Russell's Convertible

RL Chilton
RL Chilton Administrator, Member
edited November -1 in HUDSON
O.k., well, I was hesitant to post anything about my project, but many people have been e-mailing me from here on the forum about the car and it's status. Frankly, I've been hesitant because the people that have come over to the shop to see her, I think have been either disappointed or disillusioned and for a while they're attitude affected mine in a negative way. I've had probably a couple dozen people walk four or five feet into the shop and immediately do an about face and walk right back out.



Funny. I never saw anything but the final product. I guess some people just couldn't see what I could see even if I showed them pictures of finished cars.



For the last 6 months or so, I've just discouraged people from coming over. BUT, now she's finally getting back together and looking like a car again, instead of a bunch of junk I was working on.



For those of you that don't remember, back in the late summer of '05, I managed to locate my dream car (so to speak), a 1952 Hudson Hornet Convertible. This is what I found:





Not a great start, for sure, but a start, nonetheless. This car had been sitting upside down in a dry creek bed for 35 years, hence the lack of a windshield header. The main reason I went ahead and bought it, is, since the car languished upside down for so long, the frame didn't suffer the atrocities that so many Hudsons encounter, as most of you know. The frame on this car is pristine. PRISTINE! As a matter of fact, the only floor pan I'm NOT replacing is the trunk pan, which is highly unusual for a Hudson left outside for decades.



Not exactly the project I was looking for, but, seeing as how there are only about 20 or so '52 Hornet 'verts left, one can't be too choosy. My plan was to restore this car, and, after all, I had a good foundation (if not much else).



Then, last year, along came another opportunity to buy another '52 Hornet 'vert that also needed a lot of help. So across country I went again and picked this one up:





Looks good in the picture, but about the bottom third of the car is completely bondo and the only reason the frame didn't buckle in half, was because some former owner welded angle iron along the outside of the frame.



Anyway, long story short, (too late, I know), with the two cars I have, it was very obvious to me that the most reasonable course of action was to use the good frame from Hornet #1 and mate as many "top" body pieces from Hornet #2.
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Comments

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Thanks for sharing Russell!



    Lots of work, but with a patient, meticulous fellow as yourself the outcome will be a show stopper.



    Keep updating us...
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    I didn't get a pic of the 2nd car in the first post, so I'll post it here.



    As I write this, the cowl, front pans, tranny pan are being fitted. I'm just starting work on the doors, because I need to mount those to make sure the distance between the back deck and the cowl is accurate, so the cowl won't be peramanently mounted until I get the doors and hinges in shape to mount them.



    The back deck is mounted and I'm massaging it now so that the NOS decklid I've got will fit properly.



    Once the cowl and back deck are mounted, it's going up on the rotisserie to be blasted, where the minor bodywork can be completed.



    I actually only started the major bodywork on the shell 5 months ago. I've been working on all the extraneous parts getting them ready for final assembly. That's occupied the majority of the last 2-1/2 years.



    This is no doubt the WORST way to restore a car and the most expensive! When you have to buy 8000 of the 10000 parts that go in a stepdown, it's a bad financial decision, I assure you. Ce la vie'. We do what we can!!
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Russ the work looks good. I have a 54 sedan in my garage in pieces and when some people come over they laugh and say "you paid for that" if they opened their eyes they would see a perfect rust free body I am sanding to perfection. I laugh at them and when they are not looking hit them with a 2 by 4 when they get up and ask what happened I say you fainted. :D No really if they cannot see it shame on them.



    I too dislike the negative guys who have nothing good to say or say stuff like you will never get that back together. But hey doing the work is most of the fun and you can only do so much. Of course when its done they will be asking for a ride. Do what I do, chase them down the back alley in it screaming it runs pretty good now doesn't it.......but hey thats just a crazy Irish Canuck talking.......:eek:
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Russell,



    So a few short-sighted people saw your project and were disappointed or disillusioned...big deal. Someone with your talents should never let the opinions of others influence them. Taking an intact car apart and restoring it is amazing in itself. But for you to literally build one car from the sparse remain of two cars is simply amazing.
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    Picture of the rear deck in place.



    Thanks for the positive comments. I'm over my negative people phase, now, for sure. Didn't keep me from working on it or losing sight of the objective, just made stop showing people what I was doing for a while.



    I like the idea of chasing them down the alley and screaming at them! LOL:D

    Have to remember that one.
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    Dave53-7C wrote:
    Russell,



    So a few short-sighted people saw your project and were disappointed or disillusioned...big deal. Someone with your talents should never let the opinions of others influence them. Taking an intact car apart and restoring it is amazing in itself. But for you to literally build one car from the sparse remain of two cars is simply amazing.





