Hudson 1948 Commodore User manual

This manual courtesy of
Hudson-Essex-Terraplane Club member
Drew Meyer

I
FOREWORD
This Body Service Manual covers repair procedures applicable
to servicing the bodies of Hudson Cars from 1948 through 1954.
A detailed index is provided in which the parts and operations are
listed in alphabetical order under the assemblies or units to which they
belong. Illustrations and pages of this manual are numbered consecu-
tively.
The times applying to body operations, as shown in the Flat Rate
Manual 1, are based on the procedures and operations covered in this
manual. Mechanics following these procedures and using the tools and
equipment available should have no difficulty in performing the opera-
tions in the time specified.

II BODY MANUAL
ALPHABETICAL INDEX
CONVERTIBLE
Adjustment, top control rod
Adjustments, top and window
Bleeding, the hydraulic system
Circuit breaker
Electrical system checks
Fluid level
Hydraulic pump prime
Hydraulic system
Hydro-Lectric service information.
Lock cylinder, door
Lock, door
Lock lubrication
Lock, remote control
Motor and pump assembly
Motor Hydro-Lectric and pump assy
Motor solenoid switch
Multiple switch units
Operating cylinder, top
Operating control valve, top
Operating switches, window
Outside handles
Outside mouldings (wide), header
Pressure relief and flow control valve Quarter
window regulator assembly,
rear
Refilling hydraulic system
Regulator assembly, door
window
Seat cushion and seat back, front
Seat cushion and seat back, rear
Service procedures
Top front header upper seal and top
front header moulding (wide)
Top front header lower seal
Top operating switch test
Top operating valve and switch assembly
Top and rear curtain
Top sealing
Top side rail weatherstrips
Trim panel, door
Trim panel, quarter
Trouble shooting
Valve switch assembly
Ventilator wing glass and frame
assembly, door
Ventilator wing regulator assy., door
Window and glass frame assy., door
Window lift control switch
Window power valve solenoid check
Window regulator cylinder
Wiring diagram - 1948-1953
Page
95
100
112,113,114,115
119
116
116
119
119
118
115,116
109
110
110
110
95,98
95,98
117
107
101,102
118,119
106
109
124
118
106
119
102,103,104
109
109
98
124
123
117
99
110
122
125,126
107,108
108
127,128
100
105
105
103
117
118
104
120
Wiring diagram - 1954
Wiring diagram, top operating
Wiring diagram, window regulator
and cylinder
DOORS
Adjustment, lock release button
Check arm
Door to body alignment
Front door complete
Front pillar seals
Glass, front door
Glass, rear door
Handle adjustment
Handle, outside
Liner, inner
Lock cylinder
Lock, front or rear
Lock, release button
Regulator, front window
Regulator, rear window
Remote control, front or rear
Sealing, scuff plate
Striker plate
Trim panel, door
Ventilator regulator, front
Ventilator regulator, rear
Ventilator wing
Weatherstrip belt seal, front
Weatherstrip, bottom
Weatherstrip, lower front
Weatherstrip opening, upper front door
Weatherstrip, front door
Weatherstrip, front (rear door)
Weatherstrip, rear door
Weatherstrip, rear opening, rear door
FENDER - FRONT
Extension
Stone guard and panel assembly
Tie panel
FENDER - REAR
FRAME AND BODY ALIGNMENT
Aligning and tramming, body
Alignment, door to body
Checking body door openings
Final check of body repair
Resealing after repair
Straightening doors
GENERAL INTERIOR - INFORMATION
ON APPEARANCE
Page
121
96
97
1
11
14
12,13
13,14
14
3
4
9,10
9
19
6
6,7
9
1,2
2,3
8
19
11,12
1
4,5
5
4,5,6
15
17
16
14,15
18
17
18
16
71
73
74
74
74,75
82
83,84,85
82
83
85,86
86
82
56

