Details are below:
Based on various internet postings, it has been suggested that it is possible to replace the field windings with 12v windings (with no other modifications required). I ordered the 12v field coil windings from the Oklahoma Starter Drive Inc. 1-800-336-0769 or okstdr@valornet.com Their part no was 261-20047. I also ordered a new bendix and pinion from the same company. I have been dealing with Carl Burchett. Both items have been sent to me in the UK and they are now with the workshop who will fit them (here in the UK). I do not yet know if this will work.
I have also been in contact with Terry Pittman, at Snap Rebuilders. 2140 South West Temple. South Salt Lake, UT 84115, Phone: 801-467-2902. They are supplying the mini starter. I have not yet received it, but will post further updates when I have more news.
Hope this is of help, Regards, Brian.

So, 6 weeks after having bought my Hornet and after an international quest for starter motor parts, I finally collected my rebuilt starter, fitted it and then ... went for my first drive last night. Woohoo !!

So I can recommend Oklahoma Starter drive Inc. for supplying the parts.

I am still progressing the mini starter option as a backup and will post updates as things unfold.

-Brian.

I'm sorry for all that you've had to go through, in order to resolve the problem. I'm sure it's difficult to find Hudson parts at all, in the UK. But since this is a custom adaptation, it is of course virtually impossible to find parts! Sounds like you've hit upon the solution to this and all such future problems: either purchase the component from someone in the U.S. and have your local mechanic fit it to the car, or arrange to have the item rebuilt in the U.S. I'd guess the former, not the latter, is the way to go.

Personally, I've always thought that the conversion to 12 volt opens a Pandora's box of problems, but admittedly I have never owned a StepDown! Maybe the engines are harder to start with six volts. I own a 1937 and have never had any problem starting the car -- winter or summer. And of course I never have to worry about finding a replacement part that is custom-adapted to 12 volts.

The best advice for those with six volts, is to make sure all connections are "bright and tight" and everything is grounded correctly.

Anyway, I'm glad your problem is finally solved and -- now that the starter is adapted for 12-volt use -- you should have no more problems. With the starter.

Thanks Jon,
I guess I had no option really as the car had been converted by the previous owner with an electronic distributor conversion, electric fuel pump etc etc, but they had left the starter untouched, which sounded like an accident waiting to happen.
I really enjoyed driving the car for the first time and I am really pleased with the way it drives!

Cheers,
Brian.