ClassicCar

Robert Conner

I recently came across a 1946 Hudson pickup, (see photos) that is being parted out to restore another one, and I was wondering what the model name of the pickup was, i.e. El Camino, Ranchero, etc.

I have been searching the 'net high and low, but everything that I have found simply refers to it as the "Hudson pickup".

Surely Hudson had a model name for this neat old truck.

Anyone have any ideas?

BTW, and FYI, once the owner removes the parts he wants, he'll be selling the leftovers, probably on eBay.

Photos copyright (c) 2006 by Robert Conner

46HudsonPU

Robert,
As far as I have ever been able to tell, no unique name was given to the 1946-1947 Hudson pickup truck, although the name "Big Boy" seems to have 'stuck' from previous years' Hudson trucks, where there were was a 1/2 ton model & a 3/4 ton model (the "Big Boy"). In 1946-1947 there was only one truck model produced - the 3/4 ton, with a 128" wheelbase. This is 'backed up' by the sales brochure I have which describes the 1946 commercial series vehicles produced by Hudson.

For the most part, all of these trucks are based on the Hudson "Super Six" series of car, with less embellishments than the Hudson cars (painted dash vs. woodgrained finish, etc..) - however with the more 'stout' components (10" clutch & heavier duty brakes) from the straight-8 cars.

Many Hudson dealers and/or subsequent truck owners dressed-up the trucks a bit, adding turn signals, front fender running lights, commodore steering wheel, etc.. My '46 (see 'avatar' above & "White Triangle Trucking" link below) has had more than it's share of these "additions" in it's time...

The truck pictured appears to be in pretty good shape, although from what I can see it looks like someone replaced the hood with one from a commodore car, and probably did the same with the front bumper.
Due to the replaced hood, probably the only indicator of the actual year would be the serial number (Location: Right-front door pillar, about level with the glove box) - if it starts with a 58..., it is a 1946; if it starts with a 178..., it is a 1947.
If this is the "parts" truck, I would like to see pictures of the one being restored!

Robert Conner

Thanks for the info, Rick.

According to the owner, it is indeed a '46. But it still has the 1947-1948 South Dakota license plate attached to it, look at the lower left side of the box.

The owner says that when the project is complete, he will call me to come over and photograph it for him, and that should be in mid-August. When I do , I'll share them here.

As for the hood change, it's entirely possible. I'm not up on the differences between the cars and the pickups.

Whatever the case, I still think it's a neat old truck.

53jetman

The trucks in 1946 & 1947 were referred to by the factory as "Courier Pickups" They even had a small literature piece highlighting the features of the trucks. They could also be had without the pickup box - then referred to as Cab & Chassis.

53jetman (former dealer's son)

Robert Conner

53jetman wrote:

The trucks in 1946 & 1947 were referred to by the factory as "Courier Pickups" They even had a small literature piece highlighting the features of the trucks. They could also be had without the pickup box - then referred to as Cab & Chassis.

53jetman (former dealer's son)

Thanks for the info. I'll update my files to reflect that.

Robert

46HudsonPU

53jetman wrote:

The trucks in 1946 & 1947 were referred to by the factory as "Courier Pickups" They even had a small literature piece highlighting the features of the trucks. They could also be had without the pickup box - then referred to as Cab & Chassis.

53jetman (former dealer's son)

Not to dispute you, but I just went back & took a look at my sales literature - the word "Courier" does not appear anywhere in or on it.

However - The front page does say -
"A SMART, HUSKY NEW CARRIER IS READY FOR YOU!" (the word carrier is bigger & bolder on the literature)

I believe this word was used for a description of the function, rather than a name, as it is not used anwhere else in the advertisement/handout.

When I get a chance, I'll scan the advertisement & put it onto my 'little web page'...

Update: Here's the link, it is located on my site, under "Technical Information" -

1946 Hudson Pickup Sales Brochure

jsrail

Is that a Commodore front bumper? And if so, what year? I like that simple plain look (w/o the bemperettes of course) for my Coupe.

Jay

53jetman

Rick - I stand corrected on the term - Carrier. Pickups are referred to in the 1946 parts book as "Cab - Cab Pickup"

53jetman

46HudsonPU

jsrail wrote:

Is that a Commodore front bumper? And if so, what year? I like that simple plain look (w/o the bumperettes of course) for my Coupe.

Jay

Hi Jay - Yes, that is a Commodore front bumper. However the bumper is essentially the same as the one on the Super-Six and pickups, except that there are curved 'extensions' attached to each side, which curve around the bottom part of the fender. The extensions are attached at the point where the bumperettes are placed, thereby hiding the seam/joint.

I like the cleaner look of the Super-Six bumper, without the extensions or bumperettes (see picture below). I think removal of the two large bumperettes would be a nice, clean look.

46HudsonPU

53jetman wrote:

Rick - I stand corrected on the term - Carrier. Pickups are referred to in the 1946 parts book as "Cab - Cab Pickup"

53jetman

53jetman - np. You had me scratching my head for a while...

The old ad is nice, but doesn't say anything about the other commercial trucks available. I have a '39 Commercial Series brochure, which does have a lot of information on all of the variants available - to include the 'woody' & panel truck. My next web project will be to get that posted on my site.

hudsontech

46HudsonPU wrote:

53jetman - np. You had me scratching my head for a while...

The old ad is nice, but doesn't say anything about the other commercial trucks available. I have a '39 Commercial Series brochure, which does have a lot of information on all of the variants available - to include the 'woody' & panel truck. My next web project will be to get that posted on my site.

On pp 38-39 of my General Information Handbook, 2005 Revised Editon, are the Commercial Car Body Specs - 1933-1947.

1939, for example, lists for Model 90, a Utility Coach and Coupe, Panel Delivery (body by Checker), Station Wagon (body by U. S. Body & Forging), Cab Chassis and Cab Pickup.

For Model 91 a Panel Delivery (body by Checker); for Model 98 Hudson Big Boy a 5 and 7 Pass. sedan (for taxi cab use, most likely), Panel Delivery (Checker body), Cab chassis and pickup.

The chart also lists Start Serial numbers and wheel base.

See what information you have at your finger tips if you own a copy of this fantastic book!!!!! LOL ROF

Hudsonly,

Alex B

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