Scotsman Pickups

[Frank54]

I am still very new to Studebakers and continuing to learn things about them.
I have done some reading about the Scotsman trucks and have some questions.
At a glance how can I tell the difference between one of them and a 2R? How different are the grilles? I guess the Scotsman has a 1-piece windshield and larger rear window. The beds are wider than the older trucks, but how easily is it to recognize? Any good images on this site?
Any other advice? Thanks.

[Skip Lackie]

Clearly, the Scotsman grille was based on the 2R grille. It probably was a bit cheaper than the full-width fiberglass grille on the Transtars. From the outside, the one-piece windshield and larger (slightly curved) rear window are the easiest ways to ID a Scotsman. The hood is taller (to accommodate taller radiators in the heavier duty Transtars), and has a blank space in the front for the simple decal emblem. The Transtars had a Studebaker grille-like emblem (either painted or chrome) there. The 2R trucks had headlight rims with tiny, built-in parking lights. The Scotsman had separate, stand-alone parking lights below the headlights.

Inside, the Scotsmans (Scotsmen?) used the standard, three-instrument 3E/4E dash cluster and a plain dashboard. Note: nearly all Transtar features, including the big grille, were available as options on the Scotsman -- which can make ID more difficult.

Lots of good pictures here:
http://www.studebakerparts.com/stude...ge=trucks.html

[Frank54]

Thank you. This is helpful.

[Bo Markham]

As Skip pointed out, the grille is based on the 2R series grille, but if you look closer the "Scoty" grille only has one vertical bar in the center. The 2R series has 3. Way cheaper to pull an old die out of mouth balls and stamp these then all the hassle of making the fiberglass grille.

The simple hood adhesive backed decal "Scot Plaid" is for the 58 model. The 59 model was upgraded to a chromed "lazy" "S" with a chromed "dash" (separate) on each side.

Also, as an economy measure, and unless special ordered, the 58 "Scoty" came with a 185 cid 6 cylinder and the 59 came with a 170cid engine, (destroked to 170 for all 59 and later passenger and truck models), both less a passenger sunvisor, passenger door arm rest, glove compartment lid, interior/map light, and less complete spare tire, (sorry rim only) no rubber.

I've all ways wanted to find a 58 with the original 185 6 cylinder. I think Henry Votel has reproduced the "Scot Plaid" decals?????

Bo

[StudeRich]

One of the more obvious features I notice is the Scotty's do not have the rain Visor over the Door Windows.

But of course that one gets fuzzy also, because there were quite a few "Deluxe" Scotty's built with the Transtar Grilles that may or may not have Visors.

One of Fred Fox's Turning Wheels "Scotsman Articles" probably explains that, I am not a Scotsman Fan or collector so don't know for sure.

Here is the 1949 to 1952 "R" Series Truck Grille:

[Frank54]

Thanks all.

[jclary]

I still remember having a conversation with Bob Bourke at my very first International Meet in Orlando (1984?). He was complimenting me on my 55 truck when he said that the bean counters had a fit because the new Grille for the 54/55 trucks costs $11 (yes...eleven dollars!) to produce! To me, those 2R Grilles look much more complex than the 54/55. Then, the 56 Grille has the turn signals built-in with an extra tab to hold the lens. I don't recall all of our conversations but I got the impression that Bob thought the truck division had to work extra hard to wrestle their share of funds from the accounting side. I like the looks of the three years of single-piece stamped grilles. My reply to Bob Bourke was that I would gladly pay $11 bucks for a NOS grille. That brought a little chuckle from him.

I always thought that the Scotsman series (cars & trucks) was a desperate move (perhaps aimed at fleet sales?) and did little to help the image of Studebaker. I would gladly accept a good deal on a Scotsman truck today, but if I did get one I would prefer to use 1955 badging/hood and a 1956 grille with the built-in turn signals. Not that any of those cosmetic changes would in any way make the truck better, but preserve it's quaint vintage design ques.

[StudeRich]

Don't forget John that the "Experiment" with the stripped, Cheapie, Scotsman Cars led them to realize the need for somewhat Lower Price Level Compact Size Cars.

