54 Super Wasp Hollywood makeover
http://www.bridgeracing.com/1954_hudson_hollywood.htm
It's moving along, gang. These guys are good and fast!!
Mustang II, Stage II front suspension (Fat Man Fabrications) will replace the archaic, heavy original; it will have power rack & pinion steering, disc brakes, sway bar, etc.
http://www.fatmanfab.com/catalogpage.php?page=6
Here is the engine and tranny:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320176314071&ssPageName=MERC_VI_RSCC_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT&refitem=320176725547&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=active_view_item&usedrule1=StoreCatToStoreCat&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget#ebayphotohosting
The 4L65E tranny is being rebuilt to handle far more hp than the engine will produce in it's factory state (435hp), as some moderate enhancing will be accomplished to boost hp. .. hey ain't 435hp enough?
Your thoughts?
It's moving along, gang. These guys are good and fast!!
Mustang II, Stage II front suspension (Fat Man Fabrications) will replace the archaic, heavy original; it will have power rack & pinion steering, disc brakes, sway bar, etc.
http://www.fatmanfab.com/catalogpage.php?page=6
Here is the engine and tranny:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320176314071&ssPageName=MERC_VI_RSCC_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT&refitem=320176725547&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=active_view_item&usedrule1=StoreCatToStoreCat&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget#ebayphotohosting
The 4L65E tranny is being rebuilt to handle far more hp than the engine will produce in it's factory state (435hp), as some moderate enhancing will be accomplished to boost hp. .. hey ain't 435hp enough?
Your thoughts?
0
Comments
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FOOLS with big idea's do things of this nature. Butcher a perfectly good, road-worthy car like a rare Super Wasp Hollywood. Only good thing coming from this exploit are the handful of useable parts that might end up in the hands of some true Hudson fanatics. I hope someone in the 'Hudson Nation' that needs an engine/trans. assembly & some of the other discarded parts will be able to purchase what they need for a true Hudson restoration.
'47HUD0 -
Yea, I have some thoughts. Since the Mustang II is a small light car and the Hudson is a big heavy car, don't you think that the Mustang II, Stage II front suspension will be overstressed. Since Hudsons have fine reputation for being great handling automobiles, I don't think the Hudsons front suspension is archaic or heavy. In fact I think a stock Hudson could out handle your car with its overloaded and flexing Mustang II suspension. With gas prices going to the stratoshere and the fact that you cann't use 435 horsepower anywhere, I think 435 horsepower is a waste of money.0
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Hi,
Your updating project certainly looks impressive and well planned. What do you intend to use for a (posi) rear end. I may have missed it You probably have plan but just in case I suggest tying the sub frame together back into the rear spring (front shackle) so not to tear out the whole rear assembly, (ie. like Camaro Sub frame connectors). May need to do something to prevent spring wrap up too...
Let us know what you plan to do with the Hornet drive train....0 -
Well, I know that everyone loves to hear when I chime in on something....
here are my thoughts....
I have a hard time seeing you do this to what looked like a terrific condition car, but after seeing the pictures, the effort you put forth and the choices of driveline, etc... I got to say, I am impressed.
It is difficult to think there will be one less original 54 super wasp hollywood, but since i'm not a hollywood lover, I guess that makes it a bit easier.
The work looks clean and very professional. I don't know what's happening to me, I guess I must be softening up a bit.
Personally, I would like to know how this thing runs after the conversion, I bet with that power on tap, and the MII front end, it will run and handle as well, if not better than original. Keep in mind, hudsons are actually not super heavy, and with the engine and trans combo, I bet you actually save a bit of weight.
435 HP is probably enough, but what do they offer for this engine for hop up?
I guess since it isn't a typical chevy 350 (well, sorta...) it seems a bit more palateable... if that makes sense.
