speedometer

[Deleted User]
[Deleted User]
edited December 2012 in HUDSON
i have a 51 super six , had no engine or tranny when i got it. i put 308 out of a 54 hornet with a hydramatic . i never had a speedo cable , bought one installed it but it doesn't give correct speed . originally equipped with three spd. on column. is there a way i can calibrate to make it right . i appreciate any helpful information . thanks

Comments

  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    Your speedo doesn't read right?? You're kidding, right? I mean, those are some of the most highly engineered, finely tuned mechanisms on a Hudson. :)
  • hudsonsplasher1
    hudsonsplasher1 Senior Contributor
    51HudMan,
    Check with Al Saffrahn in Arizona. Phone # 520-568-2911. He's the trans expert for the club and should have some input on your speedo problem. You may have to change the speedo gear in the trans to make your speedometer to read correctly. I've heard of this problem before.
    Gene.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    51 was the year they changed over to the two lever transmission and the new rear end. In the parts book it indicates this caused a change in speedometer units also. The speed they turned was about 50% changed as I recall .The book indicates some old speedometers were used up by placing a small gear box in the cable. If your speed is off by 50% this may be your problem.
    If it is only 5-10 miles hour off thats another story,
    Roger
  • Uncle Josh
    Uncle Josh Senior Contributor
    Alex Burr's stuff has a chart with all the different part numbers. Can't just go changing cable gears as the internal gears are different sometimes as well. There is an outfit that ads in Hemmings that will make ya a little magic box to change whatever you have to whatever you need.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Sorry to say but second series 52 is when Hudson went to the 2 lever trans and the dual range Hydro, also the Dana 44 rear. 51 super six was 3 speed, 4 1/10, and overdrive was 4 5/9. Hydro was 3:08 ratio. Just find a speedometer place and they can install a transmission on your trans and speedo will now work correct. This is what I had to do when I installed 2:73 gears in my 53 Hudson. Walt.
  • Hudson Grandpa
    Hudson Grandpa Expert Adviser
    I have a Borg Warner Trans, just overhauled in April. The old trans said60 when I was doing 40 as per the radar gun. The old speedo gear was metal with about 8-10 teeth. New gear has something like 16 teeth and is something like plastic. But it works, and I may be 5 mph off, but I can live with it.
    Northwest Transmission in Ohio furnished, with my wallet, all the parts. Bu t they need to know the serial# of the trans and the case #. I think I still have the old gear if anyone needs a pic of what it looks like.
  • Walt-LA
    Walt-LA Senior Contributor
    There is a newsletter from Red River Chapter which has some info on speedometers and correction for different rear end ratios with the H-51 GM Hydromatic. Might help if I can get it attached. See section titled "Wha' Dat" to borrow from the New Orleans' Saints "Who Dat" . Walt-LA
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Thanks Walt I always get that backward ,
    Roger
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Forgot this part. 51 and early 52 with single range transmission have the 3-7/12 rear which is perfect for 46 to early 52's with overdrive. Walt.
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