hell no! Now I have to figure out what I should do here. Do a more traditional build using the nailhead, or stick to the sbc in it ONLY cuz it is already in an a very new engine. ( less than 30k with a zer0 mile NEW transmission ). Not sure here. If I use the nailhead, what kind of trans would have been used in the 50's? I was thinkin of just usin all buick under it. But I am not sure about the torque tube stuff. Can a torque tube be shortened or stretched? So I think I have a bit more reseasrch to do here. Any help is good. So the question is, if this was saved from a wreck in the 50's, what do you think would have been done to it as a kustom? What would keep it a traditional build? What would you do?
Sbc's are pretty ho hum, I hope you use the nailhead, much higher cool factor. The sbc and tranny can generate some cash flow. I think they used Dynaflows but my memory is pretty foggy on that. Your original idea for the car with the Carson top seems to be the right direction imho. Maybe section it a few inches?
No section. That part I know for sure. I love the way the photoshop looks of the carson. She is getting that for sure. As for the motor/trans combo, I might get it sold. We will see. Got to get more info on what trans though. I have seen plenty of adaptors for 350 turbos, but the price is a bit unsetling. Besides, I want it more 50's correct. What would have been used in say 1955? Anyone?
Re: What trans behind a 322 nailhead? In 1953 my brother and I put a 322 in a '34 Ford sedan. We used a Packard ('35, I think) trans because we could not find a Cad/LaSalle. Olds rear end. Stock Buick bell housing and clutch, modified pilot bearing, some bus clutch disc. No one ran an automatic back then unless they had a "new" Olds or Cad car.
to cool! I want to run a manual if I can. I have found a kit but it will run over $700 for what I need to do it. Besides, I want more traditional this time. This helps. Thank you.
It wouldn't have been saved from a wreck in the '50s, it would have been junked without a second thought. My Dad's first car was a '42 Hudson 4-door sedan, a fairly clean one as I remember, that he bought right after the War. He drove it for a couple of years and then broke the crankshaft by downshifting to slow the car as he decended a steep hill. I guess the stock straight 8 was pretty tender in this area. Anyhow, he and his best friend shopped for a used motor, but when they priced one - and the labor to have it installed in the car - he decided to junk the car instead because it wouldn't have been worth what the repairs would have cost. From what he said this was a very common thing with Hudsons back in those days. He'd always wondered why he'd been able to buy the car so cheap... Good luck with your project. I'm subscribed!
Gee thanks. I guess. Not the story I wanted to hear but I guess I asked. Any posotive responses out there?
Sorry, CV, but that's the only Hudson story I know. I think Al Drake's experience is very interesting, and reflects the "out of the box" thinking of the period extremely well. There have also been a couple of "Hudson Specials" posted here that reflect the "Popular Mechanics" aspect of the early '50s custom trends. Not all customs of that era were of the Barris/Valley Custom/Ayala school of thought. In my humble opinion, I think the door is wide open for you to put your own interpretation on how the Hudson would have been built by these luminaries. It's a unique opportunity. I doubt that anyone has done it before. And, having followed the build-up of your 4-door Ford into a very well-proportioned 2-door, you obviously have the skill and vision to accept this challenge and carry it off successfully. I'm subscribed. Good luck.
Very interesting build, I admire your gutty stand on making this right. Sure brought out some interesting posts of cool Hudsons. The straight eight Buick in the Hudson doing 129 at the salt and a 109 at the drags, holy smolly. Thanx for the post. I am proud of ya man. ~sololobo~
I guess it was true of most makes, but my dad tells stories of all the Hudsons they parted for what would be silly reasons these days. He still has a 46 Hudson 8 that he bought out of a "scrap" line for $50 in 1960, and drove for years without doing any major work. Still only has 46K on it. A traditional approach would be a Hudson 308 (aka Hornet engine). Lots of guys used these engines in other Hudsons to do a bolt in upgrade. There are period correct performance parts around, but they can be pricey. The Twin H carbs always look good too. Very cool project.
I wanted to do that, but the ONLY thing hudson is the body and the front suspension. Not even alot of the frame anymore. The 2 owners prior removed stuff and hacked up a lot under there. Besides, the nailhead will get here tomorrow! 322! Pretty excited!
Well shit. Got screwed on the nailhead. Back to the drawing board. Guess this will be on hold again. Bummer...
How 'bout something really creative, like a big ol' Buick straight eight a la Al Drake, or any one of a dozen really creative early "oddball" inline engines. Caddy, Packard, Oldsmobile, LaSalle, etc. all had huge displacement straight eights at one time or another, with matching standard transmissions. The Hudson engine compartment is long and narrow and those old inline motors were torque monsters. Building one might be quite expensive, but I'll bet a little scrounging might turn up a low-mileage take-out runner for very little cash...maybe even free. Just a thought...
Hmmm, Shannon? I've got a good 1946 Packard 282 straight 8. It would be real cool blown... As for a straight 8 Lasalle, you'd have to go back to 1936. Way further back for Cadillac.
Here is what I found in your area- Nailhead http://denver.craigslist.org/pts/2170346821.html Olds 303, Nailheads, Straight 8 Packard- http://fortcollins.craigslist.org/pts/2159583066.html 68 Olds 455 http://denver.craigslist.org/pts/2170346821.html More 455's http://westslope.craigslist.org/pts/2223078219.html I don't know if any of this will interest you, but I thought I'd give it a shot. Good luck!
All except the prices that is. Out of my range right now. Thank you VERY much for takin the time to look however.
This is the way id go too! But looking forward to seeing the direction your taking it. This is definately a car u dont see everyday im digging it!
The 348 might be of some interest for another project Shannon and I are doing (secret project). You have one?
That would be cool. Find out which side the oil dipstick is on. That is pretty good indicator on what it is as long as the oil pan did not get switched out.
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