May - Chicago-Milwaukee Chapter

Dedicated to Preserving the Great Cars Built by Hudson
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE HUDSON ESSEX TERRAPLANE CLUB, INC., CHICAGO-MILWAUKEE CHAPTER.
May 2011
Volume 40, Issue 5
LITTLE HERSHEY MEET
A great turn out with a lot of hot air !
How to clean and coat your Hudson Gas Tank
Up Coming Chicago-Milwaukee Meets
Chapter Information, Page: 10
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May Meets, Page: 1 - 2
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HI G
Meet the Members, Page: 10
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Meet Maps, Page: 7 - 9
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Gas Tank Cleaning and Coating, Page: 3 - 6
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Hudson Historical Society, Page: 2 - 3
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MAY MEETS MEAN DOUBLE THE FUN
By Cheri Holz
coop and pumped it in to their Prohibition Era
patrons including Al Capone.
Meet Director, Hank Richter arranged for an
extra event this month to give our Hudsons some
additional road time. On May 15th we went to the
On Fridays and Sundays they offer “Recession
Proof Specials” that include Prime Rib, BBQ
Canadian Back Ribs and Top Sirloin Butt Steak, as
well as others, at very reasonable prices. While their
Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin, Il. There
we were transported back in time to an era when the
electric trolley was a vital part of the American
transportation system. We were able to hop onboard
an old time trolley for a nostalgic, scenic and
narrated four mile ride along the Fox River. We then
caravanned to Al Capone’s Hideaway and
Steakhouse for a wonderful Sunday dinner. The sad
thing about the caravan was it didn’t contain a single
Hudson--probably due to the weather.. The calendar
showed it was mid-May; but the day seemed more
like
a
blustery
March day and
found me in winter
coat, muffs and
mittens.
The
Steakhouse is less
than four miles
from the Trolley
Museum; but part
of the mystique of
the restaurant is
that it is secluded and not all that easy to find; but
definitely worth the excursion. The roads leading
there contain small arrows to follow. At one corner
those arrows went in two different directions, so we
naturally, chose the wrong way. The history of the
Hideaway says that back in 1927 the owners made
their own beer in a hidden cellar behind the chicken
1 THE HUD-NUT NEWS: May 2011
beer is no longer made on the premises, it still flows
to patrons to enhance any meal. The Hudnuts
enjoying dinner at the Hideaway included Frank
Kolody, Dwight Ebert, Bob Loewe, John Vanlier,
Ronn and Pat Pittman, Rob Reinhold and John
O’Halloran, Linton Richard, Peggy Martinez and Vi
Ferry, Roy Nelson, Hank and Darlene Richter and
Hank’s sister Fran Sturek as well as Steve and me.
On May 22nd we had the second opportunity to
drive our Hudsons and this time we had eleven of
them at the Little Hershey meet in Belvidere. Host
Jack Stewart drove his ’54 Hudson this year; but
never mentioned that he and it had a fantastic write
up in Old Cars Weekly. Others driving Hudsons
included Gary Gillen--52 Hornet, Greg Johnson--’52
Hornet, Linton Richard--’50 Commodore, Gus
Souza--’54 Hard Top, Paul & Betty Tormohlen--’46
Pickup, Dave and Diane Jacoby--’53 Hornet, Archie,
Dave and Lucille Miller--’54 Hornet, Doug Seals ’49
Super Six, Wendall and Jo-Ann Sagendorf--’29
Super Six and Steve and Cheri Holz --’51
Pacemaker. While it seemed there were fewer show
cars and vendors than in the past; this again was
probably due to the weather--a forecast of possible
strong storms. The day, however, turned out to be
absolutely beautiful. It is nice that Jack always gets
us a spot with some shade where we can keep all
business to discuss; this year I had nothing except to
thank Jack for again hosting our Hudson's at
Belvidere and arranging our free admission and say I
hope to see everyone in June at this year’s Central
Regional Meet in Shipshewana.
In health news we have three members (that I
know of) that are on the mend. Tom Beilke was “laid
low” for a week with pleurisy; but he was feeling
better by Sunday and actually attend the Belvidere
meet. Tracy Heemstra had called to say that Rich
had had a stroke last month that affected his vision.