One more question, let's say somewhere down the road, you decided to convert back (yeah, right, huh....) is this something that could be converted back, I mean, for a price, of course? just wondering...0 -
Yes it is impressive, but it defies all logic to take such a nice car and destroy it , a peice of American auto history anyone should be more than proud to own, when you could have done the same thing at about the same cost with a project car beginning that did'nt have a chance to be what you tore up.0
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I dont mind seeing a modified car built out of a junker like my Wasp, cant feature doing that to a nice car . Sorry but thats a shame !!0
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Personally, I would like to know how this thing runs after the conversion, I bet with that power on tap, and the MII front end, it will run and handle as well, if not better than original.
Hudsonkid, I must disagree with you. He will be lucky if it handles as well as a stock Hudson. Why, well, there is the overloaded issue I talked about earlier and Mustang IIs have no reputation as good handling cars. It should be noted that when Ford designed the 5.0 Fox body Mustang they dropped that Mustang II type suspension. The reason that Mustang II front suspension is used in hot rods is that it is compact and easily adapted to a frame and not because it offers any great performance. All it had to be originally was better then Ford's I-beam axe and transverse spring.0 -
That is a beautiful car. I agree with the rest, think I would have kept this one and rodded another, but I dont make decsions about how any one spends their money. Good luck with it, and please post a final pic, or updated pics. I wpould like to see the final result.l0
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'47HUD wrote:FOOLS with big idea's do things of this nature. Butcher a perfectly good, road-worthy car like a rare Super Wasp Hollywood. Only good thing coming from this exploit are the handful of useable parts that might end up in the hands of some true Hudson fanatics. I hope someone in the 'Hudson Nation' that needs an engine/trans. assembly & some of the other discarded parts will be able to purchase what they need for a true Hudson restoration.
'47HUD
The engine will be disassembled and rebalanced to determine just what is causing it to vibrate, legal documentation all the way!!
It will be rebuilt and the leaks eliminated, CORRECTLY as they should have been when it was rebuilt in Indianapolis; then it will go on ebay FOR SALE, but hopefully not to anyone who criticizes these projects and needs spare parts as I'd rather ditch parts than to help anyone who criticizes a fellow Hudson lover. Your business is yours and mine is mine; I tend to mine & you tend to yours. If you can't offer something constructive, adios.
My cars; my money, my fun!!!
The next one to be built will be a 54 Super Jet, 2 door coupe'. Here is the engine for it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320176725547&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:us
It, too, will have a Ford, 9" differential, posi with disc brakes.
It shall have 1 or 2 turbochargers on it; this Super Jet will fly & I venture that it shall be the fastest street/strip Hudson in the WORLD (my world, Memphis, Tn, hehe) ~~~~~~~0 -
Ol racer wrote:Hi,
Your updating project certainly looks impressive and well planned. What do you intend to use for a (posi) rear end. I may have missed it You probably have plan but just in case I suggest tying the sub frame together back into the rear spring (front shackle) so not to tear out the whole rear assembly, (ie. like Camaro Sub frame connectors). May need to do something to prevent spring wrap up too...
Let us know what you plan to do with the Hornet drive train....
FOR SALE: the Borg Warner DG-200 is for sale; It was recently rebuilt by Coleman Taylor Transmissions in Memphis, Tn. and has less than 300 miles on it; it shall include the steering column, linkage; complete-package deal
BEST OFFER
FOR SALE: the differential, Dana 44 has 47K on it and it has been converted to disc brakes, plus e-brake, package deal
BEST OFFER
FOR SALE: POWER STEERING parts, package deal
BEST OFFER
FOR SALE: POWER BRAKES parts, package deal
BEST OFFER
FOR SALE: Pridemore front disc brakes conversion kit, complete with rotors, new calipers, etc, package deal
BEST OFFER
FOR SALE: front clip
BEST OFFER0 -
54HSWH,
Posts on this one would probably generate more interest on the Street Rod Hudson sub-forum at the top of the forum page.
