Just purchased a 51 Hudson to rebuild. Setting in a field and parts missing. As this is my first full rebuild, what and where should I start on the rebuild? Body work or mechanical work? Radiator gone, water pump gone. I know very little about rebuilding a car. I have worked on cars for years and years. but restoring one is another item. Any guide lines helpful.
Hi Bernie and welcome!
body style ? 2dr coupe, 2dr sedan, 4dr sedan or convertible ? Are you or do you have friends that are experienced body men?
We need to see pictures of the underbody, especially the parameter frame as this is where you can spend a lot of effort on a stepdown style Hudson. I would advise doing the body first as its the hardest part of the restoration. How do the floor pans, trunk pan and bottom of rear quarters look? Bottom of trunk above rear bumper? Bottom of doors? Let us help you decide on actual restoration before you start!
I think the mechanical stuff is easy compared to the body, stepdown bodies are more involved than framed cars.
Just bought the car and have not seen it in person. Pick it up in September and then the fun begins. From photo's it looks real solid. Should it be a body off restoration or just restore as needed. I'm like a blind pig looking for the corn. I'm not sure what to do next. As I get pictures I will post them. Thanks!
While you are awaiting your new purchase to arrive I can offer the following WEBSITE to visit and study. Over the 20+ years I have made this free resource available it has received and average of 1500 visits a month. I try to put information there so that the hobbiest who is restoring a HUDSON STEPDOWN ( as you will soon be doing ) has a ready resource for answers to many of the questions you will certainly have. It is also a place where I want to capture your success in parts finding, fixing your car and wasy and means that worked for you. GOOD LUCK Ken
https://hudsonrestoration1948-54.com/
Let me know if you need any parts. I well may have them 🙂
I know from the pictures of the unit that I will need a radiator, water pump, fan as those are gone. Head light benzals, park lights (front) also hood ornament. Rear finder skirts. That is if the motor and trany are not shot. Then the seat covers and carpet. Just a typical rebuild.
OK just say when. If you prefer to call then it's 704 792 911 zero.
Finally, go a few photo's ready. Not the best, but not the worst. Looking forward to getting it running for cruise night, with my lovely wife. 
Looks straight, also bottom doesn't show rust pop thru, good sign.
Looks like a good one to start from. Depending on how far you're going to tear it down, consider replacing the wiring. There's a couple of places that are good suppliers for those, but it may take a couple months lead time to get one. The trim pieces and missing engine parts shouldn't cause you too much trouble trying to locate.
Bernie, I'm guessing you've joined the H-E-T Club (because you're here at the H-E-T Forum). Are you also a member of your local chapter? If not, you might want to check it out. They organize Hudson activities on a local level and you'll get to know nearby Hudson owners who can help you. There is a map showing all the U.S. chapters, here at the Forum: just click CLUB / CHAPTERS / CHAPTER MAP from the drop-down menu above.
Left this one out. I hope all the grill is there. Always need help so thanks everyone for suggestions.
[b]FYI
It looks like a very restorable car. I suggest decide on your budget if you want a Show Car or a driver quality car. I like to start repairing the mechanical & safety needs first, then the body, paint, and lastly, the interior. Appears that you have almost everything and guys on this Forum can supply what is missing and also provide advice. Restoration takes a lot of time, patience, and money (All depends on the end result that you desire). Good luck and don't be reluctant to ask questions.[/b]
This 51 looks better with each picture, another good sign. Will be important to get on a lift and examine the parameter frame. 8f its a "go" then I would agree with Chuck's advice unless your plans are for a complete restoration. My experence is that stepdowns are more time consuming then framed cars for full restoration, but yours appears a worthy candidate.
Replace the wiring for sure, as has been suggested. Never trust the insulation on wiring, especially cloth covered wire that is almost 70 years old. I just ordered a complete new harness for a 57 Golden Hawk because the dash harness (plastic covered) started smoking and burned part of the insulation before the owner pulled battery cable off. Car could have burned down.
Your fender skirts are in the trunk too, so you can mark that off your list of wanted parts.
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