Rat Rod, Street Rod or Restore '41

Unknown

Hey folks,

Just looking for opinions. I have a 1941 two door sedan with the Six cyl. Looking to start work on it and want some opinions. The car runs and drives after charging the battery since I bought it from another enthusiast that had the head overhauled and sorted out the starter and generator. I am leaning towards a restoration to original condition with nice paint, whitewalls and original interior upholstery.

However, something inside of me says to shoot it with black primer, airbag it and stretch some mexican blankets over the seats for the rat rod look.

Third option would be to go street rod style with colorado customs gear and snazzie paint with cool large alloy wheels.

What would you do?

I had a blast scooting around Southern California shifting the 3 on the tree for a while when I bought it. Now its time to clean it up and sharpen the image.

[Deleted User]

Projekt, You are going to get all kinds of responses about the RESTORE-STREET ROD-RATROD debate. Some will be dead set on a complete restore to stock , some will say a radical modified , others like the mexican blanket chopped top and primer paint.
I have a Stock 54 sedan and will not change it, but I have a 54 Coupe that is being slightly modified. The main thing in the end is what do you want to do with it? We CAN and WILL make suggestions but in the end it is up to You...Personally I would rather see a HUDSON Street Rod or Rat Rod going down the street than to see a HUDSON on a rollback going to the crusher. Stock, Rod, or Custom, Keep them on the street... Just my thoughts
Bob Hickson

Jon B

Well, you're gonna get all sorts of opinions on this, but my vote would be: touch it up and make some subtle 'upgrades' in the spirit of making it driveable on today's roads. Then enjoy it for a year or so, as you save your money up to either rod or restore it.



Does it have overdrive? This is pretty much a necessity if you want to travel the freeways, and of course it's an authentic add-on for that year. How about turn signals? And making sure your wipers and headlights work correctly. You may want to add seatbelts if you haven't, already.



My personal approach (with my '37) has been to gradually improve it, bit by bit, over the last 35 years. New tires here, body work there, a new paint job, engine work, and adding subtle upgrades (like overdrive, turn signals, halogen lights, seat belts) that make the car a real 'driver', is what I mean.



After an extended period of driving (sounds like you've really only had it on the road 'for awhile') you will have a much better concept of what you want to do. Maybe you can live with it 'as is', maybe you will want to change it. Give it more than a drive around the block, before you decide!

oldhudsons

my opinion: a '41 Hudson too rare to be ruined, do the right thing by the car or sell it to someone who will.

Unknown

ahh hotrod it. i say hot rod everything. everyone tells me my car is too rare to hotrod, but if it keeps breaking it will be a hotrod by spring time. i bought it because it was different, not everyone has one, i liked it, and it was cheaper than anything else i found in its condition, and i didnt even think i did that good on it. so to me, my car isnt valuable enough to not modify. its your car you do with it what will make you happy, you have to drive it, just dont rat rod it, save that for the long lost rusty shells found out in a field with nothing left.

Unknown

You've got the right idea htrdhudson. I really is all about the owner/builder. Rat rod really is just a passing fancy. It could be a transitional phase during preparation for complete restoration. I would like to inevitably restore it to original/improved original condition. Better reliability is what I would aim for. I'd like to drive the car daily if possible and that may unfortunately require a newer drivetrain. Too many options too many choices.

rambos_ride

Projekt wrote:

You've got the right idea htrdhudson. I really is all about the owner/builder. Rat rod really is just a passing fancy. It could be a transitional phase during preparation for complete restoration. I would like to inevitably restore it to original/improved original condition. Better reliability is what I would aim for. I'd like to drive the car daily if possible and that may unfortunately require a newer drivetrain. Too many options too many choices.

I think the biggest thing is determining a plan and budget then actually sticking with it.

I know right now I'm guilty of not sticking with my original plans with the addition of "suiciding" the rear doors has now added a couple more months and $$ to the overall project.

There's nothing wrong with driving, and enjoying your car as you go through the process - that is...if you're lucky enough to have a driver to start with!

Unknown

Luckily, this car is a driver. Starts and runs great. Needs a brake pedal return spring but otherwise is streetable. It is a complete car that has all of its parts with 66 years of wear and patina.

