ClassicCar

What part of the country are you in? Our national meet will be in Spokane ,Wa. on Aug.2 thru Aug.6. and there are many chapter meets next summer. Maybe there's one near you.

You'll fine great support in this club, along with parts availability. Very knowledgable and helpfull bunch. Good luck with your search!

Happy Holidays to you.

I'm not really sure - but I have heard around that the Packard people tend to be a bit snooty. The HET crowd, while somewhat nuts are more family oriented.



As for myself (I've said this more than once) I've been a member of a lot of clubs (never Packard tho) over the years - after 40 years of playing around this car hobby I'm still with the Hudson club. So they've got to be doing something right And most of the time I haven't been able to afford a Hudson!!!!!! But I'm still welcomed at meets - at least nobody throwing rocks at me - yet!!!!!!!



I'l echo what rpmonroe posted - you can't go wrong with a good Hudson and our club!!!!!!!!



Comes down to this: HET club = great people = great meets = and, oh yes, great cars.



Hudsonly,

Alex Burr

HudsonTech

Memphis, TN

You are not far from the SoCal chapter president, Jon Cronk. Try giving Jon a call 805 987 8187. Jon has a couple very nice Hudsons and one is for sale. There is your chance to take a test drive in a Hudson. The SoCal chapter has many get togethers all year long.



A little farther south is the California Inland Chapter. Also, with many meets throught the year. Perry Spring is president 909 460 0736. I live in Burbank, but I do not have a stepdown Hudson. Mine is a 47 Hudson pickup, a work in progress.



Both Hudson chapters have a very active group with very good people to hang out with. I'm glad to say I belong to both chapters. You are invited to participate in any of our get togethers. If interested give me a call. My name is Lee O'Dell and my phone is 818 845 2945 or email CLEESCARS@yahoo.com.

If I don't answer the phone leave a message and I will return the call ASAP.



Merry Christmas, Lee

I've been fooling around with old Hudsons and Packards for a long time.. Just had my 70th birthday. OWNED and driven five different Packards and five different Hudsons. Driven many others that belonged to friends and family.. As to smoothness of the straight 8's? Packard is certainly among the best. My 49 Commodore eight would be in the same class. I could balance a new nickle on its edge on the front fender while it was at idle. Can't do that with my 49 262 six.

The difference between 48 and 49 Hudsons is not visible from the outside. Both had exactly the same exterior grille and trim. One needs to check the serial number to determine the year.. Right front door post tag..48XXXXX or 49XXXXXXX.

As far as support from others in the hobby? Hands down.. It's Hudson Period.. I hve never had a fellow Packard owner offer to give me a part I needed. Not so with Hudson. I have been on both sides of parts gifts.. It's just a completely different attitude among the Hudson folks. Not to say there arent a few that are in it for a profit. (which is not a four letter word).Most are not. Good luck on your search for a Stepdown.

Dave W. Fl.

eatkinson wrote:

I really appreciate the candid responses. Thanks everyone, and if people have more opinions to share, I welcome them.



Interesting that people here have mentioned the Packard Pride factor that I became aware of right away. I'm quite sure there are many fine, helpful, and friendly folks who own Packards, so no disrespect meant, but I prefer not to wear ascots to my car shows.



Thanks to all for filling me on the various aspects of Hudson v. Packard for 1948 in terms of issues to look for. If there are any other helpful points, please mention them.



I'm glad to know about the HET club being so strong and supportive. That's obviously a huge help when dealing with a classic car. It doesn't necessarily surprise me that Hudsons are less expensive than Packards overall, but for the step down model I like, I've never found a very cheap one in decent shape. I'd figure you still have to spend $10K+ to get a "good driver". Do people have thoughts on this?



I'm interested in Browniepetersen's comments on the Hudson straight 8 being superior to the Packard 8. I've heard story after story about Packard's 48 custom 8 356 cid 9-main bearing engine being so smooth and quiet, one can't hear it when the engine's running. But oddly, I've not heard anything about Hudson's 8. Could people tell me their experience in smoothness/quietness of the Hudson eight, and how the engines differed in construction?



Also, for the particular Hudson model I'm interested in (Commodore 8 4dr), how easy are these cars to find? I don't see many of them for sale, and again, usually never for less than $10K. Comments?



I believe the year I prefer is 1948 only...although I'm unclear: which years of Step Downs used the horizontal bar grill? Did that include 1949?



Thanks to all of you for the support you're offering already. I'm sure I'll be giving a call or two here soon enough. Lee, if you're in Burbank, that's where I work every day, so I'm closer to some of you than I knew. Fantastic!



Sorry for the long post. At least I'm enthusiastic! :o

'48 and '49 Hudson's are virtually identical in every way with very minor differences. If you want an 8 cyl engine they are less common than 6 cyl. 262's and come in either Commodore 8 or Super 8 models with super 8's having less trim (it was a less expesenive 8 new)and being more rare. There is no difference in the wheelbase 6 or 8's for those years. I'm told 8's are different driving expereince. Also the 8 is an older engine Hudson developed back in the 1930's and continued after the war. The last 8 offered was 1952. They do come up for sale every so often and if you were in the HET club cars change hands between members sometimes rather than on the open market because the owners want to see them go to a good home.



