Nice work and an interesting build! Thanks for the updates. BP
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1939 Commander coupe
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We've got to quit saying, "How stupid can you be?" Too many people are taking it as a challenge.
G. K. Chesterton: This triangle of truisms, of father, mother, and child, cannot be destroyed; it can only destroy those civilizations which disregard it.
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Not much progress except finally getting the super crusty hood hinge bolts free without any damage.
I have been held up by machine shop delays.
Hemi Exhaust manifolds had studs broken off and I had to modify my steering column drop.
Apparently the Cadillac tilt column is the odd man out when it comes the statement
Fits "Most" GM and aftermarket columns.
But parts are finally back in my hands so I can make sure the steering works around the exhaust now.
measure often, drill and cut onceLast edited by HemiCoupe; 08-25-2016, 08:41 AM.
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Still busy collecting parts, but the body is off the frame now. Pretty interesting since I was by myself on this part. Lots of jackstand moving.
I also ordered boxing plates for the frame rails today.
Hopefully there will be some real progress now that I'm to this point.
Exhaust on the drivers side may prove to be tricky due to using the original brake pedal.
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Its not glamours, but the frame is boxed and just needs a few more feet of welding. All in all I added about 15 feet of 1/8 plate to the close up all the C channel areas. Its so much stronger now I can't even believe it. I did have to open up the holes on the frame for the 3 bolt to two bolt adapter so I can add the Willwood MC but its going to be super easy. The bolted in pc of 1/4 plate is my rear transmission cross member for the 700R4 now also. I wanted it to be removable to make it easier to remove engine / trans from the bottom in the future. And the little V cuts on the outside frame rail boxing plates are for access to the body to frame bolts. I wasn't sure what I was going to do there, but this seemed the easiest. Really glad I did this BEFORE welding it all in place.
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Good progress! And keep those pictures coming, we like pictures.
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I finally have all the down and dirty chassis work done. I finished up the rear air ride mounts yesterday and finished up the POR 15 paint job on the frame.
This is my firs time using gloss black. I usually use Satin or flat but it never looks clean. I'm pleased with the glossy look.
If any of you ever decide to go with an old HEMI the HotHeads stuff is terrific! This GM transmission adapter and flywheel are top notch. But Beware! These old Hemi flywheels and crankshafts have 8 non threaded bolt holes. you have to use special bolts and nuts and this only goes on one way. The hole pattern is NOT evenly spaced, and its a light press fit to boot!
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Well I got sidetracked on 42 Ford project for for a few months but its finally up for sale so its back to work on the 39.
The Studebaker body is back on the frame now. The WillWood MC fit perfectly in place of the original with the help of a 3 bolt to 2 bolt adapter.
I am able to use the original pedal and brake rod. I just reduceed the thread size on the original rod from 7/16 24 to 3/8 24 and joined them together with a coupling nut. Easiest brake conversion yet!
I picked up a 37 Stude banjo steering wheel so that is the next project. Building a steering column. Also the swap meet bench seat from a 48 ford coupe is a perfect fit. More photos later this week of that stuff.
Last edited by HemiCoupe; 03-13-2017, 11:57 AM.
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Originally posted by HemiCoupe View Post[ATTACH=CONFIG]56148[/ATTACH]
And as to the color, Im thinking something similar to this, but with a dark charcoal interior. At least that is what I think today...Diesel loving, autocrossing, Coupe express loving, Grandpa Architect.
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And now im thinking of going back very close to the original maroon color.... I have no idea what color this thing will end up! I really like the way it looks now so it will run like this for a least a year while I repaint my 56 Merc
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Just had to stop in and say that I really enjoy this thread and I hope to continue to see more of the work you are getting done HemiCoupe. I joined this forum recently because I wanted to carry out a similar project to what you're doing with a friend of mine. Due to our time constraints I'd say its going to be a two year project, but we're looking on settling on the studebaker model first before we lay out the rest of our plans. Just looking at your pictures and the amount of work you have put into it has really inspired me to get it done! Looks really awesome, I hope to see and learn more about it.
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Thanks! this one hits the 2 year mark next month but I have done a few other smaller projects in between.. Time and money are the big issues on a complete ground up project. And these 39 Stude parts are not just lying around everywhere. It took a year and a half to come up with a pair of reasonably priced 38 tail lights. and Im still missing a few things that I have no idea what I will end up doing. I want an original trunk latch but I don't think its gonna happen. And I plan on removing the wing windows and having a full length door glass. I think the wing window really detracts from the flow of of the cars look.
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