BODY MANUAL III
ALPHABETICAL INDEX-CONTINUED
HE AD LINING
HOOD
Adjustments
Hinge
Lock, lower
Lock, lower support
Lock, upper support
Lock, upper
HOLLYWOOD - HARDTOP
Adjustment, door window
Adjustment, quarter window
Door window regulator cross arm assy
Headlining
Moulding, body front header to side header
joint cover
Moulding, body side header interior
Moulding, door belt
Moulding, quarter belt
Moulding, rear belt at rear window.
Moulding, rear window, upper
Moulding, roof panel quarter
Moulding, roof panel side
Moulding, roof panel drip cover, front
Moulding, roof panel drip cover, rear
Moulding, windshield lower
Quarter window
Quarter window regulator
Rear window glass
Trim panel, door
Vent wing, door
Vent wing regulator, door
Window regulator, door
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND PANE L
ASSY
Clock
Gauge, fuel
Gauge, temperature
Instrument panel top covering
Light switch and circuit breaker
Speedometer head
Switch, ignition
Switch starter, ignition
Switch, weather control blower
Voltage regulator, constant
Weather control assembly
Weather control lever and brkt. assy
QUARTER TRIM PANEL
Glass, window
Regulator, window
Water shed and drain baffle
Page
37,38
67,68
69
70
70
68
68
69
129
129
132
129
136
134
134
134
134
134
135
135
135
135
135
135
131
131
132,133,134
129
130
130
129
47
48,49
49,50
50,51,52
54
52
48
53
53
53
50
53
53
33
35,36
34,35,36
34
RADIATORGRILLE
Baffle,sidesupport
Baffle, upper
Bar, center
Louver and baffle assembly
Louver, lower
Louver,upper
Moulding, upper and intermediate
Ornament assembly
Parkinglightassembly
Parking light ornament or lens
Radiatormounting"U"channel..
Splash guard and moulding, front
Structure assembly
REAR COMPARTMENT DOOR
Door
Door hinge
Handle and lock assembly
Lock
Lockcylinder
Weatherstrip
REAR WINDOW
Glass
Reveal mouldings
Weatherstrip
SEALING
Cowl panel to frame and pillar
Cowl side panel to toe board and frame
joint
Drain trough and quarter window
reveal moulding
Rear seat under panel to frame and
wheelhouse
Rearunderpaneltorearpaneland
wheelhouse
WINDSHIELDGLASS
Air stop blocks
Drain tubes
Glass
Reveal mouldings
Sealing
Weatherstrip
WINDSHIELD WIPER
Control
Housing and cable, pulley
Motor assembly, wiper
Tension pulley assembly, cable
WIRINGDIAGRAMS
Page
60
60
60
60
60
60,63,65
62,63,65
61,62,65
62
62
64
62,64,66
60
63
76
78
78
76
76,77
77,78
78
28
29,30,32
28,31
33
87
93
92
93
90
91
20,21,26,27
24
21
20,21,26,27
25,26
23,24
26,28
55,56
52
55
55
55
40,41,42,43,44,45,46

DOORS
DOOR TRIM PANEL
(Front and Rear)
(Models 1948 thru 1954)
REMOVAL
1. Remove inside door handles.
2. Remove lock release knob and garnish moulding, (on cars
so equipped).
3. Remove two screws from underside of arm rest and re-
move arm rest.
NOTE: On all 1953 and 1954 models the arm rest is part of
the trim panel. Remove two screws from inside pocket
of arm rest.
4. Remove valance (on cars so equipped by extracting ex-
posed screws and sliding valance up from between door
and trim panel.
5. Re move door pocket trim board (clips). (On cars so
equipped.)
6.Remove doorpanel heldby (clips)using wide bladed putty
knife.
INSTALLATION
1. Repair any damage to door inside liner with Mystik tape
before replacing trim panel.
2. In stall door trim panel by engaging the bottom retainer
and aligning clips before driving panel into place.
FIGURE 1
3. Install pocket trim board.
4. Install valance by inserting lower flange between door
and pocket trim board; and, with slots in line with trim
board clips, force valance down into position and install
screws.
5. Install arm rest, (on cars so equipped), garnish moulding,
lock release knob, and door handles.
DOOR WINDOW REGULATOR -
FRONT
(All Models -1948 thru 1954
Except 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D)
REMOVAL
1. Remove trim panel. See "Trim Panel Removal".
2. Re move garnish moulding spacer wood block.
3. Cut liner as shown in Figure 1 for sedans, Figure 2, for
coupes and two door sedans.
FIGURE 2
4. Remove screw (A) from inside upper end of center glass
channel and screws (B) which attach center glass channel
to door inner panel. (Do not remove center glass channel
from door.)
5. Remove screws (C) attaching regulator to door inner
panel.
1 BODY MANUAL

