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JasonNC

While I'm on this "design flaw" kick, I may as well complain about how Hudson handled the spare tire position on 48 Hudsons. Anybody ever replace the trunk in a 48 with a "more modern" trunk where the spare tire sits upright as opposed to lying flat and taking up all the trunk space?

dave kastelic

Hey Jason. Sorry I did not get to meet you in Gettysburg. Thought you would be there. As to your question. How much stuff do you plan on carrying around in the trunk? Planning a long trip? How about the back seat? If this will not due I suggest you arrange the trunk as you see fit. Bottom line is the man that pays the bills makes the ultimate decision. When are you going to come by and take a look at my car? Talked to Judge Hayes today at the Crawdads game and he told me you have nothing but time on your hands.

JasonNC

I wanted to go to Gettysburg real bad, but I have a wedding to pay for in the fall. I want to see your car, just give me an address and I'll try to find you. I went to where Jr. was working on it, but couldn't find anyone around. I drove my Hudson today for the first time in months and it blew a fuse and shut down on me. Retirement, you got to love it.

Tallent R

I see no reason the later wheel well could not be added to a 48-49 car. No need to change entire floor just add the well I would think.
Roger

JasonNC

How do you get just the well?

Tallent R

Cut one out of a parts car and weld in to yours. Just need to find one that is not rusted out in the bottom,
Roger

StillOutThere

"Design flaw" ??? It was the way they were being done in half the auto industry at the time and some buyers preferred it that way. Placing them vertically didn't necessarily dominate the industry either. My 2007 car has it horizontal under a cover in the floor just like a '51 Kaiser. How is that for progress?

PAULARGETYPE

"design flaw"=JASION NC

SORRY ABOUT THAT LOL

MY 57 HUDSON HAS THE SPAIR LAYING FLAT ON THE FLOOR AS DOES ALL THE HASH CARS

SO THE UPRIGHT WAS ONLY 51,51,53,54 HUDSONS

THIS IS A HUDSON FORUM WE DON'T NEED THE "design flaw"

JUST MY THOUGHTS

JasonNC

QUOTE: "Design flaw" ??? It was the way they were being done in half the auto industry at the time and some buyers preferred it that way. Placing them vertically didn't necessarily dominate the industry either. My 2007 car has it horizontal under a cover in the floor just like a '51 Kaiser. How is that for progress?"

In case you didn't notice, my avatar is a 1954 Kaiser that has the spare under the floor, which is why I usually drive it when additional space is needed even though my preference is to drive the Hudson. OK PAUL, I GET THE MESSAGE. NO MORE DESIGN FLAW COMMENTS.

bobdriveshudson

A small comment about the wheel well area. If you put the well in to the passenger side of the gas tank, you restrict the usable area for the exhaust pipes. The 49 in my picture has no well and provided sufficient room for dual exhaust pipes to the rear bumper. Something else to consider. Thanks, Bob P

1951hornethardtop

Paul, Hows that 57 HH running? Hope to get back out East before I get to old to drive. lol The 51s spare tire was the same as 48, 49,50 Hudsons. I liked it better because you could go to bigger tires and they always fit in the trunk. Back in those days I still could get 3 kids and wifes and my luggage into the trunk along with spare parts. It took alittle planning. Unlike today with just the wife we take everything but the kitchen sink and need a van to carry everything. lol

RL Chilton

Jason-

If you go that way (vertical spare), don't forget to secure the two brackets that the tire bolts to. You don't want it banging around loose in the well. Cutting a well out of a parts car is a simple matter, as is cutting the hole in your trunk pan.

If I remember right, I think the later cars added an extra rib for strengthening the remainder of the floor pan. You might have to consider adding a stiffener. Just a thought.

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