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New project
  • bent metalbent metal
    Posts: 1,343Platinum Member
    Well, Dad picked up a new project. He says it's a 1925 Essex. The frame is going to need a little work. We're looking for suggestions as to what body to make for it. :rolleyes:hmmm, pick-up, maybe a rummble seat coupe?



    What do you think?:)
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  • Hugh's_Hornet
    Posts: 40Senior Contributor
    Looks like somebody did a "Form-a-tractor" conversion on it.
  • hudsonsoulhudsonsoul
    Posts: 234Gold Member
    Umm. If you say it's an Essex well I would not know... What I do know, from the work you have posted here, is whatever you decide to make it will be amazing.



    Why not take a Chip Foose angle and make it a modern interpretation of a '25 Essex Boattail or Coupe w/rumble.



    I know that whatever you decide it will be impressive. Because if you looked at the frame and said "works for me" you will need some positive words.



    Todd
  • esfoderesfoder
    Posts: 129Expert Adviser
    I saw something like that on junkyard wars one time. Cool place to start. Just don't take it in the sand. Steel paddles dig holes..





    Dusty
  • Hudson Dave
    Posts: 281Gold Member
    Now I know why they call you BENT METAL:p That frame is about as bad as the one I started with:eek:on my Buolson. Hudson Dave :D
  • bent metalbent metal
    Posts: 1,343Platinum Member
    Hudson Dave wrote:
    Now I know why they call you BENT METAL:p That frame is about as bad as the one I started with:eek:on my Buolson. Hudson Dave :D



    Well lets see some pictures! :) ..........By the way, what's a "Buolson".
  • esfoderesfoder
    Posts: 129Expert Adviser
    Is that a trailer hitch on the front? Was it a hay wagon or something in it's past life? I see much work in the future for you.
  • bent metalbent metal
    Posts: 1,343Platinum Member
    It was used as a crane that would be pulled around the property. Notice the brakes were hooked up to the bumper bracket that has been turned around backwards. Then a long handle attached to that, front left hand side of the frame. Pretty smart.:)
  • Hudson Dave
    Posts: 281Gold Member
    Hey Bent Metel Hudson Dave here . You have looked at my Buolson on page 2-3 of this site under:confused: Hudson Dave's next project . A Buolson it a combination I came up with Not to discriminate against anyone. Buick, Oldsmobille and Hudson :eek: Bu-ol-son . Now you know :rolleyes:what a Buolson Is :p Hudson Dave
  • royerroyer
    Posts: 998Platinum Member
    You could always use the Essex body off your Rat Rod...or better yet use the Jeep body from the frame that you used for your Essex Rat....
  • SamJSamJ
    Posts: 1,404Platinum Member
    If I brought that home and told my wife it was my next project, I wouldn't be getting any Essex or any other kind for quite a while...:D
    HETfortyqtpi@earthlink.net (drop the HET)

  • BrowniepetersenBrowniepetersen
    Posts: 2,406Platinum Member
    I always love to see a dream as it is being formed. I am not sure if I have a hook in my mouth, but I will go along. It is not much different than some I have brought home. Just North of me there is a Essex "Bucket" Roadster. Nice ride--was not too long ago that the owner and I were speeding down the salt flats in her.... 20something Essex with a stepdown engine and twin H. Like I say: Dare to Dream...:D:D:rolleyes:
    Brownie
  • bent metalbent metal
    Posts: 1,343Platinum Member
    SamJ wrote:
    If I brought that home and told my wife it was my next project, I wouldn't be getting any Essex or any other kind for quite a while...:D



    LOL, if you look at the first photo my Mom is pointing at the frame and saying either "What the heck is that?", "She's a beaut' Clark!", or "Nice patina." I can't remember which she actually said.:D

    As for my wife saying anything, she doesn't even bother any more. ...Unless I try and put it in the front yard.;)
  • bent metalbent metal
    Posts: 1,343Platinum Member
    royer wrote:
    You could always use the Essex body off your Rat Rod...or better yet use the Jeep body from the frame that you used for your Essex Rat....



