New '55 Champion! Advice?

[MilesMaxwell]

I've always dreamed of driving a Studebaker in college, and so I've bought my dream car, a 1955 Champion 4 door! Now I know that I'm pretty young (only 21) and don't have tons of experience like the rest of you guys with cars, but I have learned a considerable amount in the last few years. I had a '59 Lark years ago but was forced to sell it because I didn't really know too much about working on cars. But I learned a lot by working on different cars in school and at home (my dad has a 53 pontiac project, but I have don't most of the work as I know more than him about classics). But I've always wanted to drive a Studebaker as my daily driver in college, which I know is a bit crazy, but I'm crazy enough to at least attempt it! I do understand the risks and drawbacks of driving a 70 year old car all the time, but I feel like cars are meant to be driven and I wanna give it that chance!

But I want your guys' advice; are there any modifications that I can do to make it more reliable to daily drive? It's got the original 185 cc engine with 116,000 miles on it (spedo says 16,000 but most likely rolled over), but runs and drives wonderfully. The transmission is three on the tree with O/D. I drove it at 70 mph for about an hour to get it home when I bought it. The car does have seatbelts, but they're not three points. Lights/horn/radio/gauges/signals all work, and everything seems good. And it's still got the 6V positive ground! The alternator is new, as well at the carb, and it's got an electric fuel pump, which is the only "modern" thing that it has on it. It smokes a tiny bit on start up, but it looks like the head gasket might be old as there's white buildup around it, so I'll probably replace that gasket and the ones for the headers. But I'm just looking to see what you guy know/have done to your cars. I have found front disc brake conversion kits for it, and have heard of other upgrades like electronic distributor, electric engine fans, 12V conversion, and EFI kits. Are any of these things worth it, and are there other modifications I can make? I'll attach some fotos and videos so you can see it. Thanks for your help!

Side note: I do have another car that is modern that I use, and I plan on using that car for long road trips, so I'm not completely reliant on my Studebaker.

Here's a video that I took to show my friends:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afIoDdLH740

[StudeRich]

Welcome Miles to the SDC and to the SDC Forum !

We are always happy to see younger people becoming Car enthusiasts and especially Studebaker ones.
I applaud your enthusiasm and interest in modernizing this '55, but since you may be on a limited budget, I warn about going too far, too soon.

What I am trying to say is, I would get more familiar with your Stude. first, find out what you like and dislike about it, and most important for your safely, learn to maintain and check important things like Brakes. Because unless you know ALL of it's current history it may not be as fresh as it seems.
Hydraulic Brake systems deteriorate from non use and age and cause wheel cylinders and Master Cylinders to leak etc. so just be safe when it comes to important systems.

Also, don't worry about the somewhat obsolete 6 Volt Positive ground system, it can be maintained to work as good as it did when new.
Enjoy your Car, and when it is thoroughly checked over, Drive it !

OH Look, here's a '55 Champion Regal 4 Door Now !

[rockne10]

Good solid find!
The streets of Montrose just got a little classier.
I agree with Rich. Keep and drive it as is, with proper maintenance for safety and operation.
Without power brakes and discs, just leave a little distance when following other vehicles.
A product like Amsoil HDMP sprayed in to all the crevices you can find will help preserve critical sheet metal and frame members.
if the wiring harness is original, keep an eye on that as well.
Might also spritz any threaded item with some Kroil or PB Blaster. If you need to turn a screw at some point in the future you'll thank me.
The Shop Manual and factory Parts Catalogues are available from a number of our great Studebaker vendors, and please do join the SDC.

www.studebakervendors.com

www.studebakerdriversclub.com

https://studebakerdriversclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Things-To-Do-After-You-Bought-That-Studebaker.pdf

[55Studebaker]

Welcome! That's a great looking Champion and sounds like it runs well! In addition to the forums, one of the best sites for finding information would be Bob Johnstone's Tech webpage: https://studebaker-info.org/rjtechjan2023p1.html

There you can find a lot of information on modifications that folks have done with some having very good write-ups. As StudeRich said, I would go through and check the brakes out first. You'll need a brake drum puller to remove the rear drums, make sure you re-install the axle castle nut a few threads to ensure that the drum does not "fly" off as they are taper fit.

You can also find just about all the parts you need through one of the vendors listed here: https://www.studebakervendors.com/

Have fun!

[Noxnabaker]

WAY TO GO ! ! !
I had a -55 sedan for a bit more than 10 years, when I got it there was other Studebakers I rather wouldv'e had but it grew on me & if you fancy 53-54 front more it's easier to change than the dashboard, tail lights or whatever is nicer (in my opinion) on the -55! You're a ool dressed man too...

I found a 53-54 hood for her (Josephine) & customized her:

[Noxnabaker]

Okidoki Rich, what Volvo model?

[StudeRich]

A Volvo 1961 era 122S

[Noxnabaker]

Can't say I agree since I have some of those. But on the other hand as I've been told from a friend who's dad worked at the Volvo design department; they had both Studebakers & MoPars at the factory so ofcourse it must've been difficult not to get inspired & after all; the Amazon (121/122S in other countries) came out in -56 as -57 model.
(& there's a quite big difference between the 57-61 B16 models & the 62-70 B18/B20 models, especially the front)