Its Alive! 1955 Speedster runs after 45 years

[55s]

Here's a picture of one of my cars now running well and stopping. First two are pre-wash, but having just done the test runs. My son decided that it really needed a wash - so Pic 3 is after the wash. (He really likes this car now!) Yes, I do need some decent tires!

[2moredoors]

Good work Paul. Nice to know that you are making progress with your "stash" of vehicles, keep up the good/hard work.

[SN-60]

This is great news!..... Congratulations! Is this 6H-K5-2 ?

[Jefscoupe]

Funny how much better they look clean. My 48 really cleaned up nice.
Congrats on getting the ol' girl running. I hope to not be far behind.

[55s]

Besides replacing all of the brake lines and components on this, everything that had gas in it including the tank, lines and carburetor had to be redone. With respect to the gas tank, when I took it to Gas Tank Renu, I was told it was in excellent solid shape. They showed me about 30 much newer GM tanks that needed repair due to leaks. In addition, all of the gas lines and pick up tubes on those had to be replaced.

6HK5#2 is currently black (purchased that way in 1963), but of course was originally lemon-lime. Its in better shape.

[Studeous]

Congratulations on your start up. Wow! I think it's Beautiful as is. Just add hubcaps and some lark shine and It'll be better than Darryl Starbird's superflecked Moonbird! IMHO I just watched American Grafatti again.

[jimmijim8]

Amazing the number of rare Studes out there just waiting for some tinkering. You have a great starting point to having a fine car. It's right now fine but will be finer. keep on keeping on. cheers jimmijim

[warrlaw1]

Attaboy, Paul. For that car, I'd part with the spare Cokers I have. I also have your speedo cable. Good work!

[bosshoss61]

LOVE THE TRAILER HITCH Maybe a picture of what it originally towed?

[studebaker-R2-4-me]

Great news Paul , we are looking forward to seeing it on the road. BTW keep this car away from Caroline,...it's one of her favorites.

Allen

[52-fan]

I don't remember seeing a 55 in that color combination before. Looks really good.

[warrlaw1]

I have some slightly used car covers that will fit your car. My new one's in the mail.

[STEWDI]

Congrats, Paul and Kyle! One down, 149 to go!

[Pat Dilling]

Way to go. Amazes me how many of these fine rare cars survive. Can't wait to see this project progress.

[55s]

The good news is that the leather upholstery is very good in both cars and I have another original spare interior set with dash. Apparently, the owner of this Speedster bought 2 new Speedsters - a His and Hers - in 1955. Unfortunately, one was in a serious accident, so a bunch of original spare parts came with this one. Thank you for the offer of the Speedster wire hubcaps, but I believe I have a few sets. Unfortunately, one set was bent by a thief who was "bent" on stealing them and didn't know they were bolted on. (D'oh!).

Yes, if available, I will buy your spare tires Dave. Thank you!

The bad news is that the former owner (body shop) screwed on the side butter knife trim (through the trim) instead of using the proper fasteners. (hacker!). In addition, it has had an incomplete conversion to 12 volts.

Its not perfect, but it is a very good start!