1946 HUDSON
Model Designations:
Hudson Super Six, Series 51, 6 Cylinder
Hudson Super Eight, Series 53, 8 Cylinder
Hudson Commodore Six, Series 52, 6 Cylinder
Hudson Commodore Eight, Series 54, 8 Cylinder
Hudson Super Six, Series 51, 6 Cylinder, Body Styles
4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger
Base Price: $1,555; Shipping Weight: 3,085 Pounds
2 Door Brougham, 6 Passenger
Base Price: $1,511; Shipping Weight: 3,030 Pounds
2 Door Club Coupe, 6 Passenger
Base Price: $1,553; Shipping Weight: 3,015 Pounds
2 Door Coupe, 3 Passenger
Base Price: $1,481; Shipping Weight: 2,950 Pounds
2 Door Brougham Convertible, 6 Passenger
Base Price: $1,879; Shipping Weight: 3,195 Pounds
Production figures by model are not available.
Super Six Production Total: 61,787 of which 1,037 were Convertibles.
Hudson Super Eight, Series 53, 8 Cylinder, Body Styles
4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger
Base Price: $1,668; Shipping Weight: 3,235 Pounds
2 Door Club Coupe, 6 Passenger
Base Price: $1,664; Shipping Weight: 3,185 Pounds
Production figures by model are not available.
Super Eight Production Total: 3,961
Hudson Commodore Six, Series 52, 6 Cylinder Body Styles
4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger
Base Price: $1,699; Shipping Weight: 3,150 Pounds
2 Door Club Coupe, 5/6 Passenger
Base Price: $1,693; Shipping Weight: 3,065 Pounds
Production figures by model are not available.
Commodore Six Production Total: 17,685
Hudson Commodore Eight, Series 54, 8 Cylinder Body Styles
4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger
Base Price: $1,774; Shipping Weight: 3,305 Pounds
2 Door Club Coupe, 5/6 Passenger
Base Price: $1,760; Shipping Weight: 3,235 Pounds
2 Door Brougham Convertible, 6 Passenger
Base Price: $2,050; Shipping Weight: 3,410 Pound
Production figures by model are not available.
Commodore Eight Production Total: 8,193, including 140 Convertibles
1946 HUDSON
General Specifications
Hudson Super Six, Series 171 & Commodore Six, Series 173
Wheelbase: 121"
Engine Type: Inline 6, L-Head
Bore & Stroke: 3" X 5"
Engine Displacement: 212.1 Cu. In.
Compresssion Ratio: 6.50 to 1
Taxable Horsepower: 21.60
Horsepower: 102 @ 4,000 RPM
Torque: 168 Ft. Lbs. @ 1,200 RPM
Normal Oil Pressure: 4 to 12 PSI
Rear Axle Ratio: 4-1/9:1; Optional: 4-5/9:1
Carburetor: 2 Barrel Carter 501S .
Tire Size: Super Six, 6.00 x 16 inches; Inflation Pressure, Front 26, Rear, 30
Commodore Six: 6.50 x 15 inches; Inflation Pressure, Front 26, Rear, 30
Hudson Super Eight, Series 172 & Commodore Eight, Series 174
Wheelbase: 121 Inches
Engine Type: Inline 8, L-Head
Bore & Stroke: 3" X 4-1/2"
Engine Displacement: 254.5 Cu. In.
Compresssion Ratio: 6.50 to 1;
Taxable Horsepower: 28.80
Horsepower: 128 @ 4,200 RPM
Torque: 198 Ft. Lbs @ 1,600 RPM
Normal Oil Pressure: 4 to 12 PSI
Rear Axle Ratio: 4-1/9:1; Optional: 4-5/9:1
Carburetor: 2 Barrel Carter Model WDO, 502S .
