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Hot Rods Stude-uar (pronounced Stude-War)

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Flipper, Dec 4, 2016.

  1. Flipper
    Joined: May 10, 2003
    Posts: 3,395

    Flipper
    Member
    from Kentucky

    I didn't realize people were hot rodding new cars. I had guessed that the Studillacs were being built later on....after the Cadillac motors had gotten bigger and the studebakers had gotten cheaper.
     
    Last edited: Dec 6, 2016
  2. Rusty O'Toole
    Joined: Sep 17, 2006
    Posts: 9,657

    Rusty O'Toole
    Member

    A lot of hot rods and custom cars were based on new cars or late model used cars.

    Bill Frick started putting Cadillac V8s in new Fords as soon as they became available in 1949. Then, when he saw the beautiful new Studebaker coupe in 1953 he knew this could be the basis of a real American sports car or at least GT (grand touring). He built these Studillacs with brand new Studebakers and brand new Cadillac engines from 1953 until the Studebaker factory started putting Packard engines in them in 1956.

    Report on the Studillac published in the November 1953 Mechanix Illustrated. Given typical magazine lead times the test was probably done in the late summer less than a year after the new Studebaker went on sale.

    http://blog.modernmechanix.com/mi-tests-the-studillac/#mmGal

    Story on Bill Frick Motors and some of the interesting things he got up to.

    http://www.kustomrama.com/index.php?title=Bill_Frick_Motors
     
    Last edited: Feb 21, 2017
  3. Flipper
    Joined: May 10, 2003
    Posts: 3,395

    Flipper
    Member
    from Kentucky

    Thanks for the links. Sounds like a v8 is the way to go. I guess I need to check out that 331 before I commit to the jag motor.
     
  4. Sinister
    Joined: Jan 19, 2004
    Posts: 710

    Sinister
    Member
    from Oregon

    My '53 has a sbc with a Hurst front plate motor mount (for now). If you keep the stock steering box here is where you will find issues.
    IMG_2684.jpg
    You will need a exhaust that dumps to the front or to the far rear to get around it. Just something to keep in mind.
     
  5. Flipper
    Joined: May 10, 2003
    Posts: 3,395

    Flipper
    Member
    from Kentucky

    Well, we went back with a trailer and picked it up.

    [​IMG]20161215_192314 by Flipper_1938, on Flickr

    [​IMG]20161216_095009 by Flipper_1938, on Flickr

    It has some interesting stuff done to it. Chevy Cavalier steering rack?

    [​IMG]20161216_114955 by Flipper_1938, on Flickr

    The Z28 scoop is growing on me, rework the front 3rd to a point that blends in with the stude hood peak?

    [​IMG]20161216_160411 by Flipper_1938, on Flickr

    but the car needs to be lowered something fierce

    [​IMG]20161217_102420 by Flipper_1938, on Flickr

    [​IMG]20161217_110314_001 by Flipper_1938, on Flickr

    anybody recognize the radiator? quality looks nice

    [​IMG]20161217_102249 by Flipper_1938, on Flickr
     
  6. Flipper
    Joined: May 10, 2003
    Posts: 3,395

    Flipper
    Member
    from Kentucky

    I played with the stude some this past weekend and confirmed what people have said about 6 cylinder frames being flexible. Are the v8 car frames much better? (Enough better to justify swapping) ...or should I plan on installing some decent crossmembers and maybe a roll cage?
     
  7. Flipper
    Joined: May 10, 2003
    Posts: 3,395

    Flipper
    Member
    from Kentucky

    Well, it looks like it is going to be pretty darn difficult to poke the jag motor under the stude hood without setting the motor so far back it messes up the dash. I'm starting to understand why you see so many people use SBCs.
     