6. Lower window to bottom of door and release regulator
cross arms from glass channel on sedans. On coupes and
two door sedans disconnect regulator from cross arm
assembly. (A stud on the regulator arm is retained in the
cross arm assembly by a spring clip.)
7. Remove regulator through opening in bottom of door.
INSTALLATION
Reverse procedure of removal and repair damage to
door inner liner with Mystik tape
DOOR WINDOW REGULATOR -
FRONT
(Models 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D)
REMOVAL
1. Remove door trim panel. See "Trim Panel Removal",
Page 1.
2.Cut innerliner as shownin Figure3,to exposescrews (C)
and hole (E).
FIGURE 3
3. Remove retainer clip from the regulator arm to window
glass channel.
4. Raise the door glass, insert a drift or punch, through
opening in door at (E) Figure 3, the drift should be so
placed below glass channel to hold glass in a raised
position when regulator is removed.
5. Remove screws (C) attaching regulator to door inner
panel and remove the regulator through opening at bottom
of door.
INSTALLATION
Reverse the procedure of removal and repair door
inner liner.
DOOR WINDOW REGULATOR -
REAR
(All Models-1948 thru 1954
Except 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D)
REMOVAL
1. Remove trim panel. See "Trim Panel Removal", Page 1.
2. Remove garnish moulding spacer block. 3. Cut door
inner liner as shown in Figure 4.
FIGURE 4
4. Remove four screws (A) holding regulator to door inner
panel.
5. Lower window to bottom of door and release regulator
from glass channel.
6. Remove regulator through opening at bottom of door.
INSTALLATION
Reverse procedure of removal and repair damage to
door inner liner with Mystik tape.
BODY MANUAL 2

3 BODY MANUAL
DOOR WINDOW REGULATOR -
REAR
(Models 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D)
REMOVAL
1.Removedoortrimpanel.See"TrimPanelRemoval".
2. Cut inner panel as shown in Figure 5, to expose
screws (G) and (H).
3. Remove the one screw (G).
4. Remove retainer clip from the regulator arm to
window glass control.
5. Raise the door glass, insert a drift or punch through
the opening where screw (G) has been removed.
The drift should be so placed below glass channel to
hold glass in a raised position when regulator is
removed.
6. Remove screws (H) attaching regulator to door
inner panel and remove the regulator through open-
ing at bottom of door.
FIGURE 5
INSTALLATION
Reverse procedure of removal and repair door inner
liner.
DOOR GLASS - FRONT
(All Models 1948 thru 1954
Except 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D))
REMOVAL
1. Remove safety lock knob and garnish moulding.
2. Remove small wood block (on cars so equipped).
3. Remove trim panel, see "Trim Panel Removal".
4. Cut door inner liner as shown in Figures 1 and 2.
5. Remove screw (A) and two screws at (B). 6. Remove
center glass channel (D) or lower it into the door.
7. Tilt glass inward and raise to upper limit of regulator.
8. Release regulator cross arms from glass channel and
remove glass and glass channel.
INSTALLATION
Reverse procedure of removal.
DOOR GLASS - FRONT
(Models 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D)
REMOVAL
1. Remove door trim panel. See "Trim Panel Removal",
Page 1.
2. Cut inner liner as shown in Figure 3, to expose screws
(D).
3. Remove the two screws (D) attaching center bar glass
run to door inner panel.
4. With the door glass in the down position, remove the
retainer clip from the regulator arm.
FIGURE 6
5. Remove regulator arm from glass channel, bring the
door glass down and at the same time turn the glass
1/4 turn to bring the narrow side of glass to the top,
as shown in Figure 6. Tilt glass inward and remove
through the top opening in door.

BODY MANUAL 4
INSTALLATION
To install, reverse procedure of removal.
DOOR GLASS - REAR
(All Models 1948 thru 1954
Except 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D)
REMOVAL
1. Remove safety lock knob and garnish moulding.
2. Remove small wood block.
3. Run glass to within 2" of the top. and pull inward on top of
glass to release glass from glass runs.
4. Tip glass inward and raise window until glass channel can
be released from regulator.
5. Remove glass and glass channel.
INSTALLATION
1. Insert channel and glass through opening and engage regu-
lator.
2. Run regulator up and down to work glass into position.
3. Replace wood block.
4. Replace garnish moulding and safety lock knob.
DOOR GLASS - REAR
(Models 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D)
REMOVAL
1. Remove door trim panel. See "Trim Panel Removal", Page
1.
2. Cut inner liner as shown in Figure 5, to expose screws (J).
3. Remove the two screws (J) attaching center bar glass run to
door inner panel.
4. With the door glass in the down position, remove the
retainer clips from the regulator arm.
5. Remove regulator arm from glass channel and bring the
door glass down, at the same time, turn glass 1/4 turn to bring
the narrow side of the glass to the top. Tilt glass inward and
remove glass and glass channel through the top opening in
door.
INSTALLATION
To install, reverse procedure of removal and repair any
damage to door inner liner.
DOOR VENTILATOR WING -
FRONT - CRANK TYPE
(All Models 1948 thru 1954
Except 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D)
REMOVAL
1. Remove safety lock knob and garnish moulding.
2. Remove ventilator regulator handle and valance.
3. Remove garnish moulding spacer wood block.
4. Cut hole in door inner liner as shown at (B) in Figure
7, to expose clevis (G) connecting wing to regulator and
remove screw from clevis.
5. Open ventilator wing and press down on top of frame
to release it from upper pivot and lift out ventilator.
FIGURE 7
INSTALLATION
Reverse procedure of removal. Make sure ventilator
weatherstrip lip is over garnish moulding. Repair inner
liner.

