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34 Coupe Progress
  • dustymaxhudsondustymaxhudson
    Posts: 160Expert Adviser
    I hope this doesn't offend too many of the purist out there, but my 34 Hudson Coupe is currently undergoing a 2 inch chop. I will post some pictures soon. I may have some interior window trim/molding available soon dependent on how I decide to install the interior. I will post what I have available when I know more.
  • Hudson308Hudson308
    Posts: 1,405Platinum Member
    Sweet.

    Share some shots. What drivetrain are ya thinkin?
    Workin Stiff
  • dustymaxhudsondustymaxhudson
    Posts: 160Expert Adviser
    Hudson308 wrote:
    Sweet.

    Share some shots. What drivetrain are ya thinkin?



    I have a 350 with 270 cam, 2.02 V 64CC ported aluminum heads, Edelbrock manifold with twin 500cfm carbs and 350 turbo trans.
  • BrowniepetersenBrowniepetersen
    Posts: 2,417Platinum Member
    There is a 34 Hudson R/s Coupe and a 35 Coupe here in town that have the 350 with 350 tranny. Both elected to go the Resto-rod style and I must admit both are head turners. Cannot wait to see the photos of your car....
    Brownie
  • RL ChiltonRL Chilton
    Posts: 3,458Platinum Member
    dustymaxhudson wrote:
    I hope this doesn't offend too many of the purist out there, but my 34 Hudson Coupe is currently undergoing a 2 inch chop. I will post some pictures soon. I may have some interior window trim/molding available soon dependent on how I decide to install the interior. I will post what I have available when I know more.



    It certainly doesn't offend anyone here on the street rod section of the forum, that's exactly what this section is for! Please post pics of your progress, we'd all like to see it, I'm sure.
  • 46HudsonPU46HudsonPU
    Posts: 5,152Moderator
    Yup, don't think anyone in this area minds (as long as we see some photos... :D ;)).

    A lot of us go both ways, original or restored; and modified, rodded or retro-rod...
  • dustymaxhudsondustymaxhudson
    Posts: 160Expert Adviser
    If you go to the site I have listed below, there's a picture of my 34 Coupe chop in progress. He is supposed to post more photos once his webmaster shows him how to add them. I will be going by the shop today and will try to get more photos. Walt

    http://www.fantomworks.com/
  • BrowniepetersenBrowniepetersen
    Posts: 2,417Platinum Member
    It is looking good. wish my 39 was in primer and as far along as your 34 is. I expect that you will have this one ready to go in time for the Nats next year in Spokan???
    Brownie
  • dustymaxhudsondustymaxhudson
    Posts: 160Expert Adviser
    Browniepetersen wrote:
    It is looking good. wish my 39 was in primer and as far along as your 34 is. I expect that you will have this one ready to go in time for the Nats next year in Spokan???



    It will be ready in time, but I think I'll have to wait until 2012 in PA. I live in Virginia Beach and a coast to coast would be a little farther than I would want to drive. With the 2 four barrels, the gas would eat me up!
  • dustymaxhudsondustymaxhudson
    Posts: 160Expert Adviser
    Here are a few pictures of the chop in progress.
    Initial Fit complete, Ready for 2 inch chop_124799668747636.jpg
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    HPIM5169_124800319747636.jpg
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    Initial chop work done, fit work continues_124799379047636.jpg
    640 x 480 - 37K
    1.5 inch Chop in back to add .5 rake_124799122547636.jpg
    640 x 476 - 35K
  • lester
    Posts: 22Greasemonkey
    Thats a nice car! are you using the original chassis or have you changed it. I have a 35 convertible that is rather grim and it might be easier to upgrade the mechanicals rather than restoring them. That;s going to be nice when it's finished.



    cheers lester
  • dustymaxhudsondustymaxhudson
    Posts: 160Expert Adviser
    lester wrote:
    Thats a nice car! are you using the original chassis or have you changed it. I have a 35 convertible that is rather grim and it might be easier to upgrade the mechanicals rather than restoring them. That;s going to be nice when it's finished.



