new to SDC

[58 Transtar]

I am new to the SDC, but not new to the old cars. I have quite a few Crosleys, and am on the Board of Directors of the Crosley Automobile Club. I have had Studebakers since I was 16 (now 64) I just bought a pair of 58 Transtars out in Idaho. One was rolled over, and only the chassis was left. It has a dealer installed 352 Packard V8. It was one of 4 that the dealer installed the Packards into. They had a total of 8 that were used by a large company to haul potatoes from the local farms to the factory. I am in the process of rebuilding the Packard engine, and I will put this cab onto that chassis.
Barry Seel

[Mark57]

Welcome to the Forum and the SDC!

[ndynis]

Interesting story. Thanks for posting and welcome to the Forum. I hope you have joined the Studebaker Drivers Club as well. Tons of help and information here.

[58 Transtar]

Join the SDC club

Interesting story. Thanks for posting and welcome to the Forum. I hope you have joined the Studebaker Drivers Club as well. Tons of help and information here.

I did join the SDC club. I love the Turning Wheels. There is alot of info in there.
Barry

[Commander Eddie]

Welcome to the Forum Barry. Sounds like a good find with the trucks. The Packard engines were very good and should provide excellent service once rebuilt. We would all love to see photos of your progress. We are a very visually oriented group here.

[52-fan]

Welcome. You have an interesting truck for sure.

[SN-60]

That 'Packard into Stude truck' story needs to be expanded!!....Please tell us more, and post pix if you can!....Thanks!

[Sam Ensley]

Sounds as if you might have a good article for "Turning Wheels."

[53k]

I am new to the SDC, but not new to the old cars. I have quite a few Crosleys, and am on the Board of Directors of the Crosley Automobile Club. I have had Studebakers since I was 16 (now 64) I just bought a pair of 58 Transtars out in Idaho. One was rolled over, and only the chassis was left. It has a dealer installed 352 Packard V8. It was one of 4 that the dealer installed the Packards into. They had a total of 8 that were used by a large company to haul potatoes from the local farms to the factory. I am in the process of rebuilding the Packard engine, and I will put this cab onto that chassis.
Barry Seel

Very interesting to hear of another dealer installing Packard engines in Studebaker trucks. Many years ago (1973) I bought out a Studebaker dealer's parts. When I had most everything loaded he asked me if I would want a Packard engine. We walked to the back of his shop and, sure enough, there was a crate Packard V8. He said he bought it to install in a local farm truck when the Stude engine spun a bearing. The owner backed out and the dealer just kept the engine. I didn't take it, but let a man who needed it know about it. He did drive 350 miles one way the next week to pick up the engine.

[SN-60]

Since many of these Stude trucks used the HD T-85 (T-89) transmission, with a change in transmission input shafts this swap probably wasn't all that difficult to do.

They better of put stiffer springs under the front end though!

[StudeDave57]

Very cool!!!!
I am VERY interested in this swap for some reason...



Knowing what's used around here for potato hauling--
is it a safe bet that the chassis is a one ton or larger?

[Buzzard]

Welcome to the group Barry! You absolutely have to talk with Jack Vines (Mr. Packard) as he has a similar truck.
Good luck and cheers.
Bill

[58 Transtar]

Jack Vines has helped me with alot of parts to overhaul the engine. My chassis is a 1/2 ton, with a T86, and a Dana 44 4:27 rear. I will change the gear ratio to 3:73. I am going to use this to pull my enclosed car trailer with 2 Crosleys in it. This way I can show the Crosleys, and the Stude.
Barry

[58 Transtar]

The Packard engine is only 66 lbs heavier than the Studebaker V8

[Stude-Preferred]

Barry: Welcome aboard.
My Grandfather owned a successful Studebaker Dealership in St. Petersburg FL, but they did things the conventional way.
Stewart Jones Motors had a highly respected SERVICE department, as my Grandfather started his career as a mechanic.

Neat to hear about Packard V8s being installed into trucks by a Studebaker dealer. That was fairly progressive thinking, with the additional Torque and Horsepower.

I agree, a Turning Wheels article about your Transtar & the Dealer who did the upgrades would be of interest. Include plenty of pictures too.
It would be nice to know the Dealer's name & location.

Lets call them "Golden" Transtars, in honor of the 1956 Golden Hawks.


Keeping Studes Alive

Stude-Preferred
Atlanta GA