The club is a driver's club we believe in keeping them on the road. We don't give trophies and that has contributed to more of a spirit of cooperation among the members. Only trophies you can get in HET are "hard luck" awards if you tried to get to a meet and your Hudson broke down. We like to see them on the road in any condition so you don't have to feel shamed if your car isn't perfect. You'll find members to be very open with tech advice and information. The network of parts sources and suppliers is really pretty good for a make of car that that ceased production over 50 years ago. For my own part I useed to be in the Tbird club and as a younger guy members took a condescending attitude towards me. HET Club was way different, the made me feel welcome and encouraged.



Hudson owners are free spirits. They are a different breed and sometimes eccentric. Some only care about Hudson's and aren't interested in any other make of car. Some will say it's the greatest car America ever made at any price level and are fiercely loyal to the marque. Even when they were new they cars garnered high loyalty and people who bought Hudson's were repeat buyers. Most club members on average own more than one.



As far as price.... I've gotten runners cheap in the past. Sedans will be less expensive than coupes or other models as a general rule. It also depends on what level of car you're after and how much work you may be willing to put into it. $10 K should in theory net you a solid runner driver with some wear and cosmetic problems, if not a few maintainence issues. The main thing is if you know what you want be patient, ask around frequently, keep your ear to the ground. '49s are more common than '48s in the HET club.



I can't comment much on Packard. Those are some beautiful cars but I've heard the same rumor than there is some snootiness among owners. I'm unsure of the level of support that club has for its' cars. I do know that pre-war Packards are EXPENSIVEEEEEEEE Whereas Hudson values have traditionally not kept up pace with the values of Big 3 cars. But in terms of road handling, a '48 - '49 is superior to almost any other make of car made in those same years and will do battle with modern traffic just fine.



Also just a personal note, get into any old car because you love it and don't mind getting stuck with it. Value or "investment" is always the wrong reason to get into this hobby unless you are a Bugatti collector in which case you're in a different class anyways. LOL

'48-'49 model lineup from least trim to top of the line trip goes like thing



Super 6 - Super 8 - Commodore 6 - Commodore 8.



Body styles: Club Coupe, Business Coupe (no back seat), Brougham (2 door sedan), 4 door sedan, and Convertible.



Not all body styles were available on all models. The most expensive Hudson you could've bought in '48-'49 would've been a Commodore 8 convertible with all the options.



Most had turn signals but I think they were optional. No AC until 1956. Spotlights YES, visors, YES, stonegaurds YES, radio YES records, don't know. Hudson had a lot of color combos for the exterior but only like 3 for the interior. back seat had carpets standard.... I think front was optional.. someone can confirm that.



Engines: 262 6 cyl. and 254 8 cyl.



Trans options: 3 spd. 3 spd with overdrive. Drivemaster, vacumotive drive.



I think there was 2 differential ratios too. Someone else can fill that one in.



Hudson was an engineering company just like Chrysler so if you choose to get into Hudson's it's a easy transition.

eatkinson wrote:

Ah, ok. So looking through the literature (again, thanks Alex), I spot "Direction Indicator" as an option. Wonderful!



What about Air Conditioning? Was that an option? I see "Weather-Control", but I'm not going to assume. I remember reading an article about a step-down Hudsons in a long-past issue of Collectible Automobile where it referred to "rare factory air conditioning". Is "Weather Control" A/C?



Now for a revision of my question on body styles:



In the same factory literature, it answers which trimlines appeared in which series. My questions are now:



1. Which coupe is the "Business Coupe" and which one is the "Club Coupe"? I can tell one looks like the 4DR sedan with a similar roofline...I would call this the Club Coupe. The other that has a different roofline and extremely long rear deck, I would call the Business coupe. Do I have this right?



2. Which body style is the Brougham and what were it's trim options (other than the convertible)?



Thanks guys!

This is a 1950 brougham.

Hudson offered factory air in 1955,1956,1957, and Packard v8 and Ultramatic in 1955 and 1956. Actually, when I bring my 1956 Hudson with Packard v8 and Ultramatic to a Packard meet, they are very nice and enjoy the car. I have always felt welcomed. Haven't met any one there that was rude or snooty. They call it a Kenosha Clipper!

Anyone can check out one of the Packard sites at; www.packardinfo.com;

They are both great cars, but it is easier to get parts, help and information on Hudsons. Just compare this site to the Packard site on Classiccar.com.

Ken U-Tx wrote:

They aren't letters at all, they are representations of castle rooks and sailing ships, look more closely, or maybe you need near distance reading glasses? LOL

OOps, I forgot that you don't actually have a 48-49 Commodore yet, and obviously you were looking at a rather indistinct photograph. I have one of those steering wheel oblong ornaments, will try to get a detailed close up shot to post on here.