5 BODY MANUAL
DOOR VENTILATOR WING -
FRONT - FRICTION TYPE
(All Models 1948 film 1954
Except 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D)
REMOVAL
1. Remove safety lock knob and garnish moulding.
2. Remove wood spacer block.
3. Remove screws (B), Figure 1, attaching wing frame.
4. Re move small Phillips head screw (D), from top of door.
5. Remove screw (A), from inside upper end of center glass
channel.
6. Tilt ventilator assembly and lift out.
7. Remove nut and spring from friction pivot.
8. Remove screw from top of channel to release wing from
channel.
INSTALLATION
Reverse procedure of removal. Make sure lip of weather-
strip is over garnish moulding.
DOOR VENTILATOR WING -
FRONT
(Models 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D)
REMOVAL
1. Remove door window glass - follow operations (1), (3),
(4) and (5) under "Door Glass Removal"
FIGURE 8
2. Cut inner liner as shown in Figure 3, to expose screws
(D) and (G).
3. Remove screw (G), attaching wing frame to door inner
panel.
4. Remove screws (A) and (B), Figure 8, attaching the wing
frame to the upper door frame.
5. Grasp center bar and pull back to dislodge wing frame
from upper door frame.
6. Pull inward and straight up, to remove door wing frame,
glass and center bar glass run as an assembly.
INSTALLATION
To install, reverse procedure of removal, repair damage
to inner liner.
DOOR VENTILATOR WING -
REAR
(Models 1C, 1D 2C, 2D and 3D)
REMOVAL
1. Remove door window glass - follow operations (1), (3),
(4) and (5) under "Door Glass Removal".
FIGURE 9
2. Cut inner liner as shown in Figure 5, to expose screws
(F) and (J).
3. Remove screw (F) attaching wing frame to door inner
panel.
4. Remove screws (A) and (B) attaching the wing frame to
the upper door frame.
5. Grasp door glass center bar and pull back to dislodge
wing frame from upper door frame, Figure 9.

BODY MANUAL 6
Pull inward and straight up to remove door wing frame,
glass and center bar glass run channel as an assembly.
INSTALLATION
Reverseprocedureofremovalandrepairdoorinnerliner.
DOOR VENTILATOR WING
REGULATOR
(All Models 1948 thru 1954
Except 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D)
REMOVAL
1. Remove door trim panel.
2. Cut door inner liner at (B), Figure 7.
3. Remove screw from regulator clevis.
4. Remove two screws (F) attaching regulator to door inner
panel and remove regulator down and out through open-
ing in bottom of door inner panel.
INSTALLATION
Reverse procedure of removal and repair door inner liner
with Mystik tape.
DOOR LOCK CYLINDER
(All Models 1948 thru 1954)
REMOVAL
1. Insert a screw driver between the flanged end of the lock
retainer and door panel and pry retainer (B), Figure 10 and
(A), Figure 11, outward.
FIGURE 10
FIGURE 11
2. Pull out lock cylinder assembly.
INSTALLATION
1. From inside of door, insert a piece of pointed spring steel
wire through the hole (C), Figure 10, in the door to the
outside panel.
2. Place recessed end of lock on the point of the wire, pilot
the lock cylinder shaft, at the same time withdrawing the
wire.
3. With lock cylinder in position, install the lock retainer.
DOOR LOCK - FRONT OR REAR
(All Models 1948 thru 1954
Except 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D)
REMOVAL
1. Remove outside door handle.
2. On front doors, remove door lock cylinder.
3. Remove door trim panels, see Page 1.
4. Cut door inner liner at (A), Figure 7, and disconnect
remote control arm from lock at (D).
5. Remove door window channel from lock side of door.
6. Remove three large Phillips head screws
(C) from edge of door and remove lock assembly down and
out through lower opening in door inner panel.
INSTALLATION
Reverse the procedure for removal. Repair any damage
to inner liner with Mystik tape.

