Studebaker 2R Trucks

Hey all:

Going down the road today, I saw a split windshield the upper part of a baby blue truck cab way off in a field. I ditched my bike and found that the truck was actually a Studebaker 2R, trucks that were produced from 1949-1953. It was last registered in '97 and seems to be pretty rust free for sitting in overgrowth near the Maine woods. The bottoms of the doors looked great and so did the fenders. The only bad rust I could find from a cursory inspection (didn't know whose property I was on) was on the bottom of the hood. Weird place for rust much? The interior was all there (key in the ignition!) although I think I spotted some non-stock plastic gauges. Gas tank was in the bed. How much are these things worth? Anyone modified them? I haven't taken a look under the hood yet, but there's a good chance it has the 170 ci OHV six. I think I could probably get it for a little less than s**** price.

I'll get photos ASAP. What do you folks think?

-Stizzealth

 

If it's a half-ton and has the original engine, there's about a 90% chance it's the little Champion flathead-6. They did produce some half-tons with the bigger 245 inch Commander flathead-6 which is a nice torqey truck engine.

If the floors and internal running boards aren't swiss cheese I would place the value at about $1000, maybe $1500 on a really REALLY good day. The gas tank in the bed is a drag, but you can still get Stude truck gas tanks in perfect shape if you look around.

The Stude V8 drops in with NO mods at all and you can pick up a 224 or 259 for just about nothing. The Stude V8 with a T85 3-OD transmission makes for a pretty much perfect running gear for these trucks. Of course, there's enough room to put ANYthing in there, but the slickest transplant is a Caddy V8--had a buddy who owned a '49 2R with a 500 inch Caddy--that was a SWEEET truck.

If you are really considering buying this one, check out this Forum--these guys (I'm one of them!) are CRAZY about Studebaker Trucks.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/23885/

 

So they're not exactly Duesenbergs when we're talking about price. I'm not really surprised as the front aspect of this truck isn't very attractive! I'm going to see if I can get in contact with the owner of the land and haul it off for him.

Thanks!

 

i have been bating the idea of building one for some time yet, i always wondered if a gmc grill might make that front look a lit better. same gen shape????

 

johnnyfrank:

Hmm, I'll go back tomorrow and take a few measurements. The headlights are cool but the grill just isn't quite right.

 

I dunno, I think this green one 49 50 looks pretty nice front end wise. Perhaps its the non stock bumper tucked back against the fender.



I am working a 56 with a studie 259 V8 and Gm 700 OD trans. Sheet metal is pretty much interchangable except 55 they widened the bed a couple inches and the windshield back window are larger.

 

If it was a driver just 10 years ago I wouldn't expect to get it close to s**** price. Chances are it wouldn't need much to drive again.

I have one, too, I haven't tried to sell it. They rot up the A-post, the rear of the fender, the lower door hinge mount, mine has a nice Pennzoil sign used as a patch panel on one side and half of THAT is rotted out too. Must be a drainage or water collection issue. I was thinking about melding it to an S10 lower cab just because it's there, but I don't have a hood, and my fenders are rough.

 

My Wife's '55 E7 (with a '64 "cloverleaf" heavy duty 289):

 

Plym 46 and Allan Songer - your Stude trucks are E-series, not R-series.
(4 slots instead of 6 on the R's)
By the way, Allan - very nice truck for wifey!

 

She's had it about 10 years and it's been her daily driver the entire time (about 75,000 miles). Last year I did a frame up for her--should be good for another 20. She was miserable for the 6 months her truck was off the road.

 

Mines a R series 51 3/4 ton Its getting lowered, a 289 4 -2 bbll intake and a 5 speed in the near future,or who knows maybe a ***mins??? Those years are the best looking I feel, shell be a tow vehicle for my 54 Salt Stude to Bonneville!!!

 

here's some good inspiration:

front doesn't look too ugly to me.

http://www.oldcrowspeedshop.com/

I forgot who posted this photo here on the hamb, but the shot is from the last GNRS show.

 

Here is a nice one from Sweden

 

Yep mine is an E but I didn't want to complicate the discussion.

 

some great studebaker pick photos , hope you score the one in the field would be a cool ride to drive

 

While we are on the subject of Studebaker trucks, check out this trailer I bought today right in town sitting beside a business. I walked in and said "Man, that's a nice trailer outside." The guy says "thanks, you wanna buy it?" He said as soon as I unloaded the full load of tree bark mulch in it I could buy it from him. You guessed it, I rolled up my sleeves and ............NOT Really. I did buy it though. Looks well built.

 

Here is mine.http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa58/stude-sled/studetruck/

 

Studes were the best looking of all trucks made from '49-'53, IMO.....
Pops had a '51 with a 283......fun truck....

 

53 2R5 from behind this wheel just this morning:



...and some photo chopping while working on ride height choices:
(Would love to get a hold of some stock bumpers)