Hudson Terraplane Special 1935 Owner's Manual

O THE OWNER
of this
TERRAPLANE SIX MOTOR CAR

A great deal of money, time and care has been devoted to the proper
designing, manufacturing and preparation of this car for delivery
into your hands.

We share your pride in its character and appearance, and our sincere
hope is that you derive from its operation the full enjoyment and
utility to which you looked forward when purchasing It

For these reasons, may we take the liberty of suggesting that a fine
mechanism such as this new car of yours will always respond with
its best to considerate treatment and care?
It will repay you well for the slight outlay in attention and cost
required to give it regular and proper lubrication, inspection at stated
intervals, and such adjustments as may he indicated from time to
time.

Terraplane and Hudson Distributors and Dealers in your communi­ty, and practically everywhere you may drive, are prepared with
equipment facilities and experienced personnel to give your car
uniform, proper and complete attention in these respects at moderate
prices for the materials supplied and services rendered. We recom­mend to you their expert and friendly interest in your car.

As to this manual itself, its chief purpose is to acquaint you with the
means of taking the best care of your car, so that you may derive
from it the full measure of operating quality and long, economical
life built into it at the factory. Will you cooperate to the extent of
reading this manual and keeping it in the locker box of your car for
ready reference as needed?

HUDSON MOTOR CAR COMPANY

Detroit, Michigan

Accessories

Index

Page

43

Axle—Front

Axleflex
Bearing Adjustment
Camber
Caster
Lubrication
Wheel Alignment

Axle—Rear

Adjustment
Lubrication

Battery

Care
Registration

Body

Door Adjustments
Lubrication
Seat Adjustments
Trim Panels
Ventilation

Brakes

Clutch

Lubrication
Pedal Adjustment

Cooling System

Anti-Freeze
Care of Cooling System
Water Pump

Electric Hand

7-30

44
30
32
32
32
32

7-29

29
30

37
37
37

5-42

42
43
42
42
43

7-35

7-25

25
26

6-22

23
22
22

9-44

Electrical Units

Battery Generator
Headlamps
Ignition
System Starter

Wiring Diagrams

37

6-21

36
6-17
6-20

38-39

Engine

Carburetor and Fuel System
Generator
Ignition System
Lubricants
Lubrication System
Starting Motor
Tuning Engine

Page

5-14
6-19
6-21
6-17

16
15

6-10

19

Foreword

Headlamps

Adjustment
Removal of Lens

Inspection Service

License Data

Lubrication Chart

Operation

Breaking-in Instructions
Lubricants—Special
Starting the Engine

Shock Absorbers and Springs

Stabilizer

Steering Gear

Adjustment
Lubrication

Storage—Preparing Car

1

36
36
37

4

5

Inside Back Cover

8
11
13
10

36

44

7-32

34
34

45

Technical Information

Tires and Wheels

Inflation Pressures
Removal and Installation
Spare Tire—Removal
Tire Wear

Transmission
Lubrication

Warranty

Wiring Diagrams

5

7-40

41
40
41
41

7-26

26

4

18-39

Warranty

"

We warrant each new passenger automobile manufactured by us to be

free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and

service, our obligation under this warranty being limited to making good at

our factory any part or parts thereof, including all equipment or trade

accessories (except tires) supplied by the Car Manufacturer, which shall,

within ninety (90) days after making delivery of such vehicle to the original

purchaser or before such vehicle has been driven 4,000 miles, whichever

event shall first occur, be returned to us with transportation charges prepaid,

and which our examination shall disclose to our satisfaction to have been

thus defective, this warranty being expressly in lieu of all ether warranties

expressed or implied and of all other obligations or liabilities on our part,

and we neither assume nor authorize any other person to assume for us any

"This warranty shall not apply to any vehicle which shall have been

repaired or altered by other than an Authorized Terraplane and Hudson

Distributor or 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,

Upon delivery of the new car the Dealer will furnish the owner with an

Owner's Service Policy and Identification Card, which en-titles the owner

to replacement of any defective parts in accordance with the Standard

The car will be inspected and lubricated by the Dealer who sold the car

at the expiration of 500 miles of driving at no charge other than the list price

of engine oil, lubricants or supplies used'. If the car is taken to a Terraplane

and Hudson Dealer other than the one who sold it, the inspections will be

other liability in connection with the sale of our vehicles.

negligence or accident."

HUDSON MOTOR CAR COMPANY

Detroit, Michigan, U. S. A.

Inspection Service

Warranty.

made at a nominal cost.
The 500-mile inspection includes the following operations:

Lubrication

1. Chassis Fittings 5.Starter

2. Engine (Change Oil) 6.Distributor.

3. Water Pump 7.Hood Locks
4 Generator 8.Door Lock Striker

9. Door Dovetails

TERRAPLANE SPECIAL SIX OWNER'S MANUAL 5

Mechanical Inspection

1. Check Engine Tune-up
(Minimum Vacuum Gauge
Reading—18)

2. Fan Belt Adjustment

3. Generator Charging Rate

4. Generator, Starter and Battery
Connections

5.Generator Relay

6. Water Pump Gland

7. Front Wheel Bearing Adjustment

8. Lamps (Connections and Bulbs)

9. Battery

10. Clutch Pedal Adjustment

11. Rear Wheels Tight on Taper

12. Tighten All Wheel Bolts

13. Adjust Door Strikers and
Dove-tails

14. Inflate Tires

15. Fill Radiator (Anti-freeze in cold
weather

16. Front Wheel Alignment

License Data

Car Serial Number (on plate on dash under hood) 51101 and up
Engine Serial Number (stamped on left side of cylinder block
opposite cylinder number 6) 103000 and up

Number of Cylinders 6 NACC Horsepower Rating.. . .21.6

Cylinder Bore 3" Piston Displacement 212 cu in.
Stroke of Piston 5"

Body Types

Weights

Coupe—Business Coach with Trunk
Coupe--Rumble Seat Sedan
Coach Sedan with Trunk

2,505
2,555
2,595

Weights

2,610
2,655
2,670

Technical Information

Engine

Type
Compression Ratio

Actual Horsepower Developed
6 to 1 Compression
7 to 1 Compression
Firing Order
Number Main Bearings
Main Bearing Clearance
Main Bearing End Play
Valve Material
Valve Head Diameter
Valve Tappet Clearance (Hot)
Camshaft Drive
Connecting Rod Lower Bearing Clearance
Piston Material
Piston Type
Piston Weight, Ounces

6 Cylinders en bloc

Standard—6 to 1

Optional—7 to 1

88 @ 3800

100 @ 3800

1-5-3-6-2-4

3

.001"

006"–.012"

Silicon Chrome Alloy Steel

Intake, 1-3/8"; Exhaust, 1-3/8

Intake, .006": Exhaust, .008

Gears

.001"; End Play, .006"-.010"

Lo Ex Aluminum Alloy

T Slot Cam Ground

10.75

6 TERRAPLANE SPECIAL SIX

Number Piston Rings......................................................Compression, 2; Oil Control, 2

Width of Piston Rings................................Compression, 3/32"; Oil Control, 3/16"

Fan Belt ..................................................................................................."V" Type

Gasoline Tank Capacity.............................................................................11 Gallons

Spark Plug Size ..........................................................................................14 Mm.

Spark Plug Gap........................................................................................... 025"

Skirt Clearance, Bottom...................................................................................001"

Piston Ring Gap.........................................................................................009"-.011"

Lubrication System...............................................................Hudson Duo-flo Automatic

Oil Pump Type..........................................................................................Oscillating Plunger

Oil Reservoir Capacity..............................................................................5 Quarts

Capacity of Lubrication System..................................................................6 Quarts

Cooling System

Type ...........................................................................................Pump Circulation

Radiator Type .......................................................................................Ribbon Cellular

Cooling System Capacity..........................................................................31/4 Gallons

Fuel System

Carburetor.................................................Make, Carter; Type, Down Draft; Size, 11/4"

Choke Control .....................................................................................................Manual

Heat Control..............................................................................................................Adjustable

Fuel Delivery ................................................................................................Pump

Air Cleaner ....................................................................................Oil Wetted Type

Make ..........................................................................................................Autolite

Starting and Ignition

Spark Control ......................................................................................................Automatic

Timing ................................................................................................Dead Center

Firing Order ..................................................................................1.5-3-6-2-4

Distributor Gap ...............................................................................................020"

Spark Plug Type...............................................................................J-7—Metric

Generator Regulation ..............................................................................Third Brush

Generator Charging Rate Cold, 17 Amps.; Hot, 13 Amps.
Radio equipped cars fitted with charge control. Cold, 22 Amps.; Hot, 17 Amps.

