Introduction

iceblade10

Hello, I am new to this site, and am posting this introduction to create my account.

My name is Steve, I am 36 years old, and live in Southeast PA.  In January of 2015, the family Hudson was passed down to me.  It is a 1954 Hudson Hornet Club Coupe that my grandfather bought from a little old lady down the street in 1960ish.  It was kept in a rented garage in Philadelphia for decades until my uncle and his brother in law decided to restore it in the early 1990s, because it was a last wish of my grandfather.  My uncle has had it since, and recently decided he'd rather have a 2015 Corvette Stingray, so the Hornet found it's way to me!

I would say that I'm a novice mechanic - I try to do the easy stuff like oil changes, tire rotation, etc. on my own cars, but have never really attempted anything major.  My biggest fear would be to break something that is irreplaceable.  Thankfully, the Hornet is overall in good shape and runs and drives well.  It gets a lot of attention everywhere it goes.  My goal is to learn as much as I can to keep her on the road forever.  

The biggest issue right now is that the automatic transmission is slipping, which is an issue that has been going on for a while when my uncle had it.  From my research online, it seems that Hydramatic II transmissions need special tools and know-how to work on, so my mission is to find the right guy for the job (recommendations welcome!)  I'm not sure AAMCO is the way to go... LOL.

Steve

Jon B

Welcome to the forum, Steve.  We can turn you into a master Hudson mechanic.  Just stick with us!

Two suggestions on the transmission, both of them highly recommended for Hydramatic rebuilding:

1).  Gus Souza, a long-time Hudson mechanic and Hydramatic specialist, in the Chicago area.  PM me for the number (it's from our club roster, not sure whether he wants it published on the internet!)

2).  Fisher Automatic Transmission Company, New Jersey.  (They have a related company, FATSCO, which sells transmission parts.)  http://fisherautotrans.com/automatic-transmission-repair/2225523

You're lucky, in that you live adjacent to three Hudson club chapters: the Pennsylvania Dutch, Garden State, and Chesapeake Bay.  Between the three of us, we have a number of activities during the year which you're welcome to attend, and in this way you can get to make contact with a number of local Hudson people who can offer you help and advice.

charles4d

Steve
Welcome theirs nothing you can break that can't ne replaced .
In the club you will find many people that started out just like you.
We all needed parts or help with questions about our cars and trucks.
You found the right place for hudsons.
Charles in Maryland

Kdancy

Welcome Steve!  A lot of Hudson knowledgeable guys on this forum that can walk you thru or help with questions.
I second Jon's post and recommend Gus Souza. He is probably the top guy with hydramatic experience and is usually eager to answer questions. Are you sure it is a hydramatic or a borgwarner ?
Pictures !!

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iceblade10

Thanks for the welcome!  I've attached a picture of Henrietta, for those interested :-)

Gus Souza sounds like exactly the kind of guy I'd want to work on the transmission, but Chicago is a looong ways away.  I guess some people will pull the transmissions out and ship them to and from, but that seems like it would be pretty pricey, no?

To answer Kdancy's question, I am sure that it's a GM Hydramatic II transmission.  I'm pretty sure the transmission is 100% original, and has NEVER been serviced (at 60+ years and 73K miles).  It's only ever had the fluid replaced, I believe.  It's definitely time for some TLC!

Kdancy

Steve, that's a very nice Hornet!
Check with your Hudson club chapters and see if anyone can help you adjust the tranny and service it. It may just need a little tlc.

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Glowplug

Super nice car!!!

48rob

I like it too, very handsome body style!

Rob

Ol racer

Welcome to the Forum.
 Im sure you can find someone nearby thru the HET Club and/or on this Forum to assist with your proble if necessary.. If its a Hydromatic and 'not an inferior Borg Warner', its a very strong Trans. This same Trans propelled military Tanks and Trucks with only a few modifications. If Hydromatic, consider trying a couple of things first......is it slipping when goes to shift chect the Linkage that runs from the carb pivit down to the Trans is csnnected. There is an adjustable Yoke down near the Trans Link Rod that rund dowen from a carb pivit to Trans....turn one way raised the shift while opposite way lowers the shifting point.
If connected and looks like it didnt move and.since you have the capability to change oil plus the thought the car has not been serviced in a long time, I suggest drain the fluid and remove the 'pan', then remove the filter thats inside and clean filter and pan. Look for dentris or pcs of material and if so Trans probably needs to come out.
Its pretty easy to remove pan & filter and you cant re-install wrong. Its washable unlike modern filters then reinstall the pan..
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Additionally, there's a Plug on the Torque Converter (Large round Torus) that's bolted onto the flywheel, (however, you will need to remove (4) 1/4" bolts on the dust cover below the Converter to get at the drain plug) Suggest leave the dust cover off until you know if Trans works better after servicing. You will need to rotate the mtr to bring drain plug to bottom. I feel you can do this with minimum hand tools, floor jack, and jack stands and help you learn more about the vehicle...