Walt-LA
http://www.classiccar.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=240 -
The Handling with the mustang II won't be a problem. On the mustang IIs the engine sits forward so the weight it carries is sufficient when installed in older cars with heavy engines that sit further back. Rodders just match the spring rates for the weight of the engine. This is a proven set up and used by tens of thousands of rodders. If you want a nice high end rod, it's worth every penny to start with a nice car!!!! This guy is not making a rat rod, ( there's nothing wrong with them either) but a high end rod the way he wants it. His car and his $$$$$$. I love it, keep us updated.0
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Keep fixin it till there's nothing Hudson left but the emblem, Then go to the streetrod forum where you will find plenty of admirers. Adios my friend, Enjoy your RATROD,0
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why not put the 308 9xed engine into the jet drool:D?
at least it would all be Hudson and far more cool
on my scale.
http://www.uncommonengineering.com/0 -
From the sound of the situation (location - Indianapolis and $$$) it appears that Uncommon may have been the builder of the 308 in the first place that started this whole move. If it is I would like to know why they did not fix the problems?0
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John, I sure don't want to stir up any additional hornet's nest between us. However, I wouldn't spend a single thin dime on your engine before you sell it.
I've had the same vibration issues, and they turned out to be carrier bearing, transmission, and drive shaft problems; not the engine. Those engines put out alot of torque with the driveshaft and associated hardware on the edge of compatible. For a hossed up engine, maybe not compatible at all. There may not be a problem with your engine regarding undue vibration, is all I'm saying.
I'm sorry you fell out of love with your 308. I believe had it been given a chance with a better transmission and driveshaft, you'd still be amongst us Hudson powered rodders and several dollars still in your pocket.
I'm on the low buck end of the Hudson spectrum, so I can't afford your stuff - but I covet your throw aways as pieces I wish I had for my own cars.
So much for that.
Mark0 -
Wow- witnessing all the vitriol and anger shown here by some long time forum members. I'm embarrassed to be part of this forum tonight.
54 HSWH not only has the right to do whatever he wants to the car, he’s planned this out, is having top-notch builders build the car for him and is going to drive the heck out of it – not just on nice days or to a couple of car shows a year.
Even after all the years I've worked on cars I'm still learning and one thing I have learned the hard way is that rodding a rusty POS like my 49 is huge PIA, and no matter what I do it will never be rid of rust problems -
If I’d started with a nice car and sold off the parts I didn’t need to others in the Hudson hobby – I’d end up with a lot nicer car in the end, others restoring their cars or trying to get them running-as-stock can really use the parts too.
If 54 HSWH crushed the car in spite - I might be :mad:
But otherwise, have at it – build it – drive it – and have fun!
The parts will go to others and guess-what this means MORE HUDSONS ON THE ROAD – which is good for all of us!0 -
54 HSWH wrote:FOR SALE: the Borg Warner DG-200 is for sale; It was recently rebuilt by Coleman Taylor Transmissions in Memphis, Tn. and has less than 300 miles on it; it shall include the steering column, linkage; complete-package deal
BEST OFFER
FOR SALE: the differential, Dana 44 has 47K on it and it has been converted to disc brakes, plus e-brake, package deal
BEST OFFER
FOR SALE: Pridemore front disc brakes conversion kit, complete with rotors, new calipers, etc, package deal
Would this rear end work in my rusty 49? Isn't this the type of rear-end that others were working on to come up with some new bearings and such?
I'd be interested in the Pridemore kit for the 49 as well.0 -
rambos_ride wrote:Would this rear end work in my rusty 49? Isn't this the type of rear-end that others were working on to come up with some new bearings and such?
Dan the dana rearend does not have the bearing availability issues of the hudson rearend. It would use the easy to get 25877 rather than the 25877T. They were used mid 52-54. with the big block i guess i expected you to step up to a larger axle and gearset but yes it can be swapped in.0 -
[QUOTE=rambos_rideWow- witnessing all the vitriol and anger shown here by some long time forum members. I'm embarrassed to be part of this forum tonight.
54 HSWH not only has the right to do whatever he wants to the car, he’s planned this out, is having top-notch builders build the car for him and is going to drive the heck out of it – not just on nice days or to a couple of car shows a year.
