Projects 1955 Studebaker Truck

Here is my 1955 Studebaker Truck, I bought it at an auction in Clovis, New Mexico a few years ago. Due to health issues it has sat but I am feeling better and am able to work on bigger things now.



Here is the 360°:


















I plan on making this project my own, as my other cars have been too nice/original to do much work on. I went to the local mart and measured every truck in sight from center tire to center tire and hub to hub. A 1989 Dodge Dakota was perfect in width and only 1/8th off length. I plan to use this frame to update brakes, steering and suspension. Other than frame I want this truck to look like an old parts hauler out of the mid '60's. I plan to use a Ford 302 and an automatic transmission.

I am still kickin' around ideas as this will be the first time I have done anything major to an automobile. I am excited tho!!

 

My favorite body style for a truck.

 

go buddy go,nice truck

 

I'll say this, that smooth sonofagun needs a pair of 60s Caddy taillamps mounted in those big flat cavities on either side of the tailgate. These trucks scream custom factory stock. Help it along.

 

Congrats. JMHO, but the '55 Stude is the best looking pickup ever.

FWIW, since you're using the Dakota frame, you'd be miles and dollars ahead to stay with the Mopar engine/tranny too. Why make work for yourself? The SBF 302" certainly isn't anything magic; doesn't especially belong in the Dodge or the Stude. Your build, your money and time, your decision.

jack vines

 

Great looking body style, love it. Subscribed and glad you're back healthy again!

 

I would normally agree with you but I already had a fresh 302 and transmission ready for action and I am a metal fabricator by trade so attaching motor mounts and as cross-member is a non-issue.

The big reason for a Ford motor is the abundance of Ford parts and knowledge in my family, I am in love with big block FE's but I need to get better gas mileage with this ride.

 

nice truck cant wait to see future updates.

 

Nice E-series truck.
The big window version is rare - it looks great!

 

I have always loved those old trucks!

 

If you're wed to the sbf 302, look into an Explorer frame and an AOD combination. There are enough variances in the Explorer frames that you might find one that fits as well as the Dodge. They have four-wheel disc brakes and are plentiful in the Pick N Pulls.

 

Here's a picture of my '55. It has a camaro subframe and a all aluminum 5.3 liter, with a 4L60E transmission. Work in progress.

 

I'm subscribed!...just picked up the same truck myself and ready to learn how and what will fit these bodies...I think I'll go with a camaro front clip, just not sure which years will fit and how to attach it yet. I love the patina on your truck!
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best body for a truck made.period.

i have a 53, so i have a smaller back window and a little more (in my opinion) cooler grill but these things look amazing,same side profile.

congrats on a awesome body truck.

 

I have a '57 Transtar. I dug it out of the woods for $250.00 earlier tis summer. Then I got a rebuilt flathead stude. mtr and a OD tranny from a fellow HAMBER. Anyone can drive Ferd or Chubby. It takes a real trucker to own a Stude!!! You have a great start.

 

One of my favorite . Good to hear you are up & going again.

 

nice....glad your feeling better.....they used those rear fenders all the way up to 1964....and keep an eye out for old pick-up bed trailers....lots of Stude ones out there to get the rears off of.....the fronts are basicly the same 1949 to 1959 - drill holes as needed....