Lamp Bulb Specifications

C. P. Base Voltage Mazda No.

Head
Parking
Dash Signals
Instruments
Stop and Tail
Dome

21-32

3
3
3

2-21

15

D. C.

S. C.

D. C.

S. C.

D. C.

S. C.

6-8
6-8
6-8
6-8
6-8
6-8

2320-C

63
64
63

1158

87

Fuse—Headlamp Circuit, 20 Amps.
Tail Lamp Circuit, 20 Amps.

Caster 3-1/4"-3-3/4"

Type 4-Wheel Cable Control

r Reduction 15 to 1

Road Clearance Front Axle, 7-3/8", Rear Axle, 8-1/2"

Clearance for Jack (One Tire Flat) Front Axle, 4-3/4"; Rear Axle, 6-5/8"

OWNER'S MANUAL 7

Clutch

Type Oil Cushioned, Single Plate
Clutch Pedal Clearance at Floor Board 1-1/2"

Transmission.

Type Selective
Gear Ratio Low, 2.42; Second, 1.6; High, 1.; Reverse, 3.30
Lubrication Summer, S.A.E. ll0); Winter, S.A.E. 80; Capacity, 3 Pints

Rear Axle

Type Semi-Floating
Bearing Type Taper Roller Throughout
Lubrication Summer, S.A.E. 110; Winter, S.A.E. 90; Capacity, 3 Pints

Front Axle

Toe-in 0 to 1/8"

Camber 1º-1-1/2º

Brakes

Size 9" x 13/4"
Clearance Between Lining and Drum .010"

Steering Gear

Type Variable Pitch Worm and Sector

Lubricant Summer, S.A.E. 160; Winter, S.A.E. 110

Tires

Size 16 x 6.00
Minimum Air Pressure Front, 22 Lbs.; Rear, 28 Lbs.

Chassis Dimensions

Wheelbase 112"
Tread Front, 56"; Rear, 56"

Over-all Length, including Bumpers—

Sedan and Coach 186"
Sedan and Coach with Trunk 188-1/2"
Coupe 190"

8 TERRAPLANE SPECIAL SIX

Figure 1

OPERATION

The operation of the Terraplane Six follows standard practice in many
respects; however, even those accustomed to Hudson products may refresh their
memories on some of the details by reading the following paragraphs:

The clutch is disengaged in the conventional manner by depressing the left
foot pedal to release the engine drive from the transmission.

The transmission operation conforms to the standard shift. The clutch must
be disengaged before shifting gears.

The Terraplane synchro shift is a great improvement on the old style
synchro-mesh, in which it is necessary to pause a considerable time between
shifts, with the result that the get-away is slow.

The synchro shift on this car should be made just as rapidly as possible.
Depress the clutch pedal quickly to its full throw and snap the gear shift lever
from one speed into the next, whether shifting from first to second, from
second to high or from high to second gear.

You will find that the shift will be made easily and that no time is lost in
the get-away or in engaging second speed when necessary.

The "Electric Hand" transmission control, which is available as a factory
installed option, has a small lever, Figure la, conveniently located just under
the rim of the steering wheel. This lever has five positions arranged in the
form of the letter H corresponding to the neutral, three forward and reverse
positions of the standard transmission shifting lever. This lever is easily
moved to any of the forward gear positions to select the gear desired. As a
safety feature, it is necessary to lift up on the lever and at the same time
push forward in order to get into the reverse position.
The control is electrical, while the actual shifting is accomplished by vacuum
power from the engine intake manifold. The control is inter-connected with
the ignition switch and a circuit breaker on the clutch pedal, making it
necessary to have the ignition turned on and the clutch pedal depressed (clutch
disengaged) before the system is energized to accomplish a shift of gears. The

OWNER'S MANUAL 9

Starter is also inter-connected with a switch operated by the clutch pedal,

requiring the clutch to be disengaged before the engine can be started. This is a

safety feature preventing the car from being moved should the engine be started

To operate a car equipped with

"Electric Hand": (1) depress the

clutch pedal, (2) turn on the ignition

switch, (3) press the starter button.

Now, with the engine running and the

clutch disengaged (if vacuum clutch

sary to hold the clutch disengaged

erator pedal), move the finger tip

control to the gear position desired

diately. Allow the clutch to engage

while depressing the accelerator and

the car will move normally for the

gear selected. When it is desired to

make another shift simply depress the

clutch pedal, move the finger tip control to the gear desired and allow the clutch

With vacuum clutch the entire operation consists simply of removing the foot

from the accelerator pedal, moving the finger tip control to the desired gear, then

depressing the accelerator pedal to re-engage the clutch and feed the desired

A small toggle switch mounted on the control arm can be used to make the

The need of a gear shift lever is eliminated on cars equipped with finger tip

control, except should it be desired to shift the transmission when the engine is

not running. A shifting lever held to the right hand front door lock pillar by a

small strap is provided for this purpose. By removing the cover in the floor mat,

which exposes the top of the transmission control, the shifting lever can be put in

place and any desired shift made after the clutch pedal has been depressed. The

toggle switch on the selector switch housing should be turned off while the

The brakes are operated on all four wheels either by depressing the right foot

while the transmission is in gear.

control is being used it is not neces-

with the foot after the engine is start­ed; simply take the foot off the accel-

and the shift will be completed imme-

to re-engage.

amount of gasoline mixture to the carburetor.

finger tip control inoperative when the car is being serviced or to prevent tamper­ing with the shifting mechanism.

shifting lever is in place.

pedal or pulling backward on the hand lever located to the left of the clutch pedal.

10 TERRAPLANE SPECIAL SIX

The lights on the car are operated by the main lighting switch, which is the first

knob to the left of the instrument group, the driving light control switch on the toe

board to the left of the clutch pedal, the dome lamp switch located on the dome

The main lighting switch has three positions, the full in position being off.

When the main lighting switch is in the city or country driving position the

driving light control (foot) switch becomes effective. By pressing this control

button and releasing it the headlamp beams may be deflected to the city driving

position immediately in front of the car or to the country driving position in which

the light will be projected a considerable distance ahead of the car. (See page 36

The stop lamp switch is located on the chassis frame and is connected to the

The oil pressure signal is the red jewel located to the right of the center of the

instrument group. When the ignition switch is turned "on" this signal will be

lighted. If it remains lighted or flashes while the engine is running above idling

speed, the engine should be stopped and the oil level in the reservoir checked. If

necessary, check the oil lines. Do not run the engine until the trouble is corrected.

The generator signal is the red jewel located to the left of the center of the

instrument group. When the ignition switch is turned "on" this signal will be

lighted and should stop glowing when the engine reaches a speed slightly above

normal idling. If the signal flashes when the car is being driven above twenty

miles per hour, it indicates that the battery is not being charged. Your electrical

The gasoline gauge, located at the top of the instrument group, indicates the

If the engine is cold, pull the choke knob out as far as possible, turn the ignition

switch key to the right, depress the accelerator pedal slightly, and press the starter

button. When the engine "fires," push the choke knob in until the engine runs

evenly. Return the choke knob gradually to the full in position as the engine

warms up. The choke knob should never be out any farther than necessary to

If the engine is warm from previous running, use the choke sparingly. In

The engine speed is controlled by the foot accelerator.
The carburetor choke is controlled by the knob on the extreme left.

lamp, and the stop lamp switch.

Parking, city driving and country driving are obtained as the knob is pulled out.

for Adjustment of Headlamps.)

brake linkage so that the stop light is illuminated when the brakes are applied.

The starter is controlled by the push button to the right of the instruments.

system should be checked by your Terraplane Dealer.

quantity of gasoline in the tank.

