I am considering a trade of a motorcycle for a 1953 Hudson Wasp. I will try posting pictures. It is an older restoration from 2000, 429 caddy motor with 400 transmission. Leaf rear and volarie front end. Thanks for the help.more pictures coming
Can't think of many bikes I would let stand in the way of that deal. Is the structure sound? Weren't those more or less unibodies? I like it.
Looks good to me, except too many bumper guards and maybe the rear view mirror. I'd put air in that and cruise all summer. We'll presume your motorcycle isn't a Vincent.
Thanks for the response, not a Knuckle or Vincent but It is worth 13-15k I’m not really interested in trading down. Seems like the Hudson will go up in value although slow. I’m most interested in the undercarriage as stated it is unit construction. Keep it coming.
I like Hudsons.....but I don't like that car. I don't like scooters either but I like that scooter better than the Hudson. I feel that Hudson is missing an air brushed mural of James Dean with Marylin on the deck lid, big fuzzy dice and a crybaby doll. Maybe it's the Munsters in color.....color combo. I'm not big on violet, black and green.
I don't think that Hudson is worth $13 to 15 thousand that you said your bike was worth. Without shiney paint, and who knows how much body filler is in it, and a used, not rebuilt front end, (look at the rubber parts showing in picture), worth maybe $8 to 10 grand tops. So yes it would be a "Step Down".
I like it, I would do it, but then again, I'm not into newer motorcycles. I do agree with others who have said that the dorky side mirror and picket fence worth of bumper guards needs to go, and the engine compartment would benefit from a thorough detailing. I suppose I don't love the paint job but I don't hate it either. If it's your style, then it's all good. The other concern is if the car is a well built and reliable custom or if it's kind of a slap-together job that will turn into a money pit. If it's solid and well-engineered, I don't see why not. Hard to tell from those pictures though.
I agree with BJR..I had an Indian Chief (2002), nice bike, and hard to find a clean low mileage one for $13K-$15K. That would be all the money plus for that Hudson (even at that it would be a hard sell), even though it resembles a Merc., it's not one. If you want the trade, have him toss an extra $5K-$7K in the pot. Good luck!
It's motorcycle weather ain't it ??? Sell the bike !! That Hudson will still be unsold if he's asking 13 to 15k for it. Cash from your bike looks bigger at that point. I sure don't see anyone from Texas giving that guy anything close to that. I'm not Hudson savvy .... but one sold recently near me .... a running and driving flat 6, original-ish paint, ancient seat covered original upholstery and new carpet for 8k obo. Looked like a solid car in photos with paint showing as a rust free Texas C minus. Which is likely an A plus for a guy with 15k in his pocket. Maybe bought it 3 times ?? I dunno'. Cali weather is very bike friendly. What say you ?
Good point, as a buyer I think the Hudson would be a 10k car. As I sit here on the fence, cash is king. I like the thread, thanks to all.
Car has a look as others have said and yes it is drivable but the bushings you highlighted are done and what else. Your vehicle needs nothing to safety this thing...hmmmmm...you need to know before you take the plunge...and as Monty says " Let's make a deal"...It does look fairly clean and solid underneath...the clip install, hacky or clean...do they have the history of work?
Sell the bike and offer 9k. Then you have money to fix the ugly. I like Hudsons, actually better than a Mercury so I really like the car itself. I even really like purple but not that purple. (I don't mind the flames, they appear nicely done). It's a Cadillac which is better than a SBC but they sure did ugly it up. The basics are there to do it up nicely.
You better love the Hudson because it will be tough to sell it later (for all the reasons people have listed here). I like it. I like the bike more, but you don't seem to ride it and will definitely get more enjoyment from something you can use.
I am not into modern bikes, but if your Indian is really 13-15 K worth, it would be a not so good trade. The crumbling suspension rubbers, the sad interior, the many other not so nice details that should be changed .... just look at the trunk, it's missing the lock and it does not seem to fit well either. Sell your bike, get the car at a good prize and use the extra money for repairs/improvements.