curve or "tuck-under" at the lower portion of the body. While this was visually Hudsonotes acceptable, it sometimes allowed added road splash, gravel, etc. from all four wheels to strike lower exterior body Column of Mechanical Miscellany panels, especially on turns or with by George Schmidt optional extra-wide tires. The usual Mishicot, Wisc. remedy has been to install accessory mud flaps of the newer style, which are nearly triangular and about a foot in length, at both front and rear wheel Accessory Roundup openings. These are effective and not unsightly, but would be out of place on a (19th of series) pre-1960's vehicle. OCCASIONALLY NEW PRODUCTS dress-up item, although on many models — including auto accessories — are NOVELTY OR "FAD" accessories, they can also help to protect the trunk developed and reported to the public as usually short-lived, have periodically been floor, rear bumper, and other parts from being ready for production, and yet are a part of the automotive scene for many flying mud, gravel, salt, etc. Usually of never manufactured and sold in any years. Remember the furry animal tails black rubber, the accessory flaps often significant quantity. One accessory item tied on cars just before World War II (or had a molded-in design, and some were mentioned in press reports at the end of the phony tiger tails which were inspired also trimmed with bright chrome pieces World War II was a water-sensitive switch by a familiar gasoline advertising slogan and/or red glass reflector jewels (or even for convertibles which could automatic- during the mid-1960's)? Also, during the small red lights). Later, white rubber flaps ally raise the top in the event of rain while 1960's and 1970's, bumper stickers were also available; these required extra the car was parked. Although such a device apparently reached a peak of popularity, cleaning, but often harmonized well with was entirely possible, apparently nothing with an enormous variety of printed wide-whitewall tires, white convertible more has been heard of it since the mid- sentiments being available for display by top, or light-colored body paint. 1 940's. This writer was reminded of it motorists (as some still are On older models, the rubber flap was today). upon reading that some 1989 German Although many of the messages doubtless most easily mounted at the trailing edge cars may be equipped with a rain- were seriously meant, the ones most of the fender itself, but on later cars with sensitive switch to activate the windshield likely to be remembered in later years pontoon or teardrop fenders, or with wipers automatically when needed. were those with a comic twist. (Seen flush-sided body styling such as that of the On the other hand, a few "accessory" recently: SUPPORT ORGANIZED BINGO. KEEP Hudson stepdowns, mounting was more items which are not in production, and GRANDMA OFF THE STREET). difficult. Some models had a fender not wanted by motorists, continue to reinforcement rod located a few inches In the past year or two, bumper stickers receive news coverage due to the activities behind each rear tire, and this could be have been partially displaced by small of misguided pressure groups who seek used to hold a mud flap of the usual signs held to side or rear windows with to force these devices on all of us by oblong shape (plain or trimmed style). suction cups, and usually made in a making them compulsory equipment on On many other cars, however, it would square or diamond shape, yellow colored, new cars. The chief example at present is be necessary to add a rod or bracket to to resemble standard road signs. Among a very expensive system of exploding air car frame in this position on each side in the first of these to be seen was one proclaiming BABY ON BOARD bags, which are said to be a safety feature order to install accessory mud flaps. We (perhaps for in the event of a collision (if they do not wonder whether any Hudsons are thus the convenience of kidnappers?); but the explode accidentally first). In past years adorned at present, and whether the variety of sign messages soon proliferated. there have also been occasional proposals flaps presented any special installation However, your columnist searched in to fit each car compulsorily with a vain for one saying problems. ENVIRONMENTALIST (Or governor which would prevent it from perhaps SEATBELT ADVOCATE) IN TRUNK. Post-Hudson body styling of the 1960's being driven above a pre-set rate of Readers may wish to tell us of their and later often featured a sizable inward speed. It is reported that one version of favorite (or possibly their most-disliked) this latter idea (featuring colored speed- SPLASH