    Haha, THE JEEP BODY! Nah, that's going backwards. I'm trying to build Hudsons not Jeeps.:D
  • bent metalbent metal
    Posts: 1,343Platinum Member
    Browniepetersen wrote:
    I always love to see a dream as it is being formed. I am not sure if I have a hook in my mouth, but I will go along. It is not much different than some I have brought home. Just North of me there is a Essex "Bucket" Roadster. Nice ride--was not too long ago that the owner and I were speeding down the salt flats in her.... 20something Essex with a stepdown engine and twin H. Like I say: Dare to Dream...:D:D:rolleyes:



    Houston, we have a problem! My Dad took the suspension off of the frame today and when he did it went BOING! and curled up even more!! At this point he is trying to talk me out of waisting any time on it. I'm pretty stubborn and I hate to let another Hudson go to the scrap yard when it could be saved. hmm, what do you guys think?
  • 46HudsonPU46HudsonPU
    Posts: 5,146Moderator
    bent metal wrote:
    Houston, we have a problem! My Dad took the suspension off of the frame today and when he did it went BOING! and curled up even more!! At this point he is trying to talk me out of waisting any time on it. I'm pretty stubborn and I hate to let another Hudson go to the scrap yard when it could be saved. hmm, what do you guys think?

    If you're looking for a seriously challenging project - I think you've found it...

    I think the only way that frame will be totally straight would be to chop it up, melt it down and make a new one out of the residue...
  • Hudson308Hudson308
    Posts: 1,405Platinum Member
    bent metal wrote:
    Houston, we have a problem! My Dad took the suspension off of the frame today and when he did it went BOING! and curled up even more!! At this point he is trying to talk me out of waisting any time on it. I'm pretty stubborn and I hate to let another Hudson go to the scrap yard when it could be saved. hmm, what do you guys think?



    I'm thinkin' if you can get that frame straight again, they could use you in the penal system somewhere (or Wall Street?). Seriously, though... you may need to remove all the crossmembers and straighten the rails seperately. :eek:
    Workin Stiff
  • RL ChiltonRL Chilton
    Posts: 3,444Platinum Member
    BM-



    Y'all know I'm not against saving another Hudson. You all have seen my project, but, seriously! Wouldn't finding a better frame candidate be prudent here? And if you're that desperate for work, call me. I'll bet I can come up with some more projects for you.



    But, that said, more power to 'ya. I also think you're going to have to straighten the frame rails individually by first removing the crossmembers.



    Interstingly enough, I just bought a new Porta-Power. Can't wait to try it out.
  • bent metalbent metal
    Posts: 1,343Platinum Member
    I saw that frame too, Dave Kostansek I think is the one who is selling it. I'm really not looking for a frame or a project. I just don't want to see another Hudson part go to the recycler when it could be saved. I'm going to make this frame a yard ornament for now (don't tell the wife, I'll put down the side of the house, she'll never know).;) Maybe someday I'll get around to it. Between now and then I'll probably build it a hundred times, and a hundred different ways while I'm trying to go to sleep at night.:)
  • 46HudsonPU46HudsonPU
    Posts: 5,146Moderator
    bent metal wrote:
    I saw that frame too, Dave Kostansek I think is the one who is selling it. I'm really not looking for a frame or a project. I just don't want to see another Hudson part go to the recycler when it could be saved. I'm going to make this frame a yard ornament for now (don't tell the wife, I'll put down the side of the house, she'll never know).;) Maybe someday I'll get around to it. Between now and then I'll probably build it a hundred times, and a hundred different ways while I'm trying to go to sleep at night.:)
    Sort of figured that you weren't really looking for a replacement...

    But, it is nice (or intimidating? :eek: ) to see how straight that frame is supposed to be, isn't it?
    Keeping it hidden from the better half may be a problem... :confused:
    Put it up on a couple of saw horses, lay some plywood and a tarp on top of it and tell her it is place for the dogs to go to get out of the rain...
  • rambos_riderambos_ride
    Posts: 3,123Platinum Member
    bent metal wrote:
    I saw that frame too, Dave Kostansek I think is the one who is selling it. I'm really not looking for a frame or a project. I just don't want to see another Hudson part go to the recycler when it could be saved. I'm going to make this frame a yard ornament for now (don't tell the wife, I'll put down the side of the house, she'll never know).;) Maybe someday I'll get around to it. Between now and then I'll probably build it a hundred times, and a hundred different ways while I'm trying to go to sleep at night.:)

    You'd better go pick this motor up then!

    http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/boa/1007153131.html

    invader.jpginvader2.jpginvader3.jpg


    I've driven past this engine - it's huge, but with this engine and your skills you could put the Blastoleen Brothers to shame!

