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Hudson Terraplane info required
  • peril 787b
    Posts: 4Hitchhiker
    Hi all,
    A mate and myself are embarking on a project that is possibly beyond either of us, but together we hope to achieve, which is restoring/rebuilding/repairing (any other "re's" that may be necessary) a Hudson Terraplane 6.
    First off, endless research has failed at working out what year the car actually is.
    We believe it is a 37, but have been told everything from 34 thru to 39.
    Short of pictures (always forget the camera), all I can tell you at the moment is it's a 4 door, rear suicide, right hand drive 6 cylinder.
    The engine has cast on left side of block 61637, towards the rear on same side has cast 152500 with 1 H below it (1 is above the H) and stamped into the block near #5 cylinder (still l/h side) is 339559. The head has stamped 152527.
    Does any of this assist anyone in identifying the engine year?
    Where do we begin to look for the chassis number to work out what model/spec/year it could be?

    Would be greatful for any information.

    Originally I had posted this in general, and was suggested to move it here.
  • ValVal
    Posts: 102Greasemonkey
    On my 39 the serial number is on the right side forward door post. Not sure about other years as I am new to hudson cars myself. But maybe yours is in the same place.
  • 46HudsonPU46HudsonPU
    Posts: 5,152Moderator
    As indicated by Val, you should find the serial number on the front-right door post, about level with the dashboard.

    1936 and before, the front doors will be suicide. The front doors from 1937 on will open in the conventional manner (unless altered).

    Photos help a great deal on identification - as one might expect. Do a google search of the internet for "1936 Terraplane Pictures", "1937 Terraplane pictures", "1938 Terraplane pictures", "1939 Hudson pictures" (1938 was the last year for the Terraplane name), etc., and hopefully you will find a picture that resembles your vehicle.

    Be aware that some internet photos will be mis-labeled...

    Let us know how it goes, and please keep us advised as to your progress, ok?

    Rick
  • Jon BJon B
    Posts: 4,770Moderator
    Definitely find the body number! The engine could be a transplant from another year.

    As stated above, the plate bearing the number is on the passenger's side front door post (right side as you sit in the driver's seat in U.S. built cars). If you have a right hand drive car it may be on the LEFT door post.

    It is generally also stamped on the rear axle housing on the right side (again, "right" being when you are sitting in the seat looking forward) toward the right side of the car, and on the top of the housing. Take a flashlight, mirror and wire brush (to scrape off the rust) to find this. Also, you'll find it on the frame of the car, on the right side, in the area above where the front axle passes under the frame. Top or outside of the frame rail...I forget which.

    If the front door handle is at the REAR of the door it would be a 1937 or newer.

    Here's a 1937:
    1937_Terraplane_picture_car%20(14).jpg

    Here's a 1938:
    22_20091205013400.jpg

    If it's any newer than 1938 it isn't a Terraplane. If the front door handle is at the back of the door, it isn't earlier than a 1937. So there you have it.
  • ESSX28-1ESSX28-1
    Posts: 995Platinum Member
    I'd look for a copy of Don Butler's book "The History of Hudson" ISBN 0-87938-696-7 Originally published in 1982 & again in 1992. This book has annotated photos of virtually all Hudson,Essex & Terraplane model made & is generally regarded as the most complete (& accurate) photographic listing available. Maybe your local library has one available or it still comes up on eBay sometimes.
    Dave Y
    New Zealand
  • Kevin C.Kevin C.
    Posts: 410Platinum Member
    Here are 3 pictures of VIN locations. The blue tape denotes the location.

    Right side of frame
    [attachment=13222]VINPics001.jpg[/attachment]

    Rear axle
    [attachment=13223]VINPics002.jpg[/attachment]

    Top of frame (You won't see this unless you remove the body!)
    [attachment=13224]VINPics003.jpg[/attachment]

    You can also find the VIN on the right front axle near the fork for the king pin.


    Kevin C.
    VINPics001.jpg
    800 x 600 - 37K
    VINPics002.jpg
    800 x 600 - 50K
    VINPics003.jpg
    800 x 600 - 29K
  • Marconi
    Posts: 549Platinum Member
    At least to I.D. the engine, wire brush, scrape lightly, clean the top of the block between the first two exhaust ports. Unless it's a factory replacement the engine number will be stamped there, at least it will tell you what year the engine is.
  • denverslim
    Posts: 407Platinum Member
    .....and just so, as not to feel slighted.....

    Here's a '36!...slim

    TriptoTravs-2008120-1.jpg
  • peril 787b
    Posts: 4Hitchhiker
    Marconi wrote:
    At least to I.D. the engine, wire brush, scrape lightly, clean the top of the block between the first two exhaust ports. Unless it's a factory replacement the engine number will be stamped there, at least it will tell you what year the engine is.
    I've posted the numbers from the engine, they were on the opposite side to the manifolds.
    Still to search for the chassis numbers, now that I have an idea where to look. Will be doing some more work to the car tomorrow night, so will have a good look then and hopefully remember the camera.
  • john clarkejohn clarke
    Posts: 14Hitchhiker
    Thanks for these photos Kevin! Are the photos from a 37?
  • Kevin C.Kevin C.
    Posts: 410Platinum Member
    John,

    You are welcome and glad to help.

    The pictures are of a 39 112.


    Kevin C.
  • john clarkejohn clarke
    Posts: 14Hitchhiker
    Kevin C.,

    I'll poke around tomorrow and gather all the numbers from the locations you've pointed out and from the engine and let you know what I come up with. This will also answer the question of what carb I need.

    John C.
  • john clarkejohn clarke
    Posts: 14Hitchhiker
    hello Kevin,

    If you have a spare moment would you mind calling me on my cell phone 415-308-8858?