New to posting --I'd like to buy a Hudson

JP · February 2006

I've been reading the Hudson Forum for many months now, just trying to learn whatever I can from folks who know the cars of that make. Registered once, but just now re-registered--to post. My first impression of a Hudson was of getting a ride in one as a young boy--which left a never-ending impression. Cavernous rear seat--just an impressive automobile. Looks, ride, etc.

In lurking on this forum, I've really been impressed with the Hudson network--- take a look at the number of interactions and communications concerning this "orphaned marquee." Compare this intraction to other "established' car names. 15 times the posts for all of General Motors cars.

The "neighborly," helpful people on this forum truly display a sense of community. I've been impressed from the very beginning.

I've learned a lot in reading the entries--enough to know that there is a lot more to learn. I would like to own (buy) a Hudson stepdown. I can afford a car, but I can't afford to make a costly ($$) mistake. What I'd really like to have is a reliable driver. I'm not in the league of the purists, but if I won the lottery, I would enter that realm.

I've searched the internet--Hemmings--Traderonline--ebay, etc.. and I might never find the absolutely perfect car for my needs, but I'd like one that I can afford to own, drive, maintain. and adapt to fit my needs (add AC for example--hot climate). I just don't have the time or the know-how to take on a "project" car. I did do auto mechanics as needed out of financial necessity when I was a student. In fact, I think that NOS or rare stock parts should best go to someone who is striving to maintain or restore a 50+ year old car in original condion.

I don't know if a "stock" Hudson would fit these criteria (but fill me in if I'm wrong). I would be very interested buying a "stock-looking" stepdown with an updated driveline (and brakes ?), 12 volt, in good condition, for a fair price. "Stock-looking" to me includes: body, grill, chrome, stainless, dash, seats, steering wheel. Engine, transmission, wheels, brake components, interior fabric, or paint colors that are different from the original would be OK. No-- "tilt steering wheel," shaved, lowered, paintd chrome, DeSoto grill.l etc.

Really, I like all stepdowns, but I particularly like the later ones-- 1953s are very nice--, but my realistic favorite is the 1954-four door Hornet.

Help? Suggestions? Advice? Any or all would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks very much

JP

Texas

Unknown · February 2006

WELCOME A OARD, BILL ALBRIGHT HERE, A HUDSON DEALER IN SO CAL, HAVE BEEN DOING HUDSONS FOR 35 YEARS. WHEN YOU SAID HOT CLIMATE I THOUGHT I WOULD DROP YOU A LINE,, BUT TEXAS IS A LONG SAY FROM SO CAL, WHERE I AM LOCATED. IF YOU GET THIS WAY, STOP IN, I WOULD RECOMMEND JOINING HET. FOR 25 BUCKS A YEAR AND GET THE CLUB MAGAZINE ALWAYS A FEW GOOD CARS IN THE CLASSIFIED SECTION, DROP ME AN EMAIL IF YOU HAVE TIME albrighthudsons@msn.com

[Deleted User] · February 2006

Welcome aboard JP!

I've been in your shoes. I went from voyeur to neck deep in Hudson - mainly due to the same observations you are making about the folks here, and in the HET. Bill's advice to join the club is absolutely correct. I waited until I got a car before I joined, that was a huge mistake.

A contingent of your fellow Texans had a big hand in prodding me along and helping me both discover what car was right for me and the parts to get on with my car.

The only thing I regret about getting into Hudsons, I waited too long.

Best of luck!

Mark

[Deleted User] · February 2006

Hi JP! I would also recommend joining HET. They have a few cars in their classified section that may fit your bill. And even if you end up with a stock one, there are plenty of folks here to help you get whatever upgrades you want done. Me......I'm in the "leadsled" crowd but as I said, their are plenty of people around to help you. My only advise is, look very hard at your purchase. There are some inherent problems (especially in rotted framerails) you want to avoid in your purchase. I bought mine sight unseen, and didn't "see" the framerail rot all around my car. Though I still don't think I paid a bad price, it was a live-and-learn experience which fortunately I have purchased a donor car which will fit my needs.

