Differences in Transtars ( and what happened in 1959?)

[hmmca]

I am looking for a Studebaker truck and while some nice people have me now looking for other Stude models I am still looking for info on the transtar.

So what are some differences in the years, and in 1959 are they still the same truck ( they look the same) just not called transtar for that year? They seem to be quite a bit cheaper also.

Thanks for any information.

Greg

[Skip Lackie]

The Transtar name originated with the 1956 2E models, and continued to be used on the C-cabs, except 1959, until the end. The 2E series introduced the taller hood with the Studebaker emblem embedded in it, but continued to use a modified version of the 54-55 grille, with the parking lights moved down to the bottom. The dashboard and instrument cluster were also the same as in the 54-55 models.

The full-width fiberglass grille started with the 3E models and went to the end. The dashboard became a flat plate instead of having places for the heater controls and radio. The instruments were simplified with idiot lights for oil and amps. More interior color combinations became available. For reasons unknown, the Transtar name was dropped during the 1959 4E series. However, C cabs continued to be available in both standard (C2) and deluxe (C4) versions. 1959 was the last year the chrome bumper was available. The Transtar name and full instrumentation returned with the 1960 5E series.

There is absolutely no difference in the year-to-year quality of anything on these trucks. However, in any given year, the C4 deluxe models had more chrome, a few extra features, and some extra color options.

The Scotsman, built in 1958 and 59 only, used the same body panels, but used a modified version of the 2R grille and came without such features as two arm rests, two sun visors, etc.

More info here:

http://www.studebakerdriversclub.com/StudebakerTruckHistory.asp

[PackardV8]

Were the taller section front bumpers added to 1/2t and 3/4t pickups in '57 and carried through to '64? Were they just the same as what had been used on previous larger-than-3/4 trucks? Whichever, with the taller bumper and big fiberglass grille used on Transtars, it's obvious the designers were trying to butch-up the relatively svelte R-series styling. Some like it; some not so much.

BTW, hmmca, there are substantial differences in the way the 112" short box 1/2t drive and feel versus the longer 1/2t and the 3/4t are very different again. The 1t and larger M, R and E trucks look way cool, but again put some miles behind the wheel before buying any Stude truck.

jack vines

[Skip Lackie]

The 1949-56 truck bumpers had a slight curve/arc to them, while the 57-64 bumpers were straight across. Both little and big trucks got new bumpers in 1957. The smaller one was used on 1/2 and 3/4-ton C-cabs through 1959. The large one was used on the larger trucks to the end in 1964.