36 coupe New Frame or Fatman clip

Unknown

Well my 36 Hudson coupe will be here in Florida in about 3 weeks. It has no front clip as I mentioned. Now I want advice in case a frame replacement is a beter idea than frame up restore and a new fatman clip. Has anyone done either of these on the 36? Who and what have you used? What should I expect to spend on the low end? Going with full fenders hood etc. Has a v8 in it.

[Deleted User]

Mike, I think it depends on what you want to mount as far as suspensions, axles, etc. Fatmans list a crossmember & hub-to-hub for a 35 and 38 Hudson. Maybe a 36 is similar, I don't really know. Do you want to keep leafs in the rear? If so, maybe the Fatmans front IFS would work on an original frame if you keep the leaf sprung rear suspension.

If you were to put IRS and maybe air bags all around, then maybe it would be best to build a new frame or buy one new (not sure if TCI has one, probably could make it custom). I hear guys all the time building 2x4 tube frames for 20's and 30's cars, so maybe it wouldn't be that hard if you have welding skills or know someone who has.

Post some pics when it comes! Sounds like a cool project!

Jay

Unknown

i would run 2x3 or 2x4 front frame rails, leaf springs and a strait axle. make it a gasser

Unknown

Well here are some pics.

I also have a gallery at this site

http://www.avaloncity.com/36terraplane/36t/36t.html



take a look at the 36 before pictures.

Unknown

Yes you can see the frame cut off at the pics I posted at...

http://www.avaloncity.com/36terraplane/36t/36t.html

Check them out.

I have more comming and I hope the car will be here by the end of the month.

I will most likely do a frame up. My first. And most important I want to chop it for a convertible conversion.

Unknown

yes it is a mess. Engine may be junk. I am not counting on it being recoverable. But I will check it out. So with an new crossmember maybe I can put in a fatman or mustang II. If you look close to this picture below. You will see that the frame looks good or at least painted. I am Not sure what is going here. The frame may be in good enough shape to just put a front clip on. Take a look and let me know what you think from this little information. I am hopeing to get more photos next week.

rambos_ride

You do have your work cut out for you!

I would really, seriously think about dropping a late model frame underneath it rather than trying to fix up that one.

If it was hit in the front and or rear - the remaining frame could be "diamond out" and you'd be spending a lot of scratch trying to square it up to put a new front stub-frame.

I'd be thinking something along the lines of an S10 extended cab might fit the wheel base and track width - or something along those lines in another make.

Unknown

Latest update. I just spoke with the the folks where it is. There is a Dokota 92 (supose to match right up. for a v 6) frame that goes with it. discs etc. A little surface rust. (pics to follow next week). My transporter sold his 2 vechicle transport. I can wait until september for him to get another. It might be beter to just get one down here. What do you think the least expensive new frame solution might cost me? Using the Chevy rearend in it I hope. If you know of any 36 coupes on different frames let me know.

Unknown

I am trying to put disc brakes on my 37 Hudson without changing the suspension. I am looking at Toyota discs to take the place of the drums but am still looking at clearances. Do you have any suggestions? Val