Question

[Deleted User]
[Deleted User]
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Does anyone know why the rear tires are not centered in the fender openings on the the older Hudson and Terraplanes? They are offset to the front by quite a bit. It just looks strange, but I assume they had a reason to do this. It is quite noticeable on the 36 models, but I have seen it on other years as well.

Comments

  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    Specifically, I cannot positively answer your question. However, I would venture to say, that the reason is not anything mechanical or performance-related. It's most likely just one of those design faux pas. For example, on a '32 Ford (and others as you mentioned), and particularly noticeable when they are turned into a highboy (fenderless), the rear wheel does not match the wheel opening on the body and has to be moved rearward about 3/4".



    I always thought it was either just one of those design inadequacies, or more likely, an inexpensive way to get a little more body on a little less frame. Not much cost difference for one car, but when you multiply it by hundreds of thousands of cars, the cost/unit makes a difference. Car manufacturers are ever-present of the bottom line, where the discerning car-enthusiast are often more concerned with aesthetics.
  • SuperDave
    SuperDave Senior Contributor
    Ramblers were the worst example I can remember. Looked like the wheels were six inches too far forward.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I think it was a styling thing more than anything else. Yes, the '37 and '38 cars are the same way - so what! It makes them that much more distinctive from the pack. Enjoy the differences!
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Gives 'em that forward thinking/leaning look?:rolleyes:



    gunnisoncarshow2008048.jpg
  • Aaron D. IL
    Aaron D. IL Senior Contributor
    It's a philosophical question. enjoy your car instead of re-engineering your chassis. LOL :)
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    Aaron-



    That's good advice.



    SuperDave-



    Yes, I agree, there is a limit to how far you can get off-center, and it really starts to look silly, design-wise. 6 inches is horrendous. 1-2" is really not noticeable on cars with fenders except to the most discernible.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I'm glad that I'm not the only one to notice it. Not much you can do about it, but I find it distracting. I notice that Denverslim's rear wheel covers help a lot with disguising the misalignment. If someone could post a car side view with out the covers, you could really see it.
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    If one was really picky about it you could just re-drill the spring centre hole to re-locate the axle further back, extend the drive shaft a few inches, fit longer hand brake cables and hydraulic hose. But what the heck! Until you pointed it out, I had never noticed!
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    That's way too much work, Geoff. I think I'll just offset the mounting holes on my tire rims! As long as I don't go too fast, the wobble will just add a soothing aspect to the drive. I realize the tire will only be aligned 50% of the time, but that's 50% better than before. Now that's American ingenuity.
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    Would work if you welded the diff gears solid to stop the wheels turning different circles as you go round corners, otherwise you could end up with one wheel forward and one back, which may make it easier parking!
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