new hudson owner with?

Unknown

Hi everyone my name is lou and i just bought a 48 4door hudson stepdown.

I have a question i was wondering if someone could tell me the cheapest front frame clip conversion to do in order to put air ride suspension on the car. Thanks for the help!

[Deleted User]

Hi, welcome on the purchase. Not sure about prices, but some guys have used a Volarie or Camaro clip. I hear they are not very expensive from the junkyards. Not sure what you do to use air ride, but I'm sure someone out there knows. Just make sure to measure and measure again to make sure it fits right. I have heard horror stories here when someone has looked at or bought a botched front clip job. I have a '50 Pacemaker Coupe which will use a Fatman's MII bagged. Its a very easy fit, but more cash than you want to spend. I'm sure you can get the same look with Camaro clip (even a Volarie).

What are you thinking on a rear end? Other plans for it? Got any pics you can post. Welcome to the gang and there is a lot of experience around here, so never feel bad to ask any questions. I've already learned alot from some of these guys here.

Where you from?

Jay

rambos_ride

jsrail wrote:

Hi, welcome on the purchase. Not sure about prices, but some guys have used a Volarie or Camaro clip. I hear they are not very expensive from the junkyards. Not sure what you do to use air ride, but I'm sure someone out there knows. Just make sure to measure and measure again to make sure it fits right. I have heard horror stories here when someone has looked at or bought a botched front clip job. I have a '50 Pacemaker Coupe which will use a Fatman's MII bagged. Its a very easy fit, but more cash than you want to spend. I'm sure you can get the same look with Camaro clip (even a Volarie).

What are you thinking on a rear end? Other plans for it? Got any pics you can post. Welcome to the gang and there is a lot of experience around here, so never feel bad to ask any questions. I've already learned alot from some of these guys here.

Where you from?

Jay

48Huddy - I'd say unless you have or can get a donor car in good shape, cheap - using a used sub-frame may not, in fact, save you money over the Fatman Sub Frame kit. Plus the big factor is who is going to do the work? Can you do this yourself - or do you need to farm it out?

Chances are that the used suspension and steering components would need to be replaced and upgraded for the air bag setup anyway and then there is the cost of the bag kit itself.

I think the biggest thing I would ask is - what are the plans for the car and your potential budget?

When I got my 49 I wanted to do all the lowering and air bags - but pushing another 2500-5000 into the front sub-frame would not fit with my budget, timeline, goals for the 49.

What I am going to do is have new fromt springs and shocks made to lower the front by 1-1/2 to 2" and have new shocks and the rear leaf springs and made with a 2" lower arc and add an adjustable pan-hard bar to allow for the 2" lowering in the rear.

I doubt all together I'll have more than 1500 into the entire suspension...in theory!

Unknown

i am in the process of building my own subframe for my 51 . if i knew how to post pics here , i'd show what i got so far . my original sub is bent and a fttmans stub wouldn't fix my problem and i wasn't keen on camaro sub. so i opted to build my own using a mustang ii crossmember and widening it 4 inches and using 5/8 narrowed tube control arms and power rack . the set up with disc brack comes within a 1/2 inch of original width . that is i believe something i can tolerate.

mike

Unknown

i really dont want to use a camaro frame and i was wondering if a chevy s10 would fit.Im really starting to look at the fatman frame stub i just want the car as low as possible when driving or parked im into the low sleek look more than i am the resto look even though the restos are gorgeous its just not my style.

Unknown

jsrail wrote:

Hi, welcome on the purchase. Not sure about prices, but some guys have used a Volarie or Camaro clip. I hear they are not very expensive from the junkyards. Not sure what you do to use air ride, but I'm sure someone out there knows. Just make sure to measure and measure again to make sure it fits right. I have heard horror stories here when someone has looked at or bought a botched front clip job. I have a '50 Pacemaker Coupe which will use a Fatman's MII bagged. Its a very easy fit, but more cash than you want to spend. I'm sure you can get the same look with Camaro clip (even a Volarie).



What are you thinking on a rear end? Other plans for it? Got any pics you can post. Welcome to the gang and there is a lot of experience around here, so never feel bad to ask any questions. I've already learned alot from some of these guys here.



Where you from?



Jay

i am from oklahoma i was thinking about using a 10 bolt chevy rear end on it with a four link and air ride.ill get some pics tonight and post em up.

Unknown

I have a 48 coupe with Fatman front and Poise rear leaf springs on a narrowed 9' ford. I am also from Oklahoma, Hugo in the southeast.

These old Hudsons are a bear to modify, maybe you should come see mine before you throw a lot of money at it. I have spent alot of time and money and never did get exactly what I wanted in ride and stance.