GUARDS fad-type auto accessories of the past or warning lights on car exterior) has recently with Molded-in 3-Color present. for American and Imported been suggested in Europe. AN INSULATED UNDERHOOD pad or REAR MUD FLAPS are usually required blanket helps to reduce audible engine on large trucks which do not have rear noise and also to insulate the hood finish fenders to help control road splash. These from engine heat. These pads have been flaps in smaller sizes have also been an an occasional accessory item since the occasional accessory on passenger cars 1 940's or so, most often made of fiberglass since the 1930's or earlier — mainly as a since it cannot burn. Sometimes the pad 34 White Triangle News March/April 1989 and attaching cement have been sold in Any of these map lights are obviously performance the whole way. kit form under a name such as "Car preferable to using the domelight (or an "More recently, I bought a 1946 Hush," and sometimes the pad is simply open-flame lighter or match) when Hudson pickup, which has a 1953 Twin- cut from stock fiberglass batting an inch checking maps or directions at night. As H Jet (202 cu. in.) engine. When I bought or two thick, and cemented in place. with other dashboard add-ons for a this truck it had some blow-by and tappet Though special cements are available, collector vehicle, however, one prefers noise, but after installing a Marvel Oiler this writer has found that ordinary to use only items which do not require these problems disappeared within 2 undercoating, sprayed or brushed onto visible drilling or defacement of dash, months . .1 have the oiler adjusted — metal surface, is about as effective for the unless spare dashboard components are using the regulator on top — so that the purpose. A few models have also included available from a parts car. engine uses about 1 quart of Marvel the pad as factory equipment, usually Mystery Oil for every 900 miles .... holding it in place with special large- "I would say without hesitation that headed clips. WE'RE GRATEFUL for the letters installation of a Marvel Oiler, and the use Surprisingly, an accessory underhood received from readers in past months. of the Mystery Oil, is definitely worth the pad was also available much earlier. The Two people (both from the state of New expense and trouble, for Hudsons or for 1 929 Hudson accessory catalogue lists York) have sent added information about any car one may care about. Engine "Protectahood," a set of top and side accessory "traffic light finders" (Sep- longevity, especially upper cylinders, insulating panels for the side-opening tember/October 1988 WTN). Pete rings, and valve train, is increased very hood. (See illustration, November/Decem- Youngers — who has a 1953 Chevrolet significantly, as is overall performance ber 1986 WTN, p. 30.) Pad material is not but is looking for a Hudson Hornet — and economy. (Mind you, I'm not a specified, but this accessory "safeguards says that his Chevy has one of these salesman for this company, though I may the motor during cold weather driving" finders, a reproduction from the Guide sound like one!) and "protects hood finish during hot (GM) original, with a chromed base and a "Unfortunately, virtually all auto parts weather," according to the catalogue. thin ribbed plastic lens. These reproduc- places do not carry the Inverse Oiler — tions, he states, are still available from and have never heard of it either — so it some old-car parts suppliers but are a bit has to be ordered by mail from the A "MAP LIGHT" is usually a small expensive — about $50. He has also Marvel Oil Co. The price in August shaded lamp which allows reading by the seen the type of finder pictured in WTN 1987 was $49.50 postpaid; it may have front-seat passenger without distracting (and originally used on many Pontiacs). gone up a bit since then." the driver's eyes from the road at night. Both types, he reports, work well at night, On many early-day Hudsons and other but not as well in daylight. cars, the dashboard light, mounted in an A clipping, apparently from the external shell, served this purpose reason- ABOUT WATER INJECTION for en- Christmas advertising section of Old Cars ably well. Later, one type of Hobbs gines (mentioned in November/De- in a recent year, has been sent us by accessory glovebox light available for cember 1988 WTN), Allen Saffrahn, Philip Stock. This shows the Fulton traffic Hudsons and others (July/August 1988 Arizona, writes: "... Sent two pictures of light finder (reportedly old stock found in WTN) had a swiveling shade which made a water injection system which my father the Fulton warehouse after 35 years), it also usable as a map light.