Good luck and welcome aboard!

Jay "its a dry heat"
Scottsdale, AZ

JP · February 2006

bill a wrote:

WELCOME A OARD, BILL ALBRIGHT HERE, A HUDSON DEALER IN SO CAL, HAVE BEEN DOING HUDSONS FOR 35 YEARS. WHEN YOU SAID HOT CLIMATE I THOUGHT I WOULD DROP YOU A LINE,, BUT TEXAS IS A LONG SAY FROM SO CAL, WHERE I AM LOCATED. IF YOU GET THIS WAY, STOP IN, I WOULD RECOMMEND JOINING HET. FOR 25 BUCKS A YEAR AND GET THE CLUB MAGAZINE ALWAYS A FEW GOOD CARS IN THE CLASSIFIED SECTION, DROP ME AN EMAIL IF YOU HAVE TIME albrighthudsons@msn.com

I' still trying to figure out how this forum works (replies, etc.).

HET application wil go ourt tomorrow.

JP

[Deleted User] · February 2006

Ditto on joining HET. They seem to always have solid cars forsale in the back of the WTN for very realistic money. Hudsons are a great group people, except ofcourse for me. I'm just tolerated. Niels

rambos_ride · February 2006

I would be very interested buying a "stock-looking" stepdown with an updated driveline (and brakes ?), 12 volt, in good condition, for a fair price. "Stock-looking" to me includes: body, grill, chrome, stainless, dash, seats, steering wheel. Engine, transmission, wheels, brake components, interior fabric, or paint colors that are different from the original would be OK. No-- "tilt steering wheel," shaved, lowered, paintd chrome, DeSoto grill.l etc.

Welcome JP!

Good luck on your Hudson search. jsrail couldn't be more correct in his statements! Be careful if you buy one sight unseen - you don't want to pay a bunch of money for something someone slapped some band-aids on and an Earl Schieb 99.00 paint job!

Maybe you could let folks know what kind of price range you are looking at - A runner like you described could go for 5k-8k-30k++ pretty quickly.

My 49 Hudson will be close to what you are looking for (just a bit more custom) - but it won't be done or for sale anytime soon!

If you haven't checked out my website just follow the link at the bottom of the page there is over 650mb of pictures and description on the journey so far...maybe someday I'll get to drive it :rolleyes:

Jon B · February 2006

Welcome, JP, and -- if I may be excused for sounding like a salesman -- you might also want to consider joining your local Hudson chapter. That way you'll tap into a wealth of local lore and information. For example: if people know what you're looking for you might get a tip on a car before it's officially for sale ('Fred's widow is looking to get rid of that nice Hollywood he had...') and you may also get the scuttlebut on who's a reliable mechanic in your area.

As to what to look for when shopping for a Hudson let me add my voice to those who warn you about the rusty frame rear frame rails! This is another reason to get to know the 'locals' -- they can take you under the cars and point out the 'danger areas'. (Don't let us scare you, though. Every Hudson is not fated to have its frame rust, just those which have been neglected and left to the elements for years. Once you lay your hands on a good one, you can keep it pristine for a lifetime, with a little care.)

Unknown · February 2006

JP-

Welcome aboard. You're in for a very thrilling and satisfying adventure when you go Hudsoning. I'm fairly new to the Hud ownership myself, although I've wanted one for 20 years when I nearly bought my first one. Everyone is right about joining the HET-I'm glad to see that you have already joined. Jon is right about joining your local chapter. I of course, also waited until I bought a car before I joined, which in hindsight is a mistake. Honestly, if it wasn't for the network of club members that have helped us so far, we probably would never have ventured into a "lost marque". I didn't grow up with Hudsons and they were several years of being extinct before I was born. The education that this forum and the club members offer is absolutely invaluable, as I build upon my knowledge on a daily basis.

Fortunately, our first Hudson is a jewel (see Avatar). A '52 Hornet Sedan that has been garaged it's whole life and has been a club member's car for at least 40 years, maybe longer. We've recently converted it to 12V, added an alternator and are just finishing up the AC addition.

