36 Terraplane Hot-rod

Unknown

Ok suppose a guy is going to have some funds to create a 36 Terraplane street rod. He wants a convertible but can't afford the 60k and wants a modern drive train etc. Sooo. What if he buys a 36 coupe body and puts in on a different frame and revs it up with a cool but not to outrageous engine. Then he has a decent shop do the Hudson unthinkable of making it into a convertible. Well that is a dream I am having. So fellow hot-rod enthusiasts I need your expertise. I have some guys in our local club that build hot-rods and they all have ideas. Now I need your suggestions - knowledge and ramblings. Which model body - What frame and drive train - A hudson engine or a chevy etc. No I don't want a monster engine just something to have fun on the street with.

So help out a soon to be hudson street rodder and give me some of that well worn experience you all seem to have. Oh yeah the convertible is a definite. The other half has spoken.

Park_W

Well, Hudson had their '36 convertibles made from coupes by an outside body maker, so you're not in virgin territory there. As for the engine, how about a '57 (AMC) Hudson 327 V8?

[Deleted User]

I'd go for a built 308 with a twin-h set up, chrome aircleaners, headers, etc. Make it period looking. It's going to be a light car so you'll have plenty of tire smoking plus you'll be the only one there with an all Hudson hotrod. Whatever way you go, good stuff. Niels

SamJ

The current issue of WTN has some information on a 308/700R setup. Dany Spring at KGap makes the adapter plate (can also be used for other GM trannys). As others above indicate, this would be a hot setup, different, cool, and just a powerful/economical/reliable as a 350/350 deal so common with guys who buy, rather than build, their cars. A 262/700R or 262/350 or 400 would provide lots of power and reliability too.

VicTor Z

Hi Sam , Norm B. just finished my 308/700R setup, with Edmunds Head and Intake, Holly 350 carbs. Lloyd M. will install this setup in my '54 coupe in the next few months. Hope to have it ready for the western Reg.

50C8DAN

I also would go with a built 308 but use the Clifford 3X2 Weber sidedraft manifold and go with the Weber carbs or Weber FI setup. Make a set of header w/dual exhaust. Edmunds or Clifford Head. BTW, Randy Maas makes a Hudson Turbohydromatic setup/adapter (http://21stcenturyhudson.net/products.htm)

mars55

Here is a half finished '36 street rod that might meet your needs.



http://www.collectorcarads.com/addetail.asp?CarID=12899

rambos_ride

mars55 wrote:

Here is a half finished '36 street rod that might meet your needs.

http://www.collectorcarads.com/addetail.asp?CarID=12899

Boy - thats a perfect start at a reasonable price for the work amount of work already done - albeit, it's hard to tell about the quality of the car/work with the small pics and lack of them .

I'd definetely "look before you buy" but you might be money ahead starting with something like this car...