Projects Bought me a Driver...Studebaker Wagonaire's LETS SEE'EM!!!

All Avanti ll had them. They were even on Lark frames just a few months after S. Bend closed. The 65-66 Canadien Studes had Chevy engines as well. The last incarnation had them being built on Mustang platforms I think around 07

 

badass car...leave it stock

 

That's right. I almost bought a '65 Wagonaire. Passed on it because the fenders were just too rusty. I was amazed at the SBC with the "Studebaker" embossed in the valve covers. It even had the Ram exhaust manifolds.

 

There will be an awesome Wagonaire feature in the next issue of Motor Trend Classic magazine due out any day.

 

Got my "new" 1964 Wagonaire home today!!! been waiting to get here out out the prior owner storage.....Drove home, man this rides nice.......



look it was sold to new....

 

I talked to an old time Studebaker mechanic some years back. He worked in a Studebaker dealership from 1948 until they went out of business.

He told me the Stude 289 and Chev 283 powered models were very close in performance. The Stude had a little more punch off the line and in the lower speed ranges, the Chev had a little more top end.

From what I have heard and read the Stude V8 was very tough and long lived. The weakest point was the rear main seal that would wear out and leak oil while the rest of the engine was still going strong.

 

Don't forget it's extremely gay

 

I always wanted one of those to carry a motorcycle or a set bicycles in the rear.
I nice wagons guys! Keep'em running!

 

opened it up, adjusted carb, tightened a few things, Prior owner drove less than 900 miles in 9 years....

 

Great wagons guys! Hoping to put a "Chevy" in it eventually.

 

Here is mine...283 v8 auto factory air 48000 miles

 

Looking killer, glad ya got one, still gotta get you over here, or me there on day, got the 65 Sedan delivery to do and my truck.....

 

nice score Falcon!

 

^^^^ what he said, wouldn't change a thing on it

 

A real beauty! Love the color.

I'm wondering what Filmways used a wagon like that for. Moving extras to different sets? Piling up haybales in the back to keep Mr. Ed well fed and ready to act? Or baskets of prime apples to be available at all times on set, as stipulated in the star's contract?

 

ME too...the Studebakers Drivers club is looking into it....

 

A buddy called the other day and told me about a 1963 Wagonaire Daytona for sale and I started twitching a bit. Now that I've seen yours I suppose I will have to buy this one
This one has a V-8 (I haven't seen it yet) but the pictures show a black engine with yellow valve covers.
Seems like there is no firm consensus here on keeping the Stude engine or trying something simpler. But I've enjoyed reading the thread!

 

Went to the Studebaker Swap meet in South Bend.....I went to get a new windshield, mine has 2 big star cracks....ended my work day in Ft. Wayne, so I drove up and picked up a windsield for the Wagonaire, were some neat stuff, and some fixer uppers....

 

Studie V8's have forged cranks, hardened valve seats, timing gears (no Chain) and lots of other neat stuff. The 4bbl version of the 259 put out 195 HP, the 4bbl 289 was rated at 225 HP or nearly 1HP per Cu In. Definately not slouch material.

The automatic was either a Ford Cruise O Matic or a BW unit. Why any one would want to pull a reliable, strong and these days unique engine for a Belly button motor available at your local Drug or Convenience store is beyond me. Yes they are cheap and easy to rebuild, and every Starbucks sells speed parts, but other than that whats the attraction??

If you manage to blow it up then maybe swap it out but as long as it runs why not keep it.

Oh I forgot to mention, with dual exhaust and performance mufflers, they have a very unique sound as well.

 

You are right. I have no interest in a SB Chevy in a Stude. I will try and make the exisiting engine work. Thanks for clarifying what I was thinking anyway.

 

Well...mine's not a sliding roof, but here's my Stude wagon.

 

all depends on the year of the Stude Remember that they came with SBC in the end.

 

A Studebaker Club member found my wagon in the Mr. Ed Show, 2:33 in the show...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxJr7SGf0ck&feature=youtu.be

 

On Mr. Ed.. Now that's COOL.

 

yea, on post 66 I showed the shipping document where is was shipped to CA. tagged for the Mr. Ed show, so now I have seen it on the show....too kool.

 

The car I am buying is a 63. Yellow valve covers and air cleaner mean anything?
Why are different websites telling me that the wheelbase is either 113 or 120 inches? Can anyone tell me which is right?

 

Because it's a 63, it's probably a Studebaker engine. The valve covers on a sbc are held on with 4 screws around the perimeter. The Studebaker covers were held on with 2 nuts in the middle of the cover. Earlier engines had 4 nuts in the middle of the cover.

Dave.

 

Your 63 will have a Stude heart. My guess would be 289. Solid motor. What model is yours?

 

It's a Daytona. Roof rack, step inside the tailgate, etc.
I am more and more enthused about this car as I learn more about them. I love odd cars and this seems to qualify
I cannot afford to do it nor do I have the expertise but the wheelbase seems to be 113" which is the same as a 2012 and newer Subaru STi. All-wheel drive turbo Studebaker anyone?