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Hudson 481 Series Owner's Manual

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  • Page 5 WHEN YOUR NEW HUDSON IS DELIVERED TO YOU SEE THAT THESE THINGS ARE DONE OWNER'S SERVICE POLICY properly filled in and its provisions fully explained to you. IDENTIFICATION CARD completely filled in on both sides. BE SURE THAT KEY NUMBERS ARE RECORDED.
  • Page 6 Welcome Your selection of a new Hudson Mo- tor car is gratifying to us and we are happy to welcome you to the ever growing family of Hudson owners. We share in your pride of ownership and are sure you will derive the many...

  • Page 7: Warranty

    "This warranty shall not apply to any vehicle which shall have been repaired or altered by other than an Authorized Hudson Dealer in any way so as, in the judgment of the Manufacturer, to affect its stability or reliability, nor which has been subject to misuse, negligence or accident."...

  • Page 8: Owner's Service Policy

    OWNER'S SERVICE POLICY When you purchased your new Hudson, the Distributor or Dealer from whom you bought the car presented you with your Hudson Owner's Service Policy. We cannot too greatly impress you with the need for reading it fully and becoming acquainted with its provisions.
  • Page 9 STATIONS Your Authorized Hudson Dealer is the logical place to visit for the best available service on your new Hudson car. It is to his best interests to keep your car in good operating condition at the lowest possible cost.
  • Page 10 If these services become due while you are touring or away from home, they may be performed by any authorized Hudson Dealer, who will make a charge of not more than $5.00 for either inspection. The dealer who made the inspection will furnish you...
  • Page 11 HUDSON OWNER MANUAL MODEL DESIGNATIONS AND SERIAL NUMBERS The new Hudson models are produced in the Super and Commodore Series and carry the following designations: Hudson Super Six Series ..........Model 481 Hudson Commodore Six Series ........Model 482 Hudson Super Eight Series..........Model 483 Hudson Commodore Eight Series........Model 484...

  • Page 12: Technical Information

    HUDSON OWNER MANUAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION ENGINE Super Six and Super Eight and Commodore Six Commodore Eight Series 481-482- 483-484- 6 Cylinder 8 Cylinder Arrangement L Head L Head Bore and Stroke 3-9/16 x 4-3/8 3 x 4-1/2 Piston Displacement 262 Cu. In.

  • Page 13: Propeller Shaft

    HUDSON OWNER MANUAL TRANSMISSION Super Six and Super Six and Commodore Six Commodore Six Synchro-Mesh Type Synchro-Mesh 3 Forward- Speeds 3 Forward- 1 Reverse 1 Reverse All Helical Gears All Helical 2.61:l Gear Ratios—Without HDM—Low 2.61:l l.65:1 Second l.65:1 High 3.17:1...
  • Page 14 HUDSON OWNER MANUAL STEERING GEAR Super Six and Super Eight and Commodore Six Commodore Eigh Type Worm and Triple Worm and Triple Tooth Roller Tooth Roller Ratio 20.4:1 20.4:1 Steering Wheel Diameter 17' and 18" 17' and 18" Lubricant—Summer and Winter S.A.E.

  • Page 15: Lamp Bulbs

    HUDSON OWNER MANUAL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT (CONT’D.) Super Six and Super Eight and Commodore Six Commodore Eight Generator—Type Third Brush Volt. Third Brush Volt. Reg. Reg. Drive V Belt V Belt Charging Rate—Cold 43 Amperes at 8 Volts 43 Amperes at 8 Volts Charging Rate—Hot...
  • Page 16 Your Authorized Hudson Dealer has been provided with the correct factory lubrication specifications for your car, as well as the definite plan of application. This is your assurance that the lubrication requirements of your car will be met with the greatest care.

  • Page 17: Lubrication Schedule

    Distilled Water Check Battery Electrolyte level and gravity. Water or Anti-Freeze Check Coolant level and Anti-Freeze strength. Hudson Hydraullc Brake Fluid Check Brake Master Cylinder fluid level 2,000 Miles Perform operations included in 1,000 mile lubrication, in addition to the following:...

  • Page 18: Checking Engine Oil Level

    BREAK-IN OIL Special compounds or so-called "break-in" oils are not necessary in Hudson engines. In the event it is decided to use them, make sure the supplier guarantees that they contain no harmful ingredients.

