Re: [HSS] Whitcomb aluminum wheels & Butler

Unknown

Hudson29@aol.com wrote:

>

> In a message dated 1/8/03 12:10:18 PM, geoffclark@xtra.co.nz writes:

>

> << The options for most years up until 1926 it seems, from illustrations in

> Butler's "History of Hudson" were standard wood spokes, steel discs, or

> wire spoked wheels. '27 thru '32 had the option of wood or wire. From

> then on pressed steel wheels or wire spokes were optional until '37,

> from which time on I believe only pressed steel wheels were available.

> One rather strange abberation occurred in 1935, when 14-spoke wood

> wheels were available for the l.w.b. Hudson 8. However, I stand to be

> corrected if anyone has further information. >>

>

> Thanks Geoff, I never know what to make of Butler. I have often asked

> Hudson folk what his sources were and where his research material and notes

> are now. He must have had a great many documents and interviews to draw on.

> The book really needs a second corrected edition, but Butler has passed and

> someone else will have to do it now. Butler's book material would be a great

> start.

> We all know of errors, but nobody has been systematic about collecting

> the corrections to my knowledge. Maybe we should start a web based Butler

> Correction Page. The more I think of it, the better that idea sounds. If

> anyone runs across Butler errors, please send me an email, I think we'll get

> this done.

> The HET Club Library has some great source material including factory

> accessory manuals for many years. I have already checked the 1926 edition

> without finding reference to disk wheels. Does anybody have any other years

> to look through?

>

> Paul O'Neil, Hudson29@aol.com

> Fullerton, California USA

> www.aerostamp.com

>

I have no idea if the wheels were fitted at factory or dealer, but I

would imagine at factory, perhaps to order. I have seen all examples

here on pre-'27 models, and many photos of N.Z. cars as well, with wood

spokes, wire spokes, and discs, on both Hudson and Essex (4 & 6's).

Aesthetically, the discs are awful, but froma practical point of view,

what could be better? No wire spokes to loosen, easy to clean, strong.

As to the original question of alloy wheels, I have no knowledge of any

on cars here. I agree there are a number of errors in Butler's book,

but only in photograph captions, easy enough to get mixed up. Some

photos are repeated, and others of doubtful authenticity, for instance

the pic of a Super Six engine purported to be 1920 on page 71, showing

the later Stewart carburettor and seperate starter and generator, surely

a 1923-'26 model . I believe his records of production figures etc. are

impeccable. I don't have any official figures here however to

autenticate anything I may state, and there may be differences in export

models, so we can only speculate in many areas.

Geoff.