Starting the Engine

maintain even running of the engine.

most instances the engine will start immediately without the use of the choke

if the accelerator pedal is held in a slightly depressed position while the starter

is used. Do not under any circumstances work the accelerator pedal rapidly

Failure of the engine to start when the above procedure is followed can

usually he traced to improper engine adjustments or, in cold weather, a

combination of this and improper engine lubricant. The car should be taken to

an Authorized Terraplane and Hudson Dealer for adjustment or replacement of

Your Terraplane has been designed in accordance with the best practices

determined by years of experience and built under the most rigid standards of

precision. Before shipment from our factory each mechanical unit was supplied

with the proper quantity of correct lubricant to give maximum protection to the

finely finished working parts. In fact, every precaution has been taken to put in

your hands an unexcelled mechanism, properly protected against premature

wear. Extreme care has been exercised in selecting and testing each lubricant•

used and there is, therefore, no necessity of replacing any lubricants until the

In order to enjoy the maximum in life and trouble-free performance which

has been built into your Terraplane Six, you should at all times give it the

During the first one thousand miles you should be diligent in following

accepted practice, as described in later paragraphs, to permit proper break-in of

the finely finished working parts. Failure to follow this practice may result in

damage to bearing surfaces, cylinder walls or pistons, or abnormal increases in

Keep the radiator full of water at all times. Maintain the proper oil level in

the oil reservoir, using the correct grade of good quality oil as prescribed on

Do not accelerate fast during the break-in period, as this throws extreme

loads on the working parts. When increasing the speed of the car depress the

Do not apply the brakes harshly, as braking surfaces require the same care

during the break-in period as do engine parts. Hard application of the brakes

OWNER'S MANUAL 11

when starting, as the accelerator pump may flood the carburetor.

the oil with the correct grade for the local operating conditions.

Breaking-in Instructions

normal change mileage has been reached.

consideration that any fine mechanism deserves.

clearances, which will shorten the life and impair the performance of the units.

page 16.

accelerator pedal gradually. Use second gear under adverse driving conditions.

during the first few hundred miles may score the brake drums or gall the linings.

12 TERRAPLANE SPECIAL SIX

The following recommendations should be followed as to speed during the

first one thousand miles of driving. These recommendations are maximum

safe speeds under favorable operating conditions. The speed of the car should

be decreased under unfavorable conditions, such as rough or rutted roads, or

Do not drive at a high rate of speed until the engine is thoroughly warmed

up. Cold oil cannot flow freely into the small clearances between the working

TAINING COLLOIDAL GRAPHITE OR OIL CONCENTRATES EITHER

IN THE ENGINE OIL RESERVOIR OR BY ADDING TO THE GASOLINE

DURING THE BREAK-IN PERIOD. If such practices are followed by the

owner, he should be guided as to quantities by the recommendations of the

manufacturer of the special lubricant. Only light, finely refined oils should be

Even where these special practices are followed, the recommendations of

the foregoing paragraphs as to speeds and operation should he adhered to

OWNER'S MANUAL 13

in climbing steep or continuous up-grades.

0.250 MILES
Do not exceed 40 miles per hour in high gear or 20 miles per hour in

second.

Do not accelerate rapidly. Use second gear on steep grades.

250-500 MILES

Do not exceed 50 miles per hour in high gear or 25 miles per hour in

second.

At 500 miles drain crankcase and refill with fresh oil.

500-1,000 MILES

During this period the speed should not exceed 60 miles per hour.

Important

Maintain oil level in crankcase within "oil level range" on oil level gauge

(Figure 2) at all times.

surfaces so that damage may occur if this is not observed.

Special Lubricants

THERE IS NO NECESSITY OF USING SPECIAL LUBRICANTS CON-

added to the gasoline and not to exceed one quart to a full tank of gasoline.

strictly.

14 TERRAPLANE SPECIAL SIX

ENGINE

The unusual power, efficiency and economy of the Terraplane engine are due
to a combination of such advanced designs as the chrome alloy cylinder block,
giving great strength and wearing qualities so as to almost eliminate wear on
cylinder walls and valve seats; silicon aluminum alloy pistons, cam ground and
fitted with a clearance of .001"; silicon chromium steel valves; patented radial
flow intake manifold with down draft carburetion; all built around a fully
compensated crankshaft and lubricated by the Hudson Duoflo Automatic Lubri­cating System.
The crankshaft is a heavy forging with integral compensating weights. Full
compensation, together with three main bearings and a torsional dampener
mounted on the front, insures free running of the crankshaft under all operating
conditions. The main bearings are removable bronze hacked, virgin babbitt and
are fitted to .001" clearance and provided with shims for adjustment. The working
member of the dampener is rubber, fully enclosed, requiring no adjustment.
The connecting rods are steel forgings carrying spun virgin babbitt bearings
in the lower end fitted with a clearance of .001" and having shims provided for
adjustment. The upper end is fitted with a bronze bushing, to which the piston pin
is fitted with .0003" clearance:
The pistons are of silicon aluminum alloy of new design. This alloy is hard,
lighter than aluminum and dissipates heat rapidly. The piston is "T" slotted to
compensate for expansion; cam ground to give full bearing on the cylinder wall;
and is fitted with two compression rings and one oil control ring above the piston
pin and one oil control ring below. With this arrangement all of the rings are
located somewhat lower down on the piston, with the result that cooler operating
conditions and bitter oil control are obtained. The piston is attached to the
connecting rod by a full floating pin, which is honed to give a perfect bearing in
the diamond-bored piston bosses. The piston pin is a snug fit in the piston bosses
when the piston is heated to 200° F.
This piston design permits fitting to the cylinder with a clearance of .001". The
pistons are removable from the top of the cylinder bore.
The camshaft is Electric Furnace Alloy, with hardened bearing and cam surfaces.
End play is prevented by a spring and plunger pressing against the front end of the
shaft.
The valves, which are silicon chromium steel, are operated by the cams
through adjustable tappets. The tappets should be adjusted while the engine is at
normal operating To adjust the tappets, remove the engine side cover plates (right
side of engine below intake manifold) and insert a feeler gauge between the top
of the tappet screw and bottom of the valve stem while the engine is running. The
valve tappets should be adjusted to a feeler gauge clearance of .006" on the intake
valves and .008" on the exhaust valves. The tappet screw locking nut should be
tightened securely after adjustment. The tappet clearance is important and should
be set accurately to the recommended dimensions.

The valve timing is determined by the meshing of the crankshaft and

camshaft gears. The tooth of the crankshaft gear with the punch mark on the

front face should mesh between the two punch marked teeth of the camshaft

The Hudson Duo-flo Automatic Lubrication System gives a positive flow

out the period of operation. It also, through in-built features, conditions the oil

so that all oil supplied by the oscillating plunger pump is cooled and freed of

There are only two moving parts in the entire system--the oscillating

plunger and the driveshaft of the pump, which is driven by gears direct from

the camshaft. There are no small drilled passages to clog or restrict free flow of

oil when cold. The oil pipes (three in number) are all located outside the engine

usually effective, as diluents consist mainly of unburnt gasoline and water

voir but are retained in the crankcase. The temperature here is near the boiling

point of these diluents and, with the agitation of the moving parts of the engine,

they are readily vaporized and removed by the slight suction maintained on the

removes all solid matter before the oil is

OWNER'S MANUAL 15

Figure 2

gear.

Lubrication System

of oil to every working part of the engine from the moment of starting through-

solid matter and diluents.

and can readily be removed should there he any necessity to do so.

The crankcase ventilators mounted on the valve chamber covers are un-

coming from the cylinders and crankcase walls and cannot enter the oil reser-

ventilator tubes.

The flow of oil after returning to the
crankcase is controlled so that it circulates
around passages adjacent to the cool out­side walls of the reservoir and is cooled
before passing through the filter, which

recirculated by the pump.
The filter surfaces are so placed that

they are flushed each time the crankcase oil
is drained and, therefore, require no special
cleaning nor do they have to be replaced.
Under operating conditions, one quart of
oil is retained in the crankcase in addition
to the five quarts of oil in the reservoir. If
the oil reservoir is removed, one quart of oil

The quantity of oil in the reservoir can be determined by the bayonet gauge

attached to the filler cover. (See Figure 2.) When the oil level is down to the low

mark, one inch from the bottom of the gauge, three quarts of oil remain in the

reservoir. Two additional quarts are required to bring the level up to the high

mark at the top of the oil level gauge. When the reservoir only is drained by

removal of the drain plug at the rear of the reservoir, five quarts of oil should be

The red jewel mounted to the right of the center of the instrument group should

be lighted when the ignition is turned on but go out when the engine is running at

slightly more than idling speed. Flashing of the light at idling speed indicates

proper operation. Should the light come on when the engine is running above

idling speed it indicates interruption of the oil supply and the engine should be

It is important that the proper lubricants be selected to give protection to the

working parts and at the same time provide free movement of the parts at the

lowest temperature encountered. The following recommendations should be

level range" on the oil level

gauge at all times. Drain oil after first 500 miles of operation and at 2,000-mile

16 TERRAPLANE SPECIAL SIX

should be put into the upper crankcase tray and five quarts in the reservoir.

used, filling through the opening in the left side of the crankcase. (See Figure 2.)

stopped until the cause is corrected

Lubricants

adhered to strictly.

