hudson 1951 pacemaker convertible
Comments
-
Priceless....what's it worth to you ? Get the car because you like it not because of value. You would be hard pressed to find any 2 surviving ones that are exactly alike. They were not produced in great numbers when new.0
-
What are some things to look for im a Ford guy dont no much about the Hudson he wants 18000 for it just dont want to pay to much.I do like the look of the car just dont want to get upside down in it.0
-
Two thoughts:
1). Since you're a non Hudson guy you may not realize that the body is an early unit-body with an outer perimeter frame (that explains the "skirts" in back: the car frame actually runs outside the wheels). And, the frame (from the rear wheel wells back) will rust out badly if the car has not been stored properly. This can be quite expensive to repair. So, get down under the car and poke around with an ice pick. If the body is solid here, then a little floor pan rust out is not a big deal. But if the frame is rusted, you'll add thousands to the restoration costs, unless you're a body man yourself. However, be aware that, in recent years, the demand for Hudson convertibles has exceeded the supply so much that guys have actually been restoring cars whose bodies were literally rusted in half. So, a good solid body is worth its weight in gold -- even if the engine and drive train are missing entirely!
2). Make sure that all the "convertible" parts are there. Make sure the top is up so you can be sure all the irons are there, and the various latches and window riser mechanisms. If they're missing this severely reduces the value of the car because it means you are going to spend a lot of time and money looking for the parts. This is not a Chevy or a Ford, after all.0 -
I've owned a '51 Pacemaker Coupe for 40 years. About 10 years ago I decided to do a "freshen-up" job and gave myself a $10,000 budget. This car has spent the majority of it's life in a garage so there was no floorboard or frame rust. It was an original, solid car. The project took 5 years and $25,000. I admit that I did do more than I planned to, including chemically dipping the body, but that may give you an idea of the dollar amount that you're looking at. The biggest headache was obtaining parts. There is a very limited amount of Pacemaker parts available and pricy when you find them. As an example, I paid $300 for a steering wheel and when I bought the car in 1970 I paid $200 for it. Would I do it all again? Absolutely! It's the love of the car and that is, to me, priceless.0
-
gbp711 wrote:Im looking at buying a Hudson 1951 pacemaker convertible.It is in average to above average shape would like to have you input on value any help would be great thanks,gbp711
Good find, ghp711. They are wonderful looking cars. I hope you'll come to a decision you are happy with.
Question: Where are you located? It might help if one of the 'Hudson guys' came out to look it over with you, to give you some idea of what's there and what's missing.
Good luck.0 -
Do what those guys suggested plus at that price it should run and drive well. If you decide you want this car and all the parts are there figure what it will take to restore. I should have pulled the engine out of my car when I first bought it so it could be detailed,stripped, cleaned and repainted, it would have been cheaper in 1997 than now. So whatever you decide to do the car so it sooner rather than later, it will never be cheaper than now.0
-
I have a clean 51 Pacemaker Convertible that has been with my family for nearly 25 years. Have started thinking of possibly parting with it someday. Are you still looking?0
-
It is hard today to not get "upside down" in a car restoration project. And setting a budget is very dificult. Average shop fees start at $45 per hour at neighborhood shops up to $100 per hour in some of the high end shops I know off. Key to this question is how bad do you want it? How bad of condition is it in? And, what can you do on it yourself. I have been given cars and did quick paint up and fix and sold them for less than I have had in them. However, doing a project yourself is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. A nice convertible as you mention should sell from 60 to 80 thousand if in good condition. It could go for much higher if the restoration is remarkably good. I remember not too many years ago when you could restore a complete stepdown Hudson for 10 grand. In todays market a paint job or complete crome replate can go for about the same amount of money. Big decision that no one can really give you exact advice on but if you attend a Hudson meet and see and experience the pride of the owners you will quickly understand why it is not the cost that is important it is the love of the car, hobby and people that matters. That my friend, is a well made lifetime investment.0
-
My car is a clean car in very good condition.
Still 6V negative ground, top works great,
Engine starts with very little effort.
Runs and is a joy for those who will appreciate it.
Need some TLC - pretty basic things - some of window seals rubber is cracked and could be replaced. Car has overdrive - but is not curently functioning, so that needs to be looked at.
Car has been in garage care for as long as we've owned it.
I can send you a picture if you would like to see it.
Regards0 -
Hello
I saw the photo of your car and that you are in Flower Mound Texas. Please contact me by PM.
Thanks Ken
0 -
If you are looking for the photos that readingtexas posted click on his name above his avtar and click in the note area that is highlited for his posting. That is a very nice looking "resale red" stepdown convertible.....0
-
Holy Freakin Frijoles!!
Garaged all of it's life..Where's my banker?0 -
Redding, your message deserves to have its own "thread", not be posted at the end of someone else's thread where it won't be noticed (because folks assume you're simply another reply to this fellow's message from last summer). Why not hit the grey "NEW TOPIC" button and treat yourself to your own post? You'll get a lot more viewers that way!
Also, if you want to sell this car, you might want to consider advertising it in the White Triangle News, the Hudson club's magazine. This can be done at no charge if you get a current Club member to sponsor the ad (or are you already a Club member?). More people read the magazine than come to this website. I can help you post it for free, give me a shout at Xdetailed@verizon.net (delete the X before sending).
---Jon Battle0 -
please let me know what price you have on your 1951 Convertible for sale to: caribbean53@yahoo.com, thanks!!!!0
-
Hello Vance, glad you are watching the forum. Bought any Hudsons lately? Bob P0
-
no but still looking hard for a 1951 through 1953 Hornet convertible, and buying parts for my projects!0
-
looking for a restored convertible?hornetlover wrote:no but still looking hard for a 1951 through 1953 Hornet convertible, and buying parts for my projects!0
-
sure, pls let me know if you hear of (or have a) Hudson Hornet convertible for sale, my email is : caribbean53@yahoo.com thanks!0
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- 36.9K All Categories
- 104 Hudson 1916 - 1929
- 19 Upcoming Events
- 91 Essex Super 6
- 28.6K HUDSON
- 559 "How To" - Skills, mechanical and other wise
- 993 Street Rods
- 150 American Motors
- 172 The Flathead Forum
- 49 Manuals, etc,.
- 78 Hudson 8
- 44 FORUM - Instructions and Tips on using the forum
- 2.8K CLASSIFIEDS
- 599 Vehicles
- 2.1K Parts & Pieces
- 77 Literature & Memorabilia
- Hudson 1916 - 1929 Yahoo Groups Archived Photos