Hudson pickup ???'s
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I recently bought a '46 ? Hudson pickup. VIN #3849828. Last licensed in Texas in '57. No engine, tranny, interior, and incorrect rear axle. BUT, the body is great! No rust through, doors shut like new, running boards and box sides are solid. I'm really impressed with the X member frame. I'm thinking 355sbc, 400 turbo, Ford 9". Now for some questions. Has anyone stubbed a frontend onto one of these frames? Or is the front suspension of good design? Are these frames strong enough for 300-400hp? Does anyone have glass patterns? Any ideas, comments, or questions are welcome.
Aaron
Aaron
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Comments
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As far as the frame goes its basicly the big car frame Hudson had. So parts are interchangeable to a large extent. That being said if yoy want to up date the front end there is options . I dont recall the brand but there is a couple HotRod suplieres that sell Hudson copatible front end assemblies.
There are also bolt on disc brake setups available for this and the newer Stepdown A-arms should fit.
The only weakness in the front end is the center steering bearing. Any play in this will cause wander. But you will no doubt find all the other joints still good.
I would'nt worry about the strength of the frame as long as its not rusted out. Common place would be under the bed . I've always been leary of welding on a new front end to a frame . You look on any truck frame and it has warning stickers to never weld on the frame. But I know its done frequently,
Roger0 -
I just sold my 47 truck with had basically a stock SBC installed. As Roger mentioned, the center steering links are a common wear point but otherwise the stock front is very solid. Detroit Eaton springs makes new front springs (including drops if desired) and you can put disk brakes on the stock front too. Fatman makes a front subframe fit which is sweet if you can afford it, I've seen a few of those installed and they look /fit great. Ford 8.8 axles from a 99 and older explorer are the correct width and lug pattern, and are cheap with Disk brakes.
Are you missing all of the glass? I had new glass cut at a local shop and they did a great job. I kept the original glass for patterns but it went with the truck.
Post some pictures and let us know what you're up to.
Matt0 -
What is a stepdown A-arm? The frame, like the body, is free from any rust out spots. Roger, the reason for the "no weld" stickers on truck frames, is because they are made from a high tensile strength steel. Old car frames are not. I've owned my own metal fabrication business before and have experience in frame modifications. Any idea what front disc brake step up is most commonly used? Matt, yes, I'm missing all of the glass. Thanks guys for the info, every little bit helps.
Aaron
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Aaron,
Stepdown refers to 48-54 Hudson's which were the "stepdown" design. I'm not sure if any other brake kits are available, but I've just started re-making the kits that Richard Pridmore used to sell. This is the only kit I've ever seen that includes new hubs . The calipers and rotors are common late model items, there is no design for 47 and earlier master cylinder brackets yet but Im working on that.
I can ask the guy who bought my truck if he'd sell the old glass for patterns. The shop here cut everything but windshields for less that $150, I could have them cut a set if you don't have a good local shop.
Matt0 -
Hi Aaron , looks like you have a real solid foundation for a very nice truck.
Good luck on your restoration.0 -
FYI
Your Truck looks like an easy canidate to restore. I built two trucks that were both badly rotten after quit racing to stay busy. The first is a St Rod with all Trans Am suspension and Drive Train with Chevy 406" & 2 - 4bbls and all power amenities. I slid the Trans Am Sub frame underneath then fish plated onto Hudson frame, The hardest part was fabricating the frnt Fender mounts.
Since I had stock Hudson's from High School days I built a stock Truck next with a Wasp 262 Mtr & Hydro Trans, and S-10 Chevy seat with Belts. I updated the Master Cyl to a Torino dual Cyl while still utilizing the stock Hudson Emergency system. Both Trks have Electric Wipers and 12Volt. Wiring Kits ive used Haywire and EZ Wire... I removed some leaves from the rear springs then installed 2" lowering blocks on both Trks.
As mentioned above the only weak link on stock Hudson is the center link bushing which I believe Randy Maas sells a replacement Kit www.21stcenturyhudson.net. The Stock Suspension is strong enough to hold any V8. Disc Brakes are thre way to go if going with modern V8 and the Hudson Spindle bolt pattern is the same all the way back to 1937 so the Disc Brake Kit for Stepdown's should fit the '47 with little modification, Stock Truck brakes are marginal so at least install Larger 11 X 2.250 Hornet Brakes from a Step down '50's Hudson...