Use a good quality oil as specified for the lowest atmospheric temperature en-

countered, as follows:

Atmospheric Temperature Oil Specification

40° Fahrenheit and higher S. A. E. 30
40° to 0° Fahrenheit 20 W.
0 ° to —15º Fahrenheit 10 W.

Below—15 ° Fahrenheit 10 W.+10% Kerosene
The oil level should be maintained within the "oil

intervals thereafter. Refill with five quarts of oil of proper specification

The distributor is mounted on the

right side of the crankcase and driven

by gears from the camshaft. A single

breaker arm is operated by a six-lobe

rated so that the correct timing is given

The oil cup (C), Figure 3, should he

filled with oil every 2,000 miles. At the

same time remove the distributor cap

(not shown) and rotor arm (D), placing

a few drops of oil on the wick in the top

of the shaft, one drop of oil on the

breaker arm pivot (B), and apply a light

coating of vaseline on the cam block

The breaker points should be adjusted

to .020" maximum opening. The points

should he clean and set squarely on each

other. If the points become pitted it is

necessary to remove them and grind

smooth or replace with new ones. The

grinding should be done in a special

machine to insure proper seating. This

Filing or honing of the points will

remove oxidization from the points but,

due to the hardness of the tungsten alloy

used, this method is not practical for

The ignition timing is determined by the

eral, the points should begin to open

tion in the cylinder. This position of the

piston is referred to as upper dead center

and is indicated by U. D. C. Marks are

placed on the flywheel to indicate when

this position of the piston has been

OWNER'S MANUAL 17

Figure 4

Figure 3

Ignition System

cam. Automatic advance is incorpo-

at all speeds.

(A).

operation should he done by an Autho­rized Terraplane and Hudson Dealer.

removing deep pits.

position of the piston when the distribu­tor breaker points begin to open. In gen-

when the piston reaches its highest posi-

reached.

18 TERRAPLANE SPECIAL SIX

tions in fuel characteristics (octane rating), is only approximately correct. To get

the correct setting the car should be driven until the engine has reached its normal

operating temperature. Allow the car to slow down to 8 miles per hour in high gear

on a level, hard-surfaced road, then depress the accelerator rapidly to its limit of

travel. As the car accelerates from 10 to 15 miles per hour a slight spark knock

should develop. If a knock is not heard, loosen distributor clamp screw (F) and

turn the distributor counterclockwise one graduation of the clamping plate (K) and

repeat the acceleration test. Repeat this operation until the knock is heard. The

higher the octane rating of the gasoline being used the greater the advance required

to get maximum performance and fuel economy. However, the timing should not

Since the piston in a four-stroke cycle engine may be completing the exhaust
stroke or completing the compression stroke and ready for the power stroke, when
it is at U.D.C., it is necessary to determine the stroke as well as the piston position.

To determine this, remove the spark plug from number one (front) cylinder.
Place the finger over the spark plug hole and crank the engine slowly, using the
hand crank. Air pressure against the finger indicates that the piston is coming up
on the compression stroke. After this is felt, continue cranking the engine slowly
until the mark U.D.C. 1 and 6 is directly in line with the pointer on timing
inspection hole in the rear support plate of the motor as indicated at (A), Figure

4. The piston is then at U. D. C. and ready to move downward on the power stroke.
With the engine in this position the rotor arm (D), Figure 3, of the distributor

should be in the position shown in the illustration. When the distributor cap is put
in place, the metal strip on the rotor arm should be directly under the terminal to
which number one spark plug wire is attached. The other cables should be in the
cap terminals in the order 1.5-3-6-2-4, following in a clockwise direction. The
cable in the center terminal of the distributor cap' should go to the central (high
tension) terminal of the ignition coil.

Loosen the distributor clamp screw (F), Figure 3, and turn the distributor until
the fiber block (A) of the breaker arm is on the highest point of the cam. Measure
the gap between the breaker points with a feeler gauge. This gap should be exactly
.020". If adjustment of the gap is required, loosen lock nut (H) and turn adjusting
screw (J) until the proper gap is obtained. Tighten lock nut (H) and re-check the
gap.

Turn the distributor housing clockwise to the limit.of the slot in the clamping
plate (K). Remove the central cable from the distributor cap and place the bare
end about 1/8" from the intake manifold. With the ignition turned on, turn the
distributor body counterclockwise slowly just until a spark jumps from the high
tension wire to the intake manifold. Tighten clamp screw (F), replace central
cable in distributor cap and clamp cap on distributor.

The foregoing operations give dead center timing. This, however, due to varia-

be set ahead of the 3/4" advance mark.

The carburetor is of the down draft type,

incorporating an accelerating pump and a

There are only two adjustments on this

carburetor. The speed of the engine when

running idle may be adjusted by setting the

stop screw (A). To obtain a smooth idling,

mixture, adjust idling screw (B). Turn this

screw all the way in and then back out one

full turn. Then turn screw in (to the right)

The heat control valve or dampener in the

The pointer should be set straight up

except in very hot climates, when it should

OWNER'S MANUAL 19

Figure 5

The carburetor air cleaner is mounted on top of the carburetor and should be

cleaned and re-oiled every 2,000 miles: This should be done by immersing the

entire cleaner in gasoline, shaking vigorously and, after draining, dip in S.A.E.

The fuel pump is driven by a cam on the camshaft. The fuel delivery is

controlled by the carburetor float and valve. The cap screw holding the cover

in place should be removed, permitting the removal of the cover and filter

screen for cleaning every 2,000 miles. At the same time the drain plug, located

just below the pump outlet, should be removed and the sediment chamber

cleaned. This should be done, particularly in cold weather, to remove any water

Carburetor and Fuel System

delayed deceleration device.

slowly until engine idles evenly.

manifold should be set as follows

Summer Operation

point to the right, or front of the engine.

Winter Operation

The pointer should be set to the left or rear of the engine.

50 engine oil. Drain excess oil before replacing.

which may have accumulated.

Engine Tuning

Do not attempt to adjust the carburetor alone. Perform all of the follow¬ing
operations in the order given:

1. Clean spark plugs and adjust gaps to .025".

2. Clean distributor breaker points and adjust to .020" maximum open ing
as described under Ignition System. (Page 17.)

9. Adjust carburetor idling screw (B) for smooth engine idling. The final

10. Road test for final ignition timing as described under Ignition System.

If the foregoing operations, properly performed, do not give normal engine

performance, the car should be taken to an Authorized Terraplane and Hudson

The starting motor is controlled by a push button on the instrument panel

through a solenoid switch mounted on top of the starting motor. The switch can

be operated manually by removing the cap on the rear of the switch and pushing

the plunger in. The drive to the gear on the engine flywheel is through a Bendix

The front bearing of the starting motor should be lubricated at (B), Figure 4,

with a few drops of light oil every 1,000 miles. The Bendix drive assembly (C)

20 TERRAPLANE SPECIAL SIX

Figure 6

3. Check battery and ignition wiring, being sure all distributor wires are
pressed down in their sockets and insulation is in good condition.

4. Set ignition as described under Ignition System. (Page 17.)

5. Turn carburetor idling screw (B) into its seat and back out exactly one turn.

6. Start engine.

7. When engine has reached normal operating temperature, adjust intake valve
tappet clearance to .006" and exhaust tappet clearance to .008".

8. Set carburetor throttle stop screw (A) so that engine idles at a speed equal
to a car speed of 7 miles per hour in high gear.

adjustment should be from 1/2 to 1 turn of the screw from its full in position.

Page 17.)

Dealer for mechanical inspection.

Starting Motor

drive which is brought into engagement by the rotation of the starting motor.

should be flushed with kerosene every 2,000 miles.

The electrical output of the generator is controlled by the setting of a third brush

and the maximum output permissible is 17 amperes when the generator is cold.