    Just think - 1000CC Twin Turbos or a supercharger added.

    The price used to be 1500 - I bet you could get it for 500 and change!
  • hornet53hornet53
    Posts: 395Platinum Member
    My G-Pa used to have a few of those Invader motors. One actually ran. It had a trailer built for it that had a big water trough built around the motor. It caught fire one night attached to the back of his RV. That was the last I heard of it. My Grandmother likes to tell the story about the night Grandpa went firefighting in his underwear.



    This is all I got regarding the BIG Six motors built by Hudson.

    (notice the Twin-H-Countertop, does that say single guy or what?)
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    1953 Hornet sedan Twin-H
    Custom front springs, drop-blocks out back, Clifford 6-2 headers exiting out back shotgun style, Pertronix, and Flames!

    1964 Chevy C-10 Longbed, 396/TH400 lowered just enough and \"easy to touch up\" Black paint.

    2003 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor
    Caved in quarter and fender. Bad paint. Non-True-Trac heap. But it's paid for.
  • 52Stude52Stude
    Posts: 50Senior Contributor
    Think that Invader engine would fit into my 1930 engine bay? would have to fit under the hood and everything. Definately make for a conversation piece at the shows!
  • 46HudsonPU46HudsonPU
    Posts: 5,146Moderator
    kahonas wrote:
    Think that Invader engine would fit into my 1930 engine bay? would have to fit under the hood and everything. Definately make for a conversation piece at the shows!
    Imagine submitting that combination for the "Albright Award"!
  • Hudson308Hudson308
    Posts: 1,405Platinum Member
    kahonas wrote:
    Think that Invader engine would fit into my 1930 engine bay? would have to fit under the hood and everything. Definately make for a conversation piece at the shows!



    Now THAT would take "Kahonas". Picture a '30 Hudson OR Essex 3-Window with an Invader in the breeze... polish & paint that monster motor up and bolt it onto a mid-40's Federal semi tractor frame... oh, yeah daddy....... :eek:
    Workin Stiff
  • MikeWAMikeWA
    Posts: 1,440Platinum Member
    kahonas wrote:
    Think that Invader engine would fit into my 1930 engine bay? would have to fit under the hood and everything. Definately make for a conversation piece at the shows!



    There's a car show in my area called the "Unfinished Nationals"- probably the most fun of any I have gone to. Plenty of nice, finished cars, but also, cars half done, rat rods, cars on trailers with guys working on them at the show (someone chopped the top on an old Ford pickup while everyone watched), etc. One year, there was an incredibly awful looking '32 Chrysler roadster, with a huge, gleaming flathead inline (8, I think) engine. Engine was a Dusenberg, and the owner was a Dusenberg restorer. Had restored the engine, but had no Dusey to put it in at the moment, so stuffed it in the Chrysler. I liked his attitude- "Couldn't stand to see a perfectly good engine just sitting there- now I get to enjoy it, until I get a proper car to put it in." No trailer queen there, even tho the engine was gorgeous.
  • 52Stude52Stude
    Posts: 50Senior Contributor
    what are the dimensions of the invader, does anyone know? THis might be fun!
  • rambos_riderambos_ride
    Posts: 3,123Platinum Member
    kahonas wrote:
    what are the dimensions of the invader, does anyone know? THis might be fun!

    OH - you could make it fit...but the weight "distribution" is the problem, if I remember correctly 1000lbs :eek: (can't recall if that is with or without the transmission)

    I'd actually like to see it put in an vintage unlimited hydroplane and give some of those RR engines a run for their money!
  • 52Stude52Stude
    Posts: 50Senior Contributor
    I found on a site...says it weighs in at 3000 pounds that would be a little difficult to work around! the later road motor, the 400, only weighed in at 2200 but both were considered light weight for their applications!
  • bent metalbent metal
    Posts: 1,343Platinum Member
    Rambo's Ride, your so close to where it's at you should go get it.

    You could make a cab over car hauler for you Hudson. Shorten the nose on a 40'-47' pick up truck and a custom bed for car haulin'. Use a diesel frame, it could be done.:)
  • BrowniepetersenBrowniepetersen
    Posts: 2,406Platinum Member
    46HudsonPU wrote:
    Imagine submitting that combination for the "Albright Award"!



