Hudson Factory Remains

[Deleted User]
[Deleted User]
edited April 2012 in HUDSON
Hi all, its been awhile since i posted here, but I thought this would be the best venue for this question... I am taking a trip to Detroit in early August, and I am wanting to know if there are any remaining parts of the 2 Hudson Factories I might be able to photograph while there? Any help is appreciated! Thanks, Matt

Comments

  • Park_W
    Park_W Senior Contributor
    The only remaining building is the one Hudson occupied first, and operated there for the first year. Someone can provide the address ... it's near the city airport.
  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    edited April 2012
    Actually, there are two survivors in Detroit (and one in Canada).

    The original plant was the old Aerocar factory at Mack and Beaufait: http://detroit1701.org/Aerocar-Hudson.html

    Hudson's long-time body plant at 9501 Connor, is now used by the Ivan Doverspike reconditioned equipment company. After Hudson, the plant was used by Cadillac up into the 1980's I believe. It is said that one of the giant body stamping presses used by Hudson, still remains in the building. http://detroit1701.org/Hudson Motor Car.html

    Here's the Hudson plant in Tillbury, Ontario:

    image
    image
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I thought i remembered a comment very similar to mine on here awhile back, but cant find it now. It showed the back sides of another building through fences and the same picture is on google maps. wonder where that building is? How would i find the other topic like mine? thanks guys!
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    this is looking from the back of the plant, whichever one it is...
  • Terraplane33
    Terraplane33 Expert Adviser
    edited April 2012
    Interesting topic !
    Does anyone know where the Essex Terraplane 8 was produced ?

    There is a Hudson building demolition on youtube, go straight to 6:15
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8NGlzqwJx0
    I'm not sure if it's related to Hudson cars as i do not remember where I got it from...
    Ir seems the Packard plant is still existing but in a poor shape :( you can easily find pictures through Google.
  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    The "back of the plant" is the Gratiot body plant on Connor, I'm pretty sure.

    The Terraplane Eight would have been produced in the same factory as the Hudson, the factory that was torn down in 1959. Though of course the Terraplane Eight body would have come from the still-existing Gratiot body plant.

    If you're asking if Hudson's Department Store (now Target) was related to the Hudson car, the answer is yes. Mr. Hudson, who started the store, invested in Hudson at the start-up, and thus got "naming rights".
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Excellent, Thanks Jon. you wouldnt have an aerial view of the Hudson plant in Tillbury, would you? How big was it?
  • Nevada Hudson
    Nevada Hudson Senior Contributor
    It would be cool if someone in the Detroit area can get access to that old plant and take a photo of that old Hudson body stamp!
  • ski4life65
    ski4life65 Expert Adviser
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKn7I1sgq4c
    short video of plant
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Wow! The last part of that video showed a monstrous machine inside the glass....could that be it? On their website, their are 2 email addresses of guys that wotk there. Does anyone here think it would be inappropriate of me to email one of them, tell him I am a member of the HET Club, (which I am), and see if he will clear up the rumor of the body stamp in there and email me a picture??
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    Cool Video. Which building was this, and when was the video taken?
  • ski4life65
    ski4life65 Expert Adviser
    Not sure of age, but looks recent. Also found a picture of stamping dies
    http://www.panoramio.com/photo_explorer#view=photo&position=1175&with_photo_id=50550119&order=date_desc&user=5217064

    I think if the company was contacted, and asked if pictures could be taken for an article in the WTN (and send a copy to show them it is legit), they would be willing to allow access. Anyone close by that could do this?

    Don
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I wonder will they sell me the whole lot press dies and all. I want this in my garage... :-c
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    It sure makes me salivate wondering which dies survived!
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Sweet pics, THANKS! I did write them a decent email explaining who i was tonight and if i could get photos from him, and that I will be up there in August, could i possibly swing by and get some video....will see
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