1964 transtar

[64transtar]

A family member bought some ground with a 1964 8E13 131 rotting away on it. I had to have it, although it maybe beyond my scope of shade tree mechanic. I have researched it (finding the most useful information on this forum) and was wondering what you all think about it? It seems to be rare. I believe it is all original cab and motor. Indiana truck. What have I gotten into?

[StudeRich]

A very unusual Body, quite interesting as to it's purpose, it is one of last of the Transtar's and one the few '64 8E-13's remaining, but it's questionable if it IS remaining, sitting that low to the ground for years in Indiana weather.

It would be an interesting Production Order to read if you get the serial Number and order the P.O. from the Studebaker National Museum.

Here is my '62 7E13-131, 1 Ton Dually, it was ordered with a 289 4V, with a 12 inch clutch, 4 speed and a 5.13 Dana 70 Twin Traction rear axle. It is now 5 Speed New process Overdrive with 4.56 rear gears.

[willys54]

Always nice to see folk's saving these old work horses from the Scrapper.........If I were to guess it appears to have functioned as a moving & storage company van during it's career. Have fun with it.

[64transtar]

Got it home a while back and finally had an hour to convince the hood it was time to raise again (that was not a small feat). Looks original, wondering if you guys see anything out of place. I researched the serial number "3e19252" on the block and come up with a '63 259. Is that correct? Motor turns with fan blade, oil looks good, mud dobber nest in the carb is less than ideal. Air cleaner was in the cab. Floor pan on driver's side is toast, cab corners need replaced, hood is rough. The metal box is ok, but all the wood that under, around, or inside is rotted. Frame is solid, tranny moves through gears, all wheels roll free.
I was concerned it was doomed for the scrap yard but I just may have a project on my hands.

[studejohn]

Well, congratulations on your project. Take plenty of pictures take your time Find a good source of Parts and have fun with your project if it was my project, I would lose the box that Truck doesn’t need to work hard anymore Lighten it up with a flatbed or something If you were out in Arizona, I would sell you most anything you need For that wonderful project but there is a lot of Studebaker truck guys in your area so reach out and let them help you

[StudeRich]

Not that it is important except for Titling and Registration since all 8E '63 and '64 Trucks are identical, but THIS one appears to have it's original '63 engine number coded Block, so that makes THIS 8E a 1963.

The Truck Serial Numbers do not show the '63/'64 breakdown, (starting '64 Serial).
But this Engine is the clue,

Quote the 7E-8E Truck Parts Catalog:
"Starting in the Month of August, the Engine Numbering System will be as follows:"

And they go on at length to explain that the Engines will be date coded starting August '63, which means without saying, that Serial numbered 8E Engines are '63's and Date Coded 8E Engined Trucks are 1964 Year Models.

We do know that ALL Cars with date Coded Engines ARE '64's, so same system.
The 1964 Studebaker CAR Production started on Aug. 12, 1963.
So that has to make 8E13-131 4225 a 1963 Transtar 1 Ton.

Try telling THAT to a State Vehicle Registration person !

By the way, the "131" is the 131 inch wheelbase.
Another thing we know about this Truck is that the Engine has been "gone into" a Valve Job, Overhaul or Rebuild, because the Engine was Black and the Valve Covers Yellow.

[DieselJim]

We are restoring a 64 E45. That is a 2 ton semi with a Detroit Diesel. When tearing it apart there was a Registan for Bolin Drive Away. It hauled Studebakers in its day. We are 212 miles apart. Studebaker swap meet and car show June 7 and 8. St. Joe county fair grounds.

[StudeRich]

That is quite a significant 8E45 Jim !
A Studebaker Hauler !

[DieselJim]

Swap meet date is June 6 and 7. 2 car shows on the 7th. One Studebaker and one open.

[Skip Lackie]

As noted above, it really doesn't matter if it's a 63 or a 64, but just FYI, it's an early 63. The starting serial number for 1963 models was E13-4401. The starting number for 64s was E13-4651.

[StudeRich]

Thanks for that Starting '64 Truck Serial Number Skip, I knew it was out there Somewhere but forgot where.

But my Copy of the 7E/8E Catalog (Jan. 1963) shows 8E13-5401 as the starting '63 8E13 Truck Serial Number !!!
That must be wrong or the subject Truck would be a 7E13 1962 !

They combined E13 with E13D, 4 Wheel Drive.

[64transtar]

All very good to know. All I had to go by was the title. I already started the title transfer process. I'm sure the BMV is not as well researched as this forum and I'll have a '63 titled as '64. No big deal except now I need to change my user name

[64transtar]

Ordered production order, shop manual, and parts manual today. It's officially a project... now if I could just find the time

[Buzzard]

In my humble, not much truck knowledge, opinion, I think these are awesome looking trucks. Congratulations on a great find and a wonderful future filled with all sorts of fun and games during your restoration. I too think it is time to put a flatdeck on the chassis as it's heavy duty work days should be behind it. Keep us updated with lots of pics.
Bill

[Guido]

All very good to know. All I had to go by was the title. I already started the title transfer process. I'm sure the BMV is not as well researched as this forum and I'll have a '63 titled as '64. No big deal except now I need to change my user name

At that time many vehicles were titled as the year sold. This could have been sitting on a dealer’s lot. All 1963 and 1964 trucks were designated as 8E.

[Avantidon]

Gary is correct. I have a 62 Champ P/U, ,by VIN #3 off the line, registered as a 61. Took me a long time to figure out that Virginia registered it as a 61 being sold in late 61 in Staunton, VA.

[StudeRich]

I am pretty sure bu now, they see the error of their ways, and will correct the Year Model to what it should be and or have on newer Vehicle registrationss.

[Dwight FitzSimons]

That's what the Commonwealth of Virginia did back then. Years ago I bought a '64 Cruiser from the original owner in Harrisonburg, Va. I got the original VA title from the seller and it read "1963-64 Studebaker 4-dr sedan". When I titled it in my name the DMV clerk handed me a new title for a "1963 Studebaker." I told her that the car is not a '63, but a '64'. Eventually, the Richmond DMV sent me a title stating "1964 Studebaker".
--Dwight

[DieselJim]

My first 8E45 was built in October 62 as a 7E45 serial # 505. Was in a factory storage lot for over a year. Studebaker re id it as a 1964 8E45 ser # 859. The production order noted the serial number change.