1953 Hudson Hornet

Unknown

Hello, I just bought a 53' Hudson Hornet...its my first project!! Any recomendations as where to start?

[Deleted User]

All depends on what you want to do to it. Tell us that and we can jump in with ideas.

Unknown

I have a few ideas about what i want it to look like and i obviously have to get it running first. Its all present under the hood as far as i know, but this is the first vintage i have worked on. I want to spend the money in the right place to get started...



I was told it's a 53'...is there any where i can find out for sure? I was looking at some pics...it looks more similar to a 50-51.

[Deleted User]

you should post some pics! I'm sure it would jump start the thread and you'd get some solid answers.

rambos_ride

Welcome to the Forum and Hudson’s!

The very first thing I would do before getting the car running - is to do a thorough check of the car with a probe or screwdriver and determine the true extent of any rust issues. (check my website link for my experiences with rust!)

Rust repairs can really eat up a budget and these cars are Monobuilt (or in today’s vernacular “Unibody” constructed) so rust problems can become a structural issue pretty easily if the “frame” sections are compromised.

As far as getting it running…

Any idea how long since the last running of the engine?
Does the engine turn over by hand?
Does the radiator hold water? If, so what does it look like?
Is there oil in the engine? If, so what does it look like?

RL Chilton

Rambo's Ride's advice is always sound.



As far as identifying what year car you have, best thing to do is post a pic. In the meantime, is it a 2-door or 4-door? What model is it? Pacemaker, Wasp, Super Wasp, Jet, Super Jet, Commodore, Hornet, Super 6, Super 8?



Except for the Jet, the same basic body was used from '48-'53. Different models had different options and different trim components to go with it's particular model.



If we had a picture or knew what model Hudson you have, you could get an answer in a hurry on what year car you have.



You can also look inside the door jamb on the passenger side, up by the cowl (where the hinges are located) and provide your VIN #. Year and model can be determined from that number.



Let's start there and see what happens.:)

faustmb

Rockabillyshoes wrote:

I have a few ideas about what i want it to look like and i obviously have to get it running first. Its all present under the hood as far as i know, but this is the first vintage i have worked on. I want to spend the money in the right place to get started...



I was told it's a 53'...is there any where i can find out for sure? I was looking at some pics...it looks more similar to a 50-51.

Pics of the grill will clear up the year pretty quick. Where did you get the car from? Someone on here may know some history.

Unknown

Rockabillyshoes wrote:

Hello, I just bought a 53' Hudson Hornet...its my first project!! Any recomendations as where to start?

Well I posted the following in response to another post on the Discussion Board. (click on the underlined portions of this reply to read additional information) If you are into the Hudson for restoration move your questions to the main board they will get more immediate attention. If Streetrodding is in the future ... stay put. Good Luck in all cases. You should be able to confirm the year of your Hudson by visiting the Hudson picture gallery. Young ladies with Hudson's are becoming a bit more common, and I commend you for your selection.



Welcome to Hudson'in



You are now in the midst of the folks who have kept this independant automobile make alive since it stopped making cars for sale in 1957. This BBS attracts a large crowd of knowledgeable as well as new to Hudson folk. To jump start you knowledge of the Hudson Stepdown... that is what you now own... check out Ken Cates's Hudson Stepdown Restoration Page. There you will find information focused on bringing your 52 Wasp back from it's long sleep. Included on the page is information which will allow you to do a through and detailed inspection of your car's mechanical and frame health.



Good Luck and return often with your questions and progress storys and pictures.