1939 Studebaker coupe express - Page 29 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

SwampYankee · #**421** 12-27-2013, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

That is not decided. I like the convenience of the sealed beam but the original 39 headlight is so subtle as a styling statement....smooth. If I can get the original 39s working I might just go with them.

I agree. Unless you plan on lots of clandestine midnight moonshine runs, which isn't likely given your power train choice, the decrease in lighting performance is trumped by style.

Jim B. · #**422** 12-27-2013, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SwampYankee

I agree. Unless you plan on lots of clandestine midnight moonshine runs, which isn't likely given your power train choice, the decrease in lighting performance is trumped by style.

So you are saying "function is tethered to form's leash", no?

SwampYankee · #**423** 12-27-2013, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

So you are saying "function is tethered to form's leash", no?

Sometimes style is king!

barry12345 · #**424** 12-27-2013, 11:15 AM

There is a conversion kit to upgrade the reflectors with a more modern higher output twelve volt bulb. I still run the large reflectors in the 39 buick and that was the last year buick used them.

There is a kit by Dennis Carpenter for 39 fords that you should have a look at. Probably he has a website so you could get some ideal of what he has.

Since the teardrop headlight style is fairly similar some of the internals might work. Carpenters reproduction conversion maintains the exterior glass covers. Actually I wonder just how close they are to the Studebaker designs lights overall. Thirty nine ford headlights where a little more pointed at the lower end I fear though.

t walgamuth · #**425** 12-27-2013, 04:48 PM

I am going to try to find someone who will rebuild and update the 39 headlight, then I will add driving lights mounted on the bumper support.

I bought....its a vintique air....got it from summit off ebay for 343 or so.

I am pretty stoked up after today's visit to see the truck! The body work is all back on it now with very good shutlines on the doors and hood. The only thing needing repair now is the sills/rockers. We discussed location of battery, dash configuration, tail light location, exhaust location and headlight configuration. I am planning to use the original 39 headlights and add driving lights on the bumper brackets. I have some turn signal lights from a bugeye sprite which I believe we will mount under the headlights.

I am leaning toward black on the body but am considering two toning it with black fenders and some other color on the upper body.

Its sitting on its own wheels now with the front riding at least two inches too high because of too stiff springs. When sitting correctly the front will be down a bit but not as much as some. I think I'll be redoing all the chrome too. I have the bumpers on it now and they look fine. He has modified the air cleaner a bit so it fits inside the hood with the sides in place. He relocated the fresh air intake too so it will pick up outside air above the radiator.

Pretty exciting stuff.

I took my camera but found the battery dead....drat! Michael promised some pics today.

t walgamuth · #**426** 12-28-2013, 11:10 PM

I am hoping to enlist one of the young men here to help me mock up a photo with some paint options. Anybody game? I'll pay for help in money or parts.

Aquaticedge · #**427** 12-29-2013, 12:29 AM

If I still had Photoshop I'd love to... But alas my copy corrupted

sixto · #**428** 12-29-2013, 12:47 AM

Let's start with the old fashioned way:

This is a nice example in case it hasn't made it to this thread - http://www.arnoldclassiccars.com/5929.html

Sixto
87 300D

Aquaticedge · #**429** 12-29-2013, 01:25 AM

the reds are HOT and I do like the greens

sixto · #**430** 12-29-2013, 02:08 AM

I really like this color combo for a vintage ride -

1956 Volkswagen Beetle Older Resto Numbers Matching | eBay . Click the left profile picture an album since the listing pictures aren't available anymore.

Sixto
87 300D

t walgamuth · #**431** 12-29-2013, 08:17 AM

Whooooaaah! You have five or six there I have not seen before!

I think my favorite one at present is the sharp black one. The green one with the covered bridge behind has no spare in the fender. That is how mine is being built. My truck was black. I hate the maintenance necessary for a black car but this truck just looks very good to me in formal black.

I am thinking of two toning it with black fenders and black roof and hood and the area between the chrome strip that is on the door soft pastel yellow. I had a 53 Caddy with the black and yellow scheme and I still love it. I'd love to see what the truck looks like with yellow there and two examples.....one with a yellow bed and one with a black bed.

The only CE I have found two toned has orange body and root beer fenders....what was he thinking??????

Yesterday I got my model CE out (its a 37) which is baby blue and thought about painting it black and yellow. I used to paint model cars so I could do it. The masking of the small trim things looks a bit daunting.

t walgamuth · #**432** 12-29-2013, 08:36 AM

Here are some examples...one with no chrome, one 38 with the yellow I like, the unfortunate orange and root beer two tone and the really unfortunate three tone.

If I went with no chrome I think I'd have to not do two tones but would probably have to do a traditional flame job on the nose. The lovely Mrs. W likes flame jobs (gotta love that gal!)

ROLLGUY · #**433** 12-29-2013, 12:08 PM

Maybe I'm a little weird, but I like the tri-tone the best. These older vehicles with defined joints (and/or lines) in the body make this possible. Unlike todays cars that have very few breaks or defined lines in the body to make a mix of colors look appealing.

suginami · #**434** 12-29-2013, 12:30 PM

I also like the three tone, as well as the black and the fire engine red one.

t walgamuth · #**435** 12-29-2013, 04:34 PM

The three tone? Wow! It does not float my boat.