Projects 51 hudson Hornet project

Pulled the head off today, engine has no rust in the cylinders whatsoever. Pistons are extremely clean, only a slight trace of carbon buildup. May have been overhauled shortly before being parked? The rear end had new brakes and hardware installed, and the receipt for the tires showed only around 8oo miles since new. Looks like the old car may have been maintained regularly.

 

I bought my first 51 in 2005. It was a Pacemaker with the flathead 232. It had set in a barn sometime since the mid-seventies. I poured Marvel Mystery Oil down the spark plug holes turned it over a quite a few times by hand then turned it over with the starter then put the fire to it and it lit right off and ran perfect for the next 10 years and is still running today for the guy I sold it to.

Sent from my A521L using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

They really are some tough engines. I'm going to replace gaskets and seals in mine while its out, I just have to look and see what makes it tick. ​

 

Cleaning and inspecting engine this week, debating how far I want to disassemble it. I will know a lot more about the condition when I inspect rod and main bearings later this week.

 

Working on the engine today, trying to get the camshaft out. I made a fixture to hold the valves and springs, puts just enough pressure on the springs to keep it together. I can release the valve spring by hand for cleaning. It is a bit overkill but just using what I got to hand.

 

Looked at the rods and mains, appears to be a low mileage engine. I went ahead and pulled the pistons, and the rings are stuck, no big surprise there. Cylinder bores look good, guess its time to start cleaning parts.

 

Been awhile since I last posted. I got into a holding pattern for an engine gasket set that never showed up. I do have another source for gaskets, so I'll be going that route instead. While I was waiting I started the new shop project at home, but it is time to get this project out of cold storage and get back to work on it.

 

If you haven't, you might want to check out Olsons for gaskets. I think they have every gasket ever made.
https://www.olsonsgaskets.com/products/#searchGaskets

Warren

 

What ever happened? Did you get it running? Did the glass fit? Is the pickup done and running? We’re you able to get bearings, rings and gaskets? Inquiring minds want to know!

 

this is one of my favorite HAMB threads, glad you're doing it ld school "..great job.

 

I have been working on the projects when I could find the time. I started building a new shop when my wife decided she wanted a new house, so I built her one, just got done last fall and went back to work on the shop. I did get gaskets and rings, the bearings were new. The engine had been overhauled just before it was parked. I bought a Hudson bed for the truck and got it put on. It seems that I get to work on my projects more these days, so I will be getting more done now.

 

Looking real good. I spotted this thread about 3 minutes after ordering a driveshaft carrier bearing for a 53 Hornet.

 

Well just keep us up to date so I don’t have a crisis.

 

It will be great to see some more progress on this car.

 

Bump for updates

 

Has anything been done with the vehicle(s) . . .