Studebaker Trailer Toter

[geo815]

This isn't a street rod, but it's close enough. My wife told me that I needed a project that would take more than a couple weekends. I found it - well, actually two of them. Both trucks are Studebaker Trailer Toters made by Whatoff in Aimes, Iowa. They both had retractable frames that would allow the truck to pull a 30+ ft. trailer and stay under some states' 40 ft. length laws. When deadheading back, the frame could be extended for "a more comfortable ride." Some of you might know about these rigs. Most don't know or care. The 1960 has fared better than the 1962. Both of these trucks will make one, which will leave me with a vacant cab/chassis that I am supposed to get rid of when it's finally stripped. Both are Studebaker 289 4bbl powered, w/a 5 speed NP trans. and 2 speed Eaton rear axle (electric shift.). Both were wired by ranchers who loved cheap wire and butt-splices. Both are rusted, dented, and beaten, but solid enough to be saved. I'm keeping the drive-train of the '62 for sure. Can't have enough parts for old trucks.

[hauen]

Sound like a great project, I look forward to pics of your progress.

[studemax]

If you need parts or more info about them, be sure to log onto the Studebaker Truck Talk forum.

[68scott385]

PICTURES lotsa pictures

I love SEEING other peoples' projects. I do not like dreaming about other peoples' projects, I dream about mine all the time.

[68scott385]

OH, duh, Welcome to BangShift.

[Beagle]

I'd never heard of them but I'd love to see pictures of them, particularly how the frame extends. Welcome!

[DanStokes]

OMG!! I've gone blind - can't see the pics that I KNOW must be there.

Dan

[Beagle]

It's in the BANGShift Garage

[JOES66FURY]

unless there are pics it doesnt exsist!!

[Beagle]

http://www.bangshift.com/forum/showthread.php/44574-1960-Studebaker-5E28-Whatoff-Trailer-Toter

I'd love to see the frame details!

[68scott385]

+1 for frame details

[OldMachinist]

+2 for frame details and driveshaft details.

[Bob Holmes]

Yes, we need details and detailed pictures. Sounds neat.

[geo815]

I'd love to know. I've never seen it done and the frames of both of my trucks have been welded. The '62 has a piece of tubing with a 1" or so hex head welded to the end of it. Sits on bushings beneath the floor pans and the hex head protrudes out of the passenger side foot-well. There are pulleys on the rear section of frame, as well as the cab section. My guess is that the cables were anchored on the cab side, looped around the pulleys and terminated on the tubing that turned.

[geo815]

How to get pics off a local drive onto the forum page? Anyone? No trouble on the garage section, which is where they are. Guess I'll copy those links?