1953 frame to 59 wagon swap

[bridgegaurd]

How much trouble would it be to put a 1959 2dr. wagon on to a 1953 Studebaker Starlight frame.

[rockne10]

I think there's a 4-1/2 inch difference in the wheelbase.

[JDP]

quote:Originally posted by bridgegaurd

How much trouble would it be to put a 1959 2dr. wagon on to a 1953 Studebaker Starlight frame.

Pretty darn hard, different wheelbase and body mounts for a start and why would you want to ?

JDP Maryland

[woodysrods]

It is not that difficult to swap chassis in cars. Most of the time it is just a wheel base ajustment, done by shortening the frame. Lengthening a frame is a little more difficult and not very practical. I am not familier with the wheel base of 59 wagon, but I doubt it is longer than the 120 1/2" 53 frame. I might be something you should leave to a reputable Street Rod Shop.
Good Roads
Brian

Brian Woods
woodysrods@shaw.ca
1946 M Series (Shop Truck)

[Chris_Dresbach]

quote:Originally posted by bridgegaurd

How much trouble

A whole bunch![:0][B)] But if you can do it, go for it. I'm interested in seeing the finished product.

Chris Dresbach. South Bend, In.

1940 Champion two door.
Parts of the 1952 Model N prototype.
1963 Prototype cart built by Studebaker.

[candbstudebakers]

WHY???

Candbstudebakers
Castro Valley,
California

[bridgegaurd]

quote:Originally posted by JDP

quote:Originally posted by bridgegaurd

How much trouble would it be to put a 1959 2dr. wagon on to a 1953 Studebaker Starlight frame.

Pretty darn hard, different wheelbase and body mounts for a start and why would you want to ?

JDP Maryland

Cause there is a modified and refreshed roller 53 frame with Fatman front and ford rear on craigslist for good price. And if i can't sell the 59 i'm going to rod it to the max. Gotta do something with that Cad 500.

[JRoberts]

It might be as easy to put a Fatman kit (or similar one of the similar units) on the '59 frame and go for it from there. Sounds like a great project. That Caddy in a Lark Wagon sounds so cool. Good luck with the project.

Joe Roberts
'61 R1 Champ
'65 Cruiser
Editor of "The Down Easterner"
Eastern North Carolina Chapter

[bridgegaurd]

quote:Originally posted by candbstudebakers

WHY???

Candbstudebakers
Castro Valley,
California

same reason as jumping out of planes, riding on a hood through a wall of fire, getting tasered for the experience or riding a parachute behind a truck at 50 MPH, or kissing a bull sea lion. why not?

[woodysrods]

Rather work on the chassis than all those other things[xx(]
Good Roads
Brian


Brian Woods
woodysrods@shaw.ca
1946 M Series (Shop Truck)

[bridgegaurd]

quote:Originally posted by woodysrods

Rather work on the chassis than all those other things[xx(]
Good Roads
Brian

It was all good, but the seal sure had some bad breath.
Here's the frame that made me ask the question, a lot of bang for the bucks. And a clean work platform.

http://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/1705739857.html