1950 2R5 1/2 Ton - Help a newby out?

[Mrs K Corbin]

got a part# on that radiator?

[JesseKilgore]

got a part# on that radiator?

Thanks, Im happy with it so far. Not a perfect fit but nothing a little strip of alum from the local big box hardware store and some drilling couldn't fix.

You can find it here:
49-52 STUDEBAKER ALL ALUMINUM RADIATOR CC4952 (#CC4952)

http://www.championcooling.com/product/cc4952-3-row-all-aluminum-radiator/

[JesseKilgore]

Took the parts to ATI (Merced, CA) and they can re-hone the wheel cylinders (89 each if I bought new) and they had a cap that will work for the master cylinder fill plug (another 90 bucks or so for a new master cylinder) plus tax and shipping... added bonuses: they also reline brake shoes and had the 20+ feet of brake line I needed in stock plus fittings.

Got Fresh cut gaskets for my master cylinder and fuel sending unit made up. Master and Wheel cylinders all rebuilt. Got my brake line and fittings all, installed and bleed.

The Studebaker moved under its own power. Only three feet forward and it stopped but it counts. Gotta dial in the carb better and fix my throttle linkage. Stuck wide open a few times lol Also had to figure out the shifting pattern on the column. Never drove one before so that was fun.

I am going to wrap up the linkage and tune the carb a little better and try to test drive (more then three feet) sometime this weekend.

Updated photos below:

[JesseKilgore]

Well, My 2r5 motor decided it was time to retire. I got to drive it around for a bit and loved it while it lasted but she now has a gnarley knock in the last cylinder. Still runs and drives but its knocking BAD!

This has presented me with a major dilemma that I am hoping one of you can provide some feedback/opnions on.

Should I:
1) Rebuild or Replace the stock motor for a stock motor
2) Use a 1963 Lark Dytona donor I got from a friend with 289 and 4 speed trans and posi-rear end under the 2R5
3) Find a Dodge Dakota (same track width and length) user the 2R5
4) Sale the Studebaker 2R5 to someone who is interested in a full restore because the truck is still in very good stock shape.

Any comments, suggestions etc are welcome.

thanks
-jes

[Skip Lackie]

I think most of us would recommend that your drop that 289 in there (either with the car 4-speed or a truck 3-spd/OD), as it can be done without requiring any special fabrication. Any V8 Stude parts truck will have every single item you need to make all the parts mate up. The Champion 6 was a fine engine in its time, but it's simply not capable of propelling that truck at modern highway speeds. If it was running fine, I would say keep it -- but since it has a terminal failure, I'd suggest replacing it with a Stude V8. You will still have a Stude truck, but one that can keep up with traffic.

If your truck has a model 44 axle (early 2R5s had a 41), you should be able to swap the ring and pinion from your TT axle, and continue to use your truck carrier. I don't believe the complete axles are interchangeable without some mods.

Yes, the Dakota is similar in size, but the existing Stude body will not simply drop on top of it. And even if it did, what you would have would be more Dodge than Studebaker. It really depends on what you want to have when you're done.

You asked for opinions, so there are a few. But it's your truck, and your decision. Just be happy with what course of action you choose. I don't think anyone here will pick on you for your choice.

[JesseKilgore]

My heart tells me to have the stock motor rebuilt, but you are totally right with the speeds of today's traffic. 55 is pushing it in that old truck. back roads and no highway is the only way to travel. Long trips are out. I also have to consider that my "final final" truck is not the Studebaker as much as I like it, its a late 20's early 30's ford pick up with Flathead 1949-53 V8 set up in it.

I'm the captain of the struggle bus right now that's for sure... Im almost tempted to get the motor rebuild, rewire and sale it. She is too amazing to go chopping or hacking on but that Studebaker 289 set up would be VERY cool!

[RadioRoy]

If you get the right parts, you can put the 289 in without chopping and hacking. I am against chopping and hacking, too, but you can do the 289 with just a bolt in job - if you find all the right parts.

[Mrs K Corbin]

I've got both.
A 57 Transtar V8 Automatic.
A '50 2R5 6Cyl O.D.
The '50 looks better, but it's a B#TCH to drive.
The 57 looks like h#ll, but before I tore it down for restoration would go anywhere.

When the 57 is done, the '50 is getting a 259, I think my 6 is about had it too....