SamJ

I have an unrestored 1940 2-dr, which is similar. These are nice driving cars because they have IFS and center-point steering, but of course they're underpowered for the Freeway, even with OD. Dany Spring has nice one, same body style, with a 308/ 4bbl/700R4 tranny that's his daily driver. I would certainly keep it Hudson, but IMHO it would be worth going to a few Hudson meets and looking at what other guys have done with similar cars before comitting to anything too radical.:cool:

Unknown

That is just beautiful.

Is it lacquer or acrylic enamel paint? Do you have some more pics of different angles?

[Deleted User]

I like them original. But it is your car, do as you will. What ever trips your trigger! Just don't let it end up in a crusher. Good Luck



Barry Smedley

Unknown

I would say keep it original, but in the same time, why not explore the notion of doing a 308 conversion. These are clean looking cars, and honestly, I just don't have the desire to see another cut of 40-41 hudson. They don't street rod well, not like 36-38's, or even 39's, so I would recommend keeping the car more original, or even a bit hudson. just food for thought.



A time back, you would have gotten a major fisticuffs debate on here, I guess we all have gotten a bit mellow.... heck, I even had a poll the other day that didn't result in death threats in my PM box, or a warning from classic cars Admins... I guess I'm getting old....

[Deleted User]

I'd investigate a '55/'56 Wasp engine transplant w/OD.



Or, do the Dany Spring swaparoo.



Bottom line, I would consider keeping it as Hudson as possible. Hudson had many good parts along the years to pick from. Nobody here in going to boo-hoo a 308 or other later model super six swap.



I was one of the lucky ones and started with drivers or near drivers. I drive them while I work on them. What that has done for me is give me an appreciation of the good points, and understanding of the things I'd improve.



What I've settled on is changing things in a Hudson based hot rod configuration, with a road map back to original if I wanted to later.



Have fun, they are great cars.



Mark

Unknown

id put a 308 in my essex in the blink of an eye, they are just way too big and heavy for it. id have to do more cutting to keep it hudson than to install a certain v-8 i have in mind, and it sure isnt a chevy. i dont want to cut my car up at all, but i do want it to be more reliable and i want to be able to drive it anywhere. the super six thats in it is far from reliable and a little too primative for my liking, along wit hthe mechanical brakes and wood rims. if i knew it would hold a head gasket id work on tweaking the stock supersix, a small turbo comes to mind, but even if it did hold a head gasket, i dont think the rods would stay in the block for long. i have a decent plan.

Unknown

Sam's 40 is O R I G I N A L including the paint and is very nice!

Aaron D. IL

Projekt wrote:

You've got the right idea htrdhudson. I really is all about the owner/builder. Rat rod really is just a passing fancy. It could be a transitional phase during preparation for complete restoration. I would like to inevitably restore it to original/improved original condition. Better reliability is what I would aim for. I'd like to drive the car daily if possible and that may unfortunately require a newer drivetrain. Too many options too many choices.

Well it's yours do what you want but since you asked for opinions I'd just say that everyone and their grandmother has a V8 under the hood, A rodded 308 is much more interesting under the hood. I also disagree with the contention that a modern drivetrain is necesary to make an old car relaible. Granted some maintainance may be more frequent but if you're not willing to do maintainence you might as well get a new car....and even with new cars if people actually DID their maintainance they'd keep them longer and have better trade-in value. Ounce of prevention and all of that

Unknown

htrdhudson wrote:

id put a 308 in my essex in the blink of an eye, they are just way too big and heavy for it. id have to do more cutting to keep it hudson than to install a certain v-8 i have in mind, and it sure isnt a chevy. i dont want to cut my car up at all, but i do want it to be more reliable and i want to be able to drive it anywhere. the super six thats in it is far from reliable and a little too primative for my liking, along wit hthe mechanical brakes and wood rims. if i knew it would hold a head gasket id work on tweaking the stock supersix, a small turbo comes to mind, but even if it did hold a head gasket, i dont think the rods would stay in the block for long. i have a decent plan.

