Should be an interesting build, what's your plans for it??

 

That Sir is one of my favourite cars, please keep us up to date with a photo now and then.

 

Hippie, the lords of hot rodding are surely shining on you today! THAT is going to be an awesome ride! Good luck with it! :thumbup:

 

Thanks guys!

Should be an interesting build, what's your plans for it??

Paint it a different color that's for sure! It was originally Sea Foam Green and I like that but they also had a bright turquoise in '55 that goes great with white on top, about the color of this guy.. :thumbup: Shave it here and there, drop it just an inch or two, blackwall tires and Moon discs or Lakester wheels if the budget holds up. A more efficient V-8 done up 60's style on the outside, 2007 style inside with an auto OD controlled by the original column shifter. The shift and stock dash are too cool looking to mess with. Interior is done, not to my taste but I can live with it while the other stuff gets done. Oh yeah, dual exhaust with "Y's" in each headpipe feeding functional dump tubes right behind the front tires. Then DRIVE IT, DRIVE IT, DRIVE IT !!!!

 

Congrats on your acquisition!
Are you leaning towards a look similar the the silver one posted in the other thread?

 

Congrats on your acquisition!
Are you leaning towards a look similar the the silver one posted in the other thread?

The front end treatment, which is nothing more than painting the big chrome grille and light bezels body color and shaving the bumper guards. Otherwise I'm going with a factory two tone paint scheme and more of an old school Bonneville look. I'm keeping the big V they came with in the grille opening but I'm going to recess it into the grille 2 or 3 inches deeper. I'll lower it an inch or two with big and little blackwalls and Moon screw on wheel discs. If I can find the right pic to start with I'll do a photochop and post it later on.

I just joined the Studebaker Driver's Club and found out my car is an early '55 Commander Regal Coupe, there were some changes mid year. Great bunch of people over there. They like them original for the most part but are very open minded about modified cars and engine swaps, the general attitude there is "It's your car do what you want". Gotta like that.

 

Sweet find Hippie. They can look good with a little work. I even think the color is good because it's different. Here are a few for your viewing pleasure.

 

Thanks Kevin! :thumbup: I had seen the T-Bird hood scoop treatment years ago. I like it but will be keeping my hood stock with the exception of shaving the jet hood ornament. I'm really hoping the little 224 can deliver what I need, it is cool looking and I'm told the Stude 8's have a very unique and aggressive exhaust sound with duals. Over at the Stude forum they said it will surprise me and there are actually some goodies available for it. They also said it's a revver and the bottom end is quite robust. That should put a smile on Centerline's mug.

 

Outstanding score Hippie. You get that one going and it`ll make mouths drop and eyes get large, you just don`t see any of those anymore on a daily basis and in some cases years basis. I admire any hot rodder who takes a non run of the mill approach to hot rodding and you are indeed one of them to have a jewel like that. Rock on Hippie!

 

Outstanding score Hippie. You get that one going and it`ll make mouths drop and eyes get large, you just don`t see any of those anymore on a daily basis and in some cases years basis. I admire any hot rodder who takes a non run of the mill approach to hot rodding and you are indeed one of them to have a jewel like that. Rock on Hippie!

If I don't get this one going you all have my permission to come to Illinois and kick my backside! This is the score I've been trying to make for 35 years and somebody just dropped it in my lap. This one was meant to be.

 

Hippie, I still check ebay regularly for Studebaker stuff. Found this 1958 motor on there (99% sure it's a 289) that would make a great prime mover for your new Loewy......
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1958...cmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ140684QQihZ005QQitemZ150153648116QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

 

I love the body on those. I was looking for one before I bought my rambler but had no luck. I'm jealous, can't wait to see it finished.

Good luck Hippie.

Ed

 

That's a beauty, Hippie! I've got a couple of Hemming Classic Car Magazines that featured the Studebaker around here somewhere, pm me your address, I'll try to find them next weekend when I get back home and send them to you if you like. Good history articles. Classic styling years ahead of their time. Drive the wheels off it. There were many stout engines in the Studes. Dan

 

I might swap a 200-4R into it but if my knee holds up I am hoping to keep the original 3 Spd and OD now and I have decided to keep it Stude powered, I'm trying to locate a later model Studebaker 289. Not much for aftermarket hop up stuff ( like NONE ) but they do make some real nice finned aluminum valve covers with a matching lifter valley cover for them.

 

I might swap a 200-4R into it but if my knee holds up I am hoping to keep the original 3 Spd and OD now and I have decided to keep it Stude powered, I'm trying to locate a later model Studebaker 289. Not much for aftermarket hop up stuff ( like NONE ) but they do make some real nice finned aluminum valve covers with a matching lifter valley cover for them.

Hippie; Find a 289 and keep the OD transmission. They have unlimited top-end and the most efficient running V-8 ever produced. And yes, the sound is unique to the Stude' and when the low end RPM's are up, it vibrates the whole car (like a caged dog!)

You found a real prize and possibilities are endless. Best car ever produced...in my opinion. Pictures below are Studes' I owned in the day.

 

Hippie; Find a 289 and keep the OD transmission. They have unlimited top-end and the most efficient running V-8 ever produced. And yes, the sound is unique to the Stude' and when the low end RPM's are up, it vibrates the whole car (like a caged dog!)

You found a real prize and possibilities are endless. Best car ever produced...in my opinion. Pictures below are Studes' I owned in the day.

I bet you wish you had 'em now! Love the white '53... :thumbup:

The only thing that could be better for me is if mine had the '53-'54 front clip.