Help Me Decide.......please

If this was yours what would you do with it? Im asking for truthfull responses.......I know it is my decision but im just on the fence and need some help. It is a 1939 Studebaker Commander with 60,000 miles on it so it could go original or go rod so PLEASE HELP

 

its pretty cool, maybe mild rod... lowered (A LOT) and painted wheels with whites? rest stock??

 

Here is a rendering of what I want to do but just having a hard time deciding if thats right for the car

 

I'd wash it and roll it outside so I could stand far enough back to take some decent pix.....then start thinking about it.

 

A stock resto would be my first choice. Failing that I would cut it down into a club coupe with a mild chop and make it a taildragger.

 

Stock.

 

Sell.......

 

Sweet.
Restore, it's too straight to chop.

 

lol.... why do you say that and how much would you ask for it? I have tried to sell but no takers.

 

Sorry could not resist.

It just seems like a really cool car like it is. Since you said you are on the fence....I dont think you would be happy not hopping it up.

Take the money and buy something you like.

I also think it would be easier to sell as an original. Start restoring it nd keep trying to sell it as a work in progress and see where it takes you.

JJ

 

I do it like the rendering... Tail dragger!

 

id restore the car stock..

 

hell, the hamb is all about custom \. You know what everyone is going to tell you. personally, that's a pretty rare ride, and incredible shape. Belongs in a museum. Leave the dust on it and sell if for 50g's at BJ!

 

If it's what you really want ?......meaning it's just not a car you happened upon and thought, hey, I'll fix it up.

I always say get what you want ( focus ) and don't settle,(Well, we have too a bit sometimes) Then when you start putting the bucks out, you'll have the desire to see it through.

So, Stock or custom, It's whatever You want.

I like lighter cars myself.

 

Looks like you could put in a few hundred bucks and get it to stock. Then sell it and get something you can rip into. ---but that's just me.

(I just cant bring myself to tear apart a car that is this original)

 

well thats me too and there is a story behind this car.... I always wanted to build a hot rod and my parents knew that so when I graduated from college 3 yrs ago......they handed me keys to this and told me to have fun! So I dont want to hurt there feelings......but I would have never picked this thing out so theres the rest of the story of why its hard to get rid of, my parents really tried to make me happy!

 

clean it up and sell it

 

That is too nice to chop up. I love Hot Rods but that just isn't a Hod Rod. Restore it, see what it was like to drive a vintage car back in the day.

 

Looks like a nice Family car...

Make it a NICE stocker & lower it a bit & DRIVE it as is.... Much cooler than a Mini~Van

 

You dont have to chop it up to have a little fun with it.

A modern running gear, different wheels, custom interior, lower it... Maybe even disc brakes up front.
These things can be reversed if the car turns out to be "rare and desirable". In the mean time, enjoy it.

 

I did a 39 Stude coupe express. Later running gear, V8, Discs, auto, power steering, ect. The body and interior were kept bone stock, even kept the 16" wheels and original paint. Got lots more fun than a stocker out of it because you could drive it anywhere.

 

Would look nice repainted black with teardrop skirts, a visor, and a drop in the rear.

Doesn't have to be a full on hotrod but just a few tweaks to give it some style. I'd do it up mild bomb style. Not everything needs a big block and slicks on it.

 

Make mom happy, clean it up and keep it running just like you got it,
and look for another you can really get into.

 

I like the condition Its in right now and myself have become weary of cutting up 'survivor' cars, or sweet vehicles in origional condition.

i've destroyed beautiful cars and learned my lesson.

You could just slam it, rock it kindof like a lowrider bomb. keep all the chrome and stuff. MAybe shave a handle or two.

 

Are you sure your folks are set on it? Is there any family connection beside it being a gift? Ask what they think about you selling it as is, or fixed up a bit to get more for it.

Would it keep you from something else you'd really want?

How much time, effort, and money are you willing to put into it, and would it satisfy?

 

getting running,drive while you make up your mind,i would hot rod it

 

Leave the bodywork and trim pretty much 100% stock and update the running gear, brakes etc. Find a small V8 that won't require cutting the firewall, a front end that will bolt in, or just a disc bake conversion on the front, ditto the diff. Lower it to a sensible height to be driveable.

Get the black paintjob back to decent, tint the windows, clean up the original interior, put a tommygun on the back parcel tray and drive it wearing a double breasted pinstripe suit and a fedora.

Most importantly, have fun!

I wiah I still had the 'old' sedan (41 Willys) my pop gave me when I finished college.

Cheers, Glen.

 

thanks for all of the opinions this is great keep them comming!

 

You survivor saviors are a bunch of wimps. The only reason it's that rare is because nobody wanted one 30 years ago.Restored cars are only good for parades.If you like the car,chop it up anyway that makes you happy for a hot rod. Or leave the body alone and put a later running gear with some disc brakes and just enjoy driving.You wont enjoy driving a restored car very much. BBT

 

TAILDRAGGER. I usually only like 4 doors when it has suicide rears. that rendering is tits.