I spoke with him last Sunday after the meet in
Belvidere and I’m happy to say that he hasn’t lost his
wonderful sense of humor. Today, Sunday, May 29th
we were at a family get together in Alsip so thought
we would take a swing by Al James’ house for a visit,
only to find he was in Palos Community Hospital.
We went to the hospital and had a nice visit with him.
He has some fluid on his lungs that is making
breathing difficult. They had done a cat scan today
and planned on draining his lungs tomorrow. Let’s
keep all these folks in our prayers and send a card to
cheer them up if you get the chance.
See you in Shipshewana!
Cheri
What’s Up With The Historical Society
By Steve Holz
Since the Chicago-Milwaukee Chapter has joined
the Hudson Essex Terraplane Historical Society
(HETHS); and I am a member of the board of
directors, I thought it would be appropriate for me to
provide an update.
Wendall and Jo-Ann Sagendorf--’29 Super six
the Hudsons together for the attention they draw.
This year at the meet a ’53 Wasp was sold to a
fellow from Rockford. Jack has sent the new owner
membership forms and Vern put some recent WTN’s
inside the car for his leisure reading.
Unlike last year where we were less than a month
from hosting our Regional and there was a lot of
At the discussion about joining the HETHS one of
the questions was “What’s in it for us?” While I could
go into HET name recognition and indirect affect on
HET values, the truth is there are no direct benefits
like finding cars or parts or holding local meets.
There is an indirect benefit because the HETHS “is
dedicated to preserving the history and products of
the Hudson Motor Car Company” and this is
something that is important to many of us. If you are
interested in HET history, and will be at the regional
meet in Shipshewana, I encourage you to go
upstairs at the Towne Center (Hostetler Museum) to
see some of the wonderful, priceless memorabilia
THE HUD-NUT NEWS: May 2011
2
that the HETHS is preserving for us and future
generations.
The publication of the HETHS is the “Hudson
Triangle”. It has stories about significant Hudson
cars, the Doc Hudson Project (to put a “hands on”
Hudson in the Shipshewana Museum) and cars in
various museums around the country. If you’d like to
see a copy of the “Triangle” feel free to ask Cheri or
me and we would be glad to share one with you.
Also if you plan to be at the National Meet in
Oklahoma City in July, Mike Cherry is making
arrangements to have a copy of the “Triangle” placed
in each “goodie bag”.
helps distribute the coating.
SKY BEFORE GAS TANK PROBLEM
The important “players” in the HETHS are:
Mike Cherry - President
Bob Ross - Editor
Laurie Fromm - Secretary
Carmen LaFlamme - Membership Director
Dick Burgdorf - Treasurer
Sue Figert Kennedy - Legal Counsel
The “players” and directors have been
communicating by email and President Cherry has
worked up a marathon agenda for when we meet at
the National in Oklahoma City this summer. If
anyone has suggestions or ideas for the HETHS
regarding future directions please let me know your
ideas and I will be glad to forward them to the group.
Don’t forget that everyone is encouraged to
participate in the Vintage Fashion Show at the
HETHS Auction at the National. This should add to
the great fun that the auction always is; but more
importantly as it is the primary annual fund raising
event for the HETHS, be sure to attend.
HOW TO CLEAN AND COAT
A HUDSON GAS TANK
By Steve Holz
WHY--I have now cleaned and coated five tanks,
one tractor, three 46/47 Hudson and the latest one
Sky, Cheri’s (my wife) 51 Pacemaker. I have made
most of the mistakes possible and done things the
hard way, so to document some better practices I’ve
learned and share them with others, I’ve decided to
write down my process.
One of the things I learned is to coat the tank
before cleaning and painting the outside. This is
because it takes a lot of tank moving and turning to
distribute the liner to all parts of the tank and baffles.
Moving the tank around when you clean and paint it
3 THE HUD-NUT NEWS: May 2011
DISCUSSION -- The tank was in pretty good shape
for being 59 years old. It probably wouldn’t have
caused problems if someone hadn’t dropped an
additive seal in it. I am sure we didn’t drop anything
in the tank and we have put over 7300 miles on the
Pacemaker since we purchased it. It had to be:
a. stuck in the sludge
b. stuck behind a baffle or
c. what was left of the old filter was keeping it from
the closing the pickup tube.