Wow a turbo... Now your talking. Just O-ring it and get some carrillo rods... How to get it plumbed in would be the interesting bit. Whether to run it with a draw through carb setup or some kind of injection system. I am getting ahead of myself now.... But the thought of a compound turbo system on the six sure turns my gears.

[Deleted User]

Just a thought . #1 It Is acceptable In the Hudson World to put any combination of Hudson motors In any Hudson Car or truck 212 -232-262-308 . #2 12 volt systems are OK for safety resins , Lights, starting Fuss busters For the fast 308's #3 and other safety idiom Is power disc brakes for safer stopping . #4 radials tires for safer hi-way driving . #5 The all important A/C because there are a lot of US that have wifes that won't go unless It Is cool Inside and out . #6 Is the variety of Dual 's 4 barrel carberators ,elec. pic -ups for the dist. elec fuel pumps . P/S O well enough Thanks for leting me vent . Don't for get KEEP THEM STOCK LOL Hudson Dave:eek:

bellbigdawg

I've got a real nice complete 1941 pickup that runs fine, looking to do the same, making it my daily driver. I live in a northern state(MN) that is made of salt, so I know a real good coat of protection is needed on frame, undercarriage, etc. I know the truck is sorta rare, and would also like better brakes, cold operation, etc. got a 2007 complete LS2 corvette motor and trans and know how sitting in a corner of the shop just wanting to jump in along with vette suspension. however, being for years involved in antique motorcycle 100 point resto's, I am really torn between keeping it all hudson, or resto-rod it. just saying I know the strugle on deciding what to do.

Unknown

So I guess I'll ask a stupid question.

What is my six in the '41?

The guy I bought it from said it is a 308. I don't remember the specifics though, besides that fact that he had the head overhauled.

oldhudsons

Your original engine would be either a 175 cu. in. or a 212 cu. inch depending on which model you have.

IF a 308 was installed modifications would have to be made as it is considerably longer & heavier. It would require a much bigger radiator (best choice if one was found would be from a '41 to '47 Hudson 8) which also has to be moved forward. Due to the added weight heavier front springs & steering are required (again best IF can be found, from a '41-'47 Hudson 8).

oldhudsons

One doesn't "overhaul" a Hudson head - you may have to "plane" it as if it is warped it will (a VERY common problem with 308s) blow headgaskets. After they've been "planed" or "decked" too many times they become unuseable which is why hot-rodders like Jack Clifford had new ones built.

Unknown

Alright... Sounds good. I'll have to reach out to the guy and see what was done.

[Deleted User]

I agree with oldhudsons. The guy I bought my 41 from wanted to rod it. I couldn't believe it .The car was complete right down to the hub caps. He was really looking for a 47 ford so I told him to let me know if he finds one and I'll buy the Hudson off him. I was never a Hudson favorite but I liked the way the hood opened and the suicide doors. After researching and finding out the history of hudsons and finding out how advanced they were for there time I was hooked. Anyway how many Hudsons do you see at car shows? Practially none. I just took the body off the frame and I'll tell the car sure was built. Back to original for me.

Here is a story someone told me at work. I live near fairgrounds wher they had auto thrill shows [Joey Chittwood] etc. This fella told me they had a ramp made at a slight angle to flip over cars for the crowd. All makes and models flipped over on the first or second try. Then came the hudson. Try as they might, they couldn't flip that Hudson untill the ramp was raised almost all the way up. The people couldn't believe it. True story.

Unknown

htrdhudson wrote:

ahh hotrod it. i say hot rod everything. everyone tells me my car is too rare to hotrod, but if it keeps breaking it will be a hotrod by spring time. i bought it because it was different, not everyone has one, i liked it, and it was cheaper than anything else i found in its condition, and i didnt even think i did that good on it. so to me, my car isnt valuable enough to not modify. its your car you do with it what will make you happy, you have to drive it, just dont rat rod it, save that for the long lost rusty shells found out in a field with nothing left.

I agree.

but look into your heart and what do YOU want to be scootin around in?. me, I like the chopped, channeled, satin black, dry lakes look. With a big motor and straight lakes pipes.