Is the Avanti frame the same as one for a ‘53,’54 coupe ?

[Chopit]

Hi guys. I’m working on a belated promise. To build a slick ‘54 coupe for my Daughter. There is a guy who builds nice frames for the Avanti using modern suspension , etc. I believe years ago a Studebaker guy told me the coupe would fit right on the Avanti frame. Is this correct ? Thanks,Dave

[62champ]

Dave - do not think they are the same - the wheel base is 11.5” different from one to the other.

[DEEPNHOCK]

Art Morrison has a frame for a C/K Studebaker in his catalog ..

http://www.artmorrison.com/frames.php















(and he did Michael Scarabino's Daytona chassis, too).

[t walgamuth]

Wow! That black 53 is sweet!

[t walgamuth]

Art Morrison has a frame for a C/K Studebaker in his catalog ..

http://www.artmorrison.com/frames.php















(and he did Michael Scarabino's Daytona chassis, too).

Jeff, does it cost extra for an x member?

[Jerry Forrester]

Studebaker guy told me the coupe would fit right on the Avanti frame. Is this correct ? Thanks,Dave

....No.....

[jclary]

If memory serves me right (always suspect), even if their geometry is the same, somewhere I think I read that not even the 53 and 54 frames are the same? I'm thinking the '54 frame was made heavier/stronger than the '53?

[Dwight FitzSimons]

The wheelbase for all the C & K bodies (1953 coupe/HT all the way up to 1964 Hawk) is 120.5 inches. The wheelbase for the Avanti is 109 inches. The aftermarket Avanti frame would have to be lengthened 11.5 in.
-Dwight

[Jeffry Cassel]

No, it won't work, at least not easily. Avanti frame is based on Lark convertible frame. 63 or 64 GT Hawk frame is heavier than previous models and may be more easily adapted.

[candbstudebakers]

Hi guys. I’m working on a belated promise. To build a slick ‘54 coupe for my Daughter. There is a guy who builds nice frames for the Avanti using modern suspension , etc. I believe years ago a Studebaker guy told me the coupe would fit right on the Avanti frame. Is this correct ? Thanks,Dave

Dave, like other have said they are not the same, but a better frame for the 53-54 C or K cars would be from a later Cor K car, most like the 62-64 GT hawk frames they are thicker and have the bad wing cross member. You are new I see and live in Castro Valley, Ca. so do I here is my cell number if you want to talk about Studebaker's 510-266-2522 if no answer leave a text .....Bob

[DEEPNHOCK]

Jeff, does it cost extra for an x member?

Does not need one on the Morrison frame.

[Noxnabaker]

& I thought "x member" would be a joke vs "being or not being a member"...

[Chopit]

Ok , thank you ,Dave

[Chopit]

Hi Bob , we’ve met, I bought some stuff from you. You’ve been to my house just after you bought that Dodge wagon with the Hemi in it and you did a small burnout as you left. Just off of crow canyon road. I would not be surprised if that was 10 years ago the way time flys . I’m looking to get started on my Daughters coupe as I’m retired now. I’d like to put a nice frame under it. I have front and rear C-4 Corvette suspension , that I’d like to use . I’d also like to do the Gentleman’s chop on it . I’d like to stay away from Morrison as they are extremely proud of what the make. Like real proud.

[t walgamuth]

If memory serves me right (always suspect), even if their geometry is the same, somewhere I think I read that not even the 53 and 54 frames are the same? I'm thinking the '54 frame was made heavier/stronger than the '53?

yes.........