new hudson owner needs info

Unknown

Hi, I'm a brand new Hudson owner and need some basic info. I recently purchased a 1954 Hudson Hornet sedan with 308 Twin H Power, power steering, power brakes, and 4 speed automatic. The car runs decent after replacing the accelerater pumps in the carbs. I need some reccomendations on what type of fluids to use...transmission, brakes, power steering, differential, and engine oil. Oh yeah....where do you check the transmission fluid? Any help, websites, publications, or advice will be greatly appreciated. thanks, Tommy T.

[Deleted User]

Tommy;



welcome to the fold, I'm no expert but as someone who has gone through becoming a new Hudson owner ( I bought a 55 hornet last April ), I can tell you this is a great group. If you have a Hydra Matic you use Dextron ATF, differential should take 90 weight gear oil, engine oil should be any good detergent 30 weight in the summer, since it hardly ever freezes here in Socal I run 30 weight all year long. I'm sure you'll get much better advice from the experts on this list.



Harry

[Deleted User]

To check the tranny fluid you have to lift the front carpet some have a slit in them for this. The tranny access cover is on the passenger side. Lift out the spring plate and you can get to the dipstick under it.

[Deleted User]

Hi Tommy---The transmission check stick is under tha floor covering as stated, but it would be on the driver's side for the B/W tranny & on the passenger's side for the G.M. Hydramatic. Most of the 54s had the B/W automatic transmission. And welcome to the world of the Hudson family.---Cliff Minard.

[Deleted User]

If its a four speed automatic as he stated its a hydramatic.

nick s

Tommy T wrote:

Hi, I'm a brand new Hudson owner and need some basic info. I recently purchased a 1954 Hudson Hornet sedan with 308 Twin H Power, power steering, power brakes, and 4 speed automatic. The car runs decent after replacing the accelerater pumps in the carbs. I need some reccomendations on what type of fluids to use...transmission, brakes, power steering, differential, and engine oil. Oh yeah....where do you check the transmission fluid? Any help, websites, publications, or advice will be greatly appreciated. thanks, Tommy T.

searching the forum archives will unearth debates on brake fluid and oil choice take them as you will (and good luck). burried in the personal feelings you will find insight from personal experiences and technical support (some factual and pertinant to your car some not so).

I too have a 54 w/ PB PS AT. for your power steering the origonal fluid was automatic transmission fluid but you can use power steering fluid. most 54's do have hydramatics, there was only a 2-3 month period nov-jan where the borg transmission was substituted. if you don't know which you have, the telltale sign is the presence of Park as the leftmost position on the borg and neutral on the hydramatics. I had my share of problems with silicone fluid and power brakes so for the brake fluid I would recommend that you go with a dot 4 or a synthetic.

as for publications/printed info: join the HET club you will get the White Triangle News (WTN). From the club store you can reasonably purchase reprints of the factory parts and service manuals. Joing the club will also put you in contact with a network of parts and technical help.

Unknown

If you have a Hydromatic, there is no PARK position on the quardrant they used reverse for a park position. The Borg- Warners have a PARK position.

[Deleted User]

The picture listed shows a 54 with Hydramatic and if you look closely it shows the cover to remove for checking and servicing the Hydramatic tranmission.

Unknown

Thanks for all the great info. I'm still battling the Va. DMV trying to get the title straight...what a headache. The title is in the original owner's name and he's deceased. The car has changed hands several times, but never had the title re-assigned. Long story short, I need to have a copy of the gentleman's death certificate, because his signature is not on the title as the seller. Anyway, thought I'd start changing some fluids, bulbs, belts, and hoses while waiting. thanks again, Tommy

Jon B

Hi, Tommy:



You indicate you're in Virginia -- I'm not sure whereabouts, but we have a chapter of the Hudson club that covers northern Va., all of Maryland, DC, West Va., and Delaware. We have several local activities sprinkled around our area every year; maybe you could join us. Send me your e-mail address and I'll send you a copy of our latest newsletter!



Jon Battle,

HETdetailed@verizon.net (drop the HET before mailing)