Turbopackman wrote:

This statement is my only problem. Having owned both a Hudson eight and a Packard eight, there is absolutley no question that the Packard eight, whether it's a 288, 327, 356, or a 359, is so superior to the Hudson eight it makes the Hudson engine look like a antiquated hunk of iron. They still used poured babbit in the last year they made them, 1952! Full pressure lubrication, fugettaboutit! I have been in several Packard straight eights and one Hudson eight, and there's nothing better about the Hudson eight than a Packard eight. And if you want to get reallllly technical, from everything I can tell, the Packard eight and the Hudson 232/262/308 are very similar in design and quality.



Let the flames begin!

Can I put the flames on the front of my 39 Hudson roadster and be accepted at a Packard meet? Comparing Packard engines to Hudson engines is a little like comparing Tiger Woods girlfriends. They all look reasonably attractive and function with little or no flaws? I understand, from rumor, that performance does differ with each one? My 34 V-12 Packard was a great car. Smooth and fun to drive. The flat 8 Packard was also a quiet and smooth engine. Did not like the car that much-reminded me of taking a bath? Now, then the 52 Hudson 6 brought me membership in the Bonneville Salt Flats 100 mph club and set a new land speed record for a stock Hudson. Great running car and the engine was a lot of fun to build. I now have a 36 Hudson with the 8 cyl engine. The car is registered with the CCA as a full Classic and drop by at the National this year in Spokane and we will ballance coins on the running engine and go for a ride. You may just fall in love with this Hudson as I have. If not, my third car can always be another Packard.

Turbopackman wrote:

This statement is my only problem. Having owned both a Hudson eight and a Packard eight, there is absolutley no question that the Packard eight, whether it's a 288, 327, 356, or a 359, is so superior to the Hudson eight it makes the Hudson engine look like a antiquated hunk of iron. They still used poured babbit in the last year they made them, 1952! Full pressure lubrication, fugettaboutit! I have been in several Packard straight eights and one Hudson eight, and there's nothing better about the Hudson eight than a Packard eight. And if you want to get reallllly technical, from everything I can tell, the Packard eight and the Hudson 232/262/308 are very similar in design and quality.



Let the flames begin!

Heh heh... figgered you'd jump on this thread eventually.

When I first told my engine machinist I was building a 308, he groaned and asked what I wanted with that old boat anchor. After a few questions I realized his only experience with Hudson engines was with a 254 eight. Once I assured him the six had full pressure oiling and main bearing inserts that were all the same diameter, he settled down and did a heckuva job on my big six. My guess is there are more than a few on this forum that wish Hudson would have spent some money developing an OHV bent-8 LONG before 1957.

Ken U-Tx wrote:

OOps, I forgot that you don't actually have a 48-49 Commodore yet, and obviously you were looking at a rather indistinct photograph. I have one of those steering wheel oblong ornaments, will try to get a detailed close up shot to post on here.

Here's a pic of that 48-49 Commodore steering wheel ornament.

Comparing car brands is akin to discussing politics and religion- everyone has their loyalties and their reasons. I like the thirties Hudsons such as the 34- 37's but my lust is with the stepdowns. I find it hard to compare a Packard of the stepdown era Vs a Hudson of the era. The stepdown Hudson is considered one of the most influential car designs ever and is listed as a "milestone car". I'm sure the straight eight engines of both were great engines for their time but the Hornet 308 6 cyl is simply legendary, as is the car. A large displacement 6 that did more than run with the modern V-8's, such as the 303 Old's rocket and even the new Hemi. A tribute to this engine is the volume of all the old speed equipment that was made available for these Hudson Hornet cars from manufactuers such as Clifford, Edmunds, Edelbrock, Mallory, etc.

In my experience, most people who hear the word "Hudson" will reply "Hudson Hornet". My two cents, for the stepdown era, the Packard can't even compete with the cool factor, notoriety and racing provenance of the stepdown. BTW, part of the Cool factor is when Johnny Lightning, Disney, Matchbox, etc make and sell 100 million toy cars of your pride and joy.

I have to get one more comment in on this post before it goes away. And I agree somewhat that I am biased? However, Let me put this into terms that I can understand: I have a 1936 Hudson 8 that was designed by Reid Railton and bodied by Coachcraft in London, England. It has its good points and its bad points but bottom line is that I have never seen a 36 Packard that I would trade it straight across for. Now, I realize that it will move from the paint booth today and on to the assembly/detail part of my shop on the way to a fresh, although driver style, restoration. If you are one of the folks that go for high end restorations with all the "tricks" that the classic cars had in the 30"s... this is that car. If you have a 36 packard you can make me an offer for a trade and in polite terms: you'd be SOL? Yep, I guess I am biased..... Oh, by the way, I felt the same way about my 52 Twin-H Hornet?