On cars equipped with radio or fitted with the two-charge generator control, the

generator charging rate should be set to a maximum of 22 amperes cold or 17

A few drops of light oil should be supplied to cups (A), Figure 6, every 1,000

The generator is driven by the "V" type belt, which also drives the fan and water

pump. This belt must be kept sufficiently tight to prevent slippage on the pulleys.

When properly adjusted the belt will have from to 11/4" of slack at a point

midway between the fan pulley and generator pulley, as shown at (E), Figure 6.

This adjustment provides sufficient tightness to prevent slippage without causing

To adjust the belt tension, loosen nut (B) and swing the generator away from the

OWNER'S MANUAL 21

Figure 6

Generator

amperes hot. This adjustment requires the use of an accurate ammeter and voltme­ter, and should be made by an Authorized Terraplane and Hudson Service Station.

miles. Do not over-lubricate.

undue wear of the fan and generator bearings.

engine until the proper position is obtained. Tighten nut (B).

The water pump is of the 6-vane type and is mounted in the forward end of

the cylinder head. The roller bearing at the forward end of the pump shaft

should be lubricated at 1,000-mile intervals through the pressure fitting shown

The packing gland nut (D) should be drawn up only finger tight. Do not use

a wrench for tightening. If leakage occurs after tightening, or if nut goes to the

In order to get the maximum efficiency from the cooling system, it must be

kept clean. There is a tendency toward corrosion of parts due to electrolytic

action of water containing minerals and also deposits of minerals when the

water is heated. Both the corrosive scale and the mineral deposits tend to coat

the cooling surfaces, reducing radiation, and in time will clog the radiator

Unless special steps are taken to prevent these deposits, the cooling system

should be cleaned twice a year. This cleaning is most effective when reverse

flushing is used to remove deposits after they have been loosened by the use

of a good cleaning solution. Since reverse flushing requires special equipment

operated by compressed air, you should have this done by an Authorized

The cleaning solution recommended is Terraplane Hudson Radiator Cleaner.

Before using this solution, run the engine a few minutes to circulate the water and

stir up loose sediment. Stop the engine and open radiator petcock and drain all water

Dissolve the contents of the container in a bucket of hot water (be sure the

material is completely dissolved). Pour solution into radiator, then fill the

With the radiator covered and filler cap tight, run the engine for about

It is important that all traces of the cleaning solution be removed, as they have

22 TERRAPLANE SPECIAL SIX

Cooling System

Water Pump

at (C), Figure 6, using a high-grade water pump grease.

bottom of the thread, additional packing should be added.

Care of the Cooling System

passages.

Terraplane and Hudson Dealer.

from the system.

radiator almost full of water.

twenty minutes but avoid boiling. Stop the engine and completely drain system.

Reverse flushing will remove all of the sediment the solution has loosened.

a detrimental effect if left in the system.

After thoroughly flushing the cooling system, the addition of Terraplane Hudson Rust

and Corrosion Inhibitor to the water will neutralize the action of any compound which

may not have drained out. It will also prevent corrosion of the cast iron, aluminum and

other metals in the cooling system. The practice of using the Inhibitor in the cooling

Before putting any anti-freeze in the cooling system, it should be thoroughly cleaned,

all hose connections and gaskets checked for leaks, and the water pump packing replaced

The types of anti-freeze recommended are: Alcohol, Glycerine and solu¬tions of

Solutions containing calcium salts or other ingredients which promote electrolytic

action should be avoided. They will cause serious corrosion of aluminum alloy as well as

the solder joints of the radiator. Also avoid the use of solutions containing glucose or

honey, as they will tend to clog the system; and of kerosene or fuel oil which, when hot,

The following table gives the quantities of the recommended solutions required for

protection against freezing at various temperatures:

OWNER'S MANUAL 23

system is particularly advantageous for engines equipped with aluminum cylinder heads.

Terraplane Hudson Radiator Cleaner and Inhibitor can be obtained from any Autho­rized Terraplane and Hudson Dealer.

Anti-Freeze

if necessary.

Ethylene Glycol marketed under various trade names.

liberate inflammable vapors.

Temperature

Fahrenheit

+20°
+10°
0°

-10°

-20°

-30°

Alcohol

Quarts

2½

4

4½
5½
6½

8

Glycerine

(G.P.A. or Equivalent)

Quarts

5½
7
9
10½
11½

13 Full Strength

Ethylene Glycol

(Prestone or Equivalent)

Quarts

3
4

4½

5
6
7

24 TERRAPLANE SPECIAL SIX

OWNER'S MANUAL 25

The clutch is of the single plate type, having a plate with frictional surfaces,

which is driven by friction from the rear face of the steel flywheel and the

forward face of the drop forged steel pressure plate. The frictional facing in

Terraplane clutches is pliable formed

cork and lubricated to give a maximum

Due to the film of lubricant on the

vented and wear is negligible. The

frictional surface is always protected

and maintained in proper condition by

pound, so that even after thousands of

miles of usage there will be no material

The throwout bearing is a heavy

ting located on the right side of the

clutch bell housing. This should be

The Hudsonite Clutch Compound

is permanently sealed into the clutch

housing to prevent loss. It should be

To insert the Hudsonite, turn the engine until the drain plug (A), Figure 7,

in the front face of the flywheel is visible through the timing inspection hole

in the left side of the rear engine plate.

Remove the plug (A) and turn the engine

slowly until the star stamped in the front

of the flywheel is visible through the

inspection hole. Allow a minute in this

position to permit the clutch housing to

drain, then turn the engine until the filler

hole again appears in the timing hole

and insert one-third pint of Hudsonite.

Replace the plug and tighten securely.

plane and Hudson Distributors and

Figure 7

CLUTCH

degree of smoothness in engagement.

frictional surfaces, burning is pre-

the bath of Hudsonite Clutch Com-

change in the characteristics.

Lubrication

duty ball bearing provided with posi­tive lubrication through a pressure fit-

lubricated with one ounce of light vis­cous grease every one thousand miles.

drained and replaced every five to fifteen thousand miles.

Hudsonite is available through all Terra-

Figure 8

Dealers.

The clutch is self-adjusting; however, it is necessary to adjust the clutch

pedal rod to prevent the pedal from "riding" the floor board. To adjust,

loosen lock nut (A), Figure 8, remove clevis pin (C) and turn yoke (B) to

shorten or lengthen the rod, as necessary, so that the pedal shank can be held

in a position one and one-half inches from the floor board when the clutch is

engaged. Replace the clevis pin (C) and cotter pin. Tighten lock nut (A). The

pedal clearance should be checked frequently as a lack of clearance will

On cars equipped with Automatic Clutch Control pull backward on the

control unit cable—on left side of engine—while the accelerator pedal is

depressed. When the cable is in its extreme rearward position there should

"

clearance between the hack of the slot in the cable

The transmission is of the quick synchronizing type, incorporating helical

gears to give a silent second speed. Unusual silence is obtained in all forward

speeds by throwing the reverse idlers out of mesh so that they do not revolve

except when in actual use. Through the use of steel alloyed with nickel,

chrome and molybdenum in gears which are heat-treated for strength and

case-hardened to resist wear, long life is assured. The use of these special

alloys also makes extremely heavy parts unnecessary, contributing greatly to

The main drive gear and main shaft are supported by two heavy duty,

annular thrust ball bearings, one annular ball bearing and thirty needle

bearing rollers. The end thrust between these parts is taken by seven ball

The lubricant used must be able to

withstand the pressure developed

between the gear teeth and also flow

freely into the small clearances of

the bearings. These qualities can be

obtained in S.A.E. 110 transmission

gear oil for summer and S.A.E. 80

(zero pour test) transmission gear oil

with lubricant to the level of the

filler plug (A), Figure 9, at all times.

Drain the lubricant with season by removing plug (B) and replacing with

26 TERRAPLANE SPECIAL SIX

Clutch Pedal Adjustment

cause clutch slippage.

be approximately 7/8
yoke and the clevis pin which attaches it to the operating lever.

TRANSMISSION

ease and rapidity of shifting.

bearings running in races machined in the ends of the shafts.

The countershaft is carried on steel backed, babbitt bearings.

Lubrication

in winter.
The transmission should be filled

three pounds (or pints) of fresh oil of the proper specifications.

