Projects 1953 Studebaker Gasser

Let this post kickoff my Studebaker gasser build. I made a road trip to Omaha to purchase a project that the current owner was in over his head when the floor was cut out without any bracing. You guessed it nothing was holding it together. The owner was asking $900 with a clean title.
The trip out and back was pretty much uneventful. I didn't take pictures back then which is a shame. I had no idea I would be posting here on the hamb.

 

Welcome, first thing you need to know is we thrive on pictures, pitter patter!

 

yep pictures would be nice With some straps to pull it into shape and some welding you should be in great shape Ask me how I know you probably drove about two miles from my house if you were on I80.

 

I'm in...
Marcus...

 

Cool, sounds like it could be fun !? As long as you can tweak the body back into shape.

Mike

 

Did I hear someone say Studebaker? TITS!

 

OK. No pictures from then, how about now! HAMBERs are picture whores! Me included!

 

I knew I started something with no pictures. All I can do is start off when I started taking them. Here is the progress was at.
1. Full frame out of 2x3 rect with a very high kickup in the rear and a mustang II kit up front. The rocker panels are replaced with new one and out outer perimeter of the frame was boxed into it. This was all built on a frame jig I had from previous builts. It just give a good point of reference when measuring. I even tacked the doors in the jambs to help align stuff.
2. A 8 point cage was added when it looked like eventing seemed to line up.
3. Then the floor was added.
4. Firewall pushed back all the way to the cowl which is about 6"

 

fantastic work - and more importantly - fantastic work plan.

 

As you can see I have planned on running big rear tires so the wheel wells were opened up as far as they can go. M/T Sportsman tires 18.5x 15.

I wanted to run a factory dash but update it with new gauges. I used led toggle switches to replace the old ones. I love the chrome and black. It's so classy.

 

The taillights were rotted out because they are exposed to the rear quarter wheel wells by rubber stips that held water and debris. I replaced them with some 14ga steel and weldnuts that the taillights can bolt to.

 

Sweet. Does not appear to need much body work. Color?? Engine? Tell us about BBF. Got to be ready by spring

 

Any pics of the frame?

 

Well executed build thus far, keep us posted!

 

Where did you source the LED toggles, in the picture they look like the original switches...looks like a Champion dash (six cylinder), I went with a Hawk dash in mine but....well the stock dash looks good too.

 

OH MY!!!!!......what a good look'in build.... (and I ain't talk'in about Barbee Benton!)
Pretty obvious you have 'been around the block a couple times' when talk'in car resto
Good work
6sally6

 

I always wanted to see one of these turned into a car that probably never existed.

 

Well I did it again. I have angered the fourm police by mentioning a late model front crossmember instead of a straight axle. The bigger concern was the build doesn't fit the mold here although there appears some interest.
I normally I would push back but I am clearly in the wrong.
I will stop posting anything about the studebaker.

 

WHAT...did you do that was SO heinous ?
People talk about Pinto / Mustang front suspensions all the time, along with other designs !

I for one would like to know what you are doing...

Mike

 

Here's a lesson I learned. As long as your careful what's in the photos you can still build it your way. If someone barks about off topic or it's a clear violation you can get the boot. I agree with all that being I come here for the Vintage side of things. Just try to stay inside the lines and keep us informed with your progress. I haven't read yet what is planned for power, from the looks of the chassis that could seal your fate.

 

Bummer, lose the M2, and make it look like the Miss Deal, and you`ll be golden

 

It's also a finished car so no changing that to fit a square peg in a round hole. I just thought some would like the build pics I have was all. I fully understand and appreciate the fourms guide lines.

 

Appreciate the rules, understand a few diversions, and I appreciate your build and posting. Would love to know how she runs. Like the idea of e85 can make some things a little easier. What transmission?

 

I Love your car and your approach but understand the rules of the site

I’d love to see it run. It looks like a blast!

I bought a 56 Stude P/U basket case for $200.00 in the late 90’s then built it over the course of years. I got it on the road five years ago and pretty much finished it up with paint, interior and glass. It was quick and clean but went down the road to help pay to escape from shitty washington state

Enjoy your ride, and the process of creating your dream. That to me is the magic of the HAMB

 

Inside or outside of the lines... that's a bad-ass car!

 

Your car gets both thumbs up from me, especially the BBF. Nice build .

 

A Ford C6 with a manual valve body and a custom shifter.

 

Alright, there's bunch of HAMB crimes under the skin, but damn if that isn't a good lookin' Stude. The exhaust is a bit jarring looking, and the shifter looks like pro street overkill, but I like the rest. Correct those and add a set of Dzus-fastened spun Moon discs and that would look HAMB-era correct (plus be really sneaky....).

 

Sorry to be a be a broken record, but that is one bad ass ride, but she is a little beyond the scope of the HAMB. Nicely done at any rate.