Anybody on this forum ever upgrade the front suspension/subframe on a '55 Studebaker Commander. I am looking for someone who has already done this . I was hoping to get some insight as to what you used ie. camaro front end ?what year? The vehicle currently has had a subframe replaced. Not sure what it is out of , but they stubbed it out too far so I want to replace it with maybe a Camaro subframe. Anybody have any thoughts? I am posting this for my uncle who is not the most computer savvy person.
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'55 Commander subframe/suspension
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Studebaker frames are very thin and meant to flex. When you stub them, they become stiff and concentrate stress at the point of weld. You should plate the whole frame if you stub it, in order to alleviate stress points. Could you post pics of your present frame? The studebaker front suspension really isn't bad with some mods so most guys replace the aframe bushings and check the trunions and kingpins and do a disc brake changeover and sway bar; maybe some quick steer arms. But, of course, that would involve replacing the frame back to stock.
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The problems encountered was mentioned above. But, somebody is
already in the middle of the creek, so, looks like you need to
procede. However the word "upgrade" is just as out of place, here
as it is on the sbc "upgrade". As already stated the way this is
done is all important. Plating in reduced thickness front to rear
wheel hump will help to reduce there being a central stress point.
Tex E. Grier
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Yes I am getting a 53 commander ready for the road now. It has a 79 camaro front clip installed ( I platted the juction and welded the bottom plate on the frame every 6 inches. I would recommend a different front clip due to the fact that the camaro front clip is about 63" wide compared to the Studebaker 53".So you need to think about your rear differential also.
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A neighbor across the road from me has a bodyshop and I believe he recently installed a Mustang II front-end and put a Chevy 350 in a 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk (same frame I believe as your 1955). If you need specifics, I could talk to him for you.
Brent's rootbeer racer.
MN iron ore...it does your body good.sigpic
In the middle of MinneSTUDEa.
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