    cheers lester



    The frame is boxed with a Mustang II front end and a chevy S10 rear. I'm replacing the front coils with air ride shockwaves and chaging the S10 rear and leaf springs to a custom 9 inch with a four link and air ride. The S10 rear won't handle the 410 HP!
  • Hudson308Hudson308
    Posts: 1,405Platinum Member
    That's shaping up to be a nice rod, Dusty. I'd drive it cross-country, if I could find a couple buddies to caravan with. I'm sure some guys who drove to Pontiac from the "left coast" would agree.
    Workin Stiff
  • Glen
    Posts: 69Senior Contributor
    Looks great, would be interested in your windows if they are the ones with the wing vents that go up and down. I would need all the mechanism too.

    the rag tops on the originals were chopped 3 inches at Briggs Body. I have 2 34s and was lucky to get them to Detroit. My wife drove the rod up and back in the rain and I hauled the original and golf cart.

    Back to your top, thats the way they should look!
  • dustymaxhudsondustymaxhudson
    Posts: 160Expert Adviser
    Glen, Sorry, but I don't have the wing vent type windows. Is your convertible the teal colored one with the matching golf cart?
  • essexcoupe3131essexcoupe3131
    Posts: 1,219Platinum Member
    This is going to be 1 fine rod, love the grills on this model there is something about the way it slopes back, like it already to take on the sound barrier LOL



    Mike
  • bent metalbent metal
    Posts: 1,348Platinum Member
    Great looking car, it's going to look awesome! It looks like they are going to weld the back fenders to the body? Is that right? Hmm, never thought to do that. I bet it will look really clean with no fender welting.:)
  • dustymaxhudsondustymaxhudson
    Posts: 160Expert Adviser
    bent metal wrote:
    Great looking car, it's going to look awesome! It looks like they are going to weld the back fenders to the body? Is that right? Hmm, never thought to do that. I bet it will look really clean with no fender welting.:)
    Yes, that is correct! We are looking for a cleaner look. It's not going to make body removale any easier though. I have also modified the back window area of the car with a mild change that adds to the aerodynamics of the car. I will post pictures of this modification soon. I'm sure to get some reactions from this change.
  • Glen
    Posts: 69Senior Contributor
    Yes, and catch a lot of grief, but haven't seen any of the complainers cars I would trade for without them adding some cash.
  • 46HudsonPU46HudsonPU
    Posts: 5,152Moderator
    dustymaxhudson wrote:
    Yes, that is correct! We are looking for a cleaner look. It's not going to make body removale any easier though. I have also modified the back window area of the car with a mild change that adds to the aerodynamics of the car. I will post pictures of this modification soon. I'm sure to get some reactions from this change.
    Those who modify their 'ride' almost always catch at least a little grief from traditionalists, it is to be expected. I believe a thick skin and ability to ignore or brush-off those type of comments is always a good thing to have, along with a fully equiped workshop... :rolleyes: ;)
  • PAULARGETYPEPAULARGETYPE
    Posts: 1,250Platinum Member
    If your looking to make it a rumble seat cp i have scale drawings of the hinges on paper they can be made up out of alumimum with out to much trouble it looks good so far
  • ralpie
    Posts: 1,066Platinum Member
    Looks great... In the 70s I had a 34 coupe. Being in the military creates problems when you have too many cars ... so it sold. I got to see the car several years later. Stock appearance in metalic grey... Ford small block and drive train with Mustang IFS. Nice car then... yours will look great too. Thanks for sharing.

  • dustymaxhudsondustymaxhudson
    Posts: 160Expert Adviser
    Here are some photos of the latest progress. Notice anything different?