  • Page 19: When To Change Engine Oil

    HUDSON OWNER MANUAL The level should be checked each time fuel is added. The oil level gauge is located on the left side of the engine and is divided at its lower end to show the "Oil Level Range" and the "Low Range".

  • Page 20: Types Of Oil

    Note: Kerosene should be added only when temperatures below —10° are expected for long periods. Your Authorized Hudson Dealer, who has had long experience with the brands of oil available in your locality, will be glad to help you with your lubrication problems.

  • Page 21: Oil Filter

    HUDSON OWNER MANUAL OIL FILTER A Hudson Oil Filter is available through your Authorized Hudson Dealer and its installa- tion will assist in removing foreign matter and impurities from the oil, and at the same time, permit a normal oil flow through the engine. This filter will keep the oil cleaner for longer periods and help minimize wear on engine parts.
  • Page 22 HUDSON OWNER MANUAL Figure 5 (3) STARTER BUTTON—Pressing button in with ignition switch turned on operates the starter. On cars equipped with Drive-Master, the clutch pedal must be pushed down before the starter will operate. Do not press button when engine is running or car is in gear. Starter will not operate unless ignition is turned on.
  • Page 23 (23) CLUTCH PEDAL—Should be depressed fully to floorboard when shifting gears. On cars equipped with Hudson Drive-Master, this must be done before press- ing the starter button or the starter will not operate. When starting the engine, particu- larly in cold weather, depressing the clutch pedal manually will eliminate transmission gear drag and facilitate starting.
  • Page 24 (26) COWL VENTILATOR HANDLE—Should be pushed forward to open cowl ventilator and pulled back to close it. When Hudson Weather-Control is installed, temperature is regulated by ventilator opening. (See Weather-Control Instruction Booklet.) (27) IGNITION LOCK—Inserting and turning key to right turns ignition on.
  • Page 25 Move lever to neutral, depress and slide forward for second gear and rear- ward for high gear. If car is equipped with Hudson Drive-Master, follow instructions shown under "Drive-Master." (32) LIGHTING SWITCH — Controls in- strument lights, headlights. hood light, parking lights, license light and tail lights.
  • Page 26 DRIVING YOUR NEW CAR Before your new Hudson automobile was delivered to you, your Dealer checked it over thoroughly to be sure that all adjustments were in order; that all lubrication fittings and units of the car were properly lubricated; that the cooling system was filled to the proper level, and that the tires were inflated to the proper pressures.
  • Page 27 Move lever to neutral, depress and slide it forward for second gear, or rearward for high gear. If car is equipped with Hudson Drive-Master or Vacumotive Drive, see Special Operating Instructions, number (30) listed under "Operating Controls."...

  • Page 28: Door Lock Operation

    HUDSON OWNER MANUAL misplaced or lost keys can be obtained from your Hudson Dealer only by referring to key change number. Many cars are driven away by unscrupulous persons simply because the ignition key was left in the lock. Make it a practice to remove the key from the lock if the car is to be left unattended even for a few minutes.

  • Page 29: Rear Compartment Door

    LOCKING THE HOOD The hood of your Hudson car is designed to open at the front and is provided with a locking arrangement to prevent the battery, engine and accessories from being tampered with.

  • Page 30: Inflation Pressures

    HUDSON OWNER MANUAL The safety catch can then be released by reaching under the louver at the front of the car and pulling the catch forward and raising the front end of the hood at the same time. Spring loaded hinges assist in raising the hood and strong, self-locking supports hold it up.