Lastly, Fill the Fluid with Dexron #2 or #3 thats available at most Auto Stores. I think a complete refill takes 2 .5 Gallon.+/-...
If it needs a Rebuild check the Trans Shops in your area ...Ther may be an old timer thats knowledgible in your area that woul it on the side if you furnish the Parts, Which are available thru Club Members.  Most Parts for your car are available. Good luck..

54SuperWasp

I wish I had uncles like them! Super nice car! definitely a keeper! Welcome! Michel

Ol racer

Welcome to the Forum.
 Im sure you can find someone nearby thru the HET Club and/or on this Forum to assist with your problem if necessary.. If its a Hydromatic and 'not an inferior Borg Warner' Trans, its a very strong Trans. This same Trans propelled militaryTanks & Trucks with only a few modifications. If Hydromatic, consider trying a couple of things first......is it slipping when goes to shift check the Linkage that runs from the carb pivit down to the Trans is connected. There's an adjustable Yoke down near the Trans Link Rod that rund dowe from a carb pivit to Trans....turn one way raised the shift while opposite way lowers the shifting point.
If connected and looks like it didnt move adjustment and.since you have capability to change oil with the thought the car has not been serviced in a very long time, suggest drain the fluid and remove the pan and filter the filter thats inside and clean it.. Look for debris or pcs of material and if so the Trans probably needs to come out...
Its pretty easy to remove pan & filter and you cant re-install wrong. Its washable unlike modern filters..
.
Additionally, there's a Plug on the Torque Converter (Large round Torus) that's bolted onto the flywheel, (however, you will need to remove (4) 1/4" bolts on the dust cover below the Converter to get at the drain plug) Suggest leave the dust cover off until you know if Trans works better after servicing. You will need to rotate the mtr to bring drain plug to bottom. I feel you can do this with minimum hand tools, floor jack, and jack stands and help you learn more about the vehicle...

Lastly, Fill the Fluid with Dexron #2 or #3 thats available at most Auto Stores. I think a complete refill takes 2 .5 Gallon.+/-...
If it needs a Rebuild check the Trans Shops in your area ...There may be an old timer thats knowledgible in your area that would work on it if you furnish the Parts, which are available thru Club Members. . Good luck..

Ol racer

Welcome to the Forum.
 Im sure you can find someone nearby thru the HET Club and/or on this Forum to assist with your proble if necessary.. If its a Hydromatic and 'not an inferior Borg Warner', its a very strong Trans. This same Trans propelled military Tanks and Trucks with only a few modifications. If Hydromatic, consider trying a couple of things first......is it slipping when goes to shift chect the Linkage that runs from the carb pivit down to the Trans is csnnected. There is an adjustable Yoke down near the Trans Link Rod that rund dowen from a carb pivit to Trans....turn one way raised the shift while opposite way lowers the shifting point.
If connected and looks like it didnt move and.since you have the capability to change oil plus the thought the car has not been serviced in a long time, I suggest drain the fluid and remove the 'pan', then remove the filter thats inside and clean filter and pan. Look for dentris or pcs of material and if so Trans probably needs to come out.
Its pretty easy to remove pan & filter and you cant re-install wrong. Its washable unlike modern filters then reinstall the pan..
.
Additionally, there's a Plug on the Torque Converter (Large round Torus) that's bolted onto the flywheel, (however, you will need to remove (4) 1/4" bolts on the dust cover below the Converter to get at the drain plug) Suggest leave the dust cover off until you know if Trans works better after servicing. You will need to rotate the mtr to bring drain plug to bottom. I feel you can do this with minimum hand tools, floor jack, and jack stands and help you learn more about the vehicle...

Lastly, Fill the Fluid with Dexron #2 or #3 thats available at most Auto Stores. I think a complete refill takes 2 .5 Gallon.+/-...
If it needs a Rebuild check the Trans Shops in your area ...Ther may be an old timer thats knowledgible in your area that woul it on the side if you furnish the Parts, Which are available thru Club Members.  Most Parts for your car are available. Good luck..

Hudson Grandpa

Quote "not an inferior Borg Warner Trans"..Boy I'm sure all of us BW guys are happy to here about that, especially knowing we have a "Park" Quadrant, and that we didn't have a choice due to the transmission fire at the plant way back when, and we drive the -----out of the car with an inferior trans. 

Iceblade10, make sure when you go to a trans shop, call around, that the man you deal with is 55 yrs or older.

SuperDave

If the mechanic looks at you kinda funny when you say you have cast iron Hydra-Matic,, Leave!

50C8DAN

Steve:

There is a shop in Unionville, PA, about 30 to 40 min. from Phil. depending on where you are that does work on Hudsons among others.  The owner Lou Mandich has a '49 Commodore 8 as his daily driver.  He has been a help on a few items on my cars over the years.

  Here is the contact information:

Last Chance Garage

13 Cemetery Lane

Unionville, PA  19375

Shop phone: 610-347-2394

Cell: 610-256-3087

iceblade10

Thanks for the info 50C!  I used to work in Kennett Square, which is right next to Unionville, so I know exactly where you are talking about.  I will give him a call and see if he can help me out.