Tire Size: Super Eight, 6.00 x 16 inches; Inflation Pressure, Front 26, Rear, 30
Commodore Eight, 6.50 x 16 inches; Inflation Pressure, Front 26, Rear, 30
Tune Up Specifications, 6 Cylinder Models:
Spark Plug Type:
Cast Iron Heads: Champion J-9, or Equivalent
Aluminum Heads: Champion H-10, or Equivalent
Spark Plug: Gap .032"
Point Gap: .020"
Firing Order: 1-5-3-6-2-4
Ignition Timing: 1/2" Before TDC Mark on Flywheel
Engine Idle Speed: 600 RPM
Tappet Clearance, Hot: Intake .010", Exhaust .012",
Cylinder Head Torque: 40 Ft Lbs
Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 120 PSI
Tune Up Specifications, 8 Cylinder Models:
Spark Plug:
Cast Iron Heads: Champion J-9, or Equivalent
Aluminum Heads: Champion H-10, or Equivalent
Spark Plug: Gap .032"
Point Gap: .017"
Firing Order: 1-6-2-5-8-3-7-4
Ignition Timing: 1/2" BTDC Mark on Flywheel
Tappet Clearance, Hot: Intake .006", Exhaust .008"
Cylinder Head Torque: 45 Ft Lbs
Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 120 PSI
Valve Specifications
6 Cylinder Engine
Tappet Clearance, Running Hot: Intake: .010", Exhaust: .012"
Clearance for Timing: Intake: .010"; Exhaust: .010"
Valve Timing: Intake Opens 10.5 Degrees Before Top Dead Center
Exhaust Closes 18.5 Degrees After Top Dead Center
Valve Seat Angle: Intake 45 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees,
Valve Spring Pressure: 40 Lbs @ 2 inches (New Springs)
Valve Stem Clearance: Intake .0015"-.003"
Exhaust .003"-.005"
8 Cylinder Engine
Tappet Clearance, Running Hot: Intake .006"; Exhaust .008"
Clearance for Timing: Intake: .010"; Exhaust: .010"
Valve Timing: Intake Opens 10.5 Degrees Before Top Dead Center
Exhaust Closes 18.7 degrees After Top Dead Center
Valve Seat Angle: Intake 45 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees,
Valve Spring Pressure: 40 Lbs @ 2 inches (New Springs)
Valve Stem Clearance: Intake .0015"-.003"
Exhaust .003"-.005"
Piston & Ring Data, 6 & 8 Cylinder
Piston Removal:
6 Cylinder: Above
8 Cylinder: Above or Below
Piston Clearance (Minimum):
Top Land Inch .016"
Top of Skirt, Inch: .001"
Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:
Shim Thickness: .0015"
Pounds Pull on Scale: 3 to 4
Width of Ring End Gap (Minimum):
Compression Ring: .009"
Oil Ring: .009"
Clearance Between Ring & Grooves:
Compression Ring: .0015"-.002"
Oil Control Ring: .001"-.0015"
Wrist Pin Diameter: .750"
Engine Bearing Data, 6 & 8 Cylinder
Camshaft End Play: .001"-.003"
Camshaft Bearing Clearance: .002"-.0035
Rod Journal Diameter: 1.935"-1.936"
Rod Bearing Clearance: .003"-.006"
Rod End Play: .007"-.013"
Rod Bolt Tension: 40 Lbs. Ft.
Main Bearing Journal Diameter:
6 Cylinder Engines: Front: 2.341"-2.342"; Center: 2.373"-2.374";
Rear: 2.311"-2.312"
8 Cylinder Engines: Front: 2.279"-2.280"; No. 2: 2.311"-2.312";
No. 3: 2.341"-2.342"; No. 4: 2.373"-2.374"
Rear: 2.404"-2.405"
Main Bearing Clearance: .0007" -.001"
Crankshaft End Play: .006"-.012"
Main Bolt Tension: 75 Lbs. Ft.
Capacities, 6 Cylinder
Cooling System:
Without Heater: 13 Quarts
With Heater: 14 Quarts
Fuel Tank: 16-1/2Gallons
Engine Oil Refill: 4-1/2 Quarts;
Grade of Oil: Above +32F 20;
Above +10F 20W;
Above -10F 10W
Manual Transmission: 2 Pints, With Overdrive: 3-1/4 Pints
Grade of Oil: Summer 90EP, Winter 80EP
Rear Axle: 2-3/4 Pints
Grade of Oil: Summer 90EP, Winter 90EP
Capacities, 8 Cylinder
Cooling System:
Without Heater: 18 Quarts
With Heater: 19 Quarts
Fuel Tank: 16-1/2Gallons;
Engine Oil Refill: 7 Quarts;
Grade of Oil: Above +32F 20;
Above +10F 20W;
Above -10F 10W
Manual Transmission: 2 Pints , With Overdrive: 3-1/4 Pints
Grade of Oil: Summer 90EP, Winter 80EP
Rear Axle: 2-3/4 Pints
Grade of Oil: Summer 90EP, Winter 90EP
Auto-Lite Distributor Specifications, 6 Cylinder:
Distributor #1GW-4203A
Rotation: Counter-Clockwise
Cam Angle: 36 Degrees
Breaker Point Opening: .020"
Condenser Capacity: .20-.25 Mfds
Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces
Centrifugal Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 500 RPM
Full Advance: 11-1/2 Degrees @ 1,575 RPM
Vacuum Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 7-1/2" Vacuum
Full Advance: 7-1/2 Degrees @ 11-1/4" Vacuum
