Bob Bourke and painting the '55 grille.

[Hippie]

I just picked up the November 1986 issue of Turning Wheels with the article by John Bridges about Bob Bourkes '55 prototype and what he thought the '55 should have looked like. Although it sounds like the "fish mouth" grille that went into production was not his first choice he originally designed it to be painted and the top brass made the decision to chrome it. If the man that designed it thought it should have been painted then I feel a lot better about painting mine. I REALLY like the grille on his personal prototype though. Also it mentioned some bracing he added to the floor pans, is there anywhere I can get some more detail on that? Anyone know where I could get a copy of "Bob Bourke Designs For Studebaker"?

Analog man in a digital world.

[Mark57]

I believe SI still carries "Bob Bourke designs for Studebaker".

<h5>Mark
'57 Transtar
3E-6/7-122 </h5>

[Mark57]

I believe SI still carries "Bob Bourke designs for Studebaker".

<h5>Mark
'57 Transtar
3E-6/7-122 </h5>

[rockne10]

They list it as Part # 800470, $29.95.

[rockne10]

They list it as Part # 800470, $29.95.

[Hippie]

Thanks! [8D]

Analog man in a digital world.

[Hippie]

Thanks! [8D]

Analog man in a digital world.

[S2DSteve]

I have seen several 55's over the years with painted grills, and (especially in the darker colors) it definitely cleans up the front. It is a neat bit of affirmation to learn that Bob Bourke favored that treatment.


Steve Hudson
The Dalles, Oregon
1937 Dictator Flatback sedan (for sale)
1949 "GMOBaker" 1-T Dually (workhorse)
1953 Commander Convertible (show & go)
1953 Champion Starliner (custom/rod project)
1954 Champion Coupe (daily driver)
1960 Hawk (future project?)

[S2DSteve]

I have seen several 55's over the years with painted grills, and (especially in the darker colors) it definitely cleans up the front. It is a neat bit of affirmation to learn that Bob Bourke favored that treatment.


Steve Hudson
The Dalles, Oregon
1937 Dictator Flatback sedan (for sale)
1949 "GMOBaker" 1-T Dually (workhorse)
1953 Commander Convertible (show & go)
1953 Champion Starliner (custom/rod project)
1954 Champion Coupe (daily driver)
1960 Hawk (future project?)

[rockne10]

I think the C/K's still look sharp but, when it's done on the sedans, they look a little bit gooney.

[rockne10]

I think the C/K's still look sharp but, when it's done on the sedans, they look a little bit gooney.

[jnewkirk77]

IMHO, the sedans need all the help they can get ... I love 'em all, but honestly! My brother, who has ZERO interest in cars, told me once that the '53-55 sedans look to him like a caricature of the C-K's.

I can't remember, but was the "flying V" or "flying wing" in the '55 grille part of the original package, or was Bob Bourke ... ummm ... "persuaded" to include that, as well???

Jacob Newkirk - Owensboro, KY

KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL! Drive a Studebaker!

[jnewkirk77]

IMHO, the sedans need all the help they can get ... I love 'em all, but honestly! My brother, who has ZERO interest in cars, told me once that the '53-55 sedans look to him like a caricature of the C-K's.

I can't remember, but was the "flying V" or "flying wing" in the '55 grille part of the original package, or was Bob Bourke ... ummm ... "persuaded" to include that, as well???

Jacob Newkirk - Owensboro, KY

KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL! Drive a Studebaker!

[Hippie]

According to the article the V or "floating duck" as it was referred to was not Bob's idea, he had a mesh grille in it. I have seen one done with a painted grille shell and a mesh grille. It looked more like a '50s European sports car from the front than a Studebaker

Analog man in a digital world.

[Hippie]

According to the article the V or "floating duck" as it was referred to was not Bob's idea, he had a mesh grille in it. I have seen one done with a painted grille shell and a mesh grille. It looked more like a '50s European sports car from the front than a Studebaker

Analog man in a digital world.