1950 commodore Drive-Master parts

[Deleted User]
[Deleted User]
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Hello,

We are in process of restoring a 50 Commodore. The project car is solid however someone has remove the Drive-Master components. The car also has a Super-Matic emblem on the deck lid however the shop manuals mention nothing of the Super-Matic.

Is the Super-Matic basically an overdrive unit that can be used in conjuntion with the Drive-Master? Can the Super Matic be used without the Drive-Master?

What is the possibility of tech information for the Super-Matic?

What are your opinions on finding a complete Drive-Master system to replace what is now missing and were these reliable enough to seriously consider all the locating effort and restoration of said components (we're not on a cheap-out budget but must be realistic too).

I appreciate your input.

Kelley

Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Ive got a motor and transmission out of a Stepdown in my warehouse. It has the drivemaster system on it. Not sure what year it came from , my little brother brought it to me . Any way it definitely is not an overdrive unit. Just the regular size 3 speed with a couple electrical controlls attatched.
    I allways used the Drivemaster / Supermatic names interchangeably. But I am not sure that is correct.
    I have sold a couple units to guys to just install on the motor to look "Correct". But they were not interested in making it work. They are known to be tricky to get set up right.
    I don't think it will be hard to find a manual for that . I may even have one somewhere. Hope this helps,
    Roger
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Ive got a motor and transmission out of a Stepdown in my warehouse. It has the drivemaster system on it. Not sure what year it came from , my little brother brought it to me . Any way it definitely is not an overdrive unit. Just the regular size 3 speed with a couple electrical controlls attatched.
    I allways used the Drivemaster / Supermatic names interchangeably. But I am not sure that is correct.
    I have sold a couple units to guys to just install on the motor to look "Correct". But they were not interested in making it work. They are known to be tricky to get set up right.
    I don't think it will be hard to find a manual for that . I may even have one somewhere. Hope this helps,
    Roger
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Here is some info from The Hud-Nut news

    In these pre-automatic days, Hudson offered three
    transmission options for its basic three-speed
    stickshift: mechanical overdrive, priced at $95; Drive-
    Master ($105); and Supermatic ($199).

    Drive-Master was a semi-automatic that eliminated
    both clutch and gear lever motion on the 1950
    Hudson Commodore: the driver would place the shift
    lever into "High" and accelerate in a low gear, lifting
    his or her foot when the shift to High was desired (or
    at a preset 22 mph when a dashboard button was
    pressed). Supermatic added a high cruising gear.

    So the way I read it the Drive-Master was the shifting/non-shifting automatic trans substitute and the Super-Matic was the high-gear or overdrive unit.

    I haven't tried to find a manual for the super-Matic yet but I do know that the 48-49 shop manual as well as the 1950 supplement manual do not mention the Super-Matic in any way but have a section shoiwng the drive master with a nice drawing of all the parts needed.

    I know these can be buggers to get setup and working however if I do have all the parts we are able to.

    Would you be interested in selling the Drive-Master items from your engine?

    Thanks, Kelley
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Yes Kelly I would sell the one I have .Seem's to me I had one or two other units
    somewhere . Have'nt seen those for awhile.
    Roger
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Oh yeah that looks like what we need, from that angle anyway! Would you like to call me and make more arrangements? I can also fax you the page from the shop manual showing all the pieces.

    Thanks, Kelley
    801-288-1863 shop
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I have a '49 with drivemaster and overdrive. Had it all apart during restoration and sure did have fun getting it working.
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