PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - Question:Where were Studebakers built ?

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Mechanical parts and pieces are probably the easiest parts to aquire for a Studebaker of that vintage. Time has moved on and these cars are probably far and few between by now.

Not as far and few between as Tom's 39 Studebaker truck though. As for service and reliability. In decent shape as good as anything of that era. If it has the chev 283 engine it is well supported parts wise still. Plus generally speaking very cheaply too.

If some peachpart members think we are cheap owning an older Mercedes. Owning a Studebaker as well will further enhance your image. They also have their own cheapskate following that puts us to shame here on peachparts..:D

The women may not be beating the doors off to get at you with one of these. The younger guys may though trying to find out just what it is. :D

Inspect for rust though as this was an issue with these cars. If you are fortunate to get one with little you are fortunate. There is a 53 hardtop coupe a walking distance from our house. Rust has taken so high a toll over the years sitting outside it unfortunatly cannot even be considered.

Watching Tom's 39 Studebaker truck project going along has had me thinking. I always wanted a Hudson car/truck pickup. I may buy a restored one if the right one can be found. It will be a chore to find a good one for sale though if I get around to it.

You'll find the Hudson pickups quite dear. The Stude coupe expresses like mine are too. A well patinaed one that might have run recently sold for $30K. A perfectly restored one recently was for sale at an asking price of $85K. Dunno if he got it or not.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Air&Road (Post 3482346)

You mean the Busch wagon is an original? That's great. I never thought about it before. It looks magnificent, but I never thought of it being original.

Googling brought this up:

The majestic Budweiser Clydesdales get most of the attention but the wagon they pull is also quite special. The beautiful red Studebaker dates back all the way to 1903! As you can imagine, it takes a lot of maintenance to keep a wagon that old in tip-top shape.
The majestic Budweiser Clydesdales get most of the attention but the wagon they pull is also quite special. The beautiful red Studebaker dates back all the way to 1903! As you can imagine, it takes a lot of maintenance to keep a wagon that old in tip-top shape.

There are many maintenance items constantly required to keep the antique wagon looking its best. First, the wagon has to be dusted to make sure no dirt accumulates. Then the carriage has to be oiled regularly to keep all the parts running smoothly and prevent squeaking. Next the undercarriage and wheels are wiped down to remove dirt and dust that can accumulate during shows.

On a less regular basis, the wagon is given a full wax and paint touch up to give it a super shine that thrills audiences around the country.

So next time you see the Clydesdales, make sure you spend a little time admiring the spectacular, antique Studebaker wagon as well!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Air&Road (Post 3482347)

If you are asking about parts availability for a 283, you can get whatever you want and they are super easy to rebuild. I expect that even the Studebaker built engins are easy to find rebuild parts for, just not as economically.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chilcutt (Post 3482373)

If you can get your hands on that '58, my advice is to take it..keep her alive. I dont think many people have the opportunity to own one of these that you do.

That is one reason so tempting. However, I can't get ahold of the person that currently has her. But, got enough on my plate now and good things come to those that wait. ;)

I really don't feel there is an opportunity, as don't have any details of the change of caretaker. If Moe gave it to him, then one thing. But if sold, there be no opportunity. Also, why did it change and Moe bought an Audi? Could be the same reason my Volkswagen got abandoned: new vehicle.

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth (Post 3482434)

It is true. the stude engines are pretty expensive to rebuild but are built to last with high quality materials and steel crank. Gear driven cams too. They're also very heavy....only outweighed by the 331 hemi, the Packard v8 and the international v8.

So glad to have your reply! :D

My understanding from Moe is rod bearings need to be changed now and then. Apparently one time even did it in the Church parking lot. :P That is if I have the right vehicle, but believe right.

Then, by the little research I have done, lot of times just need a few things, rather than a full rebuild/regrind, were as a Volkswagen air cooled engine better off to replace everything or regrind it.

However, as I said, really don't want a project. Also, really should get the '79 Mercedes TD out and the Volkswagen addressed; doubt the land lord want me having four vehicles here, especially with one not running. This just got me thinking need to start the ball rolling.

Quote:

Originally Posted by barry12345 (Post 3482444)

Great, seem to end up with vehicles that parts are unobtainable and the folks selling want an arm and leg, but then complain when they need to buy and prices are what they forced the market to sell at.

Probably more reliable than my Volkswagen, because in my youth, I was ignorant. Plus, should be a whole lot less electrical considering carburetor versus F.I. and about 20 years older.

Speaking of which, even looks like a lot of the rubber is available for a decent price, unlike the Squareback and especially the TD-T.

This is the desert, so long as the seals didn't leak, should be minimal. I am tired of getting rusty vehicles, even the minor hides much worse. Bet spend most of its life outside. I rather have a good body with beat out interior and paint. Can always toss some large towels on the seat and wax the body.

Again, if I was to consider getting the Studebaker, it be just to get back on the road and drive as is. That is what I did with the Squareback, until the fuel pump was having issues, something with the electrical I.I.R.C., and then found the rockers were rotted; didn't feel safe or responsible to drive a vehicle who's structure is compromised. I don't have the funds for a welder, nor any friends with one I can borrow.

