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36 coupe New Frame or Fatman clip
  • Cosmo@avaloncity.com
    Posts: 141Expert Adviser
    Well my 36 Hudson coupe will be here in Florida in about 3 weeks. It has no front clip as I mentioned. Now I want advice in case a frame replacement is a beter idea than frame up restore and a new fatman clip. Has anyone done either of these on the 36? Who and what have you used? What should I expect to spend on the low end? Going with full fenders hood etc. Has a v8 in it.
  • jsrail
    Posts: 1,534Platinum Member
    Mike, I think it depends on what you want to mount as far as suspensions, axles, etc. Fatmans list a crossmember & hub-to-hub for a 35 and 38 Hudson. Maybe a 36 is similar, I don't really know. Do you want to keep leafs in the rear? If so, maybe the Fatmans front IFS would work on an original frame if you keep the leaf sprung rear suspension.

    If you were to put IRS and maybe air bags all around, then maybe it would be best to build a new frame or buy one new (not sure if TCI has one, probably could make it custom). I hear guys all the time building 2x4 tube frames for 20's and 30's cars, so maybe it wouldn't be that hard if you have welding skills or know someone who has.

    Post some pics when it comes! Sounds like a cool project!

    Jay
  • htrdhudson
    Posts: 229Gold Member
    i would run 2x3 or 2x4 front frame rails, leaf springs and a strait axle. make it a gasser
  • Cosmo@avaloncity.com
    Posts: 141Expert Adviser
    Well here are some pics.

    I also have a gallery at this site

    http://www.avaloncity.com/36terraplane/36t/36t.html

    36a.jpg

    take a look at the 36 before pictures.
  • 46HudsonPU46HudsonPU
    Posts: 5,147Moderator
    In some ways, it looks better than my '39, in some ways worse. Looks like you've got a big project on your hands...

    Any pictures of where it was 'cut' at the frame?
  • Cosmo@avaloncity.com
    Posts: 141Expert Adviser
    Yes you can see the frame cut off at the pics I posted at...

    http://www.avaloncity.com/36terraplane/36t/36t.html

    Check them out.

    I have more comming and I hope the car will be here by the end of the month.

    I will most likely do a frame up. My first. And most important I want to chop it for a convertible conversion.
  • 46HudsonPU46HudsonPU
    Posts: 5,147Moderator
    Ah, here we are, or at least I think so...

    18.jpg

    21.jpg

    They've made a mess of the front end - guess you'll need to get it 'home' before any plans are finalized.
  • Cosmo@avaloncity.com
    Posts: 141Expert Adviser
    yes it is a mess. Engine may be junk. I am not counting on it being recoverable. But I will check it out. So with an new crossmember maybe I can put in a fatman or mustang II. If you look close to this picture below. You will see that the frame looks good or at least painted. I am Not sure what is going here. The frame may be in good enough shape to just put a front clip on. Take a look and let me know what you think from this little information. I am hopeing to get more photos next week.







    22.jpg
  • rambos_riderambos_ride
    Posts: 3,123Platinum Member
    You do have your work cut out for you!

    I would really, seriously think about dropping a late model frame underneath it rather than trying to fix up that one.

    If it was hit in the front and or rear - the remaining frame could be "diamond out" and you'd be spending a lot of scratch trying to square it up to put a new front stub-frame.

    I'd be thinking something along the lines of an S10 extended cab might fit the wheel base and track width - or something along those lines in another make.
  • Cosmo@avaloncity.com
    Posts: 141Expert Adviser
    Latest update. I just spoke with the the folks where it is. There is a Dokota 92 (supose to match right up. for a v 6) frame that goes with it. discs etc. A little surface rust. (pics to follow next week). My transporter sold his 2 vechicle transport. I can wait until september for him to get another. It might be beter to just get one down here. What do you think the least expensive new frame solution might cost me? Using the Chevy rearend in it I hope. If you know of any 36 coupes on different frames let me know.
  • 46HudsonPU46HudsonPU
    Posts: 5,147Moderator
    You'll need to do your homework on the dimensions, wheelbase, etc., of the '36 frame in comparison to various S10 chassis (pickup, extended, blazer, bravada, etc..) - There is an ebay seller that does a lot of business in these GM chassis & parts -

    http://myworld.ebay.com/ebaymotors/s10warehouse/

    Not a recommendation (only bought a small item from him, once - went thru well.). He's only about 120 miles from you...
  • Oldmoparguy
    Posts: 4Hitchhiker
    I am trying to put disc brakes on my 37 Hudson without changing the suspension. I am looking at Toyota discs to take the place of the drums but am still looking at clearances. Do you have any suggestions? Val