It apparently had been in the tank for quite awhile
because it was discolored. Thank goodness we
were within three miles of home when it acted up
and I was able to limp home with three trips to the
side of the road. Things like the additive tab are why
I would recommend always putting a filter on the
pickup inside the tank. Otherwise anything with a flat
surface can cut off fuel flow. I use coarse brass
screen (when compared to the original Hudson
screen). Then I put a finer filter in front (from a flow
perspective) of the fuel pump. I like clear filters
located where they are easy to change.
Another thing I like to do when coating a tank (if it
hasn’t already been done) is to add a ground from
the sending unit to the frame or some other good
ground point. This avoids problems that may arise
from painting the tank, tank hangers and the bottom
of the vehicle. Now for the steps I take.
1. REMOVE THE TANK
46/47 Tank removal is straight forward. A stepdown
is more complicated. The Pacemaker had a hose
across the frame connecting the tank vent to the filler
tube, a rubber cover on the filler tube and three bars
below the filler tube. Ours also had clay or caulk in
the trunk floor around the filler tube.
TANK AND PARTS AFTER REMOVAL
2. REMOVE SENDING UNIT AND PICKUP TUBE
I replace the screws with stainless Allen Heads to
make subsequent removal easier.
tank back the top of the filler tube sticks through the
fender and this allows you to rotate the top of the
tube so it looks just right. This will also be useful if
you paint the car or replace the rubber seal to the
body.
5. ADD A RETURN LINE
I like to add provision for a return fuel line at this
point. I place a piece of 0.25 inch copper tube near
the top of the tank where it will be accessible when
the tank is replaced. Make sure the return is at least
6 inches (preferably on the other side of a baffle)
away from the pickup tube. I either solder or JB Weld
it in place.
6. COVER THE OPENINGS
I used old furnace sheet metal for the pickup tube
and sending unit covers. The metal is easy to cut
and drill. These are temporary pieces and don’t
require perfection, but a good seal helps (I used a
gasket) because the tank liner is messy. Put foil in
and on all tube openings. Put foil on the bottom of an
old gas cap to seal the filler tube.
TANK ON HOIST
3. REMOVE THE OLD PICKUP TUBE FILTER
For the 46/47 use very long curved needle nose
pliers and pull the screen out. You will have to bend
the filter to fit it out the sending unit hole.
The 51 Pacemaker has a baffle between the sending
unit and pickup. Bend the baffle toward the sending
unit until you can see the pickup area. Stop bending
before it will interfere with the sending unit motion.
Then remove what is left of the pickup filter. The
aluminum top disk will probably be intact and has to
be bent to fit out the sending unit hole.
4. CUT FILLER TUBE ON 46/47
On the 46/47 tanks I cut the filler tube at a point that
will end up in the trunk. Then connect the tube
together with a 1.5 inch to 1.5 inch rubber PVC pipe
coupler (available at Menards). When you put the
7.
CLEAN THE INSIDE
OF THE TANK
Start with 5 gallons of hot
soapy water.
Put it in
through the filler tube and
put on the cap. I suspend
the tank with a chain hoist
to make sloshing easier.
Remove the cap and dump
the water into a bucket, try
to get the goop out with the
water. Pour the water back
in the tank leaving the
goop in the bucket.
Repeat several times until
very little goop comes out.
Get all the water out that you can and clean with a
solvent.
I used a gallon acetone because it
evaporates rapidly. You can get some more rust out
with the acetone.
THE HUD-NUT NEWS: May 2011
4
STUFF FROM TANK - NOTE ADDATIVE SEAL
8. COAT TANK
With the holes all plugged add the coating through
the filler. Seal with an old gas cap with aluminum foil
over the inside to seal better--it will probably still leak
a little when the sealer accumulates in the filler tube.
First move the tank around to coat the top, bottom
and all sides. Remember the coating is thick and
moves slowly.
I use Kreem (available from J.C. Whitney) Any tank
coating product that is rated for ethanol in gas will be
fine(Kreem is rated for Gasohol). Be careful they still
sell products not resistant to ethanol! I have found
that it takes more than they claim (Hudsons have a
lot of baffles). I used 2 quarts where they said one
would work. One would probably have worked if you
could see inside the tank to distribute the liner.
When I was all through I probably drained a quart
out.