  • Page 31: Spare Tire And Wheel

    2,500 miles and whenever a tire is repaired or recapped. Your Authorized Hudson Dealer has the necessary equipment to perform this work. DISMOUNTING AND REMOUNTING TIRES TO DISMOUNT—Deflate the tube completely.
  • Page 32 HUDSON OWNER MANUAL Your New Hudson is provided with spe- cial jack lifting pads built into the frame at the front and at the sides near the rear, which assure maximum lifting efficiency and safety and prevents the possibility of spring- ing the bumpers.
  • Page 33 ENGINES ENGINE FEATURES—SUPER SIX Hudson Super Six engines are of "L" head design, mounted at three points in live rubber cushions to prevent sound or vibration being transmitted to the body. Figure 15 CYLINDER HEAD—High turbulence type for better fuel combustion.
  • Page 34 ENGINE FEATURES—SUPER EIGHT Hudson Super Eight engines are of "L" head design, mounted at three points in live rub- ber cushions to prevent sound or vibration being transmitted to the body.
  • Page 35 HUDSON OWNER MANUAL CYLINDER HEAD—High turbulence type for better fuel combustion. CRANKSHAFT—Drop-forged, fully compensated and equipped with rubber-insulated damper, balanced at rest and in motion; five long-wearing, bronze-backed main bearings. PISTONS—T-slot, cam ground, aluminum alloy, fitted with four pinned, plated piston rings.

  • Page 36: Cooling System

    The use of Hudson Rust and Corrosion Inhibitor in the cooling system prior to adding anti-freeze in the fall and after draining in the spring will assist to a large measure in keeping the system clean and permit efficient circulation.
  • Page 37 HUDSON OWNER MANUAL F i g u r e 1 8 The belt is adjustable by means of a swinging generator mounting. Moving the generator away from the engine increases the belt tension while moving it towards the engine decreases its tension. Belt adjustment is correct when it is possible to depress the belt approximately 3/4", as shown in the illustration.

  • Page 38: Carburetor And Fuel System

    CARBURETOR AND FUEL SYSTEM FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS The engine of your Hudson car is designed to give good performance and economy with regular grades of gasoline. One of the most important factors in getting the most out of the fuels available, is correct ignition timing.
  • Page 39 HUDSON OWNER MANUAL 11. Have the engine of your car tuned up by your Authorized Hudson Dealer each 5,000 miles. He will check its operation and make any necessary adjustments, including ignition timing, contact points, spark plugs, valve adjustment and other important details which have a direct bearing on operating economy.
  • Page 40 The OIL BATH air cleaner is available as an option or may be installed by your Authorized Hudson Dealer. In this unit, dirt is washed out of the air by the oil spray created as the incoming air strikes the oil in the sump...
  • Page 41 HUDSON OWNER MANUAL FUEL PUMPS The standard fuel pump is of the mechani- cally operated diaphragm type and should he serviced at 2,000 mile intervals by cleaning the bowl and screen. This is done by removing the bowl screw "A", which in turn permits the removal of the bowl "B,"...
  • Page 42 HUDSON OWNER MANUAL The air filter screen should also be cleaned at 2,000 mile intervals. This is accomplished by removing top cover screw (E) and cover (F). Before replacing the screen and cover, carefully examine screen (G) and gasket (H) and renew if necessary.
  • Page 43 As special equipment is required to test this unit, and as the cover is sealed in place, the regulator should never be tampered with. See your Authorized Hudson Dealer if it requires checking.

  • Page 44: Ignition Timing

    HUDSON OWNER MANUAL DISTRIBUTOR The distributor incorporates an automatic governor advance and in addition, a dia- phragm advance control (A), operated by engine vacuum. The automatic governor advance provides the proper ignition timing in direct propor- tion to engine speed.
  • Page 45 HUDSON OWNER MANUAL The engine can be cranked by removing the knurled cap on the starting motor solenoid and pressing the button in quick succession. The distributor rotation is clockwise. Loosen the distributor advance arm screw (I) and rotate the distributor housing clockwise to the limit of the slot in quadrant.
  • Page 46 HUDSON OWNER MANUAL HEADLAMPS Hudson cars employ the headlighting system known as "Sealed Beam," in which the light source, the reflector, the lens, and the gasket are all assembled in one securely sealed unit. When the filament burns out or the lens break,...
  • Page 47 HUDSON OWNER MANUAL To Service Unit: 1. Remove headlamp lens rim by taking out the three screws. 2. Loosen, but do not remove, the three screws (B) holding the retaining ring. (Do not disturb the aiming screws (A and C) at the top and left side of the unit.)
  • Page 48 A Fluid Cushioned Clutch incorporating a single cork-insert disc, is used exclusively in Hudson cars to assure smooth engagement. Long life is assured through triple sealing the unit against fluid loss. Heat developed within the clutch is kept at a minimum through proper ventilation and the constant bath of fluid within the housing.
  • Page 49 HUDSON OWNER MANUAL...