OWNER'S MANUAL 27

28 TERRAPLANE SPECIAL SIX

The rear axle is of the semi-floating type carried in a one-piece, welded, banjo

-type housing. This gives a rugged assembly with all parts readily accessible, as

tial assembly; also the differential and gear set assembly can be removed as a unit,

after the axle shafts have been removed, by simply disconnecting the rear universal

joint flange and removing the ten carrier bolt nuts.

The helical bevel drive gear and pinion are made of nickel molybdenum electric

furnace steel, heat-treated for strength and case-hardened to resist wear. The drive

pinion, differential and axle shafts are carried by six heavy duty, taper roller

Exceptional lubrication has been provided to the driving pinion bearings by

arranging a large passage to carry oil thrown from the ring gear to a point in the

housing between the front and rear pinion bearings. This oil flows through the

hearings and returns to the axle housing. Oil leakage at the front of the pinion is

guarded against by the use of a hydraulic leather oil seal. Similar seals are located

To adjust rear wheel bearings, jack up

rear axle and remove both rear wheels

and hubs. Remove the four nuts from

bearing cap (A), Figure 10, and remove

cap. By removing shims (B) under the

cap the end play of the axle shaft is

decreased. Total play between axle

"

,

which is perceptible by pulling shaft in

and out with the hand. It is necessary

that the thickness of shims at each rear

wheel be approximately the same, so

when adjusting remove a thin shim from

each side and repeat, if necessary, until

only a slight amount of play is evident.

Be sure the axle shafts turn freely before

Under no condition should a knockout type puller he used to remove a wheel

OWNER'S MANUAL 29

REAR AXLE

the axle shafts and wheel bearings can be removed without disturbing the differen-

bearings.

in the wheel hearing caps.

Adjustment

shafts should be from .005" to .010

building up.

Caution

hub or the end of the axle shaft struck a heavy blow.

tween the gear teeth and also flow

freely to enter the smaller clearances

and circulate through the passages to

the pinion bearings. These qualities

can be obtained in a heavy bodied

gear oil of S.A.E. 110 specification

for summer and S A.E. 90 for winter.

ings should each be packed with one and one-half ounces of grease every

5,000 miles. In order to insert this grease the wheels and wheel bearing caps

The steering spindles, arms and pins are heat-treated molybdenum alloy

steel. The spindle pins are case-hardened to resist wear and are supported in

the axle by hardened steel bushings. The end thrust on the pin is carried by

five ball bearings running in a race machined directly in the end of the

Each wheel is mounted on two taper roller bearings, while the tie rod end

sockets are each mounted on the steering arms with two annular thrust ball

After jacking up the front axle and removing the hub cap, withdraw

30 TERRAPLANE SPECIAL SIX

Lubrication

An oil must be used that will with­stand the pressures developed be-

The oil should always be kept to

the level of the filler plug (A), Fig­ure 11. Drain the oil and replace with three pounds (or pints) of fresh oil
with season.

The wheel bearings are lubricated with wheel bearing grease. The bear-

must he removed.

FRONT AXLE

The front axle is of the Elliott type, the center section being a drop
forging of high quality carbon steel. The axle has an "I" beam section
between the spring seats to give strength with light weight to sustain the
weight of the car. The axle ends—from the spring seats to the spindle pin
yoke—are elliptical in section, giving strength to resist both the load of the
car and the twisting action developed when the brakes are applied. This
forging is heat-treated for strength and elasticity to give maximum protec­tion against distortion from load and shock.

spindle pin.

bearings for rigid mounting and frictionless control.

Bearing Adjustment

cotter key holding nut (A), Figure 12. Turn nut (A) to the right until a

OWNER'S MANUAL 31

OWNER'S MANUAL 32

slight drag is felt when turning the
wheel slightly by hand. Then loosen
the nut just sufficiently to permit the
wheel to turn freely. Insert cotter key.

Front Wheel Alignment

The front wheels should be adjusted
with zero to 1/8" toe-in measured 10"
from the ground. This adjustment is
made by loosening the clamp bolts in
the tie rod ends and turning the tie rod
in a clockwise direction as viewed
from the right to increase toe-in and in
the reverse direction to reduce toe-in.
A special tool is required to make this
measurement accurately. This adjust­ment is important for correct steering
and to prevent excessive tire wear.
Have your Authorized Terraplane and

Hudson Dealer check this alignment frequently.

Caster

The caster (backward tilt of the axle) should be from 3¼º to 3¾º and should

be equal within /2° at both front wheels.

Camber

The camber (outward tilt of front wheels) should be from 1° to 1½°.

Should any front axle parts become bent, through accident, to such extent that
they cannot he straightened without heating, they should be replaced with new
ones. Heating will destroy the original heat treatment of the parts and may result
in sagging or even breakage.

Lubrication

The front wheel hearings should be lubricated every 5,000 miles with a good
grade of wheel bearing grease. Remove hub and wash hearings and inside of
hub with kerosene and pack each bearing and hub with 3 ounces of wheel
hearing grease (see page 30 for adjusting wheel bearings).

The tie rod ends are lubricated and sealed when assembled and require no
further lubrication.

Lubrication of spindle pins is covered on the lubrication chart. (Inside back

cover.)

STEERING GEAR

The steering gear is of the variable pitch worm and sector type with a maxi-

mum ration of 15 to 1 in the straight ahead position to give maximum ease of
steering. The ratio is reduced as the gear is turned either to the right or left to
give quick action for sharp turns.

33 TERRAPLANE SPECIAL SIX

OWNER'S MANUAL 34

The housing should be filled at all times with a good grade of S.A.E. 160 gear

oil in summer and S.A.E. 110 gear oil in winter. The lubricant can be injected after

The worms are cut in a manner which gives a minimum clearance with the
sector or roller in the straight ahead position and increased clearance on turns.
This gives maximum control and assures freedom from binding even after exten­sive use which, on conventional gears, makes it impossible to get proper clearance
without binding on extreme turns due to maximum wear coming in the straight
ahead position.

Adjustment

The main or worm shaft is carried on
two taper roller bearings which are
maintained in proper adjustment by
spring pressure which is properly
selected when the gear is built.
The end play in the cross shaft is
adjusted by a screw extending through
the right side of the steering gear hous­ing. By turning this screw

into

the
housing the end play is reduced. The
screw should be tightened, then backed
off just enough to prevent binding and
the lock nut tightened.
The mesh between the worm and
sector of the gear is adjusted by moving
the housing cover. To adjust, loosen the
four (one not shown) housing cover
stud nuts (B), Figure 13, one-quarter
turn. With front wheels jacked up and

in the straight ahead position, turn the eccentric (C) in a clockwise direction in
gradual stages,

noting

the effect by working the steering gear arm. When play has
been reduced sufficiently, tighten nuts (B), drawing up the one on eccentric (C)
first. Before lowering front wheels, turn steering gear from extreme right to
extreme left to be sure no binding occurs.

To raise or lower steering wheel to suit the requirements of the driver, loosen
frame bracket stud nuts (D) as well as steering column bracket nuts under the
instrument panel. Set wheel into the desired position and tighten column bracket
nuts. Turn steering wheel to align gear on frame and tighten frame bracket nuts.

Lubrication

removing filler plug (E), Figure 13, and should

be

done with change of season.

The brakes are of the single anchor Duo Servo construction and are equally

effective in both forward and reverse directions. This construction also brings

all of the lining into equal action, giving greater braking action per square inch

of surface than other types. This equal pressure of the lining around almost the

entire circumference, of the brake drums reduces the tendency for distortion of

the drum and prevents localized high lining pressures which cause rapid wear,

The brake pedal and hand brake lever are located in the conventional

Both the brake pedal and lever are connected to operate a short, sturdy

equalizer, pivoted to the underside of the frame "X" member. The motion of

The operation of the brakes through pre-stretched cables and equalized

action cam levers insures equal braking effort at each wheel and long life

It is necessary to have the brakes adjusted to offset normal wear when the

brake pedal can be depressed within 1/2" of the floor. This adjustment is made

Jack up all four wheels clear of the

ground. Remove wheels from hubs.

