STUDEBAKERS... let see em...

From what I remember seeing in pics, articles, & a real one years ago, that is an aftermarket. IIRC, the sliding rails didn't stick-up over the roofs' surface that much. & the opening surround was not that large. 'Course, maybe the one I looked at wasn't a real SkyTop, although guy said it was. Still, w/a little top-tightening, it'd look really good. & probably could be modified to closely replicate the orig version of the SkyTop - which was an aftermarket-made sliding-cloth-roof that Stude offered as a factory-install. IIRC.
SDC would be the best scource of detailed info, although PartsDawg (hamb-er) probably knows.
Marcus...

 

I bought this '53 Commander w/ O.D. in 2010. License is 53 COOP. A fellow in GA had done an amateurish restoration and paint job, and an amateurish interior redo and died........In 1983, a fellow in TN bought it from the estate and drove it until 1989, when he bought an Avanti II from Senator Fred Thompson (the actor). So the car sat under a carport until I bought it.......no storage prep was done at all. I got it running, rewired it (12V), redid the gas tank, nosed and decked it, and drive it. I had intended to put a 354 Hemi in it.........but I bought a '26T that is going to get the Hemi (26 COOP),

I have a 331 Hemi for 53 COOP, but I will continue to drive it stock until 26 COOP is done......

 

Saw this at a car show today and thought you Stude guys would like it. Built by a 24 year old from a 4 door sedan. Took two years,,,,,,,1953---1955!!! Tim

 

I'm sure there are hordes of Stude owners shitting bricks looking at that, but I love it!

 

I know the guy who built this originally before it was sold to this owner. This is a shame, it was a clean, put together ride when it was first finished. The top was an addition, not original. I can't say what this owner has done to the car, but the builder put together a sound car.

 

Here's an updated shot of my 55' after some pinstriping and lettering by Ed Crews.

 

Love it!!!!
Jeff

 

Must have been Monday morning in South Bend, someone got the wheels in the wrong place.

Looks good my friend, even has a proper wheel opening you don't see that much with an altered wheel base these days.

 

Here is one that I have worked on for 20 yrs. and still isn't done!

 

DSC00660 by edweird posted Nov 14, 2012 at 2:35 AM

if the guy that bought this car is on here, call me 843 893 2531. I would like a progress report.....thanks ed

 

When I bought that car the wheels definetly looked to be in the wrong place. The rear has been moved forward 12 3/4" and there's still plenty of room in the back for a back seat. I looked at it a few times after purchasing it thinking "damn this car is fugly". I really think the altering of the wheelbase helped it look a little more normal. But there was a time when I was standing on the ground INSIDE the car with my torch in my hand wondering "what the hell have I done now", but it turned out all good and has been a lot of fun. And it gets plenty of puzzled looks.

 

Gorgeous, would love to see it in person one day. How about an engine photo? Mike

 

Need to get some new engine room shots, here's an old one. Come on down to the Legends race at Temple, Oct. 10th. Should be a good one. We'll be there.

 

Ok ill play...My 1949 Turbocharged Studebaker Truck fresh out of abandonment from a field

 

There is an online auction going on right now featuring a bunch of Studebaker vehicles in East-central Illinois. Most would be a real undertaking as an actual car build but there are a ton of good parts. I have bought things through this auction house and have been happy with them. Just trying to help Stude guys out. https://knowlesauctions.hibid.com/catalog/470460/dixon-studebaker-and-allis-chalmers-collection

 

Some neat stuff, but definitely toward the rough end. Could end up going for cheap, though.

Cannot be easy to find a Zip Van in 2023;

 

Just brought this home this morning.

 

you lucky s.o.b!

 

It' s a 4 door sedan, but no matter, I got it for a grand!

 

More pics.

 

a score and then some!

 

I dig those in a 4 door. Bad ass cars.

 

Love that face. Nice score.

 

I traded this 53 Champ for the rolling chassis for my 34 coupe. I'm presently working a deal on a 48 Business coupe. Love the fat B-pillar on the business coupes.

 

I posted pics of my '53 Commander Coupe in 2015. The project has moved forward. It now has a '54 331 Chrysler Hemi w/ 700R4 and 3.73 8.8 rear and some major body mods:

Chop is 2" and Packards are cut down repros.

 

I just saw this thread and decided I'd post some artwork I did awhile ago.

 

This January will be 40 years I've owned this 50.