New guy, new Terraplane, lots o' questions

timbersmith

Hey All,



Well, I did it. I recently bought my first Terraplane and am starting the process of research, repair, and ultimately total restoration with an as-yet unknown amount of customization. That last part might prove to be a bit interesting, though - while I know how to turn a wrench, this is the first automotive project where I am starting a hair above the "absolute beginning" level.

The vehicle that I just bought is a '36 Terraplane truck, serial #6128564. While not my ultimate dream vehicle (that would be a '34 or '35), it's real close and it was almost complete. I'm still working through what I'm gonna do to it, but I'm definitely not planning on rushing things - I really want to do this one right the first time.



At any rate, time for some questions (this'll be a bit long, sorry)! I realize that rarity will make these kinda a crap-shoot, but any help would be much appreciated.



Documentation/pictures:

Does anybody know of any that are truck-specific? I've got truck stuff for '34 (articles, pictures, commercial brochure), and '37 (pictures, advertisements, articles), but nothing truck-specific for '36. This would be *really* helpful for when repairing the bed. Better yet, if anyone has a truck and can take some pictures - or even allow me to take some pictures, that would work out great. I had found a guy at the fall Carlisle show who had a large amount of original documents, so I'm gonna get in touch with him if I can find his information to see what he has.



Engine/transmission:

If I wanted to keep the original engine/transmission and fix that up, what could be done to improve performance? I've seen a lot of pictures where the head has cracked and been repaired, so I don't know if that is a weak point or if something else happened. I also saw the pics of the replacement dry clutch, is that still available? If I don't stick with the original engine, I do have a spare Pontiac 400 that I was thinking of using and finding a 5 or 6-speed manual to go behind it.



Missing parts:

Where would I look for replacing parts that are missing? Out of all the parts that might be missing/need replacement, the ones that I'd imagine are hardest to find are:

- Rear fenders

Heh, hard to find might be an understatement, here. Does anyone know where I might be able to find a set? If I can't find truck-specific fenders, how close would a set from one of the other models be? While I'm not a stickler for originality (i.e. each curve of each piece is factory-correct), it would be a lot easier/cheaper to find something close and massage it than to form the parts from scratch.



- Trim pieces: side hood trim (both sides), hood ornament.

The hood trim that is missing is the top-most strip of the three that follow the louvers. Is the hood ornament truck-specific like the '34 or '35's? I notice that the mount (The bottom piece is still there) is different than the one that I saw on ebay.



- Front turn signal lenses

Both are broken, but there looks to be enough of the original glass left to cast a suitable plastic replacement for the passenger's side, but not for the driver's. Has someone already done this and maybe has a set for sale, or would there be a better avenue to follow?



Since this post has gotten a bit long , I'll hold off on posting pics until later. It's mostly intact (missing the above parts and interior), fairly solid, and looks to be a nice base for a restoration, or resto-rod if I go that route. Rest assured that more questions will be coming down the pipeline, especially since the rarity and age of the truck make finding information and parts rather hard. I'll be joining the HET club soon, so that oughta help out as well.



Thanks for any help or pointers you guys can send me,

- Mike

harry54

Mike , Congratts.... It's true that is a rare old Bird... However, the Authenticity is worth a thousand smiles.... Between the part sources in the Club and The networking throughout the internet you should be able to find or get just about everything you need to bring that old girl back ...

http://hudsonclub.org/links.htm

Good luck and Welcome...

Jon B

The second-best thing you can do (besides joining the H-E-T) is to look through the roster (which you will receive) and find others with a '36 pickup -- preferably that they have restored. With any luck they won't be too awfully far away. Then you can go to their house loaded with a camera, tape measure and blank notebook, ready to answer all your questions. If there are no owners near you, you can rely on e-mail or snail mail as a means of conversing with the owner.



Remember that many parts are common with the '36 Terraplane passenger cars, so if someone has a Terraplane sedan near you, you can still get some valuable information.



Try to keep an open mind on resto versus rodding. Many of us have managed to make only subtle changes to our cars, and still drive them great distances. Unless you are planning to use this thing daily on an Interstate, you may be able to live with the original drive train (rebuilt, of course). The original cork clutch, when overhauled, should give you good service. One fellow in England is making replacement high-speed rearend gears (3-5/9) or you can retrofit certain Mustang or MoPar rear axles -- possibly even a later Hudson axle for an automatic transmission-equipped car.



Have fun, that's what we do!

