Need info: newer frame for 49 to 52 hudson

Maybe I'se igorant but why would anybody want to put a frame under a Hudson. What's under there now is arguably better than a frame as in a step-down Hudson the "frame" is an integral part of the body. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong on that. The Hudson design is stronger than a car with a frame (again somebody correct me if I'm wrong, thank you).

Hudsonly,
Alex Burr
Memphis, TN

The Hudson clutch was, like so many other Hudson items, overengineered. It worked just great - as long as proper maintenance was done. And that's the crux of the whole deal - to many owners are, I think, lulled by the simplicity of the old beasts, are reluctant to provide the care that is needed.

I believe it was the late Doc Daugherty who, in one of his WTN articles about the Essex, said that one of the problems non-Hudson mechanics (and to be truthful some Hudson mechanics) had in maintaining the Essex was the way it was built. It was so finely engineered it was difficult for most of the hammer mechanics had trouble working on it. This has of course this has translated down thru the years to current owners of all Hudson built cars. Still, when all is said and done, if it breaks, it can be fixed. And there are HET club wizards like Dr. Doug and Geoff Clark running around, muttering incantations in the dark of night who can work on these machines.

Alex Burr
Memphis, TN

I am not quite certain, the OP understands that these are unitized vehicles and there is no real 'frame'. Sure we have a front subframe, but there's no need to change it, since modern parts can be adapted easier than swapping the whole unit out, should one be so inclined.

Go up to the Street Rod section at the top of the page when you click onto the Hudson site. There are several like minded people on there doing front clips & such.
Besides the aftermarket kits I think you can use a Chrysler, Camaro, S-10 and a 60's early 70's Cadillac which is nearly a bolt in. You can go with a 9" Ford rear end, a rear end setup with sway bar from a Bronco II etc.

The Hudson body structure is a unitized type and very strong & rigid. Putting a complete frame like a Ford under one wouldn't be practical without a lot of cutting & channeling on the under floor pan which would then weaken the upper structure. Kinda like a bridge, very strong as designed but take away a piece or two and it falls apart.

I was thinking of doing this to one a few years ago and going to the Carrera Panamericana. I didn't wan't something 50 years old to break under pressure at over 100 mph in the mountains & send me to live with the goats.

My memory might not be correct on all of this but it should get you started.

Some people like to keep them like they are and some like to explore the possibilities. I've had some I wouldn't have done a thing to & have had some that I wouldn't have cared to rolled up in a ball as long as I walked away from it. Lol

Main thing is that there mostly all good people on here who will do anything to help anyone out. As long as we can keep a few out there for people to see.

Any way, most of what you can do to a Stepdown can be replaced to factory if you watch what you do and how you do it.

Good luck & hang around, it's the best source of info out there on the "Old Turtles"

Always good to keep the old "Lump" in there so you can blow by someone running around 90 to 100 plus on the Interstate & have them chase you down and fall over when you pop the hood on the Six. Lol.

WH

hotrodlover wrote:

all i can say is some of you guys are a bunch of jerks. I just asked for some help and all i get is a bunch of crap. I've put camaro clips on several cars and i want to put a newer sub on a hudson for the better suspension. I am new to this sight and if this is how you hudson guys treat new people, then i'll look for a friendlier sight.

I'm sorry you feel put upon. It was not intentional. I went back to reread your original post and you were asking for help with a frame from a newer car. That through me for a loop, because for me, "frame" means full length frame and that would be a major undertaking on a unibody that seemed unnessary. Had you mentioned sub framing or front clip we would have had a better understanding of what you really had in mind.

I have also made requests on the forum and because of poor wording on my part, the request was not clearly understood as to what I really wanted, so I just clearified what I really ment to say.

Having said that, there is another front suspension modification option to consider. It is relatively inexpensive and the car will handle very well. The Hudsons suspension and crossmember unbolt as a unit. The 1970's Jaguar XJ6 front suspension and crossmember also unbolt as a unit. The front wheel track is about the same width, they have large disc brakes, power rack and pinion steering and the wheel bolt pattern is the same as Hudson. Weights are close. Jag being the heavier car of the two. Just a matter of fabricating brackest to bolt on the Jag crossmember, Connect steering shaft to rack, and add power steering pump and hoses. A lot less labor involved than most other front suspension modifications. I'm sure something is left out but that is the jist of it. Yes, this mod has been done.

But follow your dream. Make the modifcation that will make you happy no matter what any of us suggest.

I hope this may be of help.
Have a good day.
Lee O'Dell

hotrodlover wrote:

all i can say is some of you guys are a bunch of jerks. I just asked for some help and all i get is a bunch of crap. I've put camaro clips on several cars and i want to put a newer sub on a hudson for the better suspension. I am new to this sight and if this is how you hudson guys treat new people, then i'll look for a friendlier sight.

Sorry you feel that way HET people are more helpful than most car club you will ever meet but one thing you must understand if you're going to get involved with Hudson's is that Hudson owners are unlike any other group of car guys. They believe with religious fervor that Hudson Motor Car Company made the greatest cars ever made...period, end of argument. They were number one in brand loyalty when these cars were new. Many only care about Hudson's an no other old cars.

The Hudson unitized frame to many is one of the very features that makes a Hudson a Hudson and not a body on frame Merc. Hudson engineering was and is highly regarded. So when you talk about re-engineering you're going to raise some eyebrows. There are rodders and modifiers among us and there is even a HET sub group "modified special interest group". There's room for all types of Hudson lovers under our umbrella but on the topic of outright rodding a Hudson some (not all) have agreed to disagree.