Studebaker Serial Number

[smonahan74]

Wondering if anyone out there can decode a serial number for me. I know the car is a 1936 but not the specific model. As you can see it's a custom project car, chopped, different front end, suicide doors, wider grill ect. Actually has many Mercedes parts now.

The serial number is 5800404. Any info be appreciated!!!! Thanks!

[rockne10]

That picture IS reminiscent of a '35 Mercedes limousine roadster. I like it!



I believe the Serial No. is only telling us it is a 1936 4A Dictator built in LA.
You can procure a copy of the original production order from the Studebaker National Museum for $48. That should answer most questions.

https://studebakermuseum.org/store/production-orders/

If the body tag is still attached to the firewall that will reveal the original body configuration, trim level and how many previous of those bodies had been produced.

[doug]

Serial number indicates a Dictator 4A assembled in Los Angeles. Starting # was 5800001. From Studebaker, the complete story.

[GThawkwind]

Is this custom work old, or more recent? Either way I love it! Whats planned for that long engine bay?

[Studebaker Wheel]

While that serial number registers to a '36 that coupe body certainly isn't a '36 (they are totally different). It is either a '34 or '35. That would indicate that the serial number was taken from a different car.

[dictator27]

The chassis may be 1936, but the coupe body is 1934-35.

Terry

[Studebaker Wheel]

The chassis may be 1936, but the coupe body is 1934-35.

Terry

I seriously doubt that the chassis is from a '36 Studebaker. It is much too long to be a Dictator for 1936 (that had a 116" wheelbase). Of course I suppose they could have extended it but that seems unlikely.

[smonahan74]

Thank you all for replying! I didn't think it was a Dictator because of the length of the front. Plus, correct me if I am wrong the Dictator did not have the straight 8? The paper work I have says 36 sedan. As it is now there is no back seat or room for one (imo). The frame has had work on it, it's been boxed in so possibly it was extended. Also the hood was custom to accomadate for the new grill shape.

[GThawkwind]

Ha, just found the craigslist ad for it. Man that is too sweet!

[smonahan74]

@GTHawkwind, Wow your on it! I have had lots and lots of interest but I am starting to second guess myself on letting it go...... The car is very cool but I would like to do a custom build that's a little different. The straight 8 is cool but it is so big. This car has a little bit of everything, the engine from 1951 Roadmaster (series 70), the rear end is from a 67 mustang ect. I can post some more pics 2morrow of some of the custom stuff like the dash and gages.

[Studebaker Wheel]

The Dictator was a Six.

[smonahan74]

To me the body looked alot like a 35 Commander. One thing I do need is a steering column. How is it measured?