  8. nrgwizard
    Joined: Aug 18, 2006
    Posts: 2,516

    nrgwizard
    Member
    from Minn. uSA

    It wasn't 'till 62 that the studes got 11ga for frame material. While the v8 frames are thicker than a 6, it isn't by much. & since the v8s were more sought after - & therefore used more - it's entirely possible that a 6 frame might be in better shape & have more material thickness, due to the 'free' gov't chemical milling solution(s) applied almost everywhere. Either way, even the late (62-64) depended on proper body strength & various gussets/brackets. Extra crossmembers & cage would help, just make sure to use an attachment plate to spread the load at the joint. Wish there was a better answer.
    There are always possibilities, just depends on what you need, where you're willing to go, & the extent to which you are willing to spend - both time & $$$.
    Marcus...
     
    hacknwhack likes this.
  9. Hey flipper what part of ky are you from? I'm from around Glasgow. I'm subscribed, Leowy Studes are some of the coolest stock cars ever built. On my computer I've got pictures I found of a Stude on the salt that had the headlight buckets removed and fenders smoothed, really clean look. I'd like to get a glass body and do one myself in the future with that treatment but with pop up headlights to be legal.
     
  10. Rusty O'Toole
    Joined: Sep 17, 2006
    Posts: 9,657

    Rusty O'Toole
    Member

    Even when new the Studes were not known for being rigid especially the hardtops. I don't know what you can do but if you plan on serious driving and serious HP some reinforcement is called for.

    Avanti used a Lark convertible frame. The frame itself is very similar to yours, I don't know what extra stiffening went into the convertible frame.

    I don't know why more people don't use the late model Chrysler hemi. The have been around since 2003 and are available in various sizes from 345HP to over 500HP. If you are rolling in it you can even order a crate motor brand new.
     
  11. rod1
    Joined: Jan 18, 2009
    Posts: 1,324

    rod1
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Flip,you Really need to go with the Caddy.Set that engine back as far you can.Yes you will need few braces on the chassis,here and there.This needs to be a Studillac!All the cool girls dig em....I remember years ago chatting with Gray Baskerville about what to put in a 54 hardtop I had.I had a 392,427,a nailhead,and a big olds to choose from.I recall it like yesterday:"Oh No,Dad ,it has to be Cad!" he quipped.
     
    Last edited: Feb 21, 2017
    Clay Belt, Moriarity and Flipper like this.
  12. Casual 6
    Joined: May 25, 2008
    Posts: 290

    Casual 6
    Member
    from Great NW

    No No - It's HEMIStude. Stude.jpg
     
  13. efi-diy
    Joined: May 19, 2016
    Posts: 1

    efi-diy

    If your still thinking about the 4200 .. lots of info on the motor - its lighter than any iron engine. And different enough - folks stop and ask lots about it.... some are getting over 450HP out of it with a blower...
    www.vortec4200.com
     
    zzford likes this.
  14. Flipper
    Joined: May 10, 2003
    Posts: 3,395

    Flipper
    Member
    from Kentucky

    Screw it. It needs to be done. Here comes the jag motor. Lots of engine set back on the way....I never planned on riding in the back seat anyways.
     
    Ned Ludd and kidcampbell71 like this.
  15. vetteson
    Joined: Oct 7, 2010
    Posts: 301

    vetteson
    Member

    Just saw this thread for the first time. Studillacs were very popular conversions in the early 50s. My recently finished '55 can be seen on my website; www.tobyknollgarage.com.
     
    Hnstray and loudbang like this.
  16. Mr T body
    Joined: Nov 2, 2005
    Posts: 2,228

    Mr T body
    Alliance Vendor
    from BHC AZ

    Stude-gasser with a tilt front?
     
  17. Jaguar.... shudder..... While I have the utmost respect for their handling and wouldn't hesitate to use their later IFS/IRS in a project, when it comes to their motors the words 'cheap' and 'reliable' should never be used to describe one...
     
  18. Ranunculous
    Joined: Nov 30, 2007
    Posts: 2,465

    Ranunculous
    Member

    Class Glass and Performance Cumberland,MD may have made that fiberglass front end? They produce many Studebaker parts of good quality
     
    Hnstray likes this.
  19. Atwater Mike
    Joined: May 31, 2002
    Posts: 11,625