9. CLEAN THE OUTSIDE OF THE TANK
I used a scraper, wire brush and coarse steel wool.
Remember that the tank doesn’t have to be perfect,
the object to protect it
10. PAINT THE OUTSIDE OF THE TANK
I paint my tanks with a product called Zero Rust it
works well on a light coating of surface rust. Be sure
to put the area you are cleaning up, this moves the
tank while cleaning to give maximum coverage
inside. Keep moving the tank around to distribute
the coating some more. At some point let the
coating run back into the filler tube but don’t leave it
there too long as it will probably leak around the cap.
With the tank sealed the liner doesn’t dry very fast.
You probably will have to do a little touch up painting
later from handling the tank. When you are through
remove the gas cap and drain the excess liner out.
On the 46/47 prop the tank so that it will drain. On
the stepdown tank put it upside down and open the
top vent you have plugged. Use a wood block to tilt
the tank to the vent. When the flow slows down to
dripping, turn the tank over again and use the blocks
to tilt the tank away from the pickup area. Remove
all the plugs and let it dry overnight. You will know
you did a good job if when you take a flashlight and
look in the sending unit hole, all the surfaces
(including the baffle) are shiny or white. Of course,
5 THE HUD-NUT NEWS: May 2011
this will depend on the sealer you used. In the case
of Kreem a thin coat is sufficient. The directions say
it seals leaks but I would recommend repairing
anything but a pinhole or two. If I were repairing
pinholes I would not paint the outside of the tank
where the pinholes are located. I would put a few
coats of the liner on the outside after draining the
excess from the inside.
PICKUP TUBE AND FILTER
11. CLEAN AND PAINT EXPOSED AREAS
While the tank dries cleanup the areas made
accessible with the tank out of the vehicle. This
would include under the vehicle and inside the trunk.
I also use ZERO RUST here. This is also a good
time to make new gaskets, a filter and buy stainless
screws, washers and lock washers.
12. INSTALL THE FILTER, GASKET AND PICKUP
TUBE
Wait until the tank is cured on the inside, then install
the inside filter. For the 47/47 tanks a long curved
needle nose pliers can be used to put the filter on the
pickup tube inside the tank. On tanks with a baffle,
getting the filter on the pickup is a little tougher
because you can barely see inside the tank. What I
did was to take a length of wire a little over twice the
distance from the sending unit to the pickup tube. I
formed the middle around an object a little smaller
than the filter. With the filter held by the wire, put it
next to the tube entrance and slide the tube into the
filter (with the gasket in place). Then hold the tube
and filter against the top of the tank. Clip one of the
wires and pull the other side out. Then lower the
tube and filter to the bottom and secure the tube in
place.
13. INSTALL SENDING UNIT
Put a new gasket on the sending unit and install it
with stainless steel hardware.
TANK ASSEMBLED AND READY TO INSTALL
Bobby Sox to Stockings in your
Hornet!
Dressed to a “T” in your
Terraplane!
Looking excellent in your
Essex!
14. INSTALL THE TANK
Stepdown - reverse the removal process. On the
Pacemaker I cut an old rubber floor mat to fit around
the filler tube in the trunk rather than the caulk (or
whatever it was).
46/47 - Remove the filler tube end that goes through
the fender. Put the tank in and replace the filler end.
Rotate the filler end until the part protruding from the
fender looks right, then tighten the hose clamps.
TANK INSTALLED
Put a Stetson in your
Hudson!
Fashion at the Auction!
is the fad at this year’s Historical Society
Auction in Oklahoma City.
Since we all enjoy “vintage’ items, we
invite all members to dress in “Hudson
Period Clothing” at the auction this year.
Members dressed in 1909-1957 clothing
will receive a door prize and will be
eligible for the grand prize drawn that
evening.
Make it a double date and come in
period dress at the International
Banquet the next evening!
GROUND, FUEL RETURN, ETC.
15. Fill with gas and Happy Hudsoning!
THE HUD-NUT NEWS: May 2011
6
Nell’s Family Meet: June 25th
Highway (Y)
Nell’s Family Meet
Butternut Rd.
41
County Road (KK)
49
41
N2726 Oak Ridge Lane, Fond Du Lac, Wis.
Rick Nell is hosting his meet this year at his home in Fondulac.
