Tire position in trunk

JasonNC
JasonNC Expert Adviser
edited August 2012 in HUDSON
While I'm on this "design flaw" kick, I may as well complain about how Hudson handled the spare tire position on 48 Hudsons. Anybody ever replace the trunk in a 48 with a "more modern" trunk where the spare tire sits upright as opposed to lying flat and taking up all the trunk space?

Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Hey Jason. Sorry I did not get to meet you in Gettysburg. Thought you would be there. As to your question. How much stuff do you plan on carrying around in the trunk? Planning a long trip? How about the back seat? If this will not due I suggest you arrange the trunk as you see fit. Bottom line is the man that pays the bills makes the ultimate decision. When are you going to come by and take a look at my car? Talked to Judge Hayes today at the Crawdads game and he told me you have nothing but time on your hands.
  • JasonNC
    JasonNC Expert Adviser
    I wanted to go to Gettysburg real bad, but I have a wedding to pay for in the fall. I want to see your car, just give me an address and I'll try to find you. I went to where Jr. was working on it, but couldn't find anyone around. I drove my Hudson today for the first time in months and it blew a fuse and shut down on me. Retirement, you got to love it.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I see no reason the later wheel well could not be added to a 48-49 car. No need to change entire floor just add the well I would think.
    Roger
  • JasonNC
    JasonNC Expert Adviser
    How do you get just the well?
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Cut one out of a parts car and weld in to yours. Just need to find one that is not rusted out in the bottom,
    Roger
  • StillOutThere
    StillOutThere Expert Adviser
    "Design flaw" ??? It was the way they were being done in half the auto industry at the time and some buyers preferred it that way. Placing them vertically didn't necessarily dominate the industry either. My 2007 car has it horizontal under a cover in the floor just like a '51 Kaiser. How is that for progress?
  • PAULARGETYPE
    PAULARGETYPE Senior Contributor
    "design flaw"=JASION NC

    SORRY ABOUT THAT LOL

    MY 57 HUDSON HAS THE SPAIR LAYING FLAT ON THE FLOOR AS DOES ALL THE HASH CARS

    SO THE UPRIGHT WAS ONLY 51,51,53,54 HUDSONS

    THIS IS A HUDSON FORUM WE DON'T NEED THE "design flaw"

    JUST MY THOUGHTS
  • JasonNC
    JasonNC Expert Adviser
    QUOTE: "Design flaw" ??? It was the way they were being done in half the auto industry at the time and some buyers preferred it that way. Placing them vertically didn't necessarily dominate the industry either. My 2007 car has it horizontal under a cover in the floor just like a '51 Kaiser. How is that for progress?"

    In case you didn't notice, my avatar is a 1954 Kaiser that has the spare under the floor, which is why I usually drive it when additional space is needed even though my preference is to drive the Hudson. OK PAUL, I GET THE MESSAGE. NO MORE DESIGN FLAW COMMENTS.
  • bobdriveshudson2
    bobdriveshudson2 Expert Adviser
    A small comment about the wheel well area. If you put the well in to the passenger side of the gas tank, you restrict the usable area for the exhaust pipes. The 49 in my picture has no well and provided sufficient room for dual exhaust pipes to the rear bumper. Something else to consider. Thanks, Bob P
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Paul, Hows that 57 HH running? Hope to get back out East before I get to old to drive. lol The 51s spare tire was the same as 48, 49,50 Hudsons. I liked it better because you could go to bigger tires and they always fit in the trunk. Back in those days I still could get 3 kids and wifes and my luggage into the trunk along with spare parts. It took alittle planning. Unlike today with just the wife we take everything but the kitchen sink and need a van to carry everything. lol
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    Jason-

    If you go that way (vertical spare), don't forget to secure the two brackets that the tire bolts to. You don't want it banging around loose in the well. Cutting a well out of a parts car is a simple matter, as is cutting the hole in your trunk pan.

    If I remember right, I think the later cars added an extra rib for strengthening the remainder of the floor pan. You might have to consider adding a stiffener. Just a thought.
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