I was looking at the shop manual last night and noticed that the Champion and Commander suspensions are similar. Is it possible and or desirable ( at least from an availability \cost perspective) to convert the Commander to conventional shocks?
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50 Commander shocks
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You would have to fabricate shock mounts. This is not an unknown in the automotive world. The 46-48 Fords came with lever action shocks and many were converted to airplane type shocks. J.C.Whitney used to sell the kits, which included the shock mounts.
You just have to get the math/geometry right, especially around travel and angles. And you have to be able to weld and fabricate.
Since 50 Commanders are relatively rare in the grand scheme of all the antique cars out there, there might not be a lot of information about this particular modification. If there is any information, this is the place to get it.RadioRoy, specializing in AM/FM conversions with auxiliary inputs for iPod/satellite/CD player. In the old car radio business since 1985.
10G-C1 - 51 Champion starlight coupe
4H-K5 - 53 Commander starliner hardtop
5H-D5 - 54 Commander Conestoga wagon
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Originally posted by TWChamp View PostDoes anyone specialize in rebuilding the original knee action shocks for the 1950 Commander?
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I have installed the front suspension from a 50 land cruiser parts car in my shop in my 50 champion. To install airplane shocks you will need the lower mounts that bolt to the lower control arm from a 50 champion and drill holes to mount them. There is a hole in the top of the frame for the shock. Also the trunnion nut behind the knee action shock will have to be replaced as it has no grease fitting. The hardest part is removing the spring to drill the holes.sigpic
Barn Find
1950 Champion
Before I started
Jim Berry
Midlothian, TX
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I will be calling Five Points in Santa Ana tomorrow and will report my findings.
I also have a 50 Commander and would like to convert over to a coil over spring setup.
Question: Is the upper mount the same in both the Champion and Commander? If so, I only need to fabricate the lower mounting bracket??
DT Holder
1950 Commander
327 small block with turbo 350 trans
Bakersfield Ca.DT Holder - Bakersfield CA, USA
1950 Commander ("Resto-Mod" in progress)
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Your old shocks may just be out of adjustment, or low on oil. You DO know that they are adjustable don't you? This is why we always say get the shop manual for your car FIRST, then spend (waste) money after.!Bez Auto Alchemy
573-318-8948
http://bezautoalchemy.com
"Don't believe every internet quote" Abe Lincoln
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Originally posted by bezhawk View PostYour old shocks may just be out of adjustment, or low on oil. You DO know that they are adjustable don't you? This is why we always say get the shop manual for your car FIRST, then spend (waste) money after.!
I did not see any information on this in the service manual and I have all of the manuals on order from Studebaker International. (on CD)
I will look into adjusting them. They may very well be OUT of oil. Does anyone have a reference on this procedure???
Note: I have owned this car for 4 days.DT Holder - Bakersfield CA, USA
1950 Commander ("Resto-Mod" in progress)
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If you need new shocks I have many N.O.S. units some back to 1939 and a few earlier , not all are available
These are brand new in the original boxes for $95.00 each.
Robert Kapteyn
studebaker@mac.com
Text to 815 212 2389
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