7 BODY MANUAL
DOOR LOCK - FRONT
(Models 1C, ID, 2C, 2D and 3D)
REMOVAL
1. Remove door trim panel, see "Trim Panel Removal",
Page 1.
2.CutinnerlinerasshowninFigure3,toexposescrews(D).
3. Remove window glass - follow operations (3), (4) and (5)
under "Door Glass Removal" .
4. Remove retainer clip from door lock cylinder, see "Lock
Cylinder Removal", Figure 11.
5. Remove retainer spring (A), attaching the remote control
link to door lock, Figure 12.
6. Remove two screws (H), attaching the upper door frame
to door assembly.
FIGURE 12
7. Remove three screws (F), attaching the door lock to door
assembly.
8. From inside of door, pull back on upper door frame, push
door lock inward and down.
9. Turn lock 1/4 turn to by-pass upper door frame anchor
plate and remove lock through bottom opening in door.
INSTALLATION
1. Reverse procedure of removal, repair door inner liner.
2. Install door trim panel. See "Trim Panel Installation".
DOOR LOCK - REAR
(Models 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D)
REMOVAL
1. Remove door trim panel. See "Trim Panel Removal".
2. Cut inner liner as shown in Figure 5, to expose screws (D),
(E), (F) and (J).
3. Remove retainer spring (D), attaching remote control link
to door lock.
FIGURE 13
4. Remove screw (A) attaching lock release rod pivot to door
inner panel, Figure 13.
5. Remove cotter pin attaching lock connector rod to pivot.
6.Removescrew(F)attachingwingframetodoorinnerpanel.
7. Remove two screws (J) attaching center bar glass run to
door inner panel.
8. Cut weatherstrip at (C) as shown in Figure 13.
9. Remove two screws at (A) and the three screws at the front
section of the door attaching the upper door frame to the
door assembly.

BODY MANUAL 8
10. With door glass in the raised position, raise the upper
door frame approximately four inches to allow clear-
ance to remove the rear door lock assembly.
11. Remove three screws at (B) attaching door lock to door
panelandremove lockthroughbottomopening indoor.
INSTALLATION
Reverse procedure of removal, use rubber cement to
join weatherstrip at points where it was cut. Repair any
damage to door inner liner.
FIGURE 14
DOOR REMOTE CONTROL -
FRONT OR REAR
(All Models 1948 thru 1954
Except 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D)
REMOVAL
1. Remove door trim panel, see Page 1.
2. Cut door inner liner at (A) in Figures 7 and 14.
3. Remove three Phillips head screws (E) from triangular
bracket at handle end of remote control arm.
4. Remove anti-rattle spring and pin (D) from lock end of
remote control and withdraw remote control toward
hinge
hinge side of the door.
INSTALLATION
Reverse procedure of removal. Repair door inner liner
with Mystik tape.
DOOR REMOTE CONTROL -
FRONT OR REAR
(Models 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D)
REMOVAL
1. Remove door trim panel. See "Trim Panel Removal" .
2. Cut inner liner as shown in Figure 3, for the front door
to expose screws (B) and retainer spring (A) for the front
door, or Figure 5, to expose screws (K) and retainer
spring (D) for the rear door.
3. Remove the three Phillips head screws attaching the
triangular bracket of the remote control arm to door
inner panel.
4. Remove retainer spring from lock end of remote control
arm.
5. Withdraw remote control toward hinge side of door.
INSTALLATION
Reverse procedure of removal. Repair door inner liner with
Mystik tape.
FIGURE 15

9 BODY MANUAL
DOOR LOCK RELEASE PUSH
BUTTON
(Models 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D)
REMOVAL
1. Through the access hole in the door behind the weather-
strip, insert a screw driver as shown in Figure 15, and pry
out door push button.
NOTE: The door push button retainer also can be re-
moved at this time.
INSTALLATION
1. With retainer in position, line up door push button and
snap retainer into position.
2. Reglue weatherstrip as necessary
FIGURE 16
DOOR OUTSIDE. HANDLE
(Models 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D)
REMOVAL
1. Through the access hole (A) in the door, Figure 10 (for
all models except 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D) and Figure 16
for (Models 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D), remove the door
handle retaining screw attaching door handle to door
outside panel.
2. Pull handle forward and out.
INSTALLATION
To install, reverse procedure of removal.
DOOR HANDLE ADJUSTMENT
(All 480, 490 Series and
501, 502, 503, 504 Models)
The operation of a door lock is effected b y the relation
of the door handle shoulder screw to the surface of the
trigger lever of the door lock. If there is too much clearance
(lock handle outside push button in the rest position) be-
tween the trigger and the shoulder screw at (A), Figure 17,
the door lock will not release properly when the outside
handle push button (K), Figure 18, has been pushed in to
its full travel.
If there is not enough clearance (shoulder screw (L),
Figure 18, is too long, holding the lock trigger, Figure 17,
inward from its free position), it will be impossible to
unlock the door either with the key or the door lock release
button (button cannot be raised) after the door has been
locked by either method.
To check the door lock and door outside handle proceed
as follows:
1. Open the door and raise the lock bolt to the full latched
position, Figure 17.
2.Press theoutside handlepush button(K), Figure 18, until
contact at the lock trigger is felt. Measure this travel as
shown at (s).
FIGURE 17

