2R5 Truck Tailgate Stripes Question

[Robert Crandall]

I posted a Craigslist ad in the sale forum.

https://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/showthread.php?111747-2R5-Truck-Parts-Baltimore-Craigslist

I have a question for this forum: The tailgate stripes are painted the same as the letters. My truck does not have that, and I do not see that in any photos of trucks that I have seen. I like the look. Might that have been done at the factory sometime during production, or did someone do it later?

Thanks.

[52-fan]

Based on many pictures I have seen, I would say that the factory did not paint the raised ribs on the tail gates. I have seen trucks with it painted and it gives a little extra "pop" to that area.

[Robert Crandall]

Beautiful truck! Now I have seen two trucks painted that way. I note the above truck has two stripes above and below the letters, and the parts truck has three. Thanks.

[62champ]

I note the above truck has two stripes above and below the letters, and the parts truck has three. Thanks.

I might go out on a limb here, but I think when Studebaker widened the pickup beds in 1956, the tailgates on the beds were given two creases above and below the letters instead of the 49-55 three.

Someone else will correct if I am wrong.

[Skip Lackie]

I might go out on a limb here, but I think when Studebaker widened the pickup beds in 1956, the tailgates on the beds were given two creases above and below the letters instead of the 49-55 three.

Someone else will correct if I am wrong.

Agree -- the narrow tail gates had 6; the wide ones 4.

And I agree with 52-fan. I don't believe the ribs were painted by the factory. As a part of its sell-off, SASCO sold the template that had been used to paint the tailgate letters. There were no comparable templates for the ribs.

[jclary]

I like the painted ribs and have been tempted to paint mine. The science behind the ribs is as much for increased strength (if not more) than for looks. However, the added production time for such a precision task probably would have severely reduced the opportunity to make a profit. Competition already was tough enough in those days & tailgate stripes probably wouldn’t have sold more trucks.

[StudeNewby]

For what it's worth, I really like the painted stripes, especially on the wider tailgate. (Where should I deposit my two pennies?)