commander difference

[Endl98]

ok all, I am looking for a next project car and some of the 1953/54 commanders catch my eye. But I see some are listed as commanders some starliners, what is the difference ? are they listed wrong or is it a trim package or different car all together.

Eric

[studegary]

ok all, I am looking for a next project car and some of the 1953/54 commanders catch my eye. But I see some are listed as commanders some starliners, what is the difference ? are they listed wrong or is it a trim package or different car all together.

Eric

You are sort of comparing apples and oranges. For 1953-1954, Commander simply denotes a V8 (Champion is a six) in any body style. A Starliner is a hardtop (K body) and can be either a Commander (V8) or Champion (6).

[PackardV8]

ok all, I am looking for a next project car

More info from Eric would get more specific advice. Yes, there are also different trim levels, but mainly of interest to those doing a restoration; for a modified/custom, not so much. For a driver, the '54s have some definite mechanical improvements; for a modified, not so important.

jack vines

[Endl98]

ok well im going to look at the tan one , but i love the look of this black one, i know its not stock, but before i buy the wrong model. i wanna know what im look at and for. ok mso i guess im looking for a starliner then. what year is better, im looking to build a car , not restore to stock.

[TWChamp]

The 53 and 54 is such a beautiful design that even the post in the C style would never be a deal killer for me.
I'd love to own a 53 or 54 in either a C or K body style.
The only deal killer for me would be too much rust, or too modified.

[StudeRich]

What Year is "Better"?

For a Street Rod as you were told, it should not matter, because the "Upgrades" on the "Better" 1954's are things you may not care about or remove, except the "Batwing" Crossmember.

1) Much better 11 Inch Front, 10 Inch Rear self energizing Brake Systems developed.
2) The Join/Weld and Leaded in Seam was removed on the "C" Pillar to lower Body.
3) The "Batwing" Door Post supporting Crossmember was added under the "A" Pillars.
4) The "Toothed" Center Bars were used in the Side Grills.
5) New Tail Light Housings and Lenses were on '54's also New Trunk Handle and Locks and relocated.
6) Late '53's and '54's had almost all of the upside down Mercedes like Tri-Stars removed all over the Car at their request.
7) Instrument Cluster on Commanders went from "4 Hoods" to one Enclosure.
8) Rear Seat Center Arm Rest changed to delete Storage Box and be removable.

Note: The 13 Ga. Frames on both Champion & Commander "K" Bodies were not improved to 11 Ga. until the 1962 GT Hawk Hardtops came out.
On a 120 1/2 Inch Wheelbase Car, this amounts to quite a bit of Flexing.

[Endl98]

Well I'm looking I may even look up to 55 . They kinda look like a whale shark or a vacuum cleaner . But I am selling my 1970 BBC nova . I hope to get $25k from that, this way I can use the funds to either buy a custom or build to suite. Perfect world would be a trade.

[Endl98]

what is the difference between a starliner and a starlite

[rockne10]

The Starliner is a hardtop without a dividing B pillar, like a convertible. The rear quarter window cranks down. The Starlight Coupe has a full frame around the front doors, a dividing B pillar and a hinge-out rear quarter window.

[StudeRich]

That question was just brought up here 3 days ago:

http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/showthread.php?99141-Starlight-or-Starliner

[Studeous]

PM has been Sent

[Endl98]

PM has been Sent

if that PM was for me , i did not receive it.

[Endl98]

The Starliner is a hardtop without a dividing B pillar, like a convertible. The rear quarter window cranks down. The Starlight Coupe has a full frame around the front doors, a dividing B pillar and a hinge-out rear quarter window.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]61844[/ATTACH]

Ok thank you. im kinda torn , i think i like the starlight with the piller trim. gives it a smaller window chopped look.

[StudeRich]

Obviously SOME people here did not grow up in the 1960's!

In those Days, a 2 Door Hardtop Convertible was the ONLY Body type to own, except for Dad's and Grandfathers!

If a young person, who for some reason HAD to Drive a 4 Door, everyone would laugh and say look at _ _ _ _ _ _ driving Daddy's Car!

[Caso wannabe]

Exactly, StudeRich hit the nail on the head,as usual.