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  • BrowniepetersenBrowniepetersen
    Posts: 2,417Platinum Member
    You are moving right along. Do you plan to have it ready for the National next year? Would love to see it finished. By the way, have you mentioned colors yet?
    Brownie
  • probably pushing
    Posts: 10Hitchhiker
    WOW,

    Beautiful automobile! definately something to inspire me at least. as far as purists go, each to his own, there is a place and a need for authentic restorations to the nth degree but you can't save them all, and everything you're not using will end up somewhere else. good luck on such a beauty.
  • dustymaxhudsondustymaxhudson
    Posts: 160Expert Adviser
    I'm getting ready to have the coupe painted. I've decided to paint the fenders and running boards a Black Cherry and the body Habanero Red. The Black Cherry looks black unless it's in the sun and then it looks a deep red where ever the sun hit's it. I can't wait to get it on the road.
  • jsrail
    Posts: 1,534Platinum Member
    Dusty, that is one of the most beautiful rods I have ever seen! Your very good with the tools and it shows in your work. Glad to have you posting and sharing this fine car with us. As the originator of this street rod forum, I am very grateful to have you on this forum and no one here is going to trash you or your car. This build should be sectioned into 2 or 3 parts and written up in the WTN.

    How good are you at writing, Dusty. If not, maybe Sam or someone there could help you, but I seriously that this build should be in the WTN. Any of you guys agree with me? Let's see if we can get some help together when Dusty is finished for help on that article. This is the enbodiment of the reason I wanted this section separate.

    As my health and memory is not the greatest folks, would someone be sure to follow up with Sam on this for the WTN?

    Jay
  • dustymaxhudsondustymaxhudson
    Posts: 160Expert Adviser
    Thanks for the kind words, Jay! I wish I could take credit for the fine body work, but when my wife decided she wanted her side of the garage back and I changed jobs, I decided it was time to turn it over to the pros. After searching the are hot rod shops, I found DRS Fantomworks. Dan and his crew of craftsman have been helping me realize my dream. They listen to what I want and offer their own suggestion whenever they think it's warranted. Together, we make a fine team and I end up with the 34 Coupe I always dreamed of. Kyle is the young man who is the wizard of metal and his talent far exceeds his age of early twenties. Josh is the painter and he has worked with me spaying out paint samples on fender and motorcycle helmets to make sure I get the color I want. Hopefully, I can get more pictures posted soon. I would love to profile the build of this car in the WTN, but rods have never made much headway in the magazine. Thanks again, Walt
  • jsrail
    Posts: 1,534Platinum Member
    That's okay Walt, even if a build articla doesn't make it to the WTN, I think an article still should done up on this one. Don't give up yet dude.
  • dustymaxhudsondustymaxhudson
    Posts: 160Expert Adviser
    Just wanted to post a little update on the 34's progress. To date, the air ride has been installed, the chassis has been painted, the engine and tranny are in, along with the Lokar shifter, the fenders and running boards have had the undersides coated with Rhino Liner to help reduce noise and corrosion, the body has been mounted to the car and the underside has been painted. All exhaust and drive train components are in place. Prior to painting, the dash has to be completed, but that should be done within the week and then I can install the seats and get the steering column and seats set up for me. After that, The final paint should occur. Shouldn't be to much longer before it hits the pavement! Walt
  • dustymaxhudsondustymaxhudson
    Posts: 160Expert Adviser
    Here's the web site for the shop finishing my 34. Things have really slowed down now. It seems they are in the final prime and hopefully, paint will soon be on the car. There are 300 photos of the build for viewing. Walt

    http://www.fantomworks.com/fw/currentprojects/1934-hudson-terraplane/
  • HotrodHR
    Posts: 201Gold Member
    Looking good!!! I really like what Hudson did with the body side accents along the mid-section and overall. Your mods are subtle and really add to your project.



    Craig
  • bent metalbent metal
    Posts: 1,348Platinum Member
    Very nice! I really like the console too. Looks like they are doing a great job. Congrats.:)
  • essexcoupe3131essexcoupe3131
    Posts: 1,219Platinum Member
    Looking goooood, Its really taking shape, the thing with primer is that it needs to stand the longer the better, so you wont get shrinkage as the time goes on,it all comes to he who waits, perfection takes a little longer, but it's well worth the time



