benswolf_1

Ok-im 18- I have a 36 hudson 4 door that I want to make a rat rod out of. I am trying to figure out if it will be best to drop the body on a more modern frame with new suspension and all that-or use the existing frame and put on a ford 9 and a mustang II front end suspension. I plan on puting in a 302 if i go ford or 350 for chev. I want to chop the top a few inches and channel it some also. But my main question is what platform to build it on and if I choose to put it on another frame what model/year would fit best. The hudson has a 115 inch wheelbase. any help would be sweet!
-Thanks!
-Ben

umeshseo

i thing you should go for Ford............

oldblu65

The best frame is the original one . If you go to a later frame , you'll be looking at a lot of fabrication to just mount the body . It would easier to box the original frame , add the Mustang II front end and the 9 inch differential . When you get to the top chop and body channel , make sure to weld braces into the body to keep it's integrity . Keep us updated on your progress and good luck !

MagicRat

I don't want to be a buzzkill here, but have you done any previous projects like this? What you propose is expensive and a LOT of work... more than what you think.

Old Hudsons are worth a fair bit in good, original shape, but are not popular to rod and pretty much worthless when modded... unless the mods are show-quality.
They are pretty rare and parts are tough to get. Unless you have done this before, I agree with the above post... sell your Hudson (if you need the money)and buy a pre-war Ford to rod. Rodding parts are much more common for Fords and would be an easier project.

Better yet, shop around for someone elses partly-finished rod project. There are lots of them out there. Typically, someone has put far more energy and effort into one than the buying price suggests.

Whatever you do, good luck with the project! :-)

__________________

I still say a church steeple with a lightning rod on top shows a lack of confidence