Need A New Head?

[Deleted User]
[Deleted User]
edited October 2012 in HUDSON
Worked on my 1950 Hudson today. Took the gooseneck off to replace the thermostat with one of Walt's kits. After taking the bolts out for the gooseneck I noticed two cracks in the head where the outer bolt was. Ultimately this piece fell off. This is a cast aluminum head. My question is can this piece be welded back into place or should I just replace the head. Identifying marks on the head are Powerdome with the number 303648. Also if I replace it would I be better off with a Cast Iron head?


Thanks, Glenn

Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Im not sure what area you are indicating. The top of the head where the hole for the thermostat is? Or around a head bolt ?
    If the piece fell off around the thermostat I would say a welder that knew what he was doing could fix it.
    If it was around a head bolt It's a lottle mor iify situation - lotts of stress there so Id say no. There are NOS heads still around if you look and have a about $200.00 you dont need. Buying a used aluminum one is a risky thing unless it looks realy clean and is full 2 inch thick
    Roger
  • Uncle Josh
    Uncle Josh Senior Contributor
    I'd go with cast iron. You should be able to find a good used one for $50 or so.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Josh is correct the iron one is more reliable . The big thing I like is heat transfer with the aluminium ones. And of course if you shine Em - Up they are Purdy ! !
    Roger
  • dougson
    dougson Senior Contributor
    I know very few like the alum head but I have one and am very happy with mine. The thing is you have to be very carefull about the originality and torque sequence.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Have decided to go with a cast iron head. Have determined that the motor is out of a 1951 Hudson. Anyone out there have an available head that they would like to part with?
  • bull_islander
    bull_islander Expert Adviser
    where are you 53? I'm in VA, could help you out. But shipping would probably be as much as the head itself.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I'm in Athol, Massachusetts. What is it that you have?
  • bent metal
    bent metal Senior Contributor
    How do you pronounce that town in Massachusettes? Every time I say it I feel like I have a lisp.
  • Uncle Josh
    Uncle Josh Senior Contributor
    It ain't dirty, just tricky that's all.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    It is pronouced ATH AWL. Named after the Duke of Athol from Scotland. Put an "R" in front of it and an "E" after it and you get RATHOLE.
  • Richard E.
    Richard E. Senior Contributor
    You will find that the "narrow block" heads '48 - '50 are very hard to find. Be sure to measure the width, they heads only differ by about 3/8" (this is from memory.) The later head will not fit on your engine & there seem to be lots of the wide block heads available. I rebuilt my '50 6 last year and I must of crack tested 6 iron heads and folks mailed me another 6 aluminum heads that were either cracked or totally corroded inside due to early antifreeze. I finally managed to get a NOS aluminum head that a fellow HETer found at the San Diego Swap Meet. It polished up great and it is on my car. I wasn't prepared for the difficulty in finding one.
  • Richard E.
    Richard E. Senior Contributor
    Opps! If your engine is a '51 please disregard my earlier commet!
  • Browniepetersen
    Browniepetersen Senior Contributor
    Just to give you an option, empire Motors, Inc (www.empiremotorainc.com) has an after market aluminum head that in my opinion is to die for. There has been a lot of discussion about these folks in past posts but they are a few years into producing these heads and I expect the order process is rather simple today. They are a remake of the old aftermarked performance heads and the cost a bit more than the used heads available today. I would use one of these or a nice steel head that has not been machined.
  • MikeWA
    MikeWA Senior Contributor
    Slight typo in your Empire Motors post, Brownie- its www.empiremotorsinc.com. I went to the site, and couldn't find the Hudson head. But there is contact info.

    In the interest of full disclosure, there was quite a flap about this deal when they originally did the Hudson head- couple of Hudson guys walked away from (and dis-avowed) the project. Owner has some "negative feedback", shall we say.

    Wasn't Randy Maas going to try one, and report back? Did that ever happen? Are there any "reviews" by users?
  • brumac
    brumac Expert Adviser
    Hi 53 Hudson guy. I have a good 50 narrow block head and new gasket that are excess to my needs. You can have both for $50. I am traveling to Braintree, MA on 17 Nov and can meet you somewhere near Springfield, MA. Bruce
  • brumac
    brumac Expert Adviser
    oops, just read that you have a wide block. Sorry! Bruce
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