I recently purchased my first Studebaker, a 1953 Commander that was restored about 10 years ago and then parked. I've put a few miles on it since purchase, but it needs some work to make it safe and drivable. However, before I start spending money on it, I need to figure out what direction I'm going with it. And this is where my quandary starts. The trunk, rear quarters, and floor boards were badly rusted at one point and the previous owner cut out the rust and replaced with fiberglass.
I'm seriously considering taking the car apart and cutting out the fiberglass and replacing with metal, but wanted to get some more opinions. If I disassemble the car, it would obviously drive the cost of restoration up, but would leave me with a better car in the long run I think.
As the car sits now, it looks ok but is serious need of a paint job, suspension work, brakes, and leaks oil pretty badly, although the engine runs strong. So, even if I leave the fiberglass, it needs quite a bit of work to make safe and drivable as it sits.
Should I proceed forward with getting rid of the fiberglass and replacing with metal? I'm most worried that I bought a heap.... But I've wanted a '53 so long, I want to build and drive a car I'm happy with... From what I can tell, most of the parts are available. Thanks for the input!
I'm seriously considering taking the car apart and cutting out the fiberglass and replacing with metal, but wanted to get some more opinions. If I disassemble the car, it would obviously drive the cost of restoration up, but would leave me with a better car in the long run I think.
As the car sits now, it looks ok but is serious need of a paint job, suspension work, brakes, and leaks oil pretty badly, although the engine runs strong. So, even if I leave the fiberglass, it needs quite a bit of work to make safe and drivable as it sits.
Should I proceed forward with getting rid of the fiberglass and replacing with metal? I'm most worried that I bought a heap.... But I've wanted a '53 so long, I want to build and drive a car I'm happy with... From what I can tell, most of the parts are available. Thanks for the input!
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