I have a 1948 Studebaker and want to put the bullet front clip on it. The question I have is the '50 a better fit than the '51? Is there a difference between the two. I have sorta figured out the cosmetic differences but was wondering about actually fitting the clip to the car. I have access to a '51 but I also have a lead on a '50. A side note, I was told back years ago that the '51 is a bolt on for the '52 car. Is that correct? Thanks for the help. Neal
studebaker owners forum might offer some insight - but be careful how you phrase your question...lot of purists out there dj
you would be better off with the 50 clip.they changed the frame in 51 and the mounts are a little differant,you can make anything fit but the 50 will be easier.
I think the 51 has a more pleasing grille than the 50. 51 will bolt onto a 48. You will need to get the same model. Say a 51 Champion front end for a 48 Champion. A buddy of mine had a 52 and it sure looked like a 51 would fit right up to it.
you need the champion front the commander is a bigger longer car on the 50 ,51 champion and commanders are the same sheetmetal
The car that I am putting the clip on is a commander convertible. So then, I need to find a commander clip? I looked up the wheel base for the '48 and there is a difference between the commander and the champion. The '51 parts car that I have is a commander, don't know which style the '50 is. Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate the help. Neal
Nay, I say - unless you really like working hard to make things fit. Studebaker changed EVERYTHING underneath from 50 to 51. Be wise, check with the Studebaker Drivers Club forum where LOTS of rodders hang out. And good luck with it, man!
The 50 Commander and Land Cruiser had larger headlight rims and IMO are not as good looking as the Champion rims. Not sure how much work it would be but it's done often and there are some examples on my Bullet Nose Paradise website.
Depending on your level and skill in building a car, It isn't that difficult. Mine had a Mustang II under it when the 51 nose was installed. The cowl and fender lines were the same for my installation. I know the fenders between the Champion and Comandor are not the same. If you are looking for a direct bolt up, then don't pay attention to my above comments in the previous posts.
Wheelbase differences sometimes do not mean a difference in firewall to wheel dimensions. Once upon a Studebaker a guy told me that any nose from 53-the Larks would interchange on Studebaker products, including pickups. Does this apply retro to the 51-48? I don't know either.
I hear ya, but Ray Charles could see the difference in the length of the front fender door edge to centerline of the front wheelwell on a 51 Champion/Commander
i have done threde champion two doors to 50 bullits both champion and the wheelbase was three inches longer on the bullits.... make sure of this when you do it...
I agree with Speedtool. Studebaker sheet metal, bezels, grilles and most other non-mechanical pieces changed year to year during the early '50's. If it does fit, more than not, it will be a lucky fit, especially fitting Champion/Commander parts to larger sedans.
Thanks for all the comments. It looks to be an interesting journey to figure this all out. This is for my next project and I have to get the one I am on now finished first but figured I could start gathering parts. When I get some time I am going to get some measurements on the different cars and see what falls together. Will post what I find but will be a while. Neal
You are thinking about the 50 not the 51 ,51 are the same front ends,champ and commander. I am not sure if the 48-49 have the bigger wheelbase between the champ & commander.I do know the 50 the champion has 4 lug wheels and the commander have 5 bolt wheels check your and see what it has. I am in the process of putting 50 fenders on a 51 right now and to tell the truth I like the way the 50's fit better.there is a little cutting involve but they fit pretty good.
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