Simply put, THANK YOU!!!

JMed
JMed Expert Adviser
edited May 2013 in HUDSON
Hello everyone,

Just want to say thank you for all the advice you have provided. And thanks in advance for the advice you don’t yet know will be providing :D

I am a home-mechanic-wanna-be that just loves the old cars, especially Hudsons. My wife and I got married in our ’46 (my profile picture) and our most recent acquisition is a ’52 that needs complete restoration. This forum has given me the confidence of taking the restoration project solo. Although good friends have been over to help me quite a bit and I’m sure I’ll get more help as I go.

So far the ’46 has been so reliable it could be a daily driver. That of course with advice from this forum.

The ’52 needs complete restoration but so far I started the engine after being parked for 45 years and I also installed a new brake system (master and wheel cylinders, lines, and shoes). I have done a lot of other work but mostly the disassembly required for a proper restoration.

I still need to remove rust and repair rust damage, some mechanical issues need to be addressed, then on to body work and paint, new electrical wiring, upholstery, and plating. It’s a big project when you have a day job but little by little it will get done. My wife also loves the cars and that buys me extra time to spend in the garage.

The '52 was very complete when I got it but here is a current photo, enjoy.

Thanks again,
Jairo.

Comments

  • Kdancy
    Kdancy Senior Contributor
    Hi Jario- Glad to see your progress on the 52. Looks like your doing it justice!
    Any pictures of the 46?
    What is your location?
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    "So far the ’46 has been so reliable it could be a daily driver. That of course with advice from this forum."

    That is the thing that sets Hudson cars apart from other old cars. They are easily daily drivers if you want ,the more you drive it the better it likes it,
    Roger
  • JMed
    JMed Expert Adviser
    Hi Roger, yes it seems the more I drive the car the better it does. The only thing that still gets me from time to time is vapor lock. But that usually happens after a long drive. I saw an article form Walt's Garage about a modification that included two fuel lines to the gas tank and an additional fuel pump to cure the vapor lock issue, but I'm not sure I'm ready for that just yet. Maybe when I finish my current project. Ohh wait, these projects are never finished huh? What am I thinking? he he

    Kdancy, I'm in California. The '46 is my profile photo.
  • MikeWA
    MikeWA Senior Contributor
    A quick and dirty aid in preventing vapor lock is wrapping some thin foam rubber around the line where its in proximity to the exhaust pipe and manifold, then wrapping aluminum foil loosely around that. Maybe hold it on with bread twist ties, or some such. Foam is an insulator and spacer to keep the aluminum foil from touching the line, and foil acts as a reflector of heat.

    If you do get to the point where you're driving it for long distances in the heat of summer, Walt's method is the way to go.
  • hudsontech
    hudsontech Senior Contributor
    First congratulations on your new "baby". I'm sure you'll do her justice. I was happy that you wrote you got the engine going - IMHO that is one of the most important factors in a projected restoration - if not the most important. Until that engine fires its a dead hunk of cast iron. Having it run gives one a sense of purpose, so to speak.

    Hudsonly,
    Alex Burr
    Memphis, TN
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    edited May 2013
    As far as vapor loc stalling goes . In an emergency pour cool water on fuel pump . That is where issue occurs often. And that Will get it pumping ,
    Roger
  • JMed
    JMed Expert Adviser
    Very cool, thank you. Now I know of more ways to reduce the vapor lock!
  • JMed
    JMed Expert Adviser
    Ken - you noticed!

    I'm not sure the springs are bad. This may have been to raise the front on purpose. The back of the car has been lowered and it has a set of traction/torque bars. Also has a couple of smithies. I haven't taken any photos of that but as I work my way to the back I'll post something about it. Some components indicate it was drag raced while the amount of packed dirt in places where you woldn't expect it suggest dirt racing. Who knows really. But when I'm done I just want her to be a nice reliable car.
  • brumac
    brumac Expert Adviser
    I believe those added front leaf springs were used when racing to supplement spring rate when cornering. They would really help to keep the nose up in turns and keeping your foot on the gas (floored) driving around the turn. I've seen them before! Would they be for sale???
    Bruce
  • JMed
    JMed Expert Adviser
    Hi Bruce, I think you are correct since the rear suspension has traction bars. As for the selling them, sorry but I'd like to keep the car as is with all its gadgets. It should make for a fun drive or at least a nice conversation piece when restoration is complete.

    Jairo.
  • brumac
    brumac Expert Adviser
    Jairo, I'm happy that you are going to keep them with the car as they are part of it's racing heritage. Of course if you decide to change your mind, please contact me first. (grin) lots of luck with your baby. Bruce
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