Tip on buying a 50 Champian??

[Mike Van Veghten]

Ok...while I feel comfortable looking at a 53 and up Stude for the intent to purchase, I have no idea about the 1950/51 year cars.

Can you share any tips, things to look at that are big negatives/no, no's?
Are the frames prone to tearing or cracking, suspension problems, etc.

The car is a 1950 Champian, that's about all I know untill I take a look this weekend.

Ultimatly, this car will not be a garage queen, it will be driven.

Thanks

Mike

[Transtar56]

There underpowered,the brakes are weak,and later up-grade parts won't fit.
Also they have a big ugly nose.

[Michidan]

Lots of folks here no more than me on this. But 1950 - last year for older front suspension, and even some differences between the Champion and Commander suspension I think. Different front sheet metal between Champion and Commander due to seperate wheelbases. Last year for 6 cyl in both Champion and Commander.

On the bright side, the biggest production year Studebaker ever had, and still a very popular car. Prepare to get a lot of attention.

Dan
52 hardtop

[rockne10]

"Last year for 6 cyl in both Champion and Commander." I don't think so. The Champion six flathead survived another ten years.

But it's true, the six was not a powerhouse, though current modifications can make it one. The brakes were small relative to the weight of the car and it would be difficult to upgrade the suspension. If you had your choice between a 50 or a 51, the 51 would eliminate any problem with availability of suspension parts and the brakes would be an easy upgrade. The 50 also has 4bolt wheels.

Still, a 50 Champion with properly maintained mechanicals would be a fun car to drive to the races as long as you weren't participating and, as far as the "big ugly nose" is concerned, I thought so too, until I owned one. At a show sitting next to a Hawk and an Avanti, the nose gets the draw.[^]

[Studedude]

quote:If you had your choice between a 50 or a 51, the 51 would eliminate any problem with availability of suspension parts and the brakes would be an easy upgrade. The 50 also has 4bolt wheels.

I know many street rodders add the '50-51 "nose" to older Studes, so that they can have the effect of that great style on an older car. I assume that it would be just as easy to bolt a '50 front end onto a '51[?] Best of both worlds, V8, upgraded suspension, etc.[?]

https://www.davesplaceinc.com

[Mike Van Veghten]

4 BOLT WHEELS...........?

Crap...had no idea!

I'll be looking at it this weekend. I've already got drivability changes in mind...! Wasn't planing on a rear end modification/swap so quickly though.

Well...I guess I'll wait to see how the car strikes me when I see it. Part of the desire....we were both born the same year...and I've never had any car from 1950. This is the closest thing to cool I've seen in that year...for ALL of the brands.

And I like the nose of both the 50/51's!

Thanks all, I'll let you know what happens next week.

Mike

[Michidan]

Whoops, poorly written for puctuation. But still correct.

"Last year for 6 cyl in BOTH Champion and Commander."

I.E. next year 6 was not in both cars...only one of them. Never mind Mike, you get the drift...

Dan
52 hardtop

[raprice]

Mike
If you can drive the car, do so. If it has overdrive, see if it's working. That'll make a big difference in drivability and highway speeds. As for the front end, if it's been properly maintained, it shouldn't be a problem. As far as the looks are concerned, the 50s and 51s are among my favorites. I owned a '51 when I was in college and loved the uniqueness of the car.
My Stude is a '59 Lark VI with automatic. Not too fast, but it does get up to speed eventually.(grin)
Rog

[Transtar56]

Im just kidding about the nose,it sure is unique,and screams "STUDEBAKER" more than any other face to the general public. I kinda like the way they look myself, but Im not over the top in love with the bullets. To me the 47-49 front ends where way neater, and the 52's, well there different all to themselves.