The Sales Dept. was surprised by the Sales of those Cars, beating the Full Price Models and especially the Roomy Station Wagon, at LOT of Car for the Money, even in a not so Family oriented 2 Door Model.

This gave Management more confidence in the concept of building a Compact Low Priced Car, the very successful Lark Line.
Luckily, they realized the need for much nicer Trim and Interiors.

The Truck Division never seemed to be on anybody's Radar, they just let sales die at an ever increasing rate, from a High in about 1949 to1951 up to 1958 or '59 when everybody else had a New, more Squarish, updated Cab.

[studegary]

As Skip pointed out, the grille is based on the 2R series grille, but if you look closer the "Scoty" grille only has one vertical bar in the center. The 2R series has 3. Way cheaper to pull an old die out of mouth balls and stamp these then all the hassle of making the fiberglass grille.

The simple hood adhesive backed decal "Scot Plaid" is for the 58 model. The 59 model was upgraded to a chromed "lazy" "S" with a chromed "dash" (separate) on each side.

Also, as an economy measure, and unless special ordered, the 58 "Scoty" came with a 185 cid 6 cylinder and the 59 came with a 170cid engine, (destroked to 170 for all 59 and later passenger and truck models), both less a passenger sunvisor, passenger door arm rest, glove compartment lid, interior/map light, and less complete spare tire, (sorry rim only) no rubber.

I've all ways wanted to find a 58 with the original 185 6 cylinder. I think Henry Votel has reproduced the "Scot Plaid" decals?????

Bo

The 1958 came as you describe. The 1959 came as a 170 with a 259 V8 option and a 245 six option. You could also get four wheel drive for 1959. A glove box door was included for 1959.

I have owned two 1959s.

[studegary]

One of the more obvious features I notice is the Scotty's do not have the rain Visor over the Door Windows.

But of course that one gets fuzzy also, because there were quite a few "Deluxe" Scotty's built with the Transtar Grilles that may or may not have Visors.

One of Fred Fox's Turning Wheels "Scotsman Articles" probably explains that, I am not a Scotsman Fan or collector so don't know for sure.

Here is the 1949 to 1952 "R" Series Truck Grille:

I have owned two 1959s, both with the Deluxe Grille Package. That Package did not include the door visors.

[studegary]

Don't forget John that the "Experiment" with the stripped, Cheapie, Scotsman Cars led them to realize the need for somewhat Lower Price Level Compact Size Cars.

The Sales Dept. was surprised by the Sales of those Cars, beating the Full Price Models and especially the Roomy Station Wagon, at LOT of Car for the Money, even in a not so Family oriented 2 Door Model.

This gave Management more confidence in the concept of building a Compact Low Priced Car, the very successful Lark Line.
Luckily, they realized the need for much nicer Trim and Interiors.

The Truck Division never seemed to be on anybody's Radar, they just let sales die at an ever increasing rate, from a High in about 1949 to1951 up to 1958 or '59 when everybody else had a New, more Squarish, updated Cab.

For 1959, Scotsman models were just over one-half of the pickup production.

1948 was the highest postwar model year for truck production (almost nine times the 1959 production).

[8E45E]

I posted photos of a 1958 here:

Introducing Scotty the 1958 Scotsman - Studebaker Drivers Club Forum

And a project 1959 with a V8 here:

1959 Scotsman V8 - Studebaker Drivers Club Forum

And if you have a '58, replacement tartan decals might still be available: Reproduction 1958 Scotsman Decals are now available - Studebaker Drivers Club Forum

Craig

[Frank54]

Thanks for all responses.

[Bo Markham]

The 1958 came as you describe. The 1959 came as a 170 with a 259 V8 option and a 245 six option. You could also get four wheel drive for 1959. A glove box door was included for 1959.

I have owned two 1959s.

As I indicated, "unless special ordered". Neither of the 59's I owned had glove compartment doors and there were no holes in the dash indicating any had ever been installed. Door visors on one of them had been special ordered.

Bo