Hudosndoor, Hudsondoor, who's got the hudson doors?

RL Chilton
RL Chilton Administrator, Member
edited November -1 in HUDSON
I've heard stories from some of the older Hudnuts about restoring cars and they used all NOS sheetmetal on their cars. I actually got ahold of an NOS decklid for the convertible and it's just gorgeous.



This morning, I sanded and blasted one of the four doors I have (2 sets). Now, I'm more disgruntled than I was before. I knew this most recent set of doors were probably bad in the bottoms, but now that I've removed 3/8" of bondo and seen what's actually down there, I'm really disappointed in what I've found. It's amazing to me what some people think is quality work, but this set of doors is really bad.



Of course, I can probably take the other two doors, cut them in half and graft them to the tops of the other set, if that's what I have to do.



It sure would be easier if there really were an NOS set of HLWYD/CONV doors out there somewhere . . . heck, I'd even settle for a really good set of used doors. But of course, I mean, really and truly a GOOD set, as I seem to have an abundance of crappy ones on hand.:mad:



Y'all's thoughts?

Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I always wondered about NOS sheetmetal as Hudson used to list in the parts manual just about every piece of the car as a replacement. Door skins, roof pillars, frame sections.



    I for one have never seen any. Has anyone.



    I have seen complete doors and hoods and the like but not the replacement repair pieces.
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    Well, I know they at least used to exist, not just the repair panels, but entire doors, fenders, etc. Like I mentioned earlier, I have an NOS decklid and have found many, many NOS parts and pieces. I've heard of other Hudnuts who replaced every fender, quarter, decklid, hood, and doors with NOS ones.



    Is this just Hudson folklore? Or are these still to be found?
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Russell

    There are several places I would check for the NOS sheet metal. All of the following folks had NOS sheet metal and repair panels at one time in the past... but, that does not mean they have what you seek.

    Al Saffrahn has 100s of AZ rust free body parts at his place. John Sonoff in Denver, Ken Ammen (or the person who bought his stuff) The buyer of Don Jacques' (Sp) stash of parts, Janet Kales Brother whose name escapes me., Pete Booz who will know who maybe holding same. Paul Schuster had to replace every piece of sheet metal on his 50 Pmaker convertible- So he should know about some of the available items.

    Used Hollywood doors, coupe and Hollywood quarters will interchange for the convertible.

    As you know I have seen the repair pieces in the past... Many of the HET parts dealers of the time did not take the parts because they were too much trouble to store. I recently saw set NOS quarters, pillars trunk lid and other sheet metal for 53-54 Jet. That stuff was given to the HETer who kept them all these years. When did you ever see weld on repair parts for a Hudson? The same person has NOS fenders and doors whith the Hudson shipping and destination Dealers name affixed.

    When I bought my 50 P convertible the seller had a NOS 54 Convertible Header... he was going to put it on a 54 Hollywood and make a convertible. The stuff is out there ... you just have to pry open the doors to the storage.

    :) Good Luck buddy!
  • rambos_ride
    rambos_ride Senior Contributor
    In 1980 I found 2 Factory fenders for my 1968 Chevelle (yes, they repop them now -- but these where orig.) they told me then they were the only ones left on the West Coast.

    I'd guess that Hudson Original replacement parts still exist - tucked away in various places across the USA and with enough time and effort $$ more could be found.

    IF we could find enough sheet metal maybe Brookeville would start reproducing stepdowns! Their F*&( coupes are pretty nice.
  • PAULARGETYPE
    PAULARGETYPE Senior Contributor
    I Would Try Ken Amman I Know He Sold Every Thing To A Pair Of Guys Who Are Planning On Keeping Kens Business Going So Thats Where I Would Look Firts Also Dave Kostansek In Ohio He May Have Some Really Good Used Sedan Doors The Stuff Is Out There Carl Weber Had A Nos Pair Of Cp/cv Rear Fenders For Sale At Hershey I Know He Sold Them
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    Ken and Paul-



    Thanks for the leads, I'll look into it.



    Dan-



    Yes, Brookville does make some nice panels for their roadsters and coupes. Trouble is, the tooling up cost is extremely high and the demand for Hudson parts probably would not interest them. Did you know their coupe runs 30K? :eek:That's just the assembled body.
  • Ol racer
    Ol racer Senior Contributor
    FYI

    If you cant locate NOS Doors and knowing that you have two sets I suggest taking the best pair to a bodyshop to have new bottoms & skin installed.



    I had complete bottoms and skins made for my Truck doors several yrs ago that are holding up very well. The doors were rotted half way up and the bottoms were almost all gone. I never thought they could Have been saved........



    Bodymen have a 'special Tool' that depresses the original metal at the best spot to make a lip to install the new panel. The old to new pieces are then flush spot welded & sealed requiring very little filler.



    You may have to inquire at a few Body shops to find someone because most Shops today rather do Collision Parts Exchange type work. Suggest trying small independent Shops. Sometimes a Bodyman employee will do the work on the 'side' at home for extra money.



    As a result of the repair I dont toss out any rotten doors or quarters anymore.....

    Good Luck
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    PAULARGETYPE wrote:
    I Would Try Ken Amman I Know He Sold Every Thing To A Pair Of Guys Who Are Planning On Keeping Kens Business Going So Thats Where I Would Look Firts Also Dave Kostansek In Ohio He May Have Some Really Good Used Sedan Doors The Stuff Is Out There Carl Weber Had A Nos Pair Of Cp/cv Rear Fenders For Sale At Hershey I Know He Sold Them

    I talked to Dave K today and he said he sold all that sheet metal in his EBAY listing to a guy in South Indiana. There were three solid Coupe, CV doors, minor rust needing bump work on dings. If you can not find NOS call Dave and he should give you the guys name.
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