1950 Hudson Pacemaker build

Back in Sept of last year I purchased a 1950 Hudson Pacemaker 500 Sedan. I plan to use the 232 flathead IL6 and the 3spd with OD. Car is in decent shape overall just riddled with dents for the most part. Front floor pans will need replaced. the interior is a wreck, car sat in a garage for 30 years and some woodland creatures decided to take up residence in the car.

Comments

  • KFF1
    KFF1 Member
    So far I disassembled the front clip and pulled the motor and trans. Cleaned and painted the front portion of the frame, gone through the suspension and steering components as well as lowered the front end 2 inches. 
  • KFF1
    KFF1 Member
    I converted the front brakes to disc but retained the original style MC and the E-brake system. I still have to run all of the brake lines yet and go through the rear brakes. In honor of a friend of mine who was a Buick die hard, I found a set of 1953 Buick Roadmaster hubcaps for the car.
  • KFF1
    KFF1 Member
    Over the Christmas and New Year holidays I stripped the car down to the primer. Havent done much since because of the weather.
  • Nice, very nice. Is that the Scarebird disc setup?
  • KFF1
    KFF1 Member
    Yes it is 
  • drivergo2
    drivergo2 Expert Adviser
    Looks like your off to a solid start keep going a little at a time. You have got some real positives so far.
  • I always loved the burlap pattern on the Pacemaker. My grandmother had a 50 deluxe. Good luck with the project and let us know if you need parts. 
  • KFF1
    KFF1 Member
    Last weekend I was doing some disassembly to the dash of the Pacemaker. I removed the clock and to my surprise it started ticking. So I removed the bezel and cleaned the unit then oiled it and it's been running everytime I wind it up. Also repainted the face because the paint was flaking off. Turned out nice 
  • Hans
    Hans Senior Contributor
    Terrific job on clock
  • Ol racer
    Ol racer Senior Contributor
    You're doing a real nice Job. Keep up the good work....
  • onerare39
    onerare39 Expert Adviser, Member
    Great work on the clock, what font did you use for the numbers?

  • bent metal
    bent metal Senior Contributor
    Looks like it's coming along great!  Keep posting pictures, we love to see the process. :)
  • KFF1
    KFF1 Member
    Thanks guys ... The actual numbers were on the outside of the glass ... The paint on the back side washed off with soap and water so I just masked off the circle in the center and used satin black rattle can 
  • KFF1
    KFF1 Member
    Removed the dash from the Pacemaker today and started removing the old wiring so I'm ready when my new harness arrives 
  • KFF1
    KFF1 Member

    It has been quite sometime since I have posted anything on my build. This past summer I fell into a deal I couldnt pass up and a friend of mine had a 2005 GMC Sierra which has become the donor vehicle for the Hudson Pacemaker. So the Hudson is now going to be powered by a 5.3 LS with a 4L60E trans. I also plan on retro fitting the HVAC unit into the car as well. Made a trip to U pull it and picked up a hydro boost unit with pedal and an 8.8 rear end from a 2011 Ranger. 4.10 gears with disc brakes. That should keep me busy over the winter LOL


  • 35 Terraplane
    35 Terraplane Senior Contributor

    You may want to the check over 4L60E tranny. Several know problems with them. A friend had some issues with his. There are after market kits available to correct some of the issues.

  • KFF1
    KFF1 Member

    Oh yes, it will get a complete rebuild due to the fact that the truck had 192,000 miles on it.

  • I'll be watching this one too. please keep posting updates and photos.