Auto-Lite Distributor Specifications, 8 Cylinder
Distributor #1GP-4008A, B
Rotation: Clockwise
Cam Angle: 27 Degrees
Breaker Point Opening: .017"
Condenser Capacity: .20-.25 Mfds
Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces
Centrifugal Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 325 RPM
Full Advance: 17-1/2 Degrees @ 1,700 RPM
Auto-Lite Generator Specifications:
Generator #GDS-4801A
Direction of Rotation: Clockwise
Generator Output: 33 Amperes
Brush Spring Tension: 35-53 Ounces (Maximum)
Field Current at 6 Volts: 1.3 to 1.5 Amperes
Regulator #VRR-4001A
Cutout Relay:
Voltage to Close Points: 6.5 Volts
Reverse Current to Open Points: 4 to 6 Amperes
Armature Air Gap: .031"
Voltage Regulator Setting: 7.5 Volts
Current Regulator Setting: None
Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .048"
Ground Polarity: Positive
Auto-Lite Starting Motor Specifications, 6 Cylinder:
Unit #: MZ-4092
Rotation: Clockwise
Brush Spring Tension: 42-53 Ounces
No Load Test:
68 Amperes; 5.0 Volts; @ 4,000 RPM
Torque Test:
280 Amperes; 2.0 Volts; Torque 4.4 Ft Lbs
Auto-Lite Starting Motor Specifications, 8 Cylinder
Unit #: MAB-4100
Rotation: Clockwise
Brush Spring Tension: 42-53 Ounces
No Load Test:
60 Amperes; 5.0 Volts; @ 3,600 RPM
Torque Test:
390 Amperes; 2.0 Volts; Torque 9.2 Ft Lbs
Carter Carburetor Specifications, 6 Cylinder:
Carburetor Model: WD0
Part # 501S
Casting #286
Repair Kit # 1302
Float Level: 1/8"
Idle Screw Setting, Turns Open: 1/2 to 1-1/2
Metering Rod Gauge: T109-113
Pump Travel: 18/64" (Long Stroke)
Anto-Percolator Setting: With throttle closed, indicator lines should be flush with the top of the anti-percolator plugs.
Unloader Setting: 1/4"
Fast Idle Setting: .045"
Choke Lockout Adjustment: None
Carter Carburetor Specifications, 8 Cylinder:
Carburetor Model: WD0
Part # 502S
Casting #279
Repair Kit # 1303
Float Level: 1/8"
Idle Screw Setting, Turns Open: 1/2 to 1-1/2
Metering Rod Gauge: T109-113
Pump Travel: 18/64" (Long Stroke)
Anto-Percolator Setting: With throttle closed, indicator lines should be flush with the top of the anti-percolator plugs.
Unloader Setting: 1/4"
Fast Idle Setting: .053"
Choke Lockout Adjustment: None
Fuel Pump Data:
Pump Model: AK
Maximum Pressure: 4-1/2 PSI
Pump Model: AH
Maximum Pressure: 4-1/2 PSI
Dash Gauge Manufacturers:
Gasoline: King Seeley
Temperature: King Seeley
Oil Pressure: -
Ammeter: -
Brake Specifications, 6 Cylinder
Lining Dimensions/Wheel in Inches:
Length: 22-1/2"
Width: 1-3/4",
Thickness: 7/32"
Brake Shoe Clearance: .0075"
Wheel Cylinder Bore:
Front: 1"
Rear: 1-5/16"
Master Cylinder Bore: 1"
Pedal Free Play: 1/4"
Brake Specifications, 8 Cylinder
Lining Dimensions/Wheel in Inches:
Length: 24"
Width: 1-3/4",
Thickness: 7/32"
Brake Shoe Clearance: .0075"
Wheel Cylinder Bore:
Front: 1"
Rear: 1-5/16"
Master Cylinder Bore: 1"
Pedal Free Play: 1/4"
Wheel Alignment Specifications, All Series
Caster: +1 Degree
Camber: +1 Degree
Toe In; 0 to 1/16"
Toe-Out on Turns:
Outer Wheel: 25 Degrees
Inner Wheel: 25 Degrees
Kingpin Angle: 4-2/5 Degrees
Rear Axle Data
Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash: .001"-.004:
Drive Pinion Adjustment: Shims
Drive Pinion Bearing Adjustment: Shims
Axle Shaft End Play: .002"-.004"
Dash Gauge Manufacturers:
Gasoline: King Seeley
Temperature: King Seeley
Oil Pressure: -
Ammeter: -
Beginning Engine Numbers:
6 Cylinder, Series 51: 31101
6 Cylinder, Series 52: 32101
8 Cylinder, Series 53: 33101
8 Cylinder, Series 54: 34101
Beginning Serial Numbers:
Series 51: 31101
Series 52: 32101
Series 53: 33101
Series 54: 34101
Popular Options
Radio, Weather Master Heater, Chrome Wheel Trim Rings, Three-Quarter Leather Trim, Right Door Arm Rest, Red or Cream Wheel Color, Turn Signals on Super, Heavy Duty Front & Rear Springs, Police & Taxi Equipment, Full Length Trim, Air Foam Seats, Oversized Tires, Vacumotive Drive; Drive-Master Including Vacumotive Drive, Oil Bath Air Cleaner, Overdrive, Combination Fuel & Vacuum Pump.
1946 Hudson Historical Data
1946 Hudson Model Year Introduction was on October 1, 1945.
Total 1946 Hudson Production was 95,000.
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