1946-47 front 6 cyl coil spring ID help

Lee ODell
Lee ODell Senior Contributor
edited May 2011 in HUDSON
My 1946-47 parts manual list three different front coil springs. Both the standard super six and 6 cyl Commodores use the same springs. Then Optional HD springs are listed for 51,52,171,172,Station. These are the same springs used in the 58,178 Cab PU. Then springs for 8 cyl springs for 53,54,173,174 Standard models and Commodores are the same.

I am looking for standard 6 cyl springs to replace the PU springs. What markings or paint colors are used to tell the difference. I have the P/N's. Will the P/N be stamped on the flat of the top spring?

According to the 1940 Hudson Parts Book the springs have one grind mark for standard spring and 2 grind marks for 8 cly on the top coil to tell the difference. Do the 46-47 springs use have the same markings?

Any help is appreciated.
Lee O'Dell

Comments

  • LanceB
    LanceB Senior Contributor
    Lee, are you looking for NOS or just replacement springs? I had ordered springs from Coil Spring Specialties. They are in Saint Marys, KS. My old invoice doee not have their phone number or a part number but in the description it lists the springs as FR 1946 HUDSON P.U.

    Good luck Lee
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Years ago I order aftermarket front springs for my 47 Super 6 and when I installed them the car sat up so I couldn't stand it. What I would up doing (and this worked fantastic and it has been at least 20 years now) was installing a used set of 8 cyl springs. These are pretty common to come by used and I think you too will be extatic with the result.

    Allan Minard
  • Marconi
    Marconi Senior Contributor
    New springs will cause the front end to sit higher than normal till they get 'setteled' in, takes about a month or two, then the vehicle will settle down to it's normal height as it was when new.
  • Lee ODell
    Lee ODell Senior Contributor
    edited June 2011
    Hi Lance

    I am looking for used 6 cly springs. Not only for a better ride but also to lower the front end a little. Did FR 1946 HUDSON PU springs change the ride height on your truck? What engine/transmission is in it. I plan to put 308 Twin H w/OD in mine which in itself should lower the truck.

    Also, a friend of mine wants 6 cly springs for his PU because he is putting a LS aluminum engine w/5 sp manual trans in it after removing the 308 engine/Od trans that I bought from him to put in my truck. I est. his combination will weight approx 200 lbs less than the 308 set up.

    Here is the list of front springs from the 1946-47 Hudsons Parts Book.

    Part # - Load - Spring Rate - Hudson Models
    162530 1396 lbs - 253 lbs - 51,52,171,172,SW (Standard Super 6 & Commodore 6)
    160512 1630 lbs - 326 lbs - 51,52,171,172,SW (Opt. Standard Super6 & Commodore6)
    160512 1630 lbs - 323 lbs - 58,178 PU (same P/N as opt.)
    162532 1630 lbs - 290 lbs - 53,54,173,174 (Super 8 & Commodore 8)

    Some important spring information that is missing in the Hudson Parts Book is the free height(springs off the car) and the load height(ride height) on the car. This is important to compare ride height between spring. But I assume Hudson ment for all Hudson models to have the same ride height. It would be helpful to have when searching through aftermarket spring catalogs.

    The Commodore 8 springs may work out ok since the 308 & OD trans weigh alot more than the original 212 engine that is now in my truck. Right now the truck sets too high for my taste. It sets alot higher than any truck I have seen. But I would like to try the 6 cyl springs first.

    From my experience replacing springs on all kind of cars and trucks with after market replacement springs has been a crap shoot even with the free height, load heigh, load lbs, & spring rate lbs. information available. They usually end up setting to high but not alway. Once I installed springs a customer provided, that was suppose to lower his 450SL Mercedes but they actually raised the car.

    A freind of mine tried 3 differnt 6 cyl spring before his truck set at the height he was satisfied with. That may be my experience before its finished.

    Back to clarify my original question. Is there some kind of markings on used Hudson springs to ID them?

    I appreciate all the comments. It is always good to hear opinions & results of a change made. That makes choices a little easier.

    Thank to all.
    Lee O'Dell

    Don't know how the yellow face appeared and I have not been able to remove it. It should read Commodore 8.
  • LanceB
    LanceB Senior Contributor
    edited May 2011
    Lee,
    I have the old springs here. The fenders, hood and front end were off when I got it so I can not tell you the right height, sorry. I do have the 308 with a 3 speed w/OD and the ride height now looks good and feels ok to me with these replacement springs.
    Lance



    btw, was that engine and overdrive from Dave?
  • Lee ODell
    Lee ODell Senior Contributor
    I like the way your truck sets Lance. I've admired its looks in the past. Nice to know it rides good too. My truck sets about l 1/2 inches higher. By the way, what gears in the rear end. Yes it is from Dave.

    Thanks for the information.
    Lee O'Dell
  • LanceB
    LanceB Senior Contributor
    Thanks Lee.
    The rear end has the original truck setup with 4 5/9 gearing so I had to add the overdrive, it was screaming to be shifted.
    Darn, I wanted the Twin H set up from Dave but could not afford the whole drivetrane.
    If I dig them out do you want my old springs?
  • Lee ODell
    Lee ODell Senior Contributor
    Lance

    I was on pins an needles after Dave told me you wanted it and you had first claim. I admired Dave for that. Even if I had not gotten it, just meeting him was worth it. He is one of the nicest persons anyone could meet. You can't immagine the surprise when he called and said it was mine if I still wanted it. We've met for lunch a couple of times since. Gave him HET membership application and he has jointed. The engine and trans have been pulled, and another surprise is, Dave is going to deliver them to my home. He needs to keep his truck rolling while he fixes it up and will give the rest when he gets his Ford rear end.

    I would like to see your truck sometime. Nice collection of trophys you have.

    What price do you have in mind for the springs. My phone number is 818 845 2945.

    Have a great day.
    Lee O'Dell
  • LanceB
    LanceB Senior Contributor
    Lee,

    I got that impression of Dave also.

    As for the springs, how about a trade for the Twin H set up? just joking, I'll give you a call.

    Lance
  • Lee ODell
    Lee ODell Senior Contributor
    edited May 2011
    While looking thru the 1942-47 Hudson Mechanical Procedure Manual (slight difference from Parts Book information) on page 220 I found that the coil spriings may be identified by the following markings:

    Part # - - Load - Rate - Series
    Color Identification

    162530 - 1396 - 253 - 2l,21,22,51,52,171,172
    Bronze
    162531 - 1456 - 290 - 28,58,178
    Chrome Orange
    162532 - 1630 - 290 - Right Side 24,25,27,53,54,173,174 - Violet
    162533 - 1735 - 290 - Left Side 24,25,27,53,54,173,174 --- Saratoga Cream

    Optional on all models is the heavy scale front spring.

    160512 - 1630 - 326
    White

    Part numbers, brinnell marks and limit marks show on flat end of each spring. A light limit spring has one grind mark and a heavy limit spring has two grind marks. Use heavy limit springs on the drivers side.

    Just the information I was seeking. Perhaps someone else will find this useful.
    Lee O'Dell
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