Hey group! Im new to the group and new to Hudson. I stumbled upon on what I thought was a Hudson Hornet years ago in the woods. It disappeared and reappeared over the years, all while I drooled over it. Through some random conversations, I finally brought it home this past weekend. Turns out its a 51 Pacemaker with what appears to be the original powerdome inline 6, 232 engine. It still rotates and the oil looks almost like you put it in yesterday. I have a local fella interested in the motor, but I have no idea on what the value of this motor should be. Would anyone care to point me in the proper direction? Google isnt much help, or I just dont know where to look.
Just some more photos. I have to downsize the files
Should I just haul it to the scrap yard?
Hello Joe, and Welcome to the HET Club. Sorry I cant answer your questions as to value of the engine but I am curious as to what you want to do with the ca Meaning upgrade motor/trans to modern or look for a big six ie 308. I think it is really nice that you finally got to bring home a car you have admired for many years.
Hey Victor! No sweat on answering my questions. Im just curious and dont want to make a wrong decision and get rid of something I may need to keep. My overall goal is to go with the more modern route for everything. I don't have the budget to do a restoration. Ive been told I would have more luck to transplant the Hudson to a modern frame/floor, etc.
My overall goal is to not let this become a money pit(ha!) but I will not use any of my family funds to fund it. So right now Im selling artwork and trading paintjobs to build funds and get the donor car.
Frame and floor are integral -- it's not a body on frame car. You may have to replace rusted out floors. The 232 engine is fine, but it was designed to be economical and is the least powerful of Hudson's Big Sixes. If the car is complete, why not mostly restore as?
Well Joe you do as you wish with your car I will look forward to pictures of your progress as you move along with it. Best of luck to you!
I totally agree on the frame and floor. The floors and underside are shot, minus the trunk. They will all need to be removed and redone. Ive read various articles where others have transplanted this bodystyle onto something more modern by utilizing the drivetrain and floor from a similar wheelbase vehicle. In my opinion, this car has already lived its time as it was intended and created. I would get more enjoyment out of it making it something different yet keep some of the original details. It would serve no purpose to me to restore it to what it was. I will state that it is very tempting, though.
Local scrap just jumped in prices, so Ill haul the motor away next week and buy some more sanding supplies.
Thanks for the advice.
Joe, save the head if you must haul it off.
The motor is worth more than scrap. I just sold a 232 head for more than what scrap for the entire motor would be.
As well as the head save the distributor, carburetor, fuel pump, oil pump ( brass gear may still be good), water pump and especially the brass water distribution tube that runs full length of block (no longer available if needed, last one I saw for sale $100)
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