Park_W

Mike, if you want just a little more oomph under the hood, the '37-'39 engines look almost identical to the '36s. They will interchange perfectly, and have a bit more power. In '37 they opened up the intake and exhaust ports and manifold size, and made the 2-barrel carb standard on deluxe models. Plus, these engines and parts for them are easier to find. Another approach, taken by some who want a bit more robust engine, is to use one from the '53-'54 Hudson Jet, which is sized and looks a lot like the thirties engines but has modern full-pressure lubrication. That said, I agree with Jon that you can run the original type engine nicely if you're not wanting to drive at 65 mph all day on the Interstate. And based on my experience with a '36, I don't think you'll be wanting to do that.

Unknown

Milght Have Hood Trim And Other Misc Parts, Where Are You Located????? This Is Bill Albright At Vintage Coach, Worlds Last Hudson Dealer, 16593 Arrow Bl, Fontana, Ca 92335 Ph 909 823 9168

timbersmith

Hey, thanks for all the wishes and the leads, they're all appreciated. Fortunately (or unfortunatley, depending on how one looks at things) I'm not in a rush to get things completed asap, so that oughta help with sourcing parts, documentation and information.



I've put a bunch of pics up - the "initial batch" as it were - so feel free to check 'em out. Maybe you all will see something interesting that I haven't realized yet:

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/n_soulfire/album?.dir=/3f7fre2&.src=ph&.tok=phfw9fGBHrwiXOSm

If anyone is wondering, yes this was listed on ebay a couple weeks ago.



One question, though, is on the pic of the gauge cluster (img_418), is the broken piece beneath that the remains of a clock, or a radio? There's not much left behind the glass, but I'm thinking radio since it looks like the pics in the service manual.



I'm still considering what I want to accomplish with this truck, though. I really want to be able to enjoy it (this part screams 400 V8 w/manual trans), but I also realize how much a piece of history it is (this part is saying stick with original). Course what I will probably end up doing is exactly what I've been doing with my '78 Trans Am - modify it, but make sure it can be reverted back to original when necessary/desired. I do know that I am not going to do anything to the exterior - straighten it, paint, chrome, and so on, but no chopped top, shaved handles, extra louvers, etc. There is a chance that I'll be putting a wood kit in the bed, though - unsure as to how salvageable the floor currently is (well, salvageable with a limited budget).



Oh yea, I'm in the Cincinnati, Ohio area - on the other side of the river, but Cinci is the closest large city.



Thanks again,

Mike

Jon B

Looks complete, if a bit rusty! The radio would indeed go beneath the gauge cluster but it's difficult to see if you have the original radio control head, or an aftermarket unit. The real radio dial would probably say 'Hudson Radio' on it (in some years they said 'Terraplane Radio' on the Terraplanes). Incidentally, you can probably find a good replacement instrument cluster with curved glass, either through a Hudson vendor or Ebay.



You're wise not to permanently modify it. By keeping the possibility open that the car can be returned to 'original' you will assure that it remains appealing both to street rod and antique people, thus preserving its inherent value.

Uncle Josh

Mike, I've been looking at your pics. I have a 36 4 Dr Sedan,

SN 613345.



Interesting sidemount for the spare, and I've not seen those signal/parking lights, and the pic in Butler's book doesn't show them. Might have been dealer deals or aftermarket. I'll scan the pic and send it when I get your email.



Looks like the original box however. Those inner tool boxes were supposed to be removable for carrying a full load. It was rated at 3/4 ton. The box was the same as the '35.

However, that's about where the similarity to anything else ends, as the 36 body was a 1 year deal.



Why don't you email me at HETcramerlp@frontiernet.net (drop the HET). I have heard of a fairly complete car in a junk-yard near Lake Placid, but haven't seen it. Might be some fenders on it. My buddy has been there and it's on my list to see. I do have a grill, that's better than yours I might consider trading. I don't know where Kgap is with the red 'cigar' for the hood ornament, but I whittled one out of wood and painted it red, and then whittled the single wing that goes on top, and painted it chrome. Worked until I found a good one. At least you have the bottom piece.



A friend of mine rodded a coupe and has some parts and maybe a motor. The original motor has lots of power and torque as the rear end is probably 4.56. I have seen 60 mph on mine with more left but take pity on the old girl and 52 is a nice speed.



I'd encourage you to keep it original as it's scarcer than hen's teeth. Good luck.

Clutchguy

Hey Mike,you might think about coming to a Hudson meet in Shelbyville,In this Saturday.People from Oh,In,,Il and Ky.and Tx.will be here.You can also get signed up in the HET club if you like as well as share some thoughts with fellow HudNUtsYou can see we talk a BUNCH-LOL.It would be a chance to see some nice Hudsons and start your parts search,My ph.# is 317-847-1720.

Give me a call for directions,

timbersmith

Uncle Josh wrote:

Interesting sidemount for the spare, and I've not seen those signal/parking lights, and the pic in Butler's book doesn't show them. Might have been dealer deals or aftermarket. I'll scan the pic and send it when I get your email.



