Moved to "Hudson" forum category.

The VIN tag for a 1954 Hudson is located on the passenger side front door 'A' pillar about midway down between the hinges. It is an aluminium triangular shaped tag with 3 rivets holding it in place. If indeed you have a Hornet then the series number should be indicated as 'D' and the serial number should start with the prefix number '7'. As to the title. If memory serves New York does not require a title for a car this old . A Bill of Sale from the seller would be required to get the car titled in case you did purchase it. New York folks can chime in here if I'm wrong. Origionally your serial number and the number on the block would be the same but with so many blocks having been replaced it's likely this may not be the case. What I would be looking for is perimeter frame rot on a car that came from a state where salt is used on the roads in the winter months. Look for it especially at the bottom of the forward front door in back of the rocker panel. Also look at the floors on both driver and passenger sides. Good luck with your adventure.

VIN number is also stamped on the passenger side top sub frame basically were the firewall comes straight down. Brake line run right next to it. Will need brake cleaner and flash light to locate. Probably about 4 to 5 inches long

The number on the vin plate, for Hornet's, can start with either 6D or 7D - 6D is a Hornet Special, 7D is a Hornet. Starting serial number for 1954 was 269060, ending was 319720. According to what I've been able to uncover there were 20,883 Hornet models produced. Most were 7D's as 6D's were introduced late in the production run. It is my thought, and I'm probably wrong, but the 6D's were intro'd to use up oddball parts. One is liable to find most anything regards interior and trim packages.

Hudsonly,
Alex Burr

Alex, You are very correct on. 6D cars ...anything goes..lets clear the shelves boys. lol.

I have returned from Viewing the Hudson.. I did locate the vin and found the number to be 7273143 Model #D paint 165..

The Hudson is a rust bucket and it's not all there. the owner tried to start the engine with a 12 volt batter when I was there ,, It almost started.

I have put a couple of photos on line so that it is obvious it needs work.. My question is what is a car like this worth. He is asking $3,900.00 I think that is very high. I don't even know if it would be a good parts car.. All opinions are welcome

Joseph J Rindosh
'

Are these all the pictures you have? How solid is the parameter frame? Floor and trunk pans? Trim missing? Front of hood and hood hinge areas? It's hard to give a value estimate based on your present pictures and info.
If its a true rustbucket, your better off, way better off, finding one that is not.

I have a bunch ,, I took if you want I can send them to you ,,, I think it's in bad shape ,,, I did a corvair 10 years ago it was in bad shape ,, but it was all there ..that car cost at least 6,000.00 in parts .... The hudson is bad and it's not all there,, I could hit rod it but not at a starting price of 3,900.. I think the owner us way his head on this and will come WAY down in time

Just give me the ok and I'll send you about 20 photos see what you think,, thanks. For your advice Kerry

Joe

Yes, send them to me. I'll pm you my address.

Kerry
What is the purpose of the strap across the door hinge?
Lee O'Dell

Lee, on the '53 looks like the strap keeps the seal rubber from distortion. {As I recall}

Thanks Richard. When I parted out my 54 those were some parts I removed, There was no rubber and was wondering their purpose.
Lee O'Dell