If I were to St Rod another Truck I would shorten the long Bed behind the cab and install a Mustang11 front end rather than build body mounts.
Regarding Windows, I elininated the Wing Window and installed Power Windows on my St Rod Trk. Both Trks windows were cut locally here from stiff cardboard patterns that i made. I went with Tinted Glass...The Channel and Wiskers can be obtained from Vic Zamora ... thez@verizon.net ..
Bed Wood can be opbtained from a Hardwood Supplier, and new Stips can be obtained from Carpenters in Charlotte or other numerous Suppliers... If questions along the way just ask. Good Luck....0 -
Please send me Name, add, engine, condition etc on your truck and I'll put it in the registry.
HETcramerlp@roadrunner.com
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As far as the glass goes that is common with the Hudson cars . The door glass is same as 4-door front doors . The "Stepdown " was just the next version after yours . The front end parts look the same but on closer examination they are all a little heavier built. As stated the "Pridmore" setup puts disc brakes right on the "Stepdown " Suspension. And this should all bolt onto your frame . And as he said you can retain the Hudson back-up brake system . Dont let any one tell you a dual master cylinder wont ever fail with comletely "NO Brakes". Because they can I've had it happen.
I also seem to recal one of the Hotrod supliers had "Bolt On" front suspension right to your old Hudson frame. I may not recall that corectly ,but as stated above the weld on ones are for sure out there if thats the way you decide to go.
I just like to make whats there work as best It can, It's useualy best in the long run. But thats just me,
Roger0 -
I can see I need to do some surfing on this site to learn more about Hudsons, as this is my first one, to educate myself on the lingo, terms and possiblities. Uncle Josh, what other info do you need beside what is already listed? Is there anyone here that can decifer my VIN #? I was told it's a '46, but... Is the whole front clip the same as one of the car models? I thought it looked like some car pics I saw. Please keep the info coming, I'm learning a lot. Some more pics for your viewing pleasure.
Aaron
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If its a 1946 it would start with 58 as the model and the rest would be the serial number starting from 38,101.If its a 1947 then it would be a 178 followed by serial number starting at 101.
And yes the cab is the same as the car front end just less some trim items. Always glad to help a Hudson back on the road. There was some new tailgates made for them awhile back and still a few around if you look. The hinge used is just like the Jeep hinge and not hard to find,
Roger0 -
A short course on VIN (serial) numbers:
VIN #3849828
38 is the serial model number - 58 is the actual model number (5=1945 and 8=model (Commercial 6;) - this is the only year they did this dual numbering - probably because these 1946 models were first off the line after WWII and actual production started in late 1945. The "38" would have denoted a 1943 Commercial model - and, of course, no 1943, or 1944 or 1945 models were made due to the war.
49828 - is the actual serial number. I have a production list that shows this truck was built in July 1946 and was one of 11,368 total Hudsons (Commercial and Passenger) produced that month.
As for how many trucks, the only commercial vehicle offered, were made there is no break-out, only shipping figures and in that there were 3,104 commercial vehicles shipped in 1946 (90,776 passenger cars.)
This information is in my General Information Handbook for Hudson Built Cars, a copy of which is in the online library (URL Below) filed under Other H-E-T Literature at the top of the page.
Hudsonly,
Alex Burr
Memphis, TN0 -
Ayuh, well them SN aren't dirty, just tricky that's all. The one before yours is 3846156 in IA and the one after is 3851321 in OH.
Name, address, I assume 2 doors and 6cyl. Condition? email and/or phone No. If you register it in the HET club, I'll eventually get updated anyway with all this info.
I list 108 46s including mine Maybe I can find one near you so you can commiserate.0 -
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Rick,
Thanks for the links and info. We have local glass shops that can cut the glass, but I was hoping someone might have patterns, so I didn't have to make them. Time is scarce. My thought right now is, pull the body off, build the chassis, drivetrain, etc., and set the body back on "as is". The body is so solid and with the advertizing on both doors, I'd hate to waste that original patina. Kind of "rat rod" with modern under pinnings. I'm not sure I'll put a tailgate on the truck, but if I do, I'm leaning toward a larger more script "Hudson" on the tailgate. I'd build it myself. I was surprized how small and plain the original tailgates are. I hope I'm not pissing off any purists. The truck is missing to much to do a restoration. I don't want to modify the body and as little as possible on the frame, so if someone wants to buy it down the road and restore it or whatever, they can. The rearend and springs are from an AMC, we think, and are just sitting under the truck. I had to rachet strap the rear in place to inable loading and moving.