BODY MANUAL 10
FIGURE 18
3. If the travel is less than 1/16", the handle shoulder screw
should be shortened by grinding off the inner end. If the
push button travel is more than 1/4", the shoulder screw
should be lengthened by installing a drive screw in the
inner end at (Y).
NOTE: If the shoulder screw (L) is not drilled for a drive
screw, it should be removed from the handle and drilled
as shown at (R). Excess travel can be corrected by install-
ing one of the three drive screws listed below as required.
a. If dimension (S) is more than 5/16" but less than 3/8",
use drive screw Part No. 171221.
b. If more than 3/8" but less than 7/16", use screw No.
171222.
c. If more than 7/16", use screw No. 71249.
d.Dimension(X)forsedanfrontdoorsshouldbe51/64".
e.Dimension(X)forsedanreardoorsshouldbe1-11/32".
f. Dimension (X) for all broughams and coupes should be
29/32".
Super model outside door handles are of a grooved
design as shown at (H), Figure 18, while the handles used
on the Commodore models are smooth and oval.
If door lock operates normally by depressing the outside
handle push button but
cannot be released by operating the inside remote control
handle after the car has been standing outside in cold weath-
er, it is probably due to water having soaked the cloth
silencer surrounding the remote control operating link caus-
ing it to freeze to the door inner panel. This can be perma-
nently corrected by thoroughly saturating the silencer sleeve
with chassis grease.
DOOR HANDLE ADJUSTMENT
(500 Pacemaker Models and
All Models 1951 thru 1954
Except 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D)
The outside door handles for the 500 model Pacemaker
and the door handles for the "1951 "A" Series all Models",
are identical except for the distance the end of the adjustable
plunger (Y), Figure 19, projects beyond the base of the han-
dle.
To adjust, proceed as follows:
a. All sedans (front doors) turn plunger in or out as
required to obtain a dimension of 23/32" at (X).
b. A 11 broughams and coupes, this dimension should be
51/64".
c. All sedans (rear doors), this dimension should be
1-7/32" at (V).
FIGURE 19
NOTE: For 500 Pacemaker models and all 1951 "A" Se-
ries, the sedan front doors and brougham and coupe doors
use the handle with the contour as shown at (N), Figure

11 BODY MANUAL
19. The sedan rear door uses a handle with a contour as
shown at (U).
Onthe480-490Modelsandthe501,502,503,504models,
sedan front door s and brougham and coupe doors use the
handle with the contour as shown at (M), Figure 18. The
sedan rear door handle contour is shown a t (N), Figure 18.
Failure of the lock to hold the door closed may be due to
the door rotor latch being held open because of lack of lubri-
cation or to water having frozen on the lock. Re-lubrication of
the door lock will correct the condition in either case.
NOTE: Door locks should be lubricated at least twice a year
or about every 5000 miles.
Thiscanbe doneby removingthe dooroutside handleand
cleaning the lock with air, inserting the hose nozzle through
the handle opening in the door. The lock should then be
lubricated with Hudson Lock-Ease Oil by inserting the oil can
spout through the handle opening.
With the exception of the correction of frozen remote
control links, the foregoing operations can be performed with-
out removing the inside trim or door locks.
DOOR LOCK RELEASE PUSH
BUTTON ADJUSTMENT
(Models IC, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D)
The proper operation of the front and rear door push
buttons is obtained when the measurements are made as
shown in Figure 20.
The measurement a t upper left is obtained by adding
washers 1/32" thick as required, at point "A". The measure-
ment shown below is controlled by the threaded plunger and
button. The object is to effect a door release before the button
outer end passes into the retainer.
DOOR STRIKER PLATE
(All Models 1948 thru 1953
Except 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D)
The door striker plate (3), Figure 21, is mounted on the
body pillar and is attached to a tapping plate on the inside of
the pillar.
FIGURE 20
REMOVAL
Remove three Phillips head screws (1) from striker plate
and remove plate.
NOTE: With the striker plate removed, to remove tapping
plate (2), loosen trim (4) at pillar and lift plate out of
retainer (5).
FIGURE 21
ADJUSTMENT
1. Loosen the three, Phillips head screws (1) sufficiently to
allow striker plate to be moved easily with the fingers.
2. Adjust height of striker plate to give correct alignment with
the door latch bar.
3. Adjust inward position of striker plate to hold door firmly
against weatherstrips.

