1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

Hudson Steering Column Turn Signal Switch

Discussion in 'Early Jeep Restoration and Research' started by Jeff Drobny, Apr 1, 2022.

  1. Apr 1, 2022
    Jeff Drobny

    Jeff Drobny New Member

    Colorado
    Joined:
    Apr 1, 2022
    Messages:
    1
    Hi everyone, My name is Jeff, I'm new to the forum. Been reading a lot and have received a lot of helpful information. This place is great.
    I'm working on a 67 CJ5 with a Hudson steering column and I was wondering if anyone here can identify this turn signal switch?

    Thanks for any help

    https://ibb.co/r7j72XC

    https://ibb.co/cCrnqC4

    https://ibb.co/VS99398
     
  2. Apr 2, 2022
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    Hi Jeff - first post! Welcome from eastern Massachusetts.

    You did really well by posting pictures of what you have. I recall Hudson steering was a popular upgrade back in the 50s maybe? I have been around Jeeps a long time, and I have only heard references to this modification, and not seen an actual jeep with this mod. I think I've seen pictures ... maybe. By the late '60s, Hudsons were already getting scarce, and by the '70s pretty much gone except in collectors hands.

    Your turn signal switch looks pretty well integrated with the column. I would suspect that it's OEM Hudson or maybe an aftermarket kit specifically for the Hudson. Realize that dual taillights, much less flashing indicators, weren't required until the mid 50s? Something like that. Indicators for a Hudson could have been optional or dealer add-on in that era.

    My 1954 Motors book (generalized shop manual printed for independent garages and filling stations) says the Hudsons got Gemmer (2) steering. I think you should have the whole column and steering gear as a replacement for the Jeep original Ross steering gear -

    MotorsGemmerSteering (842 x 1072).jpg

    If this were mine, and I wanted to keep the existing steering, I would reach out to Hudson collectors at a Hudson or Hudson/Nash forum. Might be good to learn a little about the marque before you go there https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hudson_Motor_Car_Company

    In my experience, friendliness/openness to outsiders that aren't enthusiasts of that brand varies. Hudson wasn't a high end brand, so maybe modern owners/collectors will be receptive to your questions.

    Note that here on ECJ5, this is a cool historical artifact, and we will be happy to help if we can. But I kinda doubt anyone here has seen these conversions, much less owns one. Maybe ask on the flat fender forums too, since those Jeeps came before most of the CJ-5s.
     
    Last edited: Apr 2, 2022
  3. Apr 2, 2022
    melvinm

    melvinm Member

    Arvada Co. 80003
    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2012
    Messages:
    196
    HI jeff

    The turn signal switch is A Hudson Switch .

    They were made in 3 wire and 6 wire connection.

    The six wire was preferred .

    I have installed 2 Hudson steering gears in jeeps over the years

    1- 48 cj2a and 1- 56 cj5

    You can call Me if You need more info 303-420-8310

    Thanks .

    Mel.
     
    Fireball likes this.
  4. Apr 3, 2022
    Chipper

    Chipper New Member

    Westcliffe, CO
    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2020
    Messages:
    29
    Hi, Jeff. Thanks for posting the photos. In my ‘64 CJ5 some PO put in a nearly identical box from what appears to be from a C1 Corvette. There’s a good series of rebuilding videos on YouTube that would help if you need to go through it. My turn signal is corvette/GM so I don’t know if is anything like the Hudson Welcome from Colorado!
     
  5. Apr 9, 2022
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2010
    Messages:
    7,110
    I used to own a CJ with a Hudson column...as I recall, that's what the switch looked like. Pretty sure it's a Hudson part.
    I parted that Jeep out & sold the column to another member on here, IDK if he ever got it installed in his Jeep.
     
New Posts