Even after all the years I've worked on cars I'm still learning and one thing I have learned the hard way is that rodding a rusty POS like my 49 is huge PIA, and no matter what I do it will never be rid of rust problems -
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Damn, the guy builds something he can actually DRIVE every day if he wants, and all the old guys go ape-shiite on him! Hey 54 HSWH, that is a nice car, either way you would've went with it! Plus, you stayed away from the SBC "me-tooism" and went with the Escalade powerplant (and all the cool stuf with it!). I'd have swapped the Hudson rear for a Ford 9" (or a Mopar 8-3/4") as well, even if the car were to remain stock (something about $800.00 tapered axle bearings for the Hudson rear really galls me!), plus the multitude of ratios available for the Ford and Mopar rears makes things nice!
I agree with your take on it - I wouldn't sell parts to certain individuals based on their comments, too! I can't wait to see the completed car on the road, personally! Whether you post the results in the street rod section or here, know that some of us realize it is YOUR CAR, and you can do what you want with it!
Hell, I might do something similar with my restored '37 Terraplane next Summer, because to be quite honest, it is a relatively boring car to drive as stock with the 212 in it!0 -
I am a person that likes the look of stock cars and highly modified cars
I can understand were 54hswh comes from when he started form a good car, I can only go from my own experiences over the 25 years that I have had mine, unfortunately for me I am no panel beater and what I have spent with these guys to get the body of my coupe as stock and straight as it is has cost me 1000s of hours and when you are paying for it it hurts and it can be to the point that you think of abandoning the project as I have thought many times about in the past
I am glad that I have persevered with mine and its coming to an end.
I too know that there is a rod side to this forum but my preference is to be on this side, there is a lot of good banter and camaraderie here and for me it is disappointing to see people bagged because they want to be a little different
The thought the whole point of these forums was to spread the word on Essex's and Hudson's and there preservation of them no matter what slant you may want to put on your ride
Mike0 -
I guess I'm getting softer, but I kind of didn't like the tone of some of the members, either. I think this car would have remained stock if it weren't for the issues as such. sad to hear, if that is the reason, but the though that went into the choices is great. what a combo.
As far as the $800 taper bearing, I thought that it is not much of an issue, if you take care of them, they will last a good long time, besides, 54 HSWH was already a dana 44, and din't have the ultra special and expensive bearings.
But alas, i think about that too... my 50 has those tapers, and it does frighten me to some degree...0 -
54 HSWH wrote:[
Your thoughts?
Let me get this straight, 54 HSWH opens a thread by asking for peoples thoughts and when people given them he gets upset and others jump in claiming he is being pick on. What's up with that. Didn't occur to 54 HSWH that people will have different opinions then his and when you ask for them you going to get them?0 -
I support the right of a person to do whatever to their car. Its their property. I may not agree with what's done, but then not everybody will agree with me and my choices either. We're all a bit different in what we expect a car to be, and it kinda reflects something about each of us in what we do.
Its his car, his "canvas", and his right to do whatever he wishes with it.
I give such respect, mainly because I want such respect from others. Everybody has an opinion on these matters, but one needs to realize that opinion is only 100% correct to the person expressing it, that doesn't apply to everyone hearing/reading that opinion.
I kinda believe John threw this onto the forum to draw the exact responses he got, both pro and con. And, to offer his own to the same people in like tone and intent. Neither exchange has been entirely appropriate by the author nor respondants.
John and I are not fans of each other, anyone being on the forum any length of time knows that. However, I will defend his right to do whatever to his car he wishes. I'll also remind folks that whatever vitriol you attach to this eternal argument, escalates rapidly into something destructive to your side - whichever side you are on.
Lets just get on with whatever in Hudsondom we intend to do, this is a dang old argument with no resolution that will make everyone happy. I'm amazed at how much energy goes into trying to change minds that never will, and shouldn't. The hobby and club needs them all to be assured our marquee is represented in all facets of the automotive hobby.