Remove inspection hole cover on

drums. Place a .010" feeler gauge

through the brake drum inspection

hole between the lining of the upper

shoe and the drum. Loosen the

eccentric lock nut (A), Figure 14, and

turn the eccentric (B) in the direction

of forward wheel rotation until the

feeler is held snug. Tighten lock nut

(A). The clearance around the lining

of the upper shoe should not vary

tion exists, a major adjustment

should be made by an Authorized

tion. Turn the star wheel with a

justing hole (C), moving the handle toward the center of wheel. Continue

turning until a drag is felt when the brake drum is turned. Then turn star wheel

in the reverse direction just until the drum turns free. Replace the inspection

After performing the above operations on all four wheels, pull the hand

35 TERRAPLANE SPECIAL SIX

BRAKES

scoring and squeaking.

position.

the equalizer is transmitted to the brake shoes through cables.

between brake adjustments.

as follows:

more than .003". If a greater varia-

Terraplane and Hudson Service Sta-

screwdriver inserted through the ad-

hole cover and wheels.

brake lever up one or two notches until a firm drag is felt when turning the

wheels by hand. If more drag is felt on one wheel than on the others,

off on

Proper brake adjustments cannot be obtained if wheel bearings are not adjusted

properly. Correct brake adjustment will not insure equal braking action if tires are

worn unevenly or unevenly inflated, spring clips or shackles are loose, or if the

front wheel alignment is incorrect. Have your Terraplane and Hudson Dealer

Spring control is obtained on passenger cars through the use of four direct-

acting, self-compensating shock absorbers. By using a large quantity of fluid

working under low pressure, accurate control is obtained and there is no variation

The large reserve of fluid, the low operating pressure and the double seal

practically eliminate the loss of fluid. The fluid should, however, be maintained

at the proper level and it is recommended that this be checked by an Authorized

The headlamps are designed to give maximum safe illumination under all driving

conditions. The only adjustment necessary to obtain the results which should be

expected is the proper aiming of the headlamps. The right and left lenses are

interchangeable and can be used satisfactorily on either side. The lamps are fitted

with standard three-candlepower bulbs for the parking position and pre-focused

bulbs having a flanged mounting and employing a 21- candlepower filament for

city driving and passing, and a 32-candlepower filament for country driving.

When the main lighting switch is in the driving (second) position, the light beams

can be changed to the high or country driving position or to the low or city driving

Place the car on a level floor or driveway, squarely in front of a white wall or

ger load in the rear seat so that light beam will not be too high under full loaded

conditions. Draw a horizontal line (AA), Figure 15, on the wall six feet long and

at a height equal to the height of the center of the headlamps from the floor. Sight

through the center of rear window and over the radiator ornament and determine

the exact center line of the car projected on the wall as indicated at point (B) in

lamps to each side of point (B) and draw the vertical lines (C) and (D) through

OWNER'S MANUAL 36

back

the star wheel adjustment until equal drag is felt on all wheels.

check these adjustments regularly.

SHOCK ABSORBERS AND SPRINGS

due to changes in operating temperatures.

Terraplane and Hudson Service Station at least twice a year.

HEADLAMPS

position by depressing and releasing the toe board control switch.

Adjustment

In order to get the proper lighting effect the headlamps must be aimed accurate-

ly, as follows:

screen, at a distance of twenty-five feet. Place the equivalent of a regular passen-

the illustration. Measure one half the distance between the centers of the head-

these points. These lines represent the vertical center lines of the lamps.

With the car carrying a full passenger load, cover the left headlamp to obscure

its beam and place lighting switch in the high or country driving position. Loosen

the mounting nut of the right lamp and aim the lamp so that the top of the light

beam is just even with the horizontal line and equally divided on each side of the

Tighten mounting nut on right lamp and follow same procedure in aiming left

lamp to center on line (C). When this has been properly done, the lamps will be

Loosen the screws at the bottom of the lamp body. Push the bottom of the lens

backward and downward until the top of the lens is clear of the top of the lamp

Do not touch the reflector, as any marks will reduce the illumination. Should it

be necessary to clean the reflectors, use ordinary lampblack on a soft cloth and

A 17-plate, 105-ampere hour National battery is used. This battery is covered

by a Guarantee and Adjustment Policy by its manufacturer. To be entitled to the

benefits of this Policy the battery must be registered with a National Battery

Dealer within thirty (30) days after delivery of the car. Do not neglect to make this

37 TERRAPLANE SPECIAL SIX

center line (D) of the right lamp.

correctly aligned for both the city and country driving positions.

Removal of Headlamp Lens

body and lift out. Replace by reversing this operation.

wipe gently in a circular motion.
If the reflectors require frequent cleaning, it is an indication that the gaskets
are not giving a proper seal and they should be replaced.

BATTERY

Registration

registration.

Care

The battery requires little attention; however, this attention is absolutely essen­tial. Negligence will shorten the battery life and cause premature failure

OWNER'S MANUAL 38

Wiring Diagram - Radio Equipped Models Without Charge Control

39 TERRAPLANE SPECIAL SIX

Wiring Diagram - Radio Equipped Models With Charge Control

Distilled water should be added to the battery at such intervals as will insure

the plates being covered at all times. Usually water should be added twice a month

in warm weather and monthly in winter. During freezing weather water should be

To prevent corrosion of battery terminals and connections, apply a coating of

vaseline over the battery posts and strap terminals, making sure the terminals are

properly tightened. If corrosion occurs, clean posts and terminals with a soda

solution before applying the vaseline. When using the soda solution, be sure the

cell caps are in place and be careful to prevent the soda from entering the cells.

Inspect the battery ground strap occasionally, as looseness at the battery or

frame or breakage will reduce the output for starting and a complete break will

Periodic hydrometer readings should be made by your Dealer. If the battery

gravity is low and the battery in good condition, the generator charging rate

should be checked. This requires accurate Voltmeters and Ammeters and should

It is not necessary to add acid to a battery except where leakage has occurred.

This must be done in conjunction with charging and should not be attempted

All wheels are demountable at the hub by prying off the outside huh cap and

removing the cap screws (B), Figure 12, in the wheel mounting plate. When

replacing the cap screws, the final tightening locks them to prevent loosening in

Steel artillery wheels of the drop base type are used, permitting installation and

To remove a tire, deflate the tube. Starting directly opposite the valve stem and

working in both directions toward the valve, press one bead of the tire off the rim

ledge down into the rim well. Start removal of this bead at the valve stem,

working around the wheel in both directions from this point. Pull the valve back

inside of the rim and remove the second bead by the same procedure used to

To install a tire, inflate the tube until just rounded out and insert into the casing.

Place one bead over the rim and into the rim well at one point so that the

remainder of the bead can be worked over the rim. Press this bead onto its rim seat

and insert valve stem through the hole in the rim. After the valve is aligned in the

hole, start application of the second bead directly opposite the valve, pressing it

into the rim well and working in both directions so that the section of the bead at

40 TERRAPLANE SPECIAL SIX

added just before the car is to be used.

Flush off well with water and dry top of battery.

cause the lamp bulbs to burn out.

be handled by your Terraplane and Hudson Dealer.

except by an experienced battery service man.

TIRES AND WHEELS

operation. Be sure the cap screws are drawn down tight.

removal of the tires without separate locking rings or the use of any special tools.

Removal and Installation

remove the first.

the valve is the last to be worked onto the rim.

OWNER'S MANUAL 41

Readjust, if necessary, so that the valve protrudes straight through the rim and

pull the valve through from outside until seated snugly against the inside of the

In order to get maximum life from the tires (16 x 6.00 used on all models), they

should always be inflated to a minimum pressure of 22 pounds on the front wheels

and 28 pounds on the rear. Lower pressure will cause excessive tread wear, make

ties in the road surface. Higher pressures reduce the shock-absorbing qualities of

Due to increased thickness in tire treads, together with higher driving speeds,

faster acceleration and more effective braking, the tread blocks flex when in

contact with the road so that the forward edges of the tread design blocks wear

larly between the two tread running ribs. This is known as toe and heel wear and

is particularly noticeable on front tires, since both the drive and braking action flex

This is a natural wear and can be controlled by reversing the direction of

rotation of the tire. It is recommended that the right and left wheel and tire

assemblies be interchanged when this wear becomes noticeable. Since the height

of the tread block has been reduced by wear, the flexing will be lessened and this

change of position of tires will not only even up the wear but will in most cases

Wheel and tire balance is carefully checked during the process of assembling;

however, this balance may be changed by removal and reinstallation of tires or by

tire tread wear. In order to maintain original stability at high driving speeds, have

wheels and tires rebalanced whenever it is necessary to remove and reinstall a tire

on a wheel or, if tire changes are not necessary, balance at intervals of 10,000

miles. This operation can be readily and accurately done by attaching sliding type

balancing weights to the inside rim flange. The proper position of these weights

To remove the spare wheel and tire from the rear vestibule of the body, open

the door and remove the mounting screws from the wheel hub. Grasp the tire at

the top and pull toward you until the wheel is standing upright, then roll the wheel

rim.