Looks like the original box however. Those inner tool boxes were supposed to be removable for carrying a full load. It was rated at 3/4 ton. The box was the same as the '35.

However, that's about where the similarity to anything else ends, as the 36 body was a 1 year deal.



Why don't you email me at HETcramerlp@frontiernet.net (drop the HET). I have heard of a fairly complete car in a junk-yard near Lake Placid, but haven't seen it. Might be some fenders on it. My buddy has been there and it's on my list to see. I do have a grill, that's better than yours I might consider trading. I don't know where Kgap is with the red 'cigar' for the hood ornament, but I whittled one out of wood and painted it red, and then whittled the single wing that goes on top, and painted it chrome. Worked until I found a good one. At least you have the bottom piece.

Wow, lot of good options here. That's interesting about the turn signals, though - The signal housings are attached to the headlight buckets with a single [long] sheet metal screw (that I can see), but I'm thinking that replacement lenses will be extremely difficult to find, now - maybe I oughta start piecing the passenger's side together and cast a new one (the lenses are glass and I have enough of the pieces to re-make the pass., though not the driver's). I was planning on having some fun with the hood ornament - I can get an acrylic rod and then turn it to shape on a lathe so the cigar'll be easy - I never thought of carving the rest out of wood. Could work decently, especially if done up in silver leaf.



Don't ask me how the spare mount works, though. I don't know what might be missing, and it's frozen solid right now anyway.



There is one piece of information that I would like to find out about the bed, too. Currently, mine is actually bolted to the cab in two places - which has caused the cab to crack at these points. I hope to figure out if this is correct, or if a previous owner had done it for some oddball reason.

Jon B

I'd hold off on reproducing those headlight-mounted 'turn signals' -- I have a gut feeling they're aftermarket. Hudson wouldn't have installed them in the factory with just a sheet metal screw. Anyway, in that era Hudson put their accessory parking lights on the fenders. In any case, the optional Hudson turnsignals of that era used glass 'arrows' in an elliptical chrome housing, mounted on the front and rear bumpers. Fender lights were not employed as the front turnsignals.



You can certainly lathe-turn the hood ornament plastic if you like, but you can also buy a complete 'zeppelin' from K-Gap for $50. See "Ornament: hood , grille trunk". http://www.k-gapstore.com/servlet/StoreFront

terraplane8

I've got a '36 sedan with a complete sidemount including wheel cover if you need details on that. What you've got looks right from what I can see.



Yes, radio heads are available on EBay from time to time, around $US80-150 from memory depending on condition. Likewise headlight lenses, usually around $US80-120/pair. The grille mascots are very expensive, ie hundreds of dollars as collectors like them, probably best to cast a new replica for the metal bit.

Unknown

The 36 Trlucks Did Not Have The Red Plastic Cigar Hood Ornament. But A Chrome Wilng Only. Someone Has Added The Car Ornament. Bill Albright

hornet53

Trucks didn't normally have radios either.

[Deleted User]

Hi Mike, I am presently restoring a 36 pickup S/N 6167082. It is about 80%

done. The bolts and spacers between cab and front of bed is original. On

mine the bed had the stress cracks. On my restoration I deleted them so I

would not have that problem. Rear fenders are same as on the sedan with

a piece of metal added at the rear for bolting to the bed. The hood ornament

is different on Commercial vehicles. They do not have that red plastic cigar.

Other questions? let me know. Also, the turn signals are not original.

Howard

Unknown

howz it going?

hudsontech

timbersmith wrote:

Hey, thanks for all the wishes and the leads, they're all appreciated. Fortunately (or unfortunatley, depending on how one looks at things) I'm not in a rush to get things completed asap, so that oughta help with sourcing parts, documentation and information.



I've put a bunch of pics up - the "initial batch" as it were - so feel free to check 'em out. Maybe you all will see something interesting that I haven't realized yet:

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/n_soulfire/album?.dir=/3f7fre2&.src=ph&.tok=phfw9fGBHrwiXOSm

If anyone is wondering, yes this was listed on ebay a couple weeks ago.



One question, though, is on the pic of the gauge cluster (img_418), is the broken piece beneath that the remains of a clock, or a radio? There's not much left behind the glass, but I'm thinking radio since it looks like the pics in the service manual.



I'm still considering what I want to accomplish with this truck, though. I really want to be able to enjoy it (this part screams 400 V8 w/manual trans), but I also realize how much a piece of history it is (this part is saying stick with original). Course what I will probably end up doing is exactly what I've been doing with my '78 Trans Am - modify it, but make sure it can be reverted back to original when necessary/desired. I do know that I am not going to do anything to the exterior - straighten it, paint, chrome, and so on, but no chopped top, shaved handles, extra louvers, etc. There is a chance that I'll be putting a wood kit in the bed, though - unsure as to how salvageable the floor currently is (well, salvageable with a limited budget).