From the looks of the Wasp, the modifcations are quality work, that's what counts. And, if you've cared to notice - the modifications are not irreversible should anyone want to tackle restoring its originality sometime in the future. It is a good car to work with, which will most likely remain a good car regardless of what John or any future owner would want to do with it.
That's my 2 cents on the matter, which I probably should have kept in my pocket.
Mark0 -
Hey, I keep reading this and see where some members disagree with what is being done but I don't see the anger. I have to be missing something. If 54 wants to cut up his Hollywood he should cut it up. If another member wants to critisize him for it that shouldn't hurt his feelings, he's still doing what he wants. I think it's a good sign for this forum that we can have all this discussion without name calling or spewing hate. I wish I was close enough to get his throw away stuff.
Harry0 -
hudsonkid wrote:But alas, i think about that too... my 50 has those tapers, and it does frighten me to some degree...
Don't be frightened:) Order a set from Les in Australia and set them aside for the day you need them. I can't remember what I paid, but it was very reasonable.
On the subject of this thread, I think if I had all of John's engine problems, I would have gone with the Caddy engine too.0 -
HILARIOUS..
This entire discussion is kinda like my wife asking my opinion of what outfit she should dress in... It's a no win situation for me..
Oh hon you should use the black dress...Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr she goes with red..
Whats the point she is gonna do what she damn well wants and I end up looking like the schmuck.....Bottom line..The outside is gonna change, but the same OLD BODY remains....LOL0 -
We restore our cars with REPRO parts, Tell everyone its original and then don't drive them. then badmouth someone who is building a driver(MAYBE?} also as I remember the Mustang front supension uses the same ball joints and some other pieces as the large Fords and as Hudsondad says IS A PROVEN SYSTEM. I say go for it.0
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dan, that 44 is the one that is the good setup for stepdowns, so snare it0
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66patrick66 wrote:[QUOTE=rambos_rideWow- witnessing all the vitriol and anger shown here by some long time forum members. I'm embarrassed to be part of this forum tonight.
54 HSWH not only has the right to do whatever he wants to the car, he’s planned this out, is having top-notch builders build the car for him and is going to drive the heck out of it – not just on nice days or to a couple of car shows a year.
Even after all the years I've worked on cars I'm still learning and one thing I have learned the hard way is that rodding a rusty POS like my 49 is huge PIA, and no matter what I do it will never be rid of rust problems -
______________________________________________________________
Damn, the guy builds something he can actually DRIVE every day if he wants, and all the old guys go ape-shiite on him! Hey 54 HSWH, that is a nice car, either way you would've went with it! Plus, you stayed away from the SBC "me-tooism" and went with the Escalade powerplant (and all the cool stuf with it!). I'd have swapped the Hudson rear for a Ford 9" (or a Mopar 8-3/4") as well, even if the car were to remain stock (something about $800.00 tapered axle bearings for the Hudson rear really galls me!), plus the multitude of ratios available for the Ford and Mopar rears makes things nice!
I agree with your take on it - I wouldn't sell parts to certain individuals based on their comments, too! I can't wait to see the completed car on the road, personally! Whether you post the results in the street rod section or here, know that some of us realize it is YOUR CAR, and you can do what you want with it!
Hell, I might do something similar with my restored '37 Terraplane next Summer, because to be quite honest, it is a relatively boring car to drive as stock with the 212 in it!
I can build a Hudson vehicle,Hudson powered,to drive anywhere,everyday,if I chose.I don't know where you were buying the wheel bearings for $800.xx,but I have never seen them for that amount??.Also,as stated here,if 54 swh wants to make his car a driver,a trailer queen,a rod,or completely modify it,it is his choice & $$$$. Lets face it,it's all about the money,and the money = FUNTIMES.Some of us find fun in doing as much as we can our self,others pay to have all the work done and they too enjoy this old car hobby,regardless if it is restored stock,restofied,or completely modified and just has a "Hudson"name badge.I think that one has to really think about the other Marques out there that really don't have a choice,they have to modify em'!!:D0
This discussion has been closed.
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