hudson 41 coupe, sled or gasser

Hot Rod with a nice rake and cut outs is my vote

 

My friends Hudson has been a g***er since the 60's but a sled or restorod doesn't need a trailer.

 

I vote early G***er style.

 

Without being to glib nor sanctimonious, I don't think it's a serious issue. It is a bit distasteful, some in build quality (actually lack of) and in presentation at times. I think the best built cars in any genre are not only easy to look at but have sound and useful engineering. Things done for a reason that don't include shock value as primary. Well done is the best impression and most satisfying to owners and enthusiasts. I guess if you've built a lot of cars over a long period, that logic would be automatic. A g***er ought to look like one of "Ohio" George's Mustangs or the 2 Lane Blacktop 55, Groucho's Vette and Big John Mazmanian's too. Anyone can see the difference.

Back to that Hudson, if the "g***er" idea was a legit desire to go fast and look the part then it could be pulled off. They already look sort of fast. Something a bit stripped down, proper stance/rake for period thinking, low enough that the wheel openings in the rear needed to be radiused for slicks, it could be a really fast lookin Hudson without insulting it too much.

 

We are on exactly the same page.

 

The problem is the faux g***er banter starts way too soon-- nothing's been done to the car, and the only description was a 400 Chevy and a transmission. In other words, you guys are redlighting.

And then there's the exaggeration of them being rampant.

The thing I'm tired of is all the faux customs!

 

looking good so far! these were and are very popular with the Hudson guys that drag race. there are about 20 of them in the club that still drag race these all over the country.
looks like you are going to have a blast with it. You can get the rubber pieces for it from K-Gap. Ask Dany (the owner of K-Gap) about his vintage 1941 Hudson g***er from the 60's he still drag races.
PaceRacer50

 

I know of 5-6 of em that hit most every show locally, there's one that rolls around my area too...and I live in a rural area. Like I said, it's not an "issue" it's an opinion based on time in the hobby/craft of building and racing. I've always been a fan of drag racing and did my race bit, both street and strip for many years. I do get your point and it's kool how brother rodders can agree and disagree at the same time. Like how I disagree with faux customs

I do think done right it could look like a Willys on steroids as long as it didn't go overboard. And this post was based on opinions so we ain't even dissin it. Peace out...

 

sled!

 

I like g***ers and sleds but I would be more for a sled. Slam it, chop it, stretch the fenders and add some skirts. But if I had that car I would build a Moonshine Runner the original "Bond Car" almost stock appearing but has a hopped up engine, compartments for shine haulin, and all sorts of gadgets to get away from the revenuers.

 

Fair enough on the "redlight" comment. As far as the "rampant" comment, trust me, thats no exaggeration. 90% of the cars currently being built in the "g***er" style are "circus wagons" or as Highlander put it, built for shock value. I tend to think of them as the "Donks" of the hot rod world, and as you know by the pm I sent you, I am not a g***er or straight-axle "hater" by any means.

The Faux customs comment, yea, I hear you.
This may be unfair, again, I am ***uming and reading between the lines, but if a guy is asking an internet group if he should build a car as a sled or a g***er(pretty much opposite ends on the spectrum) he probably doesnt have a very clear vision of the direction he should be going in, and if he goes at a "g***er" build from that perpsective it is likely that it will be based on the current crop of cars. JMO

 

Surprised my dad hasn't found this thread and posted his car yet!. I say chop it and do it up like a more modern drag car...not neccessarily a g***er, as they are a bit too long to pull it off, but my dad has a 46 coupe that was a drag car for a while. Its got a full cage, chopped, and is fat tired.. **** pics, but the car is cool

 

Sled!

 

Sled..... If you want to drive it a lot. G***er if you don't and just want to raise hell with the tuner kids...
I built a 64 cyclone that was loud, nasty, fast, rode hard. it was fun! ...for awhile.
Then the noise, the fumes, the wrong kind of attention (from police) started to take a lot of the fun out of it.
And if you still want to go fast sometimes a fast sled can satisfy that occaisional need.

 

Sled!

Seems like a reasonable approximation of the Mazmanian Corvette to me.

 

Since you asked..............G***ER

 

The wife and I had a '39 Opera coupe (same basic lines) and all we did was make a hot rod out of it. Slightly lower in the back and down in the snout. it looked real sharp. back then 400s were not available and 350s at least for us were made from unabtainium. 283 3 sp and 9.00 15s rear 6.50 x 15 in the front.

You may consider the hot rod route and forgo all the popular car types. Hot rods and customs are timeless the g***er thing will come and be gone. I've seen it happen several times in my lifetime.

 

Sled... that way in three years when the g***er trend is over you won't have to change anything..

 

The "G***er thing" already came and went....
Like, 40 + years ago....

Don't build it TOO extreme, and "look at me", and it will be cool....
And if you DO build it too extreme, at least make it fast as hell, so that the thing has some credibility!

 

I agree...way too much car for a believeable g***er but just right for a tail dragger.

 

Doesnt to me, but then I guess I can tell a g***er from a circus wagon, and I know I'm not the only one...The ride hieght for starters...

 

Pfff... yeah , one`s four inches higher. Whole other thing. What was I thinking?

 

I agree with 100%Matt, g***er were normally light, short wheelbase cars, the Hudson ain't!