Oh yea, I'm in the Cincinnati, Ohio area - on the other side of the river, but Cinci is the closest large city.



Thanks again,

Mike

Mike,



Tried to access your photo's - got a page that told me = "Yahoo! Photos is now closed.

We're sorry. Yahoo! Photos is now closed. We've decided to focus all our efforts on Flickr - the award winning photo sharing community that Time Magazine has even called "completely addictive". Why not head over to Flickr for a look?"

By the way - there's lots of Terraplane photos posted on Flicker - type in Terraplane in the search box.



Hudsonly,

Alex Burr

HudsonTech

Memphis, TN

Unknown

If your looking for headlight lenses I have some Riteway 7-9/16 or 7-5/8 depending on how you hold the tape and read it. . Measure your buckets to be sure.

timbersmith

Well, since this came back up I guess some of ya are interested in an update?



The picture thing is because Yahoo closed down their photo hosting part (I've attached a couple pics, though) a couple months ago. Haven't really worried about putting 'em up someplace else yet (not until I get the truck back from the body shop and see it in it's non-rusted primered glory).



I should have the truck back in my possession next summer/fall timeframe - it's currently at a rod shop awaiting repairs (the basics: rust removed, panels straightened, sealed and primed). I've been collecting parts and information during the past couple months, though. Biggest score was another '36 truck that I was able to use for parts (well, half of a truck. Everything behind the cab was missing - including that section of the frame) and pictures. Actually, I've gotten a lead on another potential truck a couple hours away - which makes me wonder if I'm extremely lucky to get a hold of this many pickups, or if there really is something to the meant-to-be stuff after all. There's more, of course, but this is an update, not a novel



So, the list of outstanding questions now reads:



- I'm fairly certain that the headlights are Guide 682-C's (or similar). There are two different styles of lenses for the top pod. Of course, the type I want is the type which is not available aftermarket. I'm also planning on upgrading the headlights themselves - I really like the tri-bar style.



- Have a potential lead on the rear fenders. The next big thing I'm unsure of is the running boards - mine currently end at the back edge of the cab. Were the boards one full piece, or two-piece (front fender to cab, cab to rear fender)? The boards didn't look like they were cut, so I'm leaning slightly toward a two-piece setup.



- I don't know what the back of the bed is supposed to look like. Did it have a rear bumper, or even tail lights? Regardless, I'm gonna have to add 'em somehow.



- Really haven't looked for any of the small pieces. So will still need top half of hood ornament (I'm fine with the cigar that's on there now, don't need the truck-specific piece, especially if it would cost an arm & a leg . . . or more), side hood trim, outside door handle, etc eventually. Thought I had gotten the hood trim, but the pieces I found I think are for a '37, not '36 (anyone up for a trade?)



How's that for an update?

- Mike

Jon B

I wonder if the headlights now on your truck are original? I'm not a '36 expert, but the parking lights in 1936 may have been located on the fender rather than on top of the headlight buckets (see photos below). I suspect that the headlights on your truck might have been aftermarket replacements (or taken from a different make), though I can't be sure. It just seems that the original Terraplane ones were a bit longer and more bullet-like. And the parking lights on top of the headlight just scream "Western Auto! Pep Boys!".







(image of a '36 found on the Internet)







('nuther image of a '36 on the Internet, also with fender lights. These would have been optional on the Terraplane, as originally the "parking lights" were tiny bulbs embedded in the reflector of the headlight itself.)



By the way, Donald Axelrod of Massachusetts, specializes in selling complete original 1930's headlights, so you might try Googling him to see if he might have a pair of the originals. As you may know, a fellow in Australia is currently manufacturing 6-volt halogen headlight bulbs that fit right into the original sockets, so you can now have a completely authentic looking pre-war headlight AND adequate illumination!

Browniepetersen

I saw it on eBay a short time back and it is a nice ride. Trying to decide how to build is always a question. I go both ways--have one nice original and working on a modified. I would say, you can not have enough projects--as long as you finish one every now and then? Good luck.

[Deleted User]

I am posting this more for referance than anything else. The 36 Terraplane Pickup has a axle set up like a 1935 (arms run rearward from the axle to the frame) but factory converted to Hydraulic brakes. The club Lib. has great factory photos of the 36 pickup and as stated there are a few club members with good trucks to use as a referance. The rear fenders have the gas filler hole in the fender (cars have them in the body so simply cut the hole in the fender) . The Box was bolted not only to the cab but bolted to the sedan floor from which the factory cut down to make the truck. All these pieces bolted together to make it rigid. You will notice that the frame itself is somewhat light duty so by bolting all this together it was much stronger.