BODY MANUAL 12
NOTE: When making inward adjustment, be sure that back
of striker plate is parallel to the inside flange of the body
pillar (A).
4. Tighten screws (1) securely.
5. Close door to bring latch bar into safety catch position. Door
should not open when a reasonable pull is exerted.
6. If door opens easily without pushing the handle button,
loosen screws as in step one and rotate bottom of striker
plate inward
(C). Tighten screws and recheck.
DOOR STRIKER PLATE
(Models 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D, 3D,
4D, 5D and 7D)
The door striker, Figure 22, is mounted on the body pillar
and is attached to a tapping plate on the inside of the pillar.
FIGURE 22
REMOVAL
Remove two Phillips head screws from the door striker and
remove the striker assembly.
ADJUSTMENT
1. Up or down adjustment will determine the actual point of
engagement between the door lock rotor and the striker.
2. If the door lifts as the dovetail (A), Figure 23, enters the door
striker assembly, (B) the striker is too high and must be
lowered.
3. The in and out adjustment controls the tightness of the door
against the body.
FIGURE 23
4. The above adjustments can be made by loosening
the two Phillips head screws (C) attaching the
striker assembly to the pillar.
5. After each adjustment, tighten the screws securely.
DOOR TO BODY ALIGNMENT
Proper door alignment prolongs the life of the door
locks, striker plates, check arms, and hinges and as-
sures ease of door operation.
Check to see that the door properly con- t a c t s the
weatherstrips at the door header weatherstrip, door
opening weatherstrip and/ or the door bottom weath-
erstrip.
Examine all weatherstrips to make sure they are firmly
and evenly attached to doors and door openings.
(Models 1948 thru 1954
Except 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D)
1. If door is away from the pillar at the lock side of
door, move the striker plate inward according to
instructions on Page 11.

13 BODY MANUAL
2. A door that is out of alignment at the top
3. or bottom may be adjusted by loosening the screws
attaching the hinge to the hinge pillar and moving the
hinges in or out as required. (Replace any shakeproof
washers damaged in the adjustment process.)
4. Further adjustment at the lock side of the door may be
made by placing a small block of wood or a rubber
mallet against the top or bottom of the door opening and
closing the door on the block. This will spring the door
out slightly where it bears against the block. It may be
necessary to close the door against the block several
times while pressing firmly on part of the door that must
be sprung inward.
5. Door flanges may be adjusted inward by hammering
with a rubber mallet. It is advisable to protect painted
surfaces with masking tape before hammering.
6. In severe cases of door misalignment it may be necessary
to bend or straighten the hinge, using a suitable hinge
bending tool.
NOTE: Be sure hinge attaching screws are tight before
applying the hinge bending tool. To raise the door at the
lock pillar, bend the t op hi n g e outward; to lower the
door, bend hinge inward.
6. Re-adjust striker plate upon completion of door adjustment.
(Models 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D)
1. To raise or lower the door, place a jack as near the hinge
as possible (this will hold the weight of the door as the
hinge screws are loosened).
2. Use an awl to scribe around the upper and lower hinges
before loosening the hinge to front pillar screws, this will
insure proper horizontal alignment after vertical adjust-
ments have been made.
3. Loosen the upper and lower hinge screws.
NOTE: The amount of vertical hinge movement is very
limited. Do not damage the door with the jack when
making this adjustment.
4. Raise or lower the jack until the desired clearance i s
obtained, then tighten hinge screws securely. Check the
scribe marks to make certain the rear section of the door
did not move forward or rearward during the above
operation.
To move the upper section of the door ahead or back,
loosen the upper hinge screws, to move the lower section,
loosen the lower hinge screws and push or pull the door in
the desired direction. Retighten hinge screws securely after
adjustments.
FRONT DOOR - COMPLETE
(All Models 1948 thru 1954)
REMOVAL
1. Remove hinge pocket covers (D) and (E), Figure 24, on
models so equipped.
2. Drill out check arm rivet (F) using a 1/4" drill.
3. Loosen the hinge screws at the door half of hinge and
remove door.
NOTE: Have a helper hold the door in alignment while
removing screws to prevent screws from stripping.
INSTALLATION
1. In stall all hinge attaching screws and tighten slightly.
2. Attach check arm to check arm bracket using check arm
rivet. Peen rivet securely.
FIGURE 24