Used parts if you can find them are very reasonable....well many of them

The list of cars I regret not aquiring years ago when I had the chance. Make me really think when something interesting comes up now. Although little to nothing of interest appears locally now.

I did find a few Hudson pickups for sale after my last post. Also a 34 terraplane coupe resto rod that seemed good value for the money and looked very well if not exceptionally well done for 29K asking. A good hudson pickup is 100k Canadian if I where to pay near the asking price plus tax for those currently on sale. Decent are about 60-70 Canadian.

Being a Canadian with our punative current exchange rate we have to add twenty percent to the american price as well. Plus fifteen percent sales tax when we get home. Also from a practical standpoint I have gotten too old to face a major restoration myself. Plus doing one today is financially steep if a lot is needed.

Younger guys that want antique vehicles have a chance at auctions currently. Many times not seriously desirable cars go cheap at times. It is a hobby though and a lot of speculators are buying whenever the stock market looks questionable. It has been a long time since old cars where only basically sold as hobby interests.

There are also more games in play today as with any other segment of used cars as well.

The Hudson then is pretty comparable to the Stude Coupe express.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adriel (Post 3482588)

Sorry I wasn't clear. More some engines are willing to come to life easier than others. That is what I was asking.

It should be a 289c.i., being the top trim.

Right now, just in the mulling over part, but, hope doesn't need a rebuild, as be a major setback.

Why not economic? Looks less than an air cooled Volkswagen engine and many parts seem to not be made in Asia (if you want German, an engine quickly climbs in price and time).

That is one reason so tempting. However, I can't get ahold of the person that currently has her. But, got enough on my plate now and good things come to those that wait. ;)

I really don't feel there is an opportunity, as don't have any details of the change of caretaker. If Moe gave it to him, then one thing. But if sold, there be no opportunity. Also, why did it change and Moe bought an Audi? Could be the same reason my Volkswagen got abandoned: new vehicle.

So glad to have your reply! :D

My understanding from Moe is rod bearings need to be changed now and then. Apparently one time even did it in the Church parking lot. :P That is if I have the right vehicle, but believe right.

Then, by the little research I have done, lot of times just need a few things, rather than a full rebuild/regrind, were as a Volkswagen air cooled engine better off to replace everything or regrind it.

However, as I said, really don't want a project. Also, really should get the '79 Mercedes TD out and the Volkswagen addressed; doubt the land lord want me having four vehicles here, especially with one not running. This just got me thinking need to start the ball rolling.

Great, seem to end up with vehicles that parts are unobtainable and the folks selling want an arm and leg, but then complain when they need to buy and prices are what they forced the market to sell at.

Probably more reliable than my Volkswagen, because in my youth, I was ignorant. Plus, should be a whole lot less electrical considering carburetor versus F.I. and about 20 years older.

Speaking of which, even looks like a lot of the rubber is available for a decent price, unlike the Squareback and especially the TD-T.

This is the desert, so long as the seals didn't leak, should be minimal. I am tired of getting rusty vehicles, even the minor hides much worse. Bet spend most of its life outside. I rather have a good body with beat out interior and paint. Can always toss some large towels on the seat and wax the body.

Again, if I was to consider getting the Studebaker, it be just to get back on the road and drive as is. That is what I did with the Squareback, until the fuel pump was having issues, something with the electrical I.I.R.C., and then found the rockers were rotted; didn't feel safe or responsible to drive a vehicle who's structure is compromised. I don't have the funds for a welder, nor any friends with one I can borrow.

The Department of Motor Vehicles could probably help you find the car..if it hasnt been to the crusher...

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth (Post 3482671)

The Hudson then is pretty comparable to the Stude Coupe express.

Well one has to seriously wonder about the prices today. On a todays cost spectrum I found the 34 Hudson terraplane coupe to be perhaps decent value at 29k. This aging syndrome I am trapped in has issues. Twenty nine thousand is really not much money anymore at all. Yet I still come from a time that it was a decent sum. .

The guy has put a lot of money and thought into it. I would not even want the bill for the custom wire wheels with the terraplane logo centers. Aftermarket mustang clip etc.

Of course one would have to inspect the car very carefuly. Photos can be very deceiving. I have a suspicion he too is just an older guy selling off a couple of items. I honestly know and feel one could not reproduce his overall package for anywhere near his asking price today.

That is often the case.

I know, I still remember buying levis on sale for $12.;)

The supercharged hawks are great looking machines. I have a friend restoring one for one of his sons. Not sure which son, but one is the archivist for the National Stude Museum. My friend also has a 29 commander, but he is just doing an engine rebuild - the lady did not know hoe to use a choke and would just lay the gas down all the way to get it warmed up.

I think in total he has around 7 restored Studes. At least one donated to museum, green "farm" truck. I dont know the models well. He helps me with car stuff and I help him with computer stuff.

Edit: The Hawk, an R2 I think, amused me when I saw the Avanti badge but he explained why they used it. The supercharger was the Avanti package. Like a trim kit or something.