If you have been monitoring the forum for several months, you probably are somewhat familiar with some of the details of our latest ventures. E-mail me and I can give you a rundown on some of the costs (and pictures) we've experienced thus far.

And hey, although I think it's never too late to get into Hudsons, now is a unique and opportune time as I think Hudson values are very soon to escalate. My opinion is that while Hudson has not yet matched the soaring costs of Brand-X's, that time is right around the corner as more and more Baby Boomers can finally utilize the fruits of their labor.

Again, glad you're here, you're in for a great ride.

Russell

ChiltonsNDC@msn.com

Unknown · February 2006

JP, WELCOME ! Since it sounds like you're doing your research, and not in a hurry to make an "inpulse buy", I'd suggest you get a WTN, take a look at some Hudson Meets that are in your area, and go check out the cars in person. No only will you get to see some great cars, and see what quality car is going for what price,you'll always meet some GREAT people. I too am hoping to win the Lottery, so I could then talk Park out of his Convertable, and Paul out of "BABY".

hudsontech · February 2006

Hi JP

May I also add my welcome. I note you posted as being from Texas - if you are in North Texas by all means, as soon as you join HET, join the North Texas Chapter. In the beginning, under the leadership of the great Kelly "TK" Hinegardner, they were a wild bunch - but a great bunch of people. Not so wild anymore, but still a great bunch.

There's also a South Texas Chapter out of Manval and the Red River over in the East out of Shreveport, LA.

Happy Hudsoning.

Hudsonly,

Alex B

Walt-LA · February 2006

Welcome to the wonderful world of Hudsons! Would be delighted to have you in Red River Chapter. Walt-LA

MikeWA · February 2006

Welcome aboard! I think you are on the right track in trying to find a good driver instead of a "project". I bought a '52 Hornet Coupe project about 10 years ago, and have yet to make any real progress on it. Almost had it running some years back, then needed the shop space to fix another tractor (my other hobby). I'm in my late 50's, and am finding my energy level is declining, but workload is not- so hobbies have suffered. The recommendations to join the club are excellent, so you can get the White Triangle News. Noticed an example of something you might be interested in an issue or so ago- Randy Maas advertised a restored '54 Hornet sedan, 7X engine, "low #1 car", for $7,500, as I recall. He knows what he is doing, and seems to have a good reputation in the club, especially for engine build-ups. I'm just about to the point of selling my project and buying a good driver- so I'll be haunting the ads.

faustmb · February 2006

The HET club is hands down the best way to locate a solid car. These are real enthusiasts who for the most part care more about seeing the cars go to a good home than making a quick buck. Also, it seems like I've seen many good drivers lately that have had recent work which might allow you to buy a car you can hop into and drive right away. Ebay is a good place to look just to get an idea of market value.

Happy Hudsoning,

Matt

[Deleted User] · February 2006

I've got a 1951 hudson hornet hollywood with a 350 chevy engine and Th350 transmission installed, it is a good solid body(came from colorado)via florida and pennsylvania has modern gauges/rechromed bumpers/has a interior but is pretty shoddy, there is nothing wrong with the car, I'm wanting a club coupe similarily equipped. if you are interested e-mail me:bjharris@mynewroads.com

[Deleted User] · February 2006

The 1954 Hornet that Maas advertised was a misprint at $7500........it should have read $17,500. Just though I would put that on the table so no one would get the wrong impression.

464Saloon · February 2006

A decent sedan shouldn't be hard to find. Coupes are a little trickier though. I have the latest club newsletter here and there are at least 4 or 5 decent sedans for under 10,000. There appears to be a real nice 54 Hornet sedan in there. $14,000 but doesn't look like you will have to do anything to it. I am all for 12V conversions but I like evrything else to be original. Thats waht makes and old car what it is. If you want all the late model stuff you can have a new car for that. That's what I do.