    Atwater Mike
    Member

    An older mechanic I worked with at St. Claire Motor Co. (San Jose, CA. Cadillac/Oldsmobile dealer)
    Name was Mel Wignall. He'd been with Cadillac dealers since 1937, had some Cad powered Fords, ('hot rods', he described 'em) but when Studebaker came out with the Commander in '53, Mel bought one, new. A coupe, for the body structure. (hardtops were 'rattletraps', as Mel correctly stated)
    Mel had the Stude for 3 years, drove it mostly on weekends, liked it.
    One day in November, 1956 Mel got the parts manager to order him a new 1957 Cad Eldorado engine, complete with the 2X4 intake.
    Engine came post haste, Mel pulled the Stude V8 out and in went the Eldo. He used a Cad box, column shifted. "Sleeper?"
    He told me one Monday morning he "took the Studillac out and warmed 'er up", and dusted off a '57 Corvette.
    I got a ride in '62, let me tell you...that Stude was a powerhouse. Mel had built it up since its first years, Isky solid lifter cam, Thomas adjustable rockers, Mallory ignition, and more.
    Torque was out the door. Ran like Jack the Bear.
    Hope you'll reconsider. Run a Cad, DAD...
     
    chryslerfan55 and Hnstray like this.
  20. Clay Belt
    Joined: Jun 9, 2017
    Posts: 381

    Clay Belt
    Member

    Hemi 6 with a Tri power Aussie setup I say
     
    chryslerfan55 likes this.
  21. hdman6465
    Joined: Jul 5, 2009
    Posts: 662

    hdman6465
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    The cheapest horsepower per dollar will be a big block Chev. Since you will be driving it all the time, the hood won't be open anyway. Who will know? jUST KIDDING, a Cad will be just right. Anyway, Frank Marowski in Bel Air Maryland built the front end for my car,and he did the one on Jack Chienhalls car also. I don't know if he still does them. Good luck, I've been on mine for 20 years or so,and not done yet.Here is a pic of my car.DON'T STOP WORKING ON YOUR CAR! HPIM0875.JPG
     
  22. chubbie
    Joined: Jan 14, 2009
    Posts: 2,336

    chubbie
    Member

    I would have these parts
     
    chryslerfan55 likes this.
  23. philo426
    Joined: Sep 20, 2007
    Posts: 2,097

    philo426
    Member

    Yes the Jaguar engines Will break down frequently.I think the Caddy engine may be a better option ,especially if you plan on driving it long distances.
     
    Clay Belt likes this.
  24. chubbie
    Joined: Jan 14, 2009
    Posts: 2,336

    chubbie
    Member

    I did brave the cold and snow and did find some parts.
     
  25. Flipper
    Joined: May 10, 2003
    Posts: 3,395

    Flipper
    Member
    from Kentucky

    PM sent
     
  26. There's no reason that the Jag motor will be less reliable than any other vintage engine. If they were originally unreliable in Jags then it's because of cheap OEM electrics and poor cooling. Any of these kinds of issues will have been sorted out by specialists decades ago.
     
    Ned Ludd likes this.
  27. Ned Ludd
    Joined: May 15, 2009
    Posts: 5,025

    Ned Ludd
    Member

    I wonder how many XJ6s were put into illusory comas by the enrichment device solenoid thermal switch on the twin HD8 setup failing. A toggle switch on the dash is an almost-free fix.
     
  28. Ned Ludd
    Joined: May 15, 2009
    Posts: 5,025

    Ned Ludd
    Member

    Where's the collision? Oil pan?
     
    Clay Belt likes this.
  29. Flipper
    Joined: May 10, 2003
    Posts: 3,395

    Flipper
    Member
    from Kentucky

    Yep. Jag motor is just too tall way up front to deal with the swoopy stude hood and the jag front suspension I'm swapping in.

    I ended up buying a really non-hamb friendly, rev-happy, naturally aspirated, fuel injected 210 hp 2.0 four cylinder with a 6 speed manual transmission that is going to fit. ....and hopefully get some gas mileage while being fun to drive.

    I will just keep the hood shut.
     
    Last edited: Apr 10, 2018
    kidcampbell71 and James D like this.
  30. 48jeep
    Joined: Apr 3, 2009
    Posts: 66

    48jeep
    Member

    If you decide that you would like to replace the frame you can get a copy of the factory blueprints that will give you all the dimensions and attaching points from the Studebaker National Museum. One of my friends built a new frame for his 53 coupe using this information. He also fit a Jag front suspension and rearend under it.
     
    Hnstray likes this.

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