Barry

Unknown

You might do what I did, and find an AMC Pacer front end. Disc brakes, readily available, and parts aren't that bad a price. It went in pretty easy, too.

Unknown

hey barry im in edmond oklahoma do you have any pics of your car?thanks for the info turbopackman!ill have to look into the pacer front suspension fat man is just to expensive for me

Unknown

some guys are using dodge dakota 2wheel drive front clips on their rods---but i dont know the frame widths--i am going to use a jag xj6 clip---but i will have to cut out the frame/spring bulge area and run a straight piece of 2X4 tubing----on the dakota note--the S10 clip is another that is used alot---bob

Unknown

on the pacer clip the good news is it uses chev balljoints and tierod ends--the bad side they are really hard to find

---

i have one in the possible pile but it is missing the rack and pinion--the rack is a one model only deal anrd so far i havent found one---the only way you can get a rebuilt rack is send you core in and trust the guys to send it back---bob

rambos_ride

barry wrote:

I have a 48 coupe with Fatman front and Poise rear leaf springs on a narrowed 9' ford. I am also from Oklahoma, Hugo in the southeast.
These old Hudsons are a bear to modify, maybe you should come see mine before you throw a lot of money at it. I have spent alot of time and money and never did get exactly what I wanted in ride and stance.
Barry

Honestly the only Hudsons I know of with full air-ride suspension had EXTENSIVE work done to allow for clearances and suspension travel...

Egberts 48 Kustom http://www.egbertsstreetrods.com/hudson.htm#lowered

And Paul Kelly's sweet custom
http://www.carpoint.com.au/Tig/Minisite/Minisite.aspx?alias=carpointau&id=7338

The rear suspension is even more work to deal with because of the unit body construction, pan-hard bar, and 2pc driveline.

I just don't think you can bag one of these stepdowns and do this on "the cheap" and still be safe - what kind of budget are you trying to have for this part of the build?

Unknown

well i dont really have a budget for it cause this is the most important part of the car if its not done right its not safe so it will have to be done right.I have a friend here in ok that does nothing but air ride and i think he is gonna build me a stock floor body dropped frame for the whole car to sit on that will tuck up under the body.

rambos_ride

48huddy wrote:

well i dont really have a budget for it cause this is the most important part of the car if its not done right its not safe so it will have to be done right.I have a friend here in ok that does nothing but air ride and i think he is gonna build me a stock floor body dropped frame for the whole car to sit on that will tuck up under the body.

Yeah - that sounds like the best way to go to get the suspension and look you want...those links in my last post should give you and your friend some ideas ~ especially the Paul Kelly build that's exactly what they did.

vmike

My 50 Pacemaker has a Volarie sub frame, it looks natural. I didn't do this myself, I bought the car this way. I'm located in Stillwater Oklahoma, and you'd be welcome to look this setup over if you'd like.



mike

Unknown

thanks mike ill have to give you a shout when i have some time.

Unknown

another front clip used alot is the dakota 2wd---i recently picked up a jaguar xj6 clip to try out on my 50 pacemaker---guys check them out--11 inch vented rotor-4 piston calipers-rear steer power rack----only 4 bolts hold them in---bob

Unknown

will a 1984 camaro front clip work? A friend of mine has one for cheap.

[Deleted User]

Yeah suspension is the most intense part of the car I think. And that's where a lot of my cash is going. We are going to plasma cut out the trunk floor so we can fit a triangulated four-link set up with bags. Ariride has the four link set up, I think around $500-$600 w/o the bags. Saw an install in an old Custom Rodder mag on a Pontiac Chieftain I believe. The thing I'm not sure of yet is if we will have to build new rear frames inside the existing ones (then cut out the old ones) or if we can c-notch the existing frames. I'll probably set the ride height at around stock, maybe slightly lower, but the bags will give me the option to cruise the parking lot at near dragging tail! I think it will be easier to see what to do once the floor is cut out. I am spending most of my budget on the suspension and am able to do that as I found folks to help me with other aspects (like the body work, welding, electrical, etc.) for reasonable costs and my neighbor has connections to lower costs on some items (and they are normally expensive) such as epoxy primers, and Dynamat, as he does restorations on mostly the exotic cars (now he just needs to get that plasma cutter he wants...and I need! lol). And I'm going to get a good deal from his friend that will do my painting and ghost flames. I saw a Ferrari he recently did that is immaculate and was in the Concours de Elegance in Pebble Beach last year.

Don't you still have to cut the frame and weld the Camaro stub frame onto the original Hud stub? Do any of these used clips just bolt in? The reason I liked the Fatman stub is that they are designed to have holes in the stub that match the original Hud stub so you can use these for measurement and, if done correctly, your wheels will be exactly where they should be and the caster correct. I watched a guy here install the Fatman stub on a '52 Hornet in a day (a 2nd day was just to make the welds and frame look real pretty) and its pretty easy if you remember to keep measuring and remeasuring as you weld. You could always just buy the Fatman stub and install different arms, rack, and so on, I think (like from a used Mustang II).

