Jeff
Rice's
1937 Studebaker
Jeff's '37 Studebaker was originally built in
South Bend Indiana in 1937 and delivered to Maine. There, it spent
it's working life hauling and then was subsequently parked in a wooded
area. Time took it's toll as the frame rails and lower body panels rusted
through. The occasional Hunter used the old truck as a target, luckily
most of the wounds were just superficial. Jeff dragged out the
classic "Stude" and cleaned her up. A worthwhile effort as you can see.
The goal was to have a comfortable and
reliable street rod that holds reverence to the original style from
Studebaker. Once home in Jeff's garage the work began. Here is a
rundown on the new sticker since the truck was "found again":
- A Camaro front clip was installed with a matching 350 4 bolt main engine.
- TH350 Transmission.
- The front sheet metal was re-hung and lined up.
- 9" narrowed Ford w/ a Auburn posi rear end 3.55 ratio R&P.
- A pair of Moser axles were installed.
- Buick Riviera rear calipers (with parking brakes).
- Upper control arms similar to upper 4 link bars work to control the torque.
- Specialty power windows supplied the window motors and the wiper system.
- Cruise control is mounted under the dash and is not visible under the hood.
- A GM tilt column is used with a custom banjo leather covered steering wheel.
- A/C controls are hidden in the glove compartment.
- The A/C lines are all Aeroquip braided stainless steel.
All of the brackets and machined pieces are home built. The bed cover is held up with gas struts. The truck is now in it's shakedown phase and some good time cruising miles are being put on it.
The truck attends shows and cruises in the
southeast. It's a great cruising machine for two. Jeff plans
on fiddling with the little details until it is just so....in true hot
rodder tradition.
It's great to see that hobbyist like Jeff are still tackling the tough projects.
It's great to see that hobbyist like Jeff are still tackling the tough projects.
