Need help! 1955 Studebaker President Speedster

[gooldg]

1955 Presidential Speedster! 1,700 Original miles!!!!! Picture!!

Yes, a 6H-K7 IS in fact a '55 President Speedster.

Today, we took ownership of the car! Wow, what a fantastic car! Now for some questions. Perhaps the biggest surprise was the fact that the car has only 1,700 original miles. We have confirmed that with the second owner ( first owner kept the car in the garage for over 50 years!) The DVM paperwork confirms the miles! We are stunned to say the least and wonder what that might do for our future plans? Does this make the car more of a candidate for total restoration (in very great shape already) or should we just clean up the car, replace the fluids and leave it alone? We did not want to start the car so we had a flatbed deliver the car home and will begin the work in the coming days.

Finally, the front seat leather has dried and cracked near the upper left corner. Is there someone who is recognized as the "go to guy" when it comes to interior restoration of the studs?

Anyway let me know your thoughts,

Thanks

Grant

[studefan]

Grant, what color is that? Speedsters were usually two or three tone.

[gooldg]

Brown or actually a root beer looking color! Original paint as we see the color in the entire vehicle and even in places a repaint would not touch! I am new to the brand and so I am not sure what the options were in 1955! I did read someone had an all black car that was special order. We also have the original DVM paperwork showing the original owner was from Salt Lake City.

[jclary]

OH My Grant. Congratulations are in order. Even among circles of of high-end car collectors who would rarely even glance over at a Studebaker...the SPEEDSTER commands respect.

A Speedster as the one, you describe, is akin to winning a lottery jackpot. If it was the first day of next month...I'd be laughing. But, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and hope you are not getting a jump on April Fools Day. There are quite a number of good Studebaker Drivers Club members in your state that I am sure would be genuinely helpful in assisting you in making good decisions regarding the car and in a way that protects your interests. If the car is as good as you present...it might be an excellent candidate to clean up and display as a true "Survivor." My suggestion is to do nothing until you consult with some trustworthy knowledgeable experts.

How 'bout posting more pictures. Welcome to our Studebaker world, and again...congratulations.

[Chucks Stude]

More pics, please.

[rockne10]

... should we just clean up the car, replace the fluids and leave it alone?

ABSOLUTELY, for the moment !! Go over all systems to make it safe and functional; clean, treat and stabilize any surfaces that would otherwise suffer further damage over time; ie., expect original upholstery seams and old leather to suffer once it begins to get manipulated. A good article here from the SDC home page Tech Tips:

http://www.studebakerdriversclub.com/TechThings2do.asp

As your knowledge and intentions develop, you can evaluate its future as a survivor or restoration. Once you've started the restoration, survivor status is history.

... the front seat leather has dried and cracked near the upper left corner. Is there someone who is recognized as the "go to guy" when it comes to interior restoration of the studs?

http://www.alpha-omegaclothingco.com/southeaststudebaker.html

[Studerick64]

I live in Sacramento feel free to call for any help or information needed. It would great to see your car at the Western States Studebaker Zone meet at McClellan Air Force Base, May 16-18 Lionsgate Hotel. 916-548-0340

[gooldg]

Here are some more pictures. Many more to follow as we start the careful clean up.

[studefan]

That's a nice car. Could that be a pink firewall behind the engine (picture 2)? Under the hood possibly too (picture 1). Hard to tell from here. Also, I think the President script on the side indicates built in CA. Someone will confirm. I like it.

[StudeRich]

The Repaint Color does not appear to be too far off from the Speedster only Pimlico Gray, a beautiful Gray with a Maroon metallic glow. Could it be badly faded and the Upper and Roof repainted?
But most if not all Speedsters, would be Two Toned with Pink or Congo Ivory or BOTH.
I believe this is a South Bend Factory built Car with the upper Rear Quarter Panel behind the "C" Pillar the same color as the above the Moulding front of the 1/4 Panel, Door & Front Fender. Also no "President" Nameplale on the rear Quarter like the Los Angeles Assembled Cars.

The L.A. Speedsters were Two Toned like this Commander or President Coupe.

Grant; Serial #7807561 you gave us, is in the Los Angeles '55 President Serial Number range.

Starting '55 President Serial Number at L.A. was: 7805001, that's Seven Million, 805 Thousand and One.

1955 Studebaker AND Speedster Colors:

http://www.tcpglobal.com/aclchip.aspx?image=1955-Studebaker-pg03.jpg

You really do have to see the Metallics ON THE CAR to tell the Color though, these copies of Paper Paint Book pages do not do them justice except very few Colors.

[63t-cab]

Grant, one thing I notice - the wheel opening mouldings are not factory for 55,they came on 56 and up too 64 c/k cars.

Here are some more pictures. Many more to follow as we start the careful clean up. [ATTACH=CONFIG]33259[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]33260[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]33261[/ATTACH]

[avantilover]

What a lovely car, regardless of any differences from what would be expected. Perhaps the owner decided to repaint the car and add the wheel opening mouldings? Certainly one I'd keep if it were mine, enjoy it whatever you eventually decide to do with it.

[studegary]

The Serial Number and the "President" nameplate on the rear quarter both indicate a Vernon (LA) California built car.
I strongly believe that the car is not a 1K survivor. It looks more like 101K in California to me.

[warrlaw1]

I have to agree with Gary, but it is still a prize and you definitely won!

[gooldg]

I spent the weekend with the Car in Salt Lake city and despite what both the previous two owners claim, this car looks like a 101,700 car. ! With just a few hours work, the car started up and we were able to drive the car around the neighborhood. I am sure the carb needs a good rebuild. Any suggestions on what not to do? My son in law has decided not to keep the car as he really does not have the time or abilities to restore the car. I am a muscle car guy and already have too many projects..... I think we are going to ship the car to Sacramento so I can spend more time looking over the systems and make sure everything works. I really like that no one has molested this treasure! Wiring harness is in great shape which makes it so much easier. I was very happy that once I drained the fuel and replaced with new fuel, the car started without too much trouble. Cranks over the first time even without the carb rebuild. Ordered a new air filter and changed the oil. Need to adjust the brakes! Power steering was very nice! The tachometer, cigarette lighter, fog lights and the quality of the dash were nice surprises. Got a few weeks of cleaning up for sure. More pictures as I get my hands on the car. Who knows, might even fall in love with this President