Sheet metal repair panel?

[Ronw]

Just purchased my first Studebaker, a 1953 Commander. Love this car when I first saw one in 1960. The car needs much work, floors, trunk, gas tank and many missing parts. I'm hoping this club can help and guide me in this rebuild. My fist order of business is to inspect and order the panels I need. Who are the manufactures I need to contact that have reliable parts. I'm sure I will need parts that are no longer available. Where do I search for these parts. I have a million questions. Thanks Ron

[shifter4]

https://www.studebakervendors.com is a site listing all Stude vendors .

Scroll down to find Classic Enterprises , which has floor etc sheet metal repros etc .

[mw2013]

welcome, they are going to help you, pictures help

[StudeRich]

Hello, and welcome to the SDC, and to the SDC Forum Ron!

I hope by "Panels" you don't mean that several outside Sheet Metal Panels are beyond saving, because things like Front Fenders, Hoods etc. are all but gone, there ARE New Replacement Steel Rear Fenders available, but not from Classic Enterprises.

Should we guess that this is a Starlight Coupe "C" Body Type, or a Starliner Hardtop "K" Body Type?

[wdills]

Leroy Carey produces several replacement panels for your car. His panels are more expensive than Classic Enterprises but from my experience they are worth the extra money. I would suggest you buy everything you can from Leory and what you can't get from him, get from Classic. Good luck.

[Ronw]

Thank you all! Can anyone tell what these letters and number mean on the right upper side of the firewall, L4G-C3 and just below is 6896? thank you. How do I reach Leroy Carey

[StudeRich]

Sure, a 14G is a 1953 Studebaker Champion Six.

A "C3" is the Lower Level Trim "Deluxe" Coupe, "C" Body

6896 is the 6896th. 1953 Champion C Body Coupe BODY built on the Body Line, not the CAR Final Assy. Line

[StudeRich]

Studebaker used an "I" to indicate a Number One, on car Serial Number Plates on the Left Door Post "A" Pillar, and on the Body Tag you found.

[StudeRich]

If you think you have a Commander V8, you need to check the Serial Number Plate to see if that matches the Champion Body Tag, which will be a NUMBER that begins with a "G", not really a Match for the Body Number, just the "G" Should be a Match indicating a Champion.

Someone MAY have installed a V8 Engine in a Champion.

[Dwight FitzSimons]

Carey's Fabricating, Amelia Courthouse, VA:

https://www.buzzfile.com/business/Cary!s-Fabricating-Service-804-561-3526