How To: Build that elusive C/K Roadster in Four Easy Steps.

[mbstude]

Building Studebaker Roadsters out of C/K cars seems to be a hot topic of late. Today, I spent less than half an hour creating one myself.

Step One: Find the C/K Studebaker of your dreams. In this case, a rare and highly sought after '61 Hawk.



Step Two: Using precise measuring, lay out exactly where you want the cuts to take place. Then, ignore that and proceed to butcher the roof pillars with your favorite Reciprocating Saw. A sledge hammer and chisel may be utilized in order to break free any remaining metal that the saw can't reach. Ignore any wiring or upholstery. (Who needs it? Come on. We're building a hot rod, for cryin' out loud.)



Step Three: After CAREFULLY cutting through the A, B, and C pillars at the precise locations (or, wherever you feel like cutting), remove the roof. (Note: C body owners, now is the time to slice and dice the door frame in order to achieve the sleek look you're after).



Please be extra cautious regarding Step Three. You don't want to scuff the paint on the roof.



Step Four: Load up your favorite companion and cruise around, taking full advantage of your extensively thought out and well done custom Studebaker Roadster.




The next How To will focus on building a similar (yet completely different! crazier! wilder!) '49 Commander four door touring car. Stay tuned!

[rockinhawk]

Watch out for that Junk Yard Dog!!

[tony58]

Hey!Some folks would call that a "RAT ROD" and try to sell it for big bucks...
Tony

[mbstude]

The only worries with that menacing dog is making sure you have enough snacks around. She might High Five you.

And, good news! This lovely one of a kind custom could be yours for only 8 cents a pound!

[Flashback]

Matthew, where was you when I was cleaning up my salvage yard? LOL

[sals54]

[jclary]

.....and make sure to keep your tetanus shot up to date!

[52 Ragtop]

Matt!
That would have buffed out!!!

Jim

[bezhawk]

An Avanti would have cut up much easier!

[PlainBrownR2]

An Avanti would have cut up much easier!

Ooh, oh, ouch! Somewhere, someplace, an Avanti owner and their pride was just seriously wounded!!

You know there's alot of weight savings by removing the roof, fenders, trunk, hood, frame, wheels, and engine. There's enough snow up here still that it could be now useful as either a roadster or if that doesn't work, a toboggan!

[woodysrods]

WE hope to follow your build on this project with interest!
But just a note or personal observation......you could have saved a ton of money if you would have started with a better car! And used a K instead of a C.
Good Roads
Brian

[jimmijim8]

Why didn't you take off the valueable parts off before cutting it up? jimmijim

[mbstude]

Jimmijim's '55 President hardtop is in the shop. Maybe that would make a better roadster candidate?

.....Just kidding, Jim!

On a serious note.. Trust me, nothing usable at all will be cut up and scrapped. But with nearly 30 Studebaker parts cars sitting in the yard, lots of them with no good parts left, it's time to clean up a bit. I thought I'd post some of the cleanup process here for some lighthearted fun.

[DEEPNHOCK]

Matthew...
Is there anything decent on that roof section?
Or the doors?

[53k]

An Avanti would have cut up much easier!

But don't try cutting it with a torch...