Projects "Saving" a Studebaker

It looks like it belongs there. Nice work! I'll have to remember this if I ever get to my '59. I have a 331 for it. After seeing how you paint cleaned up I'll leave it that ugly Salmon color and call it "The Pink Caddy-Lark".

 

What do you think of the radiator so far quality wise? I'm looking at that brand as an option. They make one that is supposedly a direct fit for my '54.

 

My opinion of the radiator is that it is top notch! They have a huge selection available and many choices as far as 2, 3 & 4 row cores, cross flow options, fans, shrouds etc.. I ordered it and had it in hand in 2 days.

 

I'm able to use my "long" water pump, pulleys, brackets, etc. with a steel 4 blade fan. I'm also using silicone radiator hoses with an extension pipe. So far so good.
The rest of the exhaust pipe components came in so I can start stitching that together...

 

B.T.W., Those mufflers are not "glass packs" as they may appear. They are a compact turbo style chambered muffler that are not loud but do emit a nice mellow low rumbly tone.

 

The 90 degree exhaust pipe has been tacked to the collector and the ball & socket joint is in place. A short straight pipe is joined to a 45 degree pipe to get around the trans cross member.
Now a second 45 pipe is trimmed and tacked in place.

Next another straight pipe will be cut to place the muffler.

 

A ball & socket joint was tacked to the muffler and trial fit. Then a 90 degree bend pipe to mate with a U pipe, to go over the axle, was trimmed, tacked and trial fit.


It was determined that the U pipes would run parallel to the rear shocks. A piece of 2x3 wood was used to maintain clearance.

After measuring and cutting the exhaust pipe a couple pieces of angle iron were secured to the pipe to keep it straight & tight.

After building the other side and installing the gas tank, the U pipes and tail pipes will follow...

 

I just sorta' hate people with skills. Well, maybe they make me hate myself.

 

Ohhh stop... No ya don't!

 

When working with exhaust, angle iron and tubing go together like peanut butter and jelly!

 

More of the same, just on the other side.

 

A bit more progress:

 

It's do cool to have an off beat car. Don't ruin it by putting the same common generic motor as every other modified car. This would be supercool with a hemi, olds, pontiac, y-block or even an AMC or rambler v8 just to continue the oddball theme.

 

Ah well, it's already ruined. You really should contribute earlier.

 

He might have to junk it now.

 

Sounds good... send a check!

 

Yeah it was in better shape when it was laying out in the sun for 30 years... don't you guys have something better to do?

 

Yeah, Kinda, late now. I think the engine was there when the car came along. If engine choice was being considered I would have pushed for a Studebaker, a much under rated strong V8.
Nice exhaust work. Finding room to run the exhaust was one of the biggest issues on my son's '54 Stude wagon. There were a lot of space issues with that car.

 

Hey man, I'm on your side. I guess you missed the sarcasm. I am also a victim of the other guy because of the engine I'm using, one that he disapproves of. He has posted twice in my build thread to tell me so.

 

Yep, he's like a broken record. Nice work Jack

 

Yup there's one in every crowd; For some sick reason they feel better about themselves by criticizing others. Thanks guys, I appreciate the support...

 

You know that what you are doing is the real deal! Don't let what ANYONE says bother you. This is a really cool save and all in Studebakerdom thank you!

 

Any info on the mufflers?

Nice job on the exhaust btw, and the rest of the car too. Should be a fun ride

 

Maybe he actually can't think outside the box. Just has to follow the crowd.

 

Well, he’s in the same box as Studebaker then, because they ended up using SBC engines too.
Which means he’s keeping it in the family.

 

Those mufflers are made by Jones. High quality, I get them from our friends @ Summit.

 

As the exhaust proceeds to the rear, I've reached a point were the gas tank needs to be in place in order to determine the placement of the tail pipes. However when I went to install the tank (which was in the trunk when I got the car) I realized that I was missing the mounting brackets.
Luckily a buddy had a better tank with the brackets... so I saddled up and went, via old 66, and picked it up. Ha-ha, I really enjoy those BURMA SHAVE signs!

With the tank installed I can get the exhaust done and move on...

 

As a kid we made many 66 trips from Texas to SoCal. Most of the landmarks were still in business and the towns were thriving. The neon was exciting when movies & TV were still black & white.
Looks like a solid tank!

 

The Rte 66 towns are trying to make a comeback. I spend quite a bit of time in Tucumcari, NM. It's finally starting to see a resurgence (not a lot) but its moving in a positive direction.