Aaron0 -
Aaron anytime you talk of going other than "Stock" you risk offending a few. But in general most Hudson folk just like to see another Hudson back on the road. At HET meets there is no judging to begin with ,and there is a "Modfied Hudson Group" within the club.
In my area I'm the local Hudson dealer ,dont have a modified one myself but can see why some guys want one,
Roger0 -
Aaron, looks like a really nice truck you have. I like your plans for it, improving drivability while maintaining the stock appearance is a nice way to go. These trucks are a lot of fun, I hope to get another one someday. PM me if your interested in more info on the brake kits. My truck was similar and the work I did is still pretty fresh in my head so I'll be glad to help out if I can.
Matt0 -
Does anyone have pics of a "rat rod" Hudson pickup? It seems that all the pics I find online are of fairly stock restores. By the way, I'm sure you've all seen this one, but it's probably my favorite. http://www.flickr.com/photos/acureiscoming/4269639256/in/photostream/
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Also, is there a way to track down history on my truck? Where it was sold, who bought it, who was the last owner that actually drove it? The truck has a Texas license plate from 1957 on it. I didn't know if you can get anything from the VIN. I've tried searching the advertising on the doors but, there's no city listed. The doors say:
Frigidaire Electric Center
222 N.Stanton
phone 3-1344
Aaron0 -
Here is one of my favorite non-stock trucks. The builder used to be on here, haven't seen him in awhile though.
http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu206/faustmb/063D2BC8-1A1E-4DBF-B67B-B384480412F4-1103-000001183D1A8370.jpg
http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu206/faustmb/F155A1F5-A920-4801-BA92-3CC386E74906-1103-000001184E2E9103.jpg0 -
Here is one that was at Fort Leonard Wood our meet this year .I dont recall exactly what motor he had in it . I think it was an old Hemi engine,definitely a RatRod ,sorry its not a better photo .I had to crop it out of the far away shot,
Roger0 -
Oh wow Roger the pictures you shared are really nice. Heh, I wish I had that 37' Hudson Terraplane Pickup and that 49' Hudson beside looks really nice from little I can see from it.
I'd also like to find a 47' PU (got a lead), but I am in no rush, because I am quite busy with college.0 -
Yeah I wish I had taken more photos , Had these in my phone and easy to find,
Roger0 -
Greetings all. I own a 1947 PU and wrestled with the idea of changing the suspension as well. After a lot of searching, I ended up with a HEIDT's front end and am having a fab shop recreate the frame rails as original so the inner fender wells match up without major modification. It's in process now, so I can't say how it performs, but the components are good quality and the steering parts are easily obtained and serviced. Hope to drive it sometime soon...........
I'd also like to take a moment and thank Lee O'Dell for his help and advice. He's the kind of person who makes this hobby a lot of fun.0 -
Dave,
I'd love to see more pics of that frontend and maybe some part numbers of the parts you used. For that matter I think "we" would like to see more pics of the whole truck. Thanks.
Aaron0 -
OK, I'll add two here. Both are hot rods but that should not matter? I forgot about the 47. It is all pretty much as the kid owned it back in high school in the 70's. The 47 is grey and belongs to a local member. The 36 belongs to Glen Johnson and the 28 Essex is mine.0
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Hi Who owns the 47 P/U ? What color is it ?0
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Dave,
Do you have a parts list of what you used? What did you do with the rearend set up? Sharp looking truck.
Brownie,
Nice pics. Nice rides.
Aaron0 -
Aaron, sorry for the delay, I don't jump on here too often. I'll have to check on the Heidt's part number for the front, but the rear will be a narrowed 9 inch on F150 springs. Really tight in the back if you want to fit any good size rubber........0
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I'll probably go with tall, pie cut, white walls in the back, not too wide. Got anymore pics? Would love some front suspension shots. Thanks.
Aaron0
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