ClassicCar

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I need some basic advice on lowering the front of my 1954 Hornet. Some history is the owner before swapped out the flat head engine and in its place is a much lighter Chevy 250-6.

Please don’t tear the ride up to much, I’m aware there a lot of people don’t consider this a Hudson any more but i dig this sled. The tin is in unbelievable shape (South West).

So the car needs to be lowered (2"-3")as i don’t see in the further installing the original flat head soon on my budget.

I’ve worked on the car here and there and the car is headed in the right direction.

I was able to find some books once i get them that should help with part description etc..

My question is tools required to drop the lower A frame and if someone has the knowhow and time to walk me thru it I would be very appreciative.
Would new coil's be in order of cut down the old ones?

PS- I’m a new member so I guess it fair for you guys to have you fun but I do need some help.

Matt

Ol racer

FYI
Welcome to the Forum. I dont think anyone will fault you for buying a Hudson with another motor these days, but at one time that was frowned on by some. I suggest joining the Hudson Club www.hudson.club.org. for a volume of advice,Tech Tips, parts vendors, bi monthly Magazine, and much more....

Ive lowered the rear with lowering blocks available at many auto stores.
The proper method to lower the front would be softer springs but ive lowered my Hudson's by cutting the coils on one and heating another to drop the front down. However when coils are cut or heated makes a little harsher ride. The tools needed are no different than other coil spring cars but you would need to obtain or borrow a 'spring compressor tool'. Perhaps AutoZone lends the Tool.

If you want a real low rider then probably Air Suspension is the way to go.

chopperchuck

ford aero minivan front springs are supposed to work,lowers about 2 1/2-3 without harsh or bumpy ride of a cut spring,
WELCOME ABOARD TOO! :silly:

tied with ya Ol racer! :side:

walts garage-53 · walts garage-53 February 2012 Posts: 1,488Platinum Member

How much clearance do you have from top of tire to edge of fender? You should be able to slid a 1 inch board straight in. That is the correct height for the front end, less or more will affect the steering on the highways and tire wear. Walt.

akcoop

To make sure the right info is out there, our club website is www.hetclub.org.

54SuperWasp

Hi Matt and Welcome to your new forum cause I think, like I did, that you will adopt it. There is a lot of help and an incredible knowledge from a lot of members here. A good sense of humor is required too, but this is what friends are for. And I cannot blame you for your choice of a 54 Hudson! Another advice: We like to see pictures of Hudson cars! Michel

hornet53

I had a set of custom coild wound up for mine. I think I got them through Chicago Spring. I just called them up and told them what I had, what I wanted (2.5 inch drop, and 10% rate increase) and they shipped them to my house. I think it was around $200. Personally, if I were to do it again, I would go with a 40-50% increase in the rate, but I drive my car like a maniac sometimes.

Browniepetersen

Matt, I noticed that from your bio that you are from New York. There are quite a few Hudson folks around where you live. I also noticed that you have another member in your home town. When you go to the HET website as mentioned check out the Region listing for one close to you and give the president a call. I am sure that the Hudson folks would be even more helpful than what you have heard from the folks here on the Forum. Most of the Hudson folks have more than one car (it getts habit forming) and most have one that has some modifications. You will find that the Hudson people simply put, love Hudson's. The Hudson Club does not do judging so generally speaking every one of us goes nuts every time we see a Hudson that we have not seen before. By the way--pictures are good. From your avatar it looks like you have a sweet ride......

onerare39

Matt,

If you would like a current copy of the White Triangle News, the Hudson Essex Terraplane Clubs award winning publication, just send me an email with your name and address at HETForkner@aol.com (drop the HET) and I'll get one in the mail to you. It's an incredible magazine with lots of articles and resources for anyone who owns a Hudson, Essex, or Terraplane.

This not only applies to Matt but anybody else who would like a recent White Triangle News, just send me an email.

John Forkner
New Membership Coordinator
Hudson Essex Terraplane Club

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Thanks for the welcome and advise . In the spring Im going to lower the car.

I also need to rebuild or replace the drive shaft support,theres a rope nolding it together

Regards

Matt

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thanks
Havent figure my plan yet but the front needs to be lowered

Regards
matt

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I tryed posting a side view of the Husdon to show how the front of the car is up. The trans planted stright six engine is lighter in weight.
Not sure were these photos were posted.

Computer not my bag

Thank god

regards matt

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posted two photos somewhere on formate not sure were there are now

Lost in space

Matt

superwasp912

I lowered mine in the front by poppin out the rivets on the spring pocket and fabbing 2" spacer and sandwiching it between spring pocket and the a arm . Grade 8 bolts "torqued with lock nuts.2" spacer dropped it about 3" and the camber was out only 1/16 of an inch . The back is a little trickier. 3" blocks or more and you'll have to shorten the driveshaft.She's got just the right stance in my book. J.R.

stepdown

Your car looks great , I have a old school lowering kit from the day for the back 1.5". Still working on the front
Thanks for the tips

superwasp912

Thanks, It took about 2 years to get the mechanicals right,now it's time for pretty. J.R.

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