He will be serving his famous brats, soda, lemonade and of
course beer.
From the North or the South. Get off at Hwy 49...go east...about
a mile...the first cross road will be Butternut...turn left...go about
2 miles...to City rd. (Y)...Turn right (east)...go about 75yds...To
Oak Ridge Lane/Drive...LEFT
7 THE HUD-NUT NEWS: May 2011
Linton Richards Meet: JULY 10th
W. 111th St.
294
294
Hosted by Litton Richard
5520 W 111th St, Oak Lawn IL. Time 10:00 - ???
Lunch at noon - bring a dish to pass, lawn chairs and your Hudson
THE HUD-NUT NEWS: May 2011
8
AUGUST 7th MEET
Illinois Railway Museum and 21st Annual Vintage Transport Extravaganza
Illinois Railway Museum
7000 Olson Road, Union, IL 60180
UNION, IL.
Railway
Museum
This is a one day event and features vintage cars, trucks, fire engines, motor cycles and buses and multiple
car clubs do attend. Admission is $10.00 per vintage car which entitles 2 people admission to ride all the
trains. If you pre-register the admission is $5.00 per vintage car. Information for pre-registration is on line
at irm.org or telephone 815-923-4391. The West End Jazz Band plays at this event featuring the famous
John Otto on his clarinet.
There is a restaurant on the grounds or you can bring your own picnic lunch.
If you would like to have dinner at Donley Old West Steakhouse located in Union after the meet let us know
during the day of the meet so we can make a reservation. We are planning a 5:00 dinner.
Questions please Hank any time at 630-336-535
9 THE HUD-NUT NEWS: May 2011
CHAPTER INFORMATION
Officers
President: Cheri Holz
13270 McKanna Road
Minooka IL. 60447
815-475-7158
[email protected]
MEET the MEMBERS
Meet Chicago-Milwaukee Member - Doug Seals
From Fitchburg Wisconsin - 1949 Super Six
VP/Meeting Director: Hank Richter
1016 Edwards Dr.
Batavia, IL. 60510
630-336-5358
[email protected]
Treasurer: Doug Novak
324 Illinois Street
Glen Ellyn, IL. 60137
630-545-1611
[email protected]
Secretary: Polly Mitchell
10S211 Hampshire Ln. E.
Burr Ridge IL. 60527
630-655-1493
[email protected]
TechnicalAdvisor: Gus Souza
OS 621 Prince Crossing
West Chicago, IL. 60185
630-231-7764
Publications
Editor and Web Site: Dave Miller
2715 6th Street
Peru, IL. 61354
815-224-1072
[email protected]
Co-Editor: John O’Halloran
[email protected]
Web Site: Aaron Del Monaco
[email protected]
Membership
The Chicago-Milwaukee Chapter is a
chapter of the Hudson-Essex-Terraplane
Club, nc., a non-profit organization
dedicated to preserving and enjoying the
great cars built by Hudson. The ChicagoMilwaukee Chapter dues are $15 annually,
payable in January to the club Treasurer.
National HET membership is also required
of the Chicago-Milwaukee chapter
members.
National membership information is
available at: http://www.hudsonclub.org.
News Letter Submissions
News letter submissions must be made NO LATER than the 10th of each month. Submissions received
after the 10th will be included in the next news letter. All submissions should be sent to Dave Miller. Please
use the following guidelines for submissions.
News Letter Articles; ALL articles should be submitted via e-mail whenever possible. In order to simplify
the submission process, articles should be submitted in e-mail form. Typed or computer generated articles
will also be accepted via mail. Hand written submissions will be accepted but MUST be in printed form.
Pictures and Scans; ALL pictures and scans should be in medium or high resolution and submitted via
e-mail whenever possible. Pictures and scans can also be submitted via mail.
Returns Process; All mailed submissions will be returned to the owner unless otherwise indicated. Mailed
submissions MUST INCLUDE A SELF-ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE. All submissions not
returned will be sent to the club library.
Do not hesitate to call if you have any questions about the submissions process.
THE HUD-NUT NEWS: May 2011
10
13270 McKanna Road
Minooka IL. 60447
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OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE HUDSON ESSEX TERRAPLANE CLUB, INC. - CHICAGO-MILWAUKEE CHAPTER
Volume 40, Issue 5
May 2011