Hi there
Have just joined up and thought I'd post a quick intro (hopefully in the right spot!)
I've just purchased a 1938 Terraplane which I'll be picking up next weekend.
Car is rust free and complete, only missing the lefthand wiper arm. The guy I bought it from had it running 3 years ago so I'm hoping to get it back on the road without too many nightmares!
I live in country NSW and have always had a passion for old bikes and cars.
Current project is a 52 chev and also have a few little LE velocettes to play with. No doubt all that will be put on hold whilst I have a tinker with the new toy.
Look forward to catching up with members here on the forum and look forward to searching through all this information posted here.
Regards Simon
Welcome Simon
Since the Terraplane has been setting three years I suggest drain the oil and drop the oil pan and upper oil tray. You may be surprised at the amount of sludge you find.
I did that with my 47 PU that sat for year before I got it. The oil pan and tray were filled with layers of very thick sludge. I needed a putty knife to scrap it out. It would have been bad news for the bearings if the rod scoops had been blocked with sludge preventing fresh oil reaching the bearings. Make sure the rod scoops are sludge free.
Lee O'Dell
Just make sure you fill the top tray oil troughts before you install the pan back on. That way the connecting rods will pick up oil right away. Walt.
Thanks for the advice. Will definitely carry out your suggestions and no doubt a few other things before trying to fire it up.
Regards Simon
Lee's advice is right on. [i]Be sure[/i] and follow Walt's...very important. While you've got the pan off you can check the oil galleries (channels cast into the block on the inside) which direct oil to the bearings. Use a coat hanger or other stiff wire with a small hook on the end to make sure the galleries are clear.
Walt Mordenti here. Did you receive my answer to your private message? I have your answers.
Simon, if the car's been sitting for several years there are three potential problems you may encounter:
1. Gasoline in the tank has gone bad.
2. The clutch may "stick". (As you probably know by now, the Hudson clutch must be replenished with a special fluid, from time to time).
3. Some of the valves may be stuck open.
These are not uncommon problems but they may be able to be fixed without too much trouble. With luck you won't have any of them, but if you do, let us know!
Sorry Walt only just saw your private message. Have replied via PM.
Thanks
Simon
Thanks for the advice Jon and others.
Unfortunately the terraplane is shoved into the corner of the shed for the time being.
Pretty busy with hay season contracting and also the dreaded house renos!!
Hopefully I'll have the time to start playing with it early next year and will let you all know how things go.
Thanks and regards
Simon Jonas
Simon, I assume that you know about the Hudson AMC Car Club of Australia, but if not, go here: http://www.hudson-amc.org.au/
A good bunch of people and several of them are "regulars" at both this, and the other Hudson forum (the "Open Forum").
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