Studebaker truck, good luck in your future endeavors

[SuperBuickGuy]

I bought this thing (okay, not technically, but that's a thing I've had to forgive so I'm letting it go) from my first girlfriend's mom in 1985.... I have a picture somewhere, but it was simply a light blue 1954 Studebaker truck that had been sitting since 1970 - under a maple tree.

Roll forward, 2005, I've moved to Washington and I want my project

- so over the objections of my now ex-wife, I bought it up and finally drove it in this condition


then I get distracted by my Buick
*see my profile picture*

So not much happens other than it does a lot of travelling about - on a trailer since it's not licensed.

new wife, new shop and things are looking good for the Studebaker since I don't have another project that needs immediate attention



but now, the thing is too valuable to use as a boony bouncer - so I decide it needs to be 2wd



Keep in mind that the truck was wired, driving, stopping, lights worked - all it needed was registered (oh yeah, and the oil pan replaced with the 425 pan - which I have)

and then it stalls again - blame the Buick for blowing up - or me just getting tired of trying to figure out where the body should mount on the frame....


and it sits like this until today


on stands, in the corner of my shop (needed real estate). I think about putting it outside, but just can't do it.

So I finally put it up for sale with a price that's attractive. 3rd potential buyer interests me - 1st - wanted parts (no), 2nd - wouldn't answer his phone, 3rd - now normally I just take them in order, but this guy is building a 1st car for his daughter.... that interests me... so we arrange for him and his daughter to see the truck..... she's 18(ish), he builds pro-street chassis and (he doesn't know this) but I know who he is. He gives me full price

So today is a sad, happy, sad again, then happy day. Sad, because I'm losing luggage I really did like, happy because I get my shop space back, sad - because the girl was so excited leaving she backed into a tree (d'oh), and happy again because I know this guy will put this thing on the street in a manner that will do it proud.

[Barry Donovan]

as long as it is done proud...

I can see defending it from buyers.

[SuperBuickGuy]

.... now to figure out how to introduce the kid I've been helping with his 1950 Studebaker to the girl that has the 1954

[studemax]

Righteous E-series Transtar!

[DanStokes]

It IS hard to see them go but it sounds like an excellent home. We can't keep all the puppies that come into our lives.

Dan

[SuperBuickGuy]

yes, and now it provides opportunity to bring home a new dog (in the shape of a wagon)

[Bob Holmes]

It IS hard to see them go but it sounds like an excellent home. We can't keep all the puppies that come into our lives.

Dan

That is pure wisdom, there.

[cantvalve16]

Does that mean you will be making a trip south to pick up a certain Buick Special wagon we've been drooling over around here for a few days?

[Stich496]

sad day, but maybe they'll bring it by when it's a fire breathing truck..

[JRoberts]

C-cab Studebakers are some of my favorites. I can understand the sad/glad feelings. I wish I had my '50 C-cab back. I have even been considering getting rid of the Champ so I can get another C-cab, but it is like choosing between which children to get rid of and which ones to keep. Of course the problem will be solved when I find that winning lottery ticket I keep misplacing.

[Monk]

I'm not normally a truck guy.............but that thing
is pretty damn cool.

[1931s/x]

looked pretty cool as a "booney bouncer". i liked it like that. there is a guy here that has a street rodded one, with the caddy tailights and some kind of ls powerplant pretty sure its got suicide doors too. its pearl orange. pretty sweet.

[Huskinhano]

I liked the 50's Stude trucks too. That's going to be nice fixed up! It's going to a good home.

[Loren]

That thing was bitchin' as a 4x4. I had a nice original I was planning to do that to once but then switched the project to a '60 or-so Dodge town wagon on the theory that once I got as far out in the woods as I was planning to be able to get, I'd be able to crash in the back. Then a bud talked me out of the Stude...and just turned it for a profit. Ass. So anyhow another bud and I pulled this one out of a field.

I did the S-10 frame thing but the front end was just too narrow so I spliced in a G-body front. Damn if I didn't screw up the cab position by an even inch, and there sure isn't much room in front of the steering box for a radiator. All fixable I suppose. The bed is from a '90s C10 stepside (almost a bolt-on) which needs to be made shallower and then I'll fab Stude-looking side panels for it instead of the fiberglass ones, and use the Stude fenders. There's lots and lots of room for good-size rubber under there at any rate.

Or sell it. A freind's kid wanted it but his 'ol Dad says no. I suppose he should get something that at least has window glass.

All for another day. Meanwhile it sits.