  • Page 50: Clutch Pedal Adjustment

    Every 5,000 miles the clutch should be drained and refilled with HUDSONITE CLUTCH COMPOUND, which is produced in the Hudson Engineering Laboratories, and is available through all Authorized Hudson Dealers. The exclusive use of this compound is your assurance of obtaining smooth, even clutch action.

  • Page 51: Operation

    HUDSON OWNER MANUAL your Authorized Hudson Dealer, provides a means of engaging and disengaging the clutch automatically without using the foot. It utilizes the engine vacuum and is operated by momentarily lifting the foot from the accelerator pedal to disengage the clutch and depress- ing the accelerator pedal to engage the clutch.
  • Page 52 HUDSON OWNER MANUAL Figure 36 LUBRICATION—STANDARD TRANSMISSION The transmission is fitted with one drain plug located at the bottom of the case and one filler plug on the right side. Remove the filler plug every 1,000 miles and check fluid level. Permit car to stand idle a few minutes before checking the level.
  • Page 53 HUDSON OWNER MANUAL To check fluid level, first remove Overdrive filler plug and determine level, which should be even with lower edge of hole. If level is low, refill to correct level. Then check oil level in transmission and refill as required.
  • Page 54 Hudson Drive-Master, which is available as a factory installed option only, provides automatic gear shifting in forward speeds under normal conditions, yet permits shifting in the conventional manner at ANY time. Hudson Drive-Master allows the driver to have COMPLETE CONTROL of the transmission in every speed at all times.

  • Page 55: Propeller Shaft And Universal Joints

    As the axle bearings are accurately adjusted under load at the factory, no further attention should be required. Special equipment is necessary to properly service this unit; therefore, any adjustments or repairs required should be referred to your Authorized Hudson Dealer.
  • Page 56 HUDSON OWNER MANUAL Figure 38...

  • Page 57: Brake System

    Rear wheel bearings should be removed, cleaned, and repacked every 10,000 miles with 1-1/2 ounces of milled sodium soap base lubricant. A special puller is required to remove the hubs; therefore, this operation should be performed by your Authorized Hudson Dealer. BRAKE SYSTEM...

  • Page 58: Brake Fluid

    Numerous rubber parts are used in the hydraulic system which makes necessary the use of brake fluids that are entirely free of mineral oil and other ingredients which are detrimen- tal to the rubber and may cause swelling and early deterioration. Hudson Hydraulic Brake Fluid meets these requirements.
  • Page 59 HUDSON OWNER MANUAL Figure 43...

  • Page 60: Front Suspension

    FRONT SUSPENSION Hudson Individual Front Wheel Suspension is of the angularly set "wishbone" type, em- ploying large diameter, soft acting coil springs of alloy steel. The upper and lower control arms are pivoted at their inner ends to permit each wheel to move vertically independently of the other as they pass over road irregularities.

  • Page 61: Front Wheel Bearings

    Accurate gauges and carefully calibrated equipment are necessary to check and correct alignment. Therefore, it is suggested that any service requirements be referred to your Authorized Hudson Dealer who is best qualified to do this type of work. FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS The front wheel bearings are of the tapered roller type, adjustable to compensate for wear and are adequately sealed against lubricant loss.

  • Page 62: Front Lateral Stabilizer

    Figure 46 relationship to the steering gear, all operations should be performed by your Authorized Hudson Dealer. LUBRICATION—Grease fittings are provided at the front and rear ends and these should be lubricated every 1,000 miles with viscous chassis lubricant.
  • Page 63 HUDSON OWNER MANUAL front end sway and stabilizes ride on rough roads, in heavy winds and when making sharp turns. No service attention is required except to see that the connecting link nuts are properly tightened. REAR LATERAL STABILIZER A rear lateral stabilizer is used as standard equipment. One end of this device is assembled to the frame side member and the other end to the rear axle housing.

  • Page 64: Shock Absorbers

    In this event, the faulty unit should be removed for repair or replacement. As special tools are required to service these shock absorbers, all shock absorber work should be performed by your Authorized Hudson Dealer. Figure 50 BODY AND FRAME...

