54 Champion Conestoga in UK

[65deluxe]

Hi Folks ,
Been lurking for a while and asking a few questions re panels etc .
So here is the reason why ....

I visited well know Studebaker man in the UK , Bill Baker , who had purchased a 1925 chassis from me and whilst we were having a walk around with him we saw a car under a cover . It had been sat there for some 10 years and had been in storage prior to that for a long time .
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As the cover came back to reveal the front - and the rust
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Once collected and back at my workshop - although it has suffered from the British Weather and the rust fairies , its fairly complete and the engine is free







However , inside the car where quite a few nice surprises - for example a pair of NOS bumpers


New grill inserts - again NOS in original boxes

Interior is a little shabby but is complete - including keys

I have a large selection of NOS lights and lenses and well as glass - grill surrounds etc


So thats what we have at the moment - Ive applied for the V5 ( registration Document ) and will have to wait to see what they do about that before i can get into the rust repair .

ill keep you updated as i go .
If anyone needs any bits please give me a shout as i have quite a lot with the car - please bare in mind I'm in UK though so postage to states could be expensive .

regards Jon

[doug]

It is too bad people "Protect" cars with cheap plastic covers.

[Noxnabaker]

Mighty cool!
Do you know history? I mean that I suspect it's been imported since it's left-hand drive.

[stude dude]

I think a pair of N.O.S. front guards (fenders) would be the first thing to look for. They are still available and cost less than a major rust repair.

Interesting that even though it is the lower level Champion 'Deluxe' it has been fitted with the top of the line Starline 8 valve push-button radio!

Chris.

[studegary]

It is too bad people "Protect" cars with cheap plastic covers.

And sitting on/sinking into the ground/dirt. I wonder what condition the frame is in. I assume that things like the fuel and brake lines are shot.

[8E45E]

British weather is murder on cars!!

Craig

[65deluxe]

Mighty cool!
Do you know history? I mean that I suspect it's been imported since it's left-hand drive.

Been in the country since 64 hence the uk B registration - originally from Canada and imported by owner I got it off - he has had it sitting for 20 ish years

[65deluxe]

And sitting on/sinking into the ground/dirt. I wonder what condition the frame is in. I assume that things like the fuel and brake lines are shot.

It actually is in very good condition especially through the middle underneath - I was quite suprised

[65deluxe]

I think a pair of N.O.S. front guards (fenders) would be the first thing to look for. They are still available and cost less than a major rust repair.

Interesting that even though it is the lower level Champion 'Deluxe' it has been fitted with the top of the line Starline 8 valve push-button radio!

Chris.

I am after fenders - but rust repair is free - I own a car restoration shop here in Uk !

[65deluxe]

British weather is murder on cars!!

Craig

you are not wrong buddy - mixture of rain and heavily salted roads

[8E45E]

you are not wrong buddy - mixture of rain and heavily salted roads

I read a number of British vintage car magazines each month, and am rather amazed at how fast and intense they rust out; but the same time, I'm also amazed at what many car restorers in the UK have brought back from the dead to 400 point restorations.

Craig

[voxnut]

Very cool! Congrats! One of my fave Studebakers, and the model that got me interested in the thought of someday owning a Stude when a friend owned one back in the mid-1990s, although I ended up purchasing a '61 Lark Wagon instead. Thanks for keeping us posted on the progress!

[Commander Eddie]

I think a pair of N.O.S. front guards (fenders) would be the first thing to look for. They are still available and cost less than a major rust repair.

Interesting that even though it is the lower level Champion 'Deluxe' it has been fitted with the top of the line Starline 8 valve push-button radio!

Chris.

Don't they call those "Wings" in Britain?

[65deluxe]

Don't they call those "Wings" in Britain?

Yes wings not fenders here - but when in Rome !

[8E45E]

Been in the country since 64 hence the uk B registration - originally from Canada and imported by owner I got it off - he has had it sitting for 20 ish years

Is that Conestoga made in Hamilton?

Craig