engine.  Some have transplanted the Hudson Jet engines, which fit nicely in the space provided, but you still won't be able to find parts at your local auto parts store.

Why not look around a bit for a good running engine.  Street rodders are a good source (you might join HAMB and search around for one there).  You can also contact people within the Hudson club (many of which do not tune into this forum, so you'll have to contact them individually).  You can obtain a list of parts vendors in the White Triangle News (if you're a club member) and simply e-mail people, asking if they have an engine available.  Much cheaper to buy a decent running one, than to start looking around for parts, then start re-assembling yours.

Give yourself a bit of time to find the engine and if your leads come up empty, then consider a Brand X or Jet transplant.