    Mike
  • Rarerodder
    Posts: 149Expert Adviser
    Very, very nice build with excellent attention to details that will POP! to the eye of the beholder. That's what makes a great build! Can't wait to see this finished, should get some great attention and know you're gonna love driving that car.
  • dustymaxhudsondustymaxhudson
    Posts: 160Expert Adviser
    Got the Coupe back yesterday and I will start installing the plumbing, electrical and get things running before the final paint. I want to give her a road test so I can get out all the bugs that may occur due to the stronger motor, air ride, new steering, floor shift and other mods. I need to ensure all the clearances are right with the tires and air ride settings. I don't want to get everything painted and drop her on the nose! I will try and post some pictures this weekend If this bad weather ever stops! We had 6" of snow last weekend and it looks like we are getting more tonight. We don't get much snow in the eastern part of Virginia, so I'm pretty tired of it already! It will keep me in the garage working anyway.
  • jsrail
    Posts: 1,534Platinum Member
    Can't wait to see some new pictures!
  • essexcoupe3131essexcoupe3131
    Posts: 1,219Platinum Member
    Lets see the picture updates I bet you they are worth waiting for



    Mike
  • dustymaxhudsondustymaxhudson
    Posts: 160Expert Adviser
    I went through all the parts I need to install and fit prior to paint today and took a quick picture from the front. I need to wipe her down. She's pretty dusty from all the body work. I couldn't get it out of the garage today to get any side profiles, but will try to get some next weekend weather permitting.



    [ATTACH]7422[/ATTACH]
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  • bobjobbobjob
    Posts: 19Hitchhiker
    i've gone over your pics...... .. NICE JOB.......
  • BrowniepetersenBrowniepetersen
    Posts: 2,417Platinum Member
    Looking good!!! I have forgot if you told us the colors you plan to use or not. It is looking good at this point and I'll bet with the paint it will be great!
    Brownie
  • dustymaxhudsondustymaxhudson
    Posts: 160Expert Adviser
    I just wanted to give a little update on the 34 Coupe project. I started a new job and money was a little tight for a while, so I had to put things off for awhile. I'm driving 106 miles a day to work, and with gas prices like they are, it takes it's toll! But things are looking up! I'm now working 4/10's now which saves me a little time and money. This gives me the opportunity to get bsck to work on the coupe and I now have her running! The fitment of all parts has been completed and I installed the wiring harness and a push botton start system which will only activate if the key fob is nearby. I am finishing up the trunk wiring today which includes the Digital Dakota remote operated systems such as the windows, doors and trunk. I hope to tear her back down in the next month or so and get her out for paint. I'll try to post some pictures.
  • Grebus
    Posts: 3Hitchhiker
    It appears that you just dropped off when the goal was in sight. Now it's winter again. How's that great looking coupe coming?
  • dustymaxhudsondustymaxhudson
    Posts: 160Expert Adviser
    I've done all the wiring and got the motor running.I had to add an electric fuel pump because the mechanical couldn't get enough fuel to the two four barrels. It has air ride front and back, power windows and doors, push button keyless start, and a number of other modern additions. I'll have to strip it back down for paint. Things have really slowed down because I'm project manager on a new bridge build and it's taking up most of my time at the moment. I want to make sure it's the way I want it when I'm done so I'm not in any real hurry. Mistakes start to happen when you try to rush things. I'll try to keep you posted! Thanks for asking! Walt

    P.S. If anyone out there has a set of 34 or 35 headlights, please let me know!
  • essexcoupe3131essexcoupe3131
    Posts: 1,219Platinum Member
    Dusty how many hours were put into the roof chop, has made it look real good I am toying with some ideas at the moment
    Mike
  • dustymaxhudsondustymaxhudson
    Posts: 160Expert Adviser
    The roof chop took about 40 hrs. if you include the rear window slope incorporated with the chop.
  • 35terraplane35terraplane
    Posts: 16Hitchhiker
    I wrote you a comment about the Modified Group and it posted in the Activity column. Your car sound like a great start to a good looking streetrod.
  • essexcoupe3131essexcoupe3131
    Posts: 1,219Platinum Member
    Dusty, I take it this is a 6 cylinder coupe? will a small block Chrysler or Chevy fit in there without cutting up the fire wall?
    thanks
  • walts garage-53
    Posts: 1,470Platinum Member
    I have a set of 33 Essex 6 headlamps complete, housing, reflector, rims and lenses with the bolts at the bottom that the wires go through. Contact Walt at aaawaltmordenti@aol.com if interested. Drop the 3 a's. Walt