Sorry barry that your not satisfied with your ride, but the car is awesome looking nonetheless!. But I'm redoing the rear frame on mine so I don't have any issues with ride height when I want to cruise the parking lots with folks in the back seat. I know its alot of extra works, but it seems that lowering blocks don't seem to work that well unless nobody ever rides in the back.

Anyway, sounds like you've got some good ideas on your ride. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress. Just started back working on mine (of course seeing all those cars at the Western Regional Meet was the kick I needed! lol).

Jay

Unknown

I too am going to use the Jaguar xj6 front end conversion on my 1949 commodore 4 door. This is a very popular conversion here in Australia, for rodders. Good Luck !!

essexcoupe3131

savoy64 wrote:

another front clip used alot is the dakota 2wd---i recently picked up a jaguar xj6 clip to try out on my 50 pacemaker---guys check them out--11 inch vented rotor-4 piston calipers-rear steer power rack----only 4 bolts hold them in---bob

You will get a very nice ride from that, jag is used a lot down under as plenty of old wrecks around and rear rends are used a lot for show cars, not the strongest(rear ends) but ride and look cool don't know how they would fit as never been there



mike

[Deleted User]

My 52 pacemaker running early Jag front end with Ford 9" rear only problem i have is the existing transmission mount (turbo 400) which is currently gives me only 4" ground clearance but after some modification i can stretch it to 5 1/2"

Dam those small speed humps:eek:

mrsbojigger

'80 Camaro!

Attachment not found.

Unknown

The set up I am going with is the Jag front end , either narrowed ford 9" or centura. Running a 350 chev (new turn key from pace performance) and turbo 700.

Just received all of my new glass, rubbers (K-GAP can"t thank them enough they have been great, Dany & Kaylene do a great job !) chrome ,paint ,etc shipped over from the USA and it arrived here earleir this year. everything is in storage ready for the project. The 49 is ready to have the new front end on and then its off to the sand blasters.



The Jag front ends are everywhere over here and are the preferred option on many hot rods, and customs over the Mitsubishi L300 front ends.



Iam keeping mine left hand drive so I imported a rack as well for my project.



My project has been a long time in the making gathering parts as I go.

Just waiting for my new shed so I can get the project underway.

lsfirth

DLROCK wrote:

The set up I am going with is the Jag front end , either narrowed ford 9" or centura. Running a 350 chev (new turn key from pace performance) and turbo 700.

Just received all of my new glass, rubbers (K-GAP can"t thank them enough they have been great, Dany & Kaylene do a great job !) chrome ,paint ,etc shipped over from the USA and it arrived here earleir this year. everything is in storage ready for the project. The 49 is ready to have the new front end on and then its off to the sand blasters.



The Jag front ends are everywhere over here and are the preferred option on many hot rods, and customs over the Mitsubishi L300 front ends.



Iam keeping mine left hand drive so I imported a rack as well for my project.



My project has been a long time in the making gathering parts as I go.

Just waiting for my new shed so I can get the project underway.

hey dlrock...sounds like you're on your way to an awesome ride....shower us with pictures when you get the chance!!



can't wait to see you put this thing together!!!



lee

Browniepetersen

I like the Jag front ends as well but when you compare Mustang and Chevelle systems the cost becomes much less with the after market Ford and Chevrolet products.

ESSX28-1

Browniepetersen wrote:

I like the Jag front ends as well but when you compare Mustang and Chevelle systems the cost becomes much less with the after market Ford and Chevrolet products.

Depends which bit of the Globe you live in. Here in the Antipodes the availability of used Jag gear is vastly higher ( & cheaper!!) than USA Ford & GM parts. A quirk of economic history.

Browniepetersen

Started some serious work on the 39 this past weekend. With the English Hudson in for interior I am free to start the Roadster. Plan to pull the body this week and start boxing the frame. I plan to do disc brakes all around so we are going with, new, off the shelf front suspension (Corvette/Chevelle parts), we are going to go with the 66 Corvette 327 engine with a 3/2's system that came with the engine. This will bolt to a 700R4 and most likely a Chevy S-10 rearend (later model that has the disc--need to hit the junk yards). Since I expect to put some big miles on this car I think that this will give me the performance and economy that I am looking for. Just in case this car has slipped by your memory here is a photo of the 39 "Martz' Hudson Model 92 Convertible on the mountain side in Wyoming where I picked it up. The goal is to have it look new and fresh with the look that it had when it was chopped up in 1952...