    So, I would guess from what you are saying, if I restore my "Martz" roadster to the exact condition it was in when it was customized in the mid fifties that it would not be accepted to be judged as an Albright Award?



    Why, that is just mean....
    Brownie
  • Hudson308Hudson308
    Posts: 1,405Platinum Member
    rambos_ride wrote:
    OH - you could make it fit...but the weight "distribution" is the problem, if I remember correctly 1000lbs :eek: (can't recall if that is with or without the transmission)



    I'd actually like to see it put in an vintage unlimited hydroplane and give some of those RR engines a run for their money!



    Or an oversized vintage Chris-Craft style dual cockpit runabout... Haaaaay... mebbe combine the two... :D
    Workin Stiff
  • Hudson308Hudson308
    Posts: 1,405Platinum Member
    kahonas wrote:
    I found on a site...says it weighs in at 3000 pounds that would be a little difficult to work around! the later road motor, the 400, only weighed in at 2200 but both were considered light weight for their applications!



    See? Drop it onto a pinched vintage big-truck frame and use the old drivetrain behind that marine monster. Two-speed rearend would be a bonus. Make the cab sheetmetal look like a factory ute or RPU. Sure, a modern diesel frame would be much cheaper & easier, but it just wouldn't have that old car smell. ;)
    Workin Stiff
  • rambos_riderambos_ride
    Posts: 3,123Platinum Member
    Hudson308 wrote:
    See? Drop it onto a pinched vintage big-truck frame and use the old drivetrain behind that marine monster. Two-speed rearend would be a bonus. Make the cab sheetmetal look like a factory ute or RPU. Sure, a modern diesel frame would be much cheaper & easier, but it just wouldn't have that old car smell. ;)

    It would be fun to toy with! I've seen complete running ones for 9k :eek:

    With that kind of weight - I'd probably go for a modern diesel frame - and push an old cab down over the top - Probably strech out a Hudson Cab - make it into a quad-cab!

    If the guy was just going to scrap it I would probably try and grab the motor...Not much lifting really - I'd use my cherry picker and trailer, but still I wouldn't want to try and move it alone.

    But that darn thing would have to keep sitting outside for a couple of years until I could get to it - its HUGE!

    Its Lawn Art, Honey...yeah...
  • 46HudsonPU46HudsonPU
    Posts: 5,146Moderator
    Browniepetersen wrote:
    So, I would guess from what you are saying, if I restore my "Martz" roadster to the exact condition it was in when it was customized in the mid fifties that it would not be accepted to be judged as an Albright Award?

    Why, that is just mean....
    Brownie - You've taken my statement out of context... What I mean and meant to say is that would be something to see!
    I don't see any reason why a modified cannot compete for the Albright award, in fact quite the contrary - they should be encouraged to do so.

    According to the rules of the Albright Award, A Hudson car with a Hudson engine (any Hudson engine) qualifies for submission - at least that's the way I read it...

    And, I for one, look forward to the day when you're able to enter your Martz roadster for the Albright Award -
  • 52Stude52Stude
    Posts: 50Senior Contributor
    if you want to make a quad cab truck, just take the body of a 4 door from the 30's, easier than stretching a regular cab.
  • BrowniepetersenBrowniepetersen
    Posts: 2,406Platinum Member
    46HudsonPU wrote:
    Brownie - You've taken my statement out of context... What I mean and meant to say is that would be something to see!

    I don't see any reason why a modified cannot compete for the Albright award, in fact quite the contrary - they should be encouraged to do so.



    According to the rules of the Albright Award, A Hudson car with a Hudson engine (any Hudson engine) qualifies for submission - at least that's the way I read it...



    And, I for one, look forward to the day when you're able to enter your Martz roadster for the Albright Award -



    I was just funning with you. I have always felt that the "spirit" behind the Albright award was to save a Hudson from the crusher, bring it back to the world we love of driving and enjoying the Hudson for what it was and is. Much like we see Bill doing with the cars he builds and makes available to new and old Hudson Club members. As unsual as my car is, I feel it lost it's chance to be an Albright winner in 1952 when the body was drastically modified and the drive was changed. The vision for the Martz car is to recapture the dream of a veteran returning from World War II and make it available for everyone to see and enjoy. I am one who believes those were good days for our hobby. However; Everyone, needs a modified Hudson. I have another Hudson that I am preparing (frame off restoration) that may qualify for consideration as an Albright Award winner someday. ;)
    Brownie