Partially inflate and work both beads onto the rim seats, then complete inflation.

Inflation Pressures

the tire more susceptible to bruises and breaks from impact with sharp irregulari-

the tires but increase stability at high speeds.

Tire Wear

more rapidly than the rear, giving a sawtooth appearance to the blocks, particu-

the blocks in the same direction.

prevent reappearance.

can, however, be determined only by use of a wheel balancing machine.

Removal of Spare Tire from Vestibule

toward the right. The wheel and tire will roll over the sill of the opening readily.

on the handle located on the left end of the seat, the mechanism is unlocked so the

The door striker plates and rubber

bumpers are adjustable to permit proper

tion. The dovetail (male) is adjustable to

center the door up and down. The hinge

To adjust doors, first loosen the

screws (A), Figure 16, holding the male

portion of the dovetail to the door and

move up or down as necessary so that it

lifts the door 1/16" as it enters the female

The front edge of the front and rear

doors should be set slightly inside of the

windshield pillar post and rear edge of

front doors, respectively, to prevent

ment is necessary, loosen either or both

the upper and lower bumper fastening

screws (B) in the pillar post and move

the bumpers in or out as necessary to

permit the door to close to the desired

If, after this adjustment, the door must

42 TERRAPLANE SPECIAL SIX

BODIES

Seat Adjustments

All front seats are adjustable for driver's comfort. By pulling up (not turning)

seat can be moved forward or backward. Releasing the handle locks the seat.

Trim Panels
All side wall and door upholstery panels are attached with screws which are

visible along the edges of the doors and pillar posts when the doors are open.
By removing these screws and the regulator and lock handles on the panel in
question, it can be readily withdrawn.

Door Adjustments

in and out regulations of the door posi-

pins are cadmium plated to prevent rust­ing and squeaking of the hinges.

member when the door is being closed.

wind noise at high speeds. If an adjust-

position. Tighten the screws securely.

be slammed to latch it or the latch does

not hold the door snugly against the bumpers, loosen the latch striker plate screws

(C) in the pillar post and move the striker in or out, as necessary, and tighten the

Caution: Do not remove the striker plate screws (C) as the tapping plates will fall

The door striker plates and door dovetails are all fitted with lubricating wicks.

The door hinge pins should be lubricated with light oil. An oil pocket (A) is

provided in the top surface of the body half of the hinge, adjacent to the hinge pin

The front door glass is operated by

both raising and lowering the glass as

dle raises the glass and continued a

dow is fully raised results in the glass

The raising and lowering of the rear

The rear quarter windows in the

lator handle is turned. By moving the

glass backward to give an opening of

approximately 1/2", a suction is created and draws air out of the car, while further

opening permits air to enter. A similar effect is obtained at the front doors when

the glass is moved backward from its forward position, providing a simple and

The cowl ventilator is controlled by the handle projecting below the instrument

panel, slightly to the right of the center. The ventilator is opened to the desired

With the exception of the Electric Hand transmission control, which is

available only as a factory installed option, all of the following items of equipment

OWNER'S MANUAL 43

screws securely.

out of position.

Lubrication

These should be saturated with light oil.

and is accessible when the door is open

Ventilation

a regulator which provides means for

well as moving forward and back­ward. Turning the regulator crank han-

movement of the crank after the win-

moving forward in the door.

door glasses in Sedans, the rear quar­ter glasses in Coaches, and the
rear windows in Coupes, is conven­tional by means of crank handles.

Sedans slide backward when the regu-

effective means of individual ventilation.

position by pushing forward on this handle.

ACCESSORIES

can be installed on any models. This equipment is designed for Terraplane cars

44 TERRAPLANE SPECIAL SIX

provision is made for mounting a license bracket.

These horns are finished in chromium plate and are designed to blend into the

contours of the front end of the car. They are mounted on the headlamp brackets.

No drilling is required for their installation. They are available only in matched

and is in harmony with interior appointments or exterior finish. In many cases
mountings are provided and no drilling or cutting is required to install the
equipment; however, any of these items can be readily installed by an Authorized
Terraplane and Hudson Dealer.

High Compression Cylinder Head

The composite type cylinder head giving 7 to 1 compression ratio is available
for use on the 1935 Terraplane engine. Although this requires the use of high
octane fuel, it increases the engine output to 100 horsepower and under compar­ative driving increases gasoline mileage, partially offsetting the extra fuel cost.
Acceleration and hill climbing are greatly increased by the added power obtained.

Axleflex

This unit is interchangeable with the standard front axle and gives independent
front wheel springing while retaining the heavy drop forged construction of
conventional designs.

Stabilizer

The use of a stabilizer reduces body sway. The stabilizer is used on all cars
equipped with Axleflex and can be fitted to cars with the standard front axle.

Fender Lamps

All models have a small parking bulb in the headlamp. Fender lamps can be
installed on any model and connected in place of the headlamp parking bulb.
These fender lamps are of the same design as the headlamps but are chromium
finished.

Tail and Stop Lamp—Right Hand

A tail and stop lamp especially designed for the right rear fender can be
installed on any model. This lamp is identical with the left lamp except no

Electric Hand

The Electric Hand or automatic transmission control may be had on all models
as a factory installed option. This device, which is electrically controlled, permits
finger tip gear shifting by means of a small lever located immediately under the
steering wheel and utilizes the engine intake manifold vacuum to perform the
actual work of engaging and disengaging the transmission gears. The Electric
Hand also permits pre-selecting of the gears while the car is in motion, the shift
being made automatically when the clutch pedal is depressed.

Twin Horns

sets, ready for attachment on all models.

A specially designed antenna of the under running board type is fitted to all

cars on which radio is installed at the factory and holes for mounting this antenna

are provided in the running board brackets of all models. This antenna is supplied

u

r Authorized Terraplane and

Hudson Dealers will be pleased to quote you prices on the installation of a

The radio is a six-tube superheterodyne circuit designed especially for

Terraplanes and Hudsons, and gives maximum performance for car reception

at moderate cost. The control is built into the center of the instrument panel

If the car is to be laid up for any length of time and especially in the winter,

the following suggestions should be observed: Drain the water from the cooling

system, then run the motor not over one minute to dry out the cylinder water

jackets.

Drain the crankcase. Flush out the old oil, then refill with fresh oil. It is also

well to pour out a little oil into each cylinder through the spark plug holes to

prevent the interior from rusting. Clean the spark plugs and dip the ends into oil

Crank the engine for about twenty seconds with the ignition switch off and the

throttle closed. This insures a distribution of the oil over cylinder walls and valve

Disconnect the wires from the storage battery and remove battery to some dry

place. It is best to take the battery to a battery service station, where it may

receive a freshening charge at least once a month. It is well worth while to take

Go over the chrome or nickel plated parts with a light coating of vaseline jelly or

grease to prevent tarnishing. This should be removed with gasoline before

If the tires are to be out of service for any length of time, they should be

removed from the rims. The inner tubes should be put in the casing with a small

amount of air pressure and the tires stored in some cool, dark place, preferably

where there is a slight amount of moisture, since if they become too dry the

rubber will harden and lose its elasticity. It is a good idea to wrap tires with cloth

Remove all dust from top and upholstery, wash body clean, put the windows

or top up and cover the car with heavy sheetings or a paper cover especially made

When putting the engine back into service again, remove the spark plugs,

inject a small quantity of oil into each cylinder, crank the engine by hand for a

few seconds, replace the plugs, turn the ignition "on" and, after the engine has

OWNER'S MANUAL 45

Radio

as a regular part of the field installation radio kit. Yo

Terraplane radio of our standard design.

where it is accessible, visible and in harmony with interior appointments.

PREPARING CAR FOR STORAGE

to prevent rusting and replace them.

mechanism.

care of the battery.

putting the car back into service.

Jack up the front and rear axles and remove the tires.

to protect them from heat.

for the purpose.

been started on its own power, run slowly for a few minutes

Hudson Motor Car Company factories, Detriot, Michigan