53 Convert

[BeeJay]

This is an article from a local cruise newsletter. It is 3-4 years old I think. Haven't heard of any updates but I did hear a year or so ago that the project was on hold waiting for more money.

BTW, I have the original artwork from De Fazio of the front view. Given to me by a customer I am building 60 Jag for.

If someone doesn't finish this, it would be a shame.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j30/Bobphyl/9415e273.jpg

Bob

Own '53 Commander Starliner. Red w/beige top. 350 Chev/700R4. Tilt,cruise,A/C.

[DEEPNHOCK]

Did you call him?
The phone number is listed on the picture.
Interesting idea's, but I'll bet a donut the widening of the car didn't happen. Everything would need widening..
The whole car narrows from the front bumper back.
I can't imagine the amount of time it wpuld take to widen the trunk lid and retain the curves...But you never know...
Jeff[8D]

quote:Originally posted by BeeJay

This is an article from a local cruise newsletter. It is 3-4 years old I think. Haven't heard of any updates but I did hear a year or so ago that the project was on hold waiting for more money.
BTW, I have the original artwork from De Fazio of the front view. Given to me by a customer I am building 60 Jag for.
If someone doesn't finish this, it would be a shame.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j30/Bobphyl/9415e273.jpg

Bob
Own '53 Commander Starliner. Red w/beige top. 350 Chev/700R4. Tilt,cruise,A/C.

[Scott]

Maybe it'd be cheaper to make one from scratch using the original design as a basis. I would bet there are still small shops in Italy that create one-offs. Brooks Stevens did it at least a couple times and the cars looked great.

[studegary]

It seems like it would be a lot easier to come up with a new four link rear suspension than to try to widen the body out to accomodate the "stock Corvette rear suspension." I also wonder how much they know about Studebakers when they say that they got the convertible top "from a 1959 Studebaker Lark", since Studebaker did not make a convertible for the 1959 model year.

Other than the factory prototype, there have been several '53-'54 convertibles made, but they all kept the stock dimensions of the body, except for shortening the car to a two seater in some cases. This car looks good on paper, but I doubt that it will be built as described.

Gary L.
1954 Commander Starliner (restomod)
1959 DeLuxe pickup (restomod)

[Roscomacaw]

Yet another pipe dream. [:0]

Miscreant at large.

1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe
1957 President 2-dr
1955 President State
1951 Champion Biz cpe
1963 Daytona project FS

[wcarroll@outrageous.net]

Been toying with the idea of GT tail lamps on my '54 especially considering how hard it is to find good '53/'54 castings. Nice to see a rendering of what they would look like!

[JDP]

You'll have a issue with the rear fender stainless since the GT lamps fit into the GT trim. (taller)

Studebaker On The Net http://stude.com
64 R2 4 speed Challenger
63 R2 4 speed GT Black
63 R2 4 speed GT White
63 Avanti
54 3R Pickup

[wcarroll@outrageous.net]

Yes, and in addition to the way the trim fits I believe the rear fender corner itself is different. Not sure yet if I want to modify the fenders or the GT taillamp housings -probably do the fender mods and use the GT trim and housing. Got a ways to go before I get there. This Avanti I picked up has been very disracting! Amazing how different they look in person. All the pics I've seen fail to capture the unique lines of these cars.

[Guest]

I have seen 2 convertibles, one normal 53 and one turned into a roadster 2 seater (Shortened)

the convertible looked great with the top up, with it down, it
looked kinda goofy. The Roadster one was just ugly from the side
and back.