BODY MANUAL 14
NOTE: Support bracket and check arm to prevent dis-
torting the bracket or arm.
3. Tighten door hinge screws securely and check door
adjustment as outlined in Manual, Pages 11 and 12.
4. Install hinge pocket covers (D) and (E) and fill hinge
pockets above and below hinges with body caulking.
Sealer must not project beyond edges of hinge pockets.
NOTE: These hinge pockets can be installed on cars not
so equipped except 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D. See Figures
24 and 25 for drilling instructions. (Insert (1) for the
upper pocket and insert (2) for the lower pocket.)
FIGURE 25
DOOR CHECK ARM
(All Models 1948 thru 1954)
REMOVAL
1. Remove trim panel. See "Trim Panel Removal", Page 1.
2. D r i 11 out door check arm rivet, using a 1/4" drill.
3. Push door check arm inward and remove through bottom
openingin doorinner panel.
INSTALLATION
Reverse procedure of removal. Using a new rivet peen
securely.
NOTE: If rubber bumper is deteriorated or spring is
damaged, replace with a new assembly.
DOOR FRONT PILLAR SEALS
(All Models 1948 thru 1954
Except 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D)
REPLACEMENT
1. Remove two Phillips head screws at front of scuff plate,
Figure 24.
2. Remove eight Phillips head screws attaching pillar seal
to front pillar.
3.Removeallcementandpermagumathingepockets(H).
4. Apply a coat of weatherstrip adhesive to the attaching
surface of the front pillar weatherstrip and allow adhe-
sive to set for a few minutes before installing the weath-
erstrip.
5. Apply a strip of permagum in each hinge pocket . The
permagum sealer must not extend beyond area of pillar
weatherstrip.
6. Install pillar weatherstrip entering bottom of weather-
strip under scuff plate and installing the weatherstrip
lower screw first. Align weatherstrip with other holes.
NOTE: If it is necessary to drill additional holes in the
pillar on some of the early 480 series cars, use the weath-
erstrip as a template and drill holes as required using a
No. 34 drill (.111").
7. When the pillar seal (weatherstrip) is installed, apply a
bead of Body Sealer in base of the "V" formed by the
pillar face and weatherstrip lip beginning at top of the
weatherstrip, and continuing down to the lower hinge
and over the outer surface of lower hinge continuing to
end of weatherstrip.
NOTE: When replacing the pillar seals always check
front of scuff plate to make sure seal has not been broken
at that point.
DOOR OPENING WEATHER-
STRIP - UPPER
(All Models 1948 thru 1953
Except 1C, 2C)
REMOVE AND REPLACE
1. Remove the upper door opening weatherstrip, Figure
26.

15 BODY MANUAL
FIGURE 26
NOTE: On the earlier models, remove the "S"Rubber
attached to the cowl panel and front fender rear face at
(6), Figure 24, and roll portion of fender flange forward
approximately 1/4" and 2-3/16" long as shown on Fig-
ure 27, Insert (1).
FIGURE 27
This is done to prevent sharp edges of cowl and fender
flanges from cutting the front door front weatherstrip at
belt line. See "Front Door Belt Seal Replacement". Clean
surface formerly covered by the "S" Rubber and touch up
with body color as required.
2. Remove all old rubber cement (use mineral spirits).
3. Loosen upper end of the rear door opening vertical
weatherstrip to permit installation of the upper weather-
strip, Figure 26, Insert No. 2.
4. Check to be sure weatherstrip is of the proper length and
for the right or left side
as required before applying rubber cement. See Figure
26, Insert No. 1.
5. Apply an even coating of weatherstrip adhesive to the
body and two sides of rubber weatherstrip. Allow rubber
cement to become tacky before installing weatherstrip.
6. Press upper weatherstrip into rear corner above rear
vertical weatherstrip (Insert No. 2) and proceed forward
until complete weatherstrip has been firmly installed.
NOTE: Do not close door on rubber weatherstrip until
rubber cement has sufficient time to set.
7. Trim upper end of rear door front vertical weatherstrip
to follow contour of door opening upper weatherstrip
lip.
8. Apply rubber cement to top end of the rear door vertical
weatherstrip and seal end firmly to door opening upper
weatherstrip.
NOTE: On complaints of dust and water leaks at door
opening and scuff plates; check door opening weather-
strip, pillar and belt seals, also proper door closing and
scuff plate sealing.
FRONT DOOR FRONT
WEATHERSTRIP BELT SEAL
(All Models 1948 thru 1954
Except 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D and 3D)
REMOVE AND REPLACE
1. Turn down upper end of front rubber front weatherstrip
lower and put door belt rubber weatherstrip end (2),
Figure 28, i n place engaging the lower clip of weather-
strip in hole near top of door channel.
NOTE: If the early 480 models do not have this hole,
drill a 1/4" hole 5/16" centerline from outer edge of
channel and 5/8" centerline from top of channel.
2: Cut off upper end of door front rubber to match lower
end of new belt rubber, Figure 27, Insert (2).
3. Apply rubber cement to back face and top face of belt
seal from lower edge of seal (edge of trough in rubber)
tobackedgeand toupper end of thefront doorweather-