I think this is the fourth version I made and the one I like the most. This will be the keeper. To see some more pics check out: http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d91/Widowmaker63/Suedebaker/
Here's another pic of the car. I don't have thetime or money of some people, but I try to get something done on the car every week. It may take me a while but my vision for the car is as dumb as I can make it. That should answer the "why so far back" question.
Your little car is coming along great. Dig the chop and the setback. Did you open up the rear wheel wells? Studes are weird little cars, no? Some of the strangest design and engineering you will ever find on a car. They look cool though.. Hope you don't mind me horning in on your post..here is mine 98% done. -Abone
nothing strange at all, the only thing better than a 53 stude for speed is a chopped 53 stude. keep up the good work because your building my dream car too the engine set back is to change the weight distribution getting weight off the front and adding to the rear. the factory builds them to fit 5 passengers and racers build them to go straight at speed. its not a dumb question as with all the new imports have the engines sitting on top of the drive wheels and and space isn't an issue. my cars not as cool as yours. but I have my engine back 14 inches which took nearly 200 HEMI pounds off the front wheels and with the driver set back another 5 inches should help with traction along with steering
Flamedabone- I love your ride. I like the salt flats look. Great work. I've followed your posts. NONAME -"my cars not as cool as yours." Yes it is!!! Dude hot rodding is about what an individual likes not what the masses like. It's an art of expression and I love the way your expressing yourself. Noname is right. I'm building the car as a street strip ride and set back the engine 12.5 inches for transfer. I want the most radicle wildest ride around that's what I meant by "dumb as I can make it". As far as "traditional" or Pro Street or Street Rod, none of those titles will fit. It's an "I Did" car. Who built the chassis? I did Who did the body work? I did Be yourself and do it your way f em if they don't get it.
Looks great! I have a friend that just bought a 53 . We plan on building a street/salt car. I would love to see a tech on that chop .Hey what about some links on parts need a left grill.
Here's a few parts places: http://www.studeparts.com/ http://www.classicent.com/hawk.htm http://www.studebakerparts.com/ http://www.studebakerplace.com http://www.studebakervendors.com/
Just got back from the family vacation and I'm catching up on some posts. I think this pic should answer your question.
The firewall/setback look great! Somewhere I have an early '60s magazine feature on a '55 Stude custom rod named The Crescendo, with nailhead power and a massive setback like yours.
The Jalopy Journal
