Custom: 1952 studebaker truck build

A little update. Drive side of dash capped off and top corner patch made. New front fender/core support brackets fabricated.

 

Dash is leaded and ready for a little bondo and primer.

 

Very interesting build, I like where its going! What did the rack come from??

 

It is a mustang II rack. The spindles were reamed to fit the larger ford tie rod ends.

 

I just checked out your album and saw your concept drawing for the rear of your truck. I can't wait to see what you come up with. I think the concept looks very interesting!
take care -L7

 

Nice work! I like the rack.

 

Neat build. Always nice to see someone else building a studebaker. Good luck with the front end adapting.

 

It feels really good to be done with that! I am extremely happy with how my first time turned out. Its not "metal finished" like most of us would love to be able to do on the first try but it is clean, I'm satisfied!

 

Next up is the firewall and trans hump/tunnel.

 

New fire wall sections.

 

Notched rear of cab, tunnel/floor support and patch plate for old filler neck hole.

 

i love studebaker trucks! Awesome build.

 

I really like the way this is going!

 

i have a 53 small window,cool project. never understand why ppl chop them tho.they already look chopped.

did the exact thing to the frame in the back of mine to,but my panhard bar hits the bed floor so i guess ill be raising the bed floor

 

Nice fabrication. I really like where this is going.

 

I agree with you about the chopping issue. These trucks have some of the best stock proportions out of all the early '50s trucks, but the lower the tuck sits the taller the cab looks, losing its balanced proportions, especially the windsheild. When it sat at stock height there was a good amount of negative space under the rockers that balanced the top of the cab, I knew I would need to chop it but not a lot. I did a series of photochops of different sizes and 2" turned out to be just right to restore what I feel is the proper balance.

 

Man that looks awesome!

 

very cool truck subscribed!

 

Very good man keep up the great work and keep posting pictures....

 

cool truck..................love the chop.

Heres mine

 

Wow! I've now been extremely inspired to work on my 51' Stude truck... Wish I had your body mod skills. Teach me! Lol!

Seriously, keep the updates coming it will keep me motivated.

 

Superb job!

 

Will you just finish this thing already!

 

We had a Club meeting yesterday in the tiny garage. Gave me some drive again, thanks guys. They started on the rear cab mount crossmember mods for the driveshaft and boxing plates for the rear frame kick. The cross member piece is a pre-war dodge rear crossmember from Rick's 46. I finished up the trans tunnel piece today.

 

What motor and trans you shoehorning in there? I'm looking to put a big block mopar in my 51 and stabbed it in yesterday and ill need to do a little firewall work as well as cut out old cross brace because the trans pan on the 727 torquedflight hits... I'd you make those firewall panels or buy them?

Thanks, Jason

 

It's a 283 and turbo 350 combo, was in it with room to spare before the stock front end was swapped for a S-10 subframe. The new front cross member required the motor to be moved up 4" and that is why I had to make a new firewall and hump.

 

Man that thing is looking great. Love these trucks.

 

Looking very good! Good call on the mild chop!

 

Tunnel welded in and hump tacked in. Now on to some much easier flat floor sections.

 

Ready for some some beadrolls.