Ken Cates' Hudson Stepdown Restoration Resources

RESTORATION AIDS

Cooling System

Dash cooling gauge- Making sense of the readings - we have the correct new temp. sending unit. These do go bad. We also always recommend purchasing an infrared thermometer. Once the engine has come completely up to operating temperature, take the inferred and check the actual temp at the cylinder head/sending unit and where it reads on the dash. It is very common to find the dash gauge reads between 1/2 and 3/4's when the actual engine temp is only 160-170 degrees. This usually means on a warm day, as the engine runs a little hotter, the dash gauge appears to read between 3/4's and up, but the actual temp is only 185-200. That temp is not close to boiling at all, but many think the engine is ready to overheat... An inexpensive inferred-in-the-glove box is a great tool to have, gives a piece of mind, and can be used to simply check other components on your car. When traveling, and stopping for food or fuel, you can do a quick walk around your car and check each wheel/rim for abnormal heat. Once you have/create a reference of what normal on your vehicle is front and back, this makes a quick and simple inspection for any potential concerns or problems that might be occurring.
This applies to any vintage vehicle, Ford, GM, Chrysler  Doug Wildrick via HET CLUB SITE

Heater Hose routing

  • The Ranco heater control to lower the heater hose is "U" shaped. You can get those at NAPA by ordering part # NBH 10826 or Dayco # 87677.
    You will have to cut one end off to accommodate your needs. These are performed 'u' shaped hoses. (Thanks Lance Walker)
  • The hose from the cylinder head goes to the far right on the ranco valve, the left hose goes to the top of the heater core and the lower goes back to the water pump. This makes the complete circulation of hot water through the heater when the interior control is set to hot.

Ranco Valve - Water Heater Control Valve

Repair Service is offered by Lance Walker ( email )

New Manufacture Stepdown Water Pumps are available from Dale Cooper @ Ace Auto Parts 

Website

Aluminum Radiator Company making Hudson Drop-in Radiators

Video of how Brice Thomas makes aluminum Radiators

Website

WHAT COOLANT SHOULD I USE WITH AN ALUMINUM RADIATOR

Clearing Cooling system of corrosion 

THERMOCURE is an EVAPO_RUST product that is added to the cooling system cycled via normal vehicle use then drained to remove the rust that has been dislodged from the engine and radiator.  Refill the cooling system with new coolant and a " water wetting product" to improve heat transfer.

Hudson water pump pulley – Dual pulley for Air Conditioning etc.

The Mopar Pulley part number 36988-05 is 5-13/16" OD and 2 1/8" deep.  This pulley is only 3/16" larger than the diameter of a 1954 Hudson double groove pulley. These pulleys are usually available from local wrecking yards.  1980s-90s Mopars; Dodge, Plymouth, Chrysler, small block 318-360 V-8 2 groove water pump pulley with air conditioning.

Hudson big block 6 water pump differences - with/without dual pulley

Modify a stock Hudson Harmonic balancer with dual belt pulley

Hudson Stepdown Formed Upper and Spliced Lower Radiator Hose Part Numbers

Upper Formed Hose -  for 1948 - 1954. Upper: Cut to length (All). Gates 21794 or NAPA NBH 8484, Gates 21660 or NAPA NBH 7096 (This is a '48 Chevy lower radiator hose).


lower radiator hose with the steel tube- Gates 24224 or NAPA NBH 632

Goodyear hoses: 60859 and 61563

1948-54 Hudson FAN BELT PART NUMBERS - STOCK PULLEYS

Thanks to Larry Cramer and Chuck Johnson for these part numbers

  • NAPA 349 
  • NAPA-Modac #25-10700
  • Gates 669
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This page was updated in June 2024

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