Aaron D. IL · February 2006

You can drive drive an original as a daily driver if you keep all the mechanicals in good working order. I drove my 6V all original Pacemaker many miles after I bought it before I did anything to it. I know of a '54 Hornet Sedan for sale in IL. Welcome to HET. Oh and FYI many cars change hands between HET members not on the open market and often at more reasionable prices because real Hudnuts like to see the cars get taken care of and go to a good home. We ARE a driver's club and believe in driving them and keeping them on the road so there are no judged trophies at HET meets. But if you go to a local cruise night you have a good probablility of getting a lot of attneiton and maybe taking home one even if your car isn't restored.

nick s · February 2006

JP, granted this is in west virginia and you would need to contend with transportation, but i think i happened to find a '54 2 dr sedan today with a cadillac driveline. i don't have alot of details right now, but i can check things out next week. the owner is looking for 13,000.

nick

JP · March 2006

Yes, W. Va is a long haul, and I have been really tied up lately (family-professional). Sorry to be so long in reply, but please understand that I appreciate your input, advice, and info about prospects. Later this year (summer) I may be able to look farther afield.

Thnaks again

Jim Petersen

nick s wrote:

JP, granted this is in west virginia and you would need to contend with transportation, but i think i happened to find a '54 2 dr sedan today with a cadillac driveline. i don't have alot of details right now, but i can check things out next week. the owner is looking for 13,000.

nick

JP · March 2006

I don't know why, but I am having a bit of trouble with using this forum--computer-wise--that is--- not the content or quality of responses. It's not that I haven't been using the internet for years now.

I know---it should be simple, but---- I sat down tonight after some very busy (way too busy) weeks to respond to folks who contacted me, or responded to my original post. I wanted to respond privately--for no particular reason than that way seemed a bit more personal in terms of me expressing my appreciation. Anyway, my first attempt (from the back of the posts upward) went on the forum. That's OK , I guess, but I didn't want to crowd the forum with thank-you notes, rather I wanted each to go to a specific person.

Finally--- to solve this problem---this post ends up being my group message--at least for now. When I get a chance, I'd like to respond personally to those who responded to my original post with helpful information and welcomes. I'm still in the market for a car, but also completely tied up for the next couple of weeks.

In any case, it is incredible to me to get 800+ views of a request for help in finding the right car for me, and to get invites, and responses from folks (including some Hudson superstars) who truly know Hudsons, and know cars in general.

Thanks to all of you folks.

JP

Uncle Josh · March 2006

Here's my 2 cents. You can pick up a restorable for $1500, one that drives with a little work for 4-5K, a good driver for 8-10K, or that nice 53 on eBay right now for 13-15K.

I'd go for a 49 4 door sedan with a 262 with a single carb and overdrive if you can get it. These are more plentiful, less expensive, and easier to maintain for the novice than a Hornet coupe with the big engine and twin H, and still a lot of fun.

Get the mechanics running good, drive it, and do the body as you go. An original, warts and all, gets as much attention at a car show as a fully restored one, IF you keep it all Hudson.

I like to park next to a restored 57 Chivvy and watch and listen as all the attention is drawn from the Chivvy to the Hudson. You can even do your whitewalls with latex house paint and a brush. Like this;

http://groups.msn.com/HudsonEssexTerraplaneBulletinBoard/unclejoshshudsons.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=2653

hornet53 · March 2006

I'll vouch for that! Hudsons are rare enough that it garners attention everywhere, car shows, gas stations, grocery stores, if you have your garage door open halfway... Even the people that only go to one show a year still get tired of seeing the same old thing, 55-57 Chevy, 32-34 Ford roadster (steel or glass), Chevelles, Camaros, Mustangs, etc, etc. You'd have to have a very heavily modified "standard" classic to catch anyone's eye these days. But when people walk by and say, "What the hell is that...", you know you have something special.

SuperDave · March 2006

I have the same experience nearly every Wednesday night. If I drive my Model A Ford to the cruse, everyone wants to know where the Hudson is. No one asks about the Ford when I drive the 49 Hudson! Honestly, If I am tired and don't feel like talking I have to stay away from the car! I go stand next to something that is Chivy powered. I'm sure to be left alone.

New to posting --I'd like to buy a Hudson

Comments

Categories

In this Discussion