    Thanks, Dave! Think I 'll print this one out and put it up in the shop.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Also Russ put down the names of the negative people in your book. When I get down your way we will make sure they are well looked after. I like looking after people. I'm a people person.....yeah, a people person.....
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    And, after I'm done, it will look exactly like this car (except prettier). Just add a continental kit on the rear and it will be identical.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    RL Chilton wrote:
    Thanks, Dave! Think I 'll print this one out and put it up in the shop.



    You're welcome. I'm honored. I hope you have a picture of the black and red convertible up on the wall too. Talk about inspiration! In the end, after all the time, money, blood, sweat, tears and the nay sayers, having a car like that will more than make up for it all. Like they say, the best revenge is living well...and you'll be doing that in a fresh, new Hudson convertible. :D
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I think what you are doing is fabulous and fascinating. Have you been keeping track of what you have been doing from the start with photos? I would like to watch this progress as it is a huge accomplishment.



    Keep up the great work.



    Ron
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    I have taken pictures of everything I have done. Probably have 4-500 pictures of what I have. I think I took a hundred alone of the top irons before they were disassembled. I also use a couple thousand pictures I have of other people's Hudsons that I use as reference. Additionally, I network every single day and have for the last 5 years with probaly 80 or 90 people.



    Silverone here on the forum has been especially helpful in sending me photos and measurements, information, etc. as he is in the middle of a convertible restoration. Bob Bitgood also helps me some, as does Clutch Guy here on the forum. Ken Cates is also very involved in this project.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    I know what your saying , I took alot of BS over this one too! nice job you're doing there !
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    Stateline-



    I can see that. But it sure looks good, though. Keep it up!
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    Stateline-



    Is that a GTX? 69?
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    RL Chilton wrote:
    Stateline-



    Is that a GTX? 69?



    You're real close , its a 70 Coronet RT , its one of 97 made with 440-6 and 4 spd trans. it too was resting on its smashed roof saving the rest of the car.

    About 18 yrs ago , a car pal of mine found a Wasp?convertible , think it was a "52 that had been rolled early in its life . the guy that had it gave to my pal. it was in surprisingly good shape for being rolled . my pal was proud as punch of it ( unforunatly I hadnt developed a large enough love of Hudsons yet and couldnt see what the big deal was ) he still ribs me now .

    he found someone in MN? that had a Hudson convert. that was badly rusted and used it to restore his. A yr or two back there was a Hornet convert in eastern WY on ebay that looked like it suffered a similar fate, it had been pretty well picked over but at least it survived. I always liked Hudsons but really got the Hudson bug really bad the last two years!
  • faustmb
    faustmb Senior Contributor
    Russell,



    The vert is looking good- quite an undertaking there. I'm glad that there are people like you out there that put these rare models back together.



    Quite A few years back my dad rescued a 47 Hudson vert from a state park in PA. It was rolled onto it's side and the drivetrain was missing. The rangers were happy that he would take it. Like yours, the underside was in great shape, and there really wasn't too much rust elsewhere. One side was dented and there were tons of bullet holes. He threw a front bumber on it and towed it home with a towbar for 100 miles or so. He sold it shortly after to a HET member, don't know what happened to it after that, but I would take it back just like it was :)



    Keep us posted with pics as you progress.



    Matt
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    stateline wrote:
    You're real close , its a 70 Coronet RT , its one of 97 made with 440-6 and 4 spd trans. it too was resting on its smashed roof saving the rest of the car.

    About 18 yrs ago , a car pal of mine found a Wasp?convertible , think it was a "52 that had been rolled early in its life . the guy that had it gave to my pal. it was in surprisingly good shape for being rolled . my pal was proud as punch of it ( unforunatly I hadnt developed a large enough love of Hudsons yet and couldnt see what the big deal was ) he still ribs me now .

    he found someone in MN? that had a Hudson convert. that was badly rusted and used it to restore his. A yr or two back there was a Hornet convert in eastern WY on ebay that looked like it suffered a similar fate, it had been pretty well picked over but at least it survived. I always liked Hudsons but really got the Hudson bug really bad the last two years!



    Well, one of 97 is a keeper, no doubt about it. In the early 80's I found a '69 GTX, 440-6 pack, four on the floor (all factory) and I was in love! 4K for an all original car. Had some rot below the rear window and a little in the rockers. For some silly reason, I dragged my old man to go look at the car 'cause I was gonna buy it. He sees the rust and talks me out of it, somehow. I live my life with no regrets, but sometimes I wish I hadn't let that one get away.
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    faustmb wrote:
    Russell,



    The vert is looking good- quite an undertaking there. I'm glad that there are people like you out there that put these rare models back together.



