I bought this car from Pat Drnec in February of 2012. Pat has built many fine Studebakers including the Daytona hardtop he still owns. On this wagon, Pat got as far as having a professional base/clear paint job done on a rust free car, then life happened and he decided to sell it as a work in progress. Here's how it looked when it came off the trailer in Bellingham...
Pat included every thing he had for the car (and then some)...
Once I unloaded (and sorted), I could see the car was just as Pat described. There was no sign of any repaired rust. The pro body and paint work was excellent. The car was obviously taken completely apart when it was painted.
I started into it in ernest. I do a combination of cosmetic and mechanical projects on most cars. It keeps me more interested in the project to see it progressing in both areas. I assembled some of the trim and had Jerry Forester do the chrome. I also finished rebuilding and assembling the front end, rebuilt the power steering and other sub assemblies, new exhaust system, etc.
In June of 2012 I had an opportunity to consult for a start up Light Sport Aircraft manufacturer in Southern California. Too much fun to turn down, so the Wagonaire went on hold until that assignment was finished a year later. I'm back on it now and making progress. I finished wiring it last week...
...and today it was licensed and insured! I've put about 10 miles on it so far. At 100 or so I should have all the bugs sorted out.
The next step in the interior. I did dye the dash that Pat had recovered and it came out fine...
Pat had found a set of the Lark Bird portion of the seat material. This is the only part of the seats that can't be easily duplicated by a shop...
I got some near NOS door panels (and many, many other parts) from Bob Peterson.
I'll use a local upholster here to duplicate the stock seat colors and pattern.
This one has taken MUCH longer to do than is normal for me...due to the distraction of the consulting assignment...but I'm on the homestretch now.
), but I really do like these occasional consulting gigs. They have been a lot of fun and contribute a little towards other car projects also. 
...so I installed them anyway. It certainly can be confusing to someone who might give it a jump start.
. I might have liked that 40 years ago, but being in the youth of my old age, it is not an attractive sound to me. I tried to camouflage it by painting it semi flat black, but obviously that didn't do the trick. I do want to try a couple other carbs on this engine. When I decide on one, I'll up the air cleaner size...hopefully to a stock or stock looking one.
). I just got back cruising down to Brian Curtis' place and back (about 25 miles). Oil pressure was steady mid scale the whole trip. Thanks for the great engine!
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