Hot Rods HEMI powered 1939 Studebaker

Tear down in progress. I have no idea what to do with the original front and rear suspension so if anyone needs it, let me know ASAP. Its not worth anything to anyone but a restoration guy. And those gotta be few and far between.

 

I wonder if that front suspension is as useless as the one that came on my 46 Champion. Man I can't believe they thought that was a good idea.

 

Got the front spring out so it came way down, I am getting ready to set the motor and see how much firewall work this will need, and the S-10 rearend is under now and I'll weld up the 4 link once I set the pinion angle.
Its been kinda slow but making progress
Photo Updates:
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fenders back on for now

 

The S-10 4x4 is under and I finally got my headlights all cleand up and put back together.

 

Looks great! I have a 40 Commander club sedan, you're making me want to work on it again. I had a 392 hemi in it at first, I modified the firewall in the head area only, was easy and looked stock to the unknowing.

 

I'm not going to run hood sides. I want everyone to see my Hemi!!

 

Well this has been collecting dust while I did a few other things but its back to the grinding wheel on the 39 studebaker again. Ive decided on the MMII frontend and I picked up someone elses cast off from Craigs list sometime back and I knew I was going to have to modify the CL crossmember quite a bit to make it work on the super narrow 22.5 inch distance between the frame rails. I found these 2 prints on the web and after more than a few grinder cut off wheels the old crossmember is out, frame boxed and the newly modified MMII is mocked up at ride height.

 

And for the removal, grider cut off wheels and a sawzall were my best friends!

 

Had to put all the sheet metal back on to center the axle centerline in the fenderwells. this is the mock up at ride height.

 

Lookin' good!

 

Its finally all cut, fit and tacked in place

 

Lookin' good!

 

Well the Hemi & 700R4 are now between the frame rails!
As of now I have not had to cut any floor, firewall or frame, but I am going to start trimming the floor so it can come up a few more inches.
I would like the center of the tail shaft to sit a little higher in the x cross-member and then I can level the front of the motor so the intake is parallel to the frame rails. I was really happy that is as close as it is for a first stab at it. I still have about an inch between the firewall and the back of the passenger side head. I have to get the front clip back on to make sure I have radiator clearance but I think it will be just right.

 

Ive been steadly making progress. I now have the air bag stops adjusted and at the lowerst points its 1.5 inches off the ground in the rear where the 4 link attaches, and 2 inches from the ground at the front crossmember. I have the engine up so nothing is below the frame. Motor mounts all fit and ready to weld and the Cadillac Tilt telescope column is going to be great., but I sure do not like this steering wheel.
What steering wheel options are there for a GM telescope column?

 

You are using three separate bolts on the engine mounts...aren't you?

 

yes! no chance of breaking off an mounting ear.

 

Been working off and on. Frame boxed and painted. Willwood MC works perfect with the original pedal, just had to add a 3 bolt to 2 bolt adapter
The chassis is done and the body is back on the frame now. Getting closer

 

The fenders sure fit better now that the body is on for good!

 

Tuned in .. any more progress.


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dash finish mounted and the body is tight on the frame. Nothing glamours, but still progress

 

I decided to ditch the air ride on the front. I want classic tail dragger look. Also digging out cool Hemi parts!!!

 

Nice,
Excellent stance.

 

Making some progress on getting the 1937 Studebaker Banjo wheel in. I'm happy my Firestone's arrived too!

 

Finally started the part I have been dreading.. trunk seal repair. Its going better than expected.
Waiting on my shinker disc to arrive so I can finish fit the thing. Lots of damage on the tail pan from years of being unsecured.

 

Nice build.....

 

Do you plan on driving with it that low?
Serious bump steer.

 

Looking good man!


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The dash is back from paint and the gauges got a nice makeover! The speed gears were too rusted to save so its just in the hole for looks until I can run across a replacement.