  • Page 65: Door Locks

    HUDSON OWNER MANUAL BODY AND FRAME The Hudson ALL STEEL Monobilt BODY-AND-FRAME includes box-type founda- tion frame of sturdy steel girders with all structural members of body-and-frame welded together into a single unit. The strength of steel and the permanence of welding make for rigidity and safety with minimum weight.

  • Page 66: Door Windows

    HUDSON OWNER MANUAL Figure 54 (two views) To Open Door from Inside— Front Door—Rotate inside (43) handle by pulling it backward. Rear Door—Rotate inside handle by pressing it down. To Lock Car When Leaving— (1) Close windows. With doors closed, push inside safety buttons down on all doors ex- cept the front one from which you are leaving.

  • Page 67: Quarter Windows

    POLISHING the car is necessary at intervals to provide the finish with a protective coat. If ordinary washing does not remove the road grime use Hudson Polish and Cleaner. A more durable, long lasting, high luster finish can be obtained by cleaning the surface with Hudson Liquid Glaze Cleaner and then applying Hudson Liquid Glaze Sealer.
  • Page 68 Dealer, should be used. Select an area slightly larger than the soiled portion and with a soft, clean cloth or sponge moistened with Hudson Fabric Cleaner, rub it in light successive strokes and work toward the center of the soiled area.
  • Page 69 CAUTION: Soap or heat applied to a fruit or wine stain will cause it to set. COSMETICS Lipstick and creams may be removed by applying a few drops of Hudson Fabric Cleaner to the stain and absorbing it quickly with a blotter. Repeat as necessary until the spot is removed.
  • Page 70 Figure 56 cowl ventilator All the air supplied by the Hudson Weather Control is fresh outside air, warmed and reduced in relative humidity. This “dryer” air reduces fogging and frosting of the wind- shield and windows. When starting out with a cold car, and particularly with full passenger...
  • Page 71 This unit should be serviced twice a year by making sure the oil reservoir is at least half full. Use only Hudson Shock Absorber Oil for this purpose. Access to the power unit for servicing is had by removing the cover from the body underpanel.
  • Page 72 HUDSON OWNER MANUAL Figure 57 TO RAISE TOP: 1. Stop car. 2. Remove top boot. 3. Push top control knob forward until top is fully raised. 4. Pull down top header over windshield and attach and fasten clamps at each side.
  • Page 73 HUDSON OWNER MANUAL HUDSON APPROVED ACCESSORIES Your Authorized Hudson Dealer has available for installation on your car, a complete line of Factory Approved Accessories. The addition of these items will greatly enhance the appearance of the car, improve comfort and provide greater safety.
  • Page 74 HUDSON OWNER MANUAL AUTOMOBILE AND PERSONAL DATA FOR EASY REFERENCE Name------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Phone---------------------------- Business Address---------------------------------------------------------- Phone---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Body Type----------------------------------------Model-------------------------------- Engine and Serial Number---------------------------------------------------- Tire Size--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title Number------------------------------------------------------------ License Plate Number------------------------------------------------------------- Social Security Number----------------------------------------------------------- Key Numbers—Ignition and Door--------------------------------------------------- Package Compartment and Trunk Lock-----------------------------------------...
  • Page 75 (Oil Bath) Type Cold Weather Caution Ammeter (See Generator Charge) Combination Fuel and Vacuum Pump Anti-Freeze and Capacities Convertible Brougham Top Authorized Hudson Service Stations Cooling System Capacities 9-10 Axle Front (See "Front Suspension") Cooling System, Draining of Axle, Rear...
  • Page 76 HUDSON OWNER MANUAL Fan Belt—Adjustment of Finish, Care of Car Firing Order Jack, Use of Front Lateral Stabilizer Front Seat Adjustment Front Suspension Front Wheel Bearings Keys Fuel and Altitude Compensation Fuel Economy Fuel Gauge Fuel Pump Lamp Bulb Specifications...
  • Page 77 HUDSON OWNER MANUAL Starting the Engine Steering Gear Oil Dilution and Sludge Supplies Oil, During Run-in Period Oil Filter Oil Pressure Indicator Oil Specification Chart Operating Controls Tappet Clearance, Valves Overdrive—Transmission Technical Information Overdrive—Control Knob Temperature Gauge Owner's Service Policy...

This manual is also suitable for:

482 series483 series484 series

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