ClassicCar

I just sold my 47 truck with had basically a stock SBC installed. As Roger mentioned, the center steering links are a common wear point but otherwise the stock front is very solid. Detroit Eaton springs makes new front springs (including drops if desired) and you can put disk brakes on the stock front too. Fatman makes a front subframe fit which is sweet if you can afford it, I've seen a few of those installed and they look /fit great. Ford 8.8 axles from a 99 and older explorer are the correct width and lug pattern, and are cheap with Disk brakes.
Are you missing all of the glass? I had new glass cut at a local shop and they did a great job. I kept the original glass for patterns but it went with the truck.
Post some pictures and let us know what you're up to.

Matt

Aaron,

Stepdown refers to 48-54 Hudson's which were the "stepdown" design. I'm not sure if any other brake kits are available, but I've just started re-making the kits that Richard Pridmore used to sell. This is the only kit I've ever seen that includes new hubs . The calipers and rotors are common late model items, there is no design for 47 and earlier master cylinder brackets yet but Im working on that.
I can ask the guy who bought my truck if he'd sell the old glass for patterns. The shop here cut everything but windshields for less that $150, I could have them cut a set if you don't have a good local shop.

Matt

FYI
Your Truck looks like an easy canidate to restore. I built two trucks that were both badly rotten after quit racing to stay busy. The first is a St Rod with all Trans Am suspension and Drive Train with Chevy 406" & 2 - 4bbls and all power amenities. I slid the Trans Am Sub frame underneath then fish plated onto Hudson frame, The hardest part was fabricating the frnt Fender mounts.
Since I had stock Hudson's from High School days I built a stock Truck next with a Wasp 262 Mtr & Hydro Trans, and S-10 Chevy seat with Belts. I updated the Master Cyl to a Torino dual Cyl while still utilizing the stock Hudson Emergency system. Both Trks have Electric Wipers and 12Volt. Wiring Kits ive used Haywire and EZ Wire... I removed some leaves from the rear springs then installed 2" lowering blocks on both Trks.
As mentioned above the only weak link on stock Hudson is the center link bushing which I believe Randy Maas sells a replacement Kit www.21stcenturyhudson.net. The Stock Suspension is strong enough to hold any V8. Disc Brakes are thre way to go if going with modern V8 and the Hudson Spindle bolt pattern is the same all the way back to 1937 so the Disc Brake Kit for Stepdown's should fit the '47 with little modification, Stock Truck brakes are marginal so at least install Larger 11 X 2.250 Hornet Brakes from a Step down '50's Hudson...

If I were to St Rod another Truck I would shorten the long Bed behind the cab and install a Mustang11 front end rather than build body mounts.

Regarding Windows, I elininated the Wing Window and installed Power Windows on my St Rod Trk. Both Trks windows were cut locally here from stiff cardboard patterns that i made. I went with Tinted Glass...The Channel and Wiskers can be obtained from Vic Zamora ... thez@verizon.net ..
Bed Wood can be opbtained from a Hardwood Supplier, and new Stips can be obtained from Carpenters in Charlotte or other numerous Suppliers... If questions along the way just ask. Good Luck....

As far as the glass goes that is common with the Hudson cars . The door glass is same as 4-door front doors . The "Stepdown " was just the next version after yours . The front end parts look the same but on closer examination they are all a little heavier built. As stated the "Pridmore" setup puts disc brakes right on the "Stepdown " Suspension. And this should all bolt onto your frame . And as he said you can retain the Hudson back-up brake system . Dont let any one tell you a dual master cylinder wont ever fail with comletely "NO Brakes". Because they can I've had it happen.
I also seem to recal one of the Hotrod supliers had "Bolt On" front suspension right to your old Hudson frame. I may not recall that corectly ,but as stated above the weld on ones are for sure out there if thats the way you decide to go.
I just like to make whats there work as best It can, It's useualy best in the long run. But thats just me,
Roger

If its a 1946 it would start with 58 as the model and the rest would be the serial number starting from 38,101.If its a 1947 then it would be a 178 followed by serial number starting at 101.
And yes the cab is the same as the car front end just less some trim items. Always glad to help a Hudson back on the road. There was some new tailgates made for them awhile back and still a few around if you look. The hinge used is just like the Jeep hinge and not hard to find,
Roger

Ayuh, well them SN aren't dirty, just tricky that's all. The one before yours is 3846156 in IA and the one after is 3851321 in OH.
Name, address, I assume 2 doors and 6cyl. Condition? email and/or phone No. If you register it in the HET club, I'll eventually get updated anyway with all this info.

I list 108 46s including mine Maybe I can find one near you so you can commiserate.

Aaron, looks like a really nice truck you have. I like your plans for it, improving drivability while maintaining the stock appearance is a nice way to go. These trucks are a lot of fun, I hope to get another one someday. PM me if your interested in more info on the brake kits. My truck was similar and the work I did is still pretty fresh in my head so I'll be glad to help out if I can.

Matt

Here is one that was at Fort Leonard Wood our meet this year .I dont recall exactly what motor he had in it . I think it was an old Hemi engine,definitely a RatRod ,sorry its not a better photo .I had to crop it out of the far away shot,
Roger

Yeah I wish I had taken more photos , Had these in my phone and easy to find,
Roger