    Quite A few years back my dad rescued a 47 Hudson vert from a state park in PA. It was rolled onto it's side and the drivetrain was missing. The rangers were happy that he would take it. Like yours, the underside was in great shape, and there really wasn't too much rust elsewhere. One side was dented and there were tons of bullet holes. He threw a front bumber on it and towed it home with a towbar for 100 miles or so. He sold it shortly after to a HET member, don't know what happened to it after that, but I would take it back just like it was :)



    Keep us posted with pics as you progress.



    Matt





    Matt-



    Thanks for the kind words. I'll bet you would have no problems taking that '47 back! To me, all Hudsons are jewels, but the convertibles are downright precious. Anything can be saved, it's just a matter of how much time and effort (and money) one wants to put into it.
  • harry54
    harry54 Senior Contributor
    Russel , Kuddos ... way to go... your an inspiration to the club.....You have my vote for the Albright Award... Hope to see you in Pontiac...
  • bent metal
    bent metal Senior Contributor
    Nice work Russell, please keep posting pictures! Not too many people take one apart this far, and even fewer actually put um' back together.:D
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    You Have Joined The Few Of Us Who Do It All, Bill Albright
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Hi Russ,



    You must be very happy with your hard work in project of another great vehicle built 56 years ago. It takes a special kind of talent, discipline, dedication, perseverance, sacrifice and hard work taking on full frame off restoration, personally I wish I had your skills and able to do the same. I congratulate and wish you best continued progress as you embark into exciting adventure to see your dream car come through.. Your successful achievement is an example for many to follow, I know you’ll keep in touch and keep FORUM / us informed!



    Good Luck,



    Ray
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    Thanks everyone for the kind words. That's very motivating!



    Here's another: Just put the tranny pan in temporarily to be able to fit everything up front together. Tranny pan was in pretty good shape, just some pin holes to weld up and grind down, re-shape the upper center section as it was somewhat mangled and fix the hole covers (didn't fit too well).
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    Hudson 308-



    Thanks for the pictures. Can i get full-size copies via e-mail? Sure would appreciate it. Gorgeous!! Just love those ragtops.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Now that is a restoration project! Very cool. And very nice find too I imagine. Can you get it registered after 35 years of lying in a ditch upside down? About the haters that couldn't imagine it being a car again; did they have any idea what is involved in restoring classic cars?
  • Hudsonrules
    Hudsonrules Senior Contributor
    :)WOW! What an undertaking. The car will be beautiful when done. I am sure when you first saw the vert' you saw what it once was, and you knew it could be again. Take your time, you are doing a great job, a real frame off restoration on a stepdown. Please keep us posted on the progress with pictures{when you have time}. Good Luck and thanks for sharing. Arnie in Nevada
  • Richie
    Richie Senior Contributor
    Simply amazing Russ, wish I had just a small portion of your talent and I'm sure it will be beautiful when you are finished. Richie
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    Reijer-



    Yes, I have the original title to my first Hornet, and the car will be tagged on the door post with the correct serial #. No problem to register when you have the title.



    As far as the naysayers you asked about: Most, but not all of the folks who came to look at the project were car guys. That was the toughest to deal with, 'cause most of them know what is involved with a project like this. Oh, well . . . I'll be ready to chase 'em down the alley when she goes on her own (better be a wide alley, though . . .).:D
  • mdwhit
    mdwhit Expert Adviser
    RL Chilton wrote:
    Reijer-



    Yes, I have the original title to my first Hornet, and the car will be tagged on the door post with the correct serial #. No problem to register when you have the title.



    As far as the naysayers you asked about: Most, but not all of the folks who came to look at the project were car guys. That was the toughest to deal with, 'cause most of them know what is involved with a project like this. Oh, well . . . I'll be ready to chase 'em down the alley when she goes on her own (better be a wide alley, though . . .).:D





    I don't know about the DMV in the state where you live, but make sure that they do not want to look at the serial number on the front frame rail (or make that serial number agree with what you are going to have on the door post). You have probably already thought of this, but I just wanted to make sure.

    Best of luck with your project, Russell You certainly do fantastic work!!
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    mdwhit wrote:
    I don't know about the DMV in the state where you live, but make sure that they do not want to look at the serial number on the front frame rail (or make that serial number agree with what you are going to have on the door post). You have probably already thought of this, but I just wanted to make sure.

    Best of luck with your project, Russell You certainly do fantastic work!!



    Yes, I have thought of this, and they will coincide.
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