Looking for R-series pickup hood and tailgate

[tomlewis]

I took a phone call last night from a local man who is looking for a hood and tailgate for what he described as a 1948 c-cab pickup. I'm guessing that it is really an R series, but didn't question him too closely. These pickups are not something on my personal radar so I'm asking the members here---are these hoods and tailgates available if one looked hard enough? What should one expect to pay? Do any members have any of these available now? Thanks. Tom

[rockne10]

1948 would still be an M-series, though his model could be a '49 registered in late '48. He is really going to need to become involved in his own procurement and, either provide you with more particular details (Serial No.) or join us here himself. And I don't think the R-series appeared until 1956.

[Guido]

1948 would still be an M-series, though his model could be a '49 registered in late '48. He is really going to need to become involved in his own procurement and, either provide you with more particular details (Serial No.) or join us here himself. And I don't think the R-series appeared until 1956.

1941-1948 would be M series, 1949-1954 would be R series and 1955 on would be E series. The hood changed in 1956 to the familiar Transtar design with the cutout in the front for the large Studebaker emblem.

[Skip Lackie]

As Guido said, a 1948 model should be an M series. However, 2R series production began in April 1948, and they were advertised as (and were supposed to be registered as) 1949 models. You will need to confirm the model by having him look at the serial number on the step plate.

If it's a 2R series, any 49-64 hood will fit, but only the 49-55 hoods are correct. Only the 49-55 tail gates will fit. I have a decent used tail gate, bowed out a bit but no rust. That said, he should be able to find one a lot closer, as the shipping would be a bear.

[DEEPNHOCK]

Mack Products makes a new repop tailgate... $275 to $285

http://mack-products.com/products-page/studebaker-tailgates/

[tomlewis]

Thanks for these responses. I now have numbers. He says the model number is 2R5-12 and the serial number is R5-95704. Do these make sense?


Jeff---Thanks for the tip on Mack Products. Back when I lived in Missouri I was about 25 miles away from Mack Hils' plant in Moberly, MO. Mack and I collaborated on reproducing tailgates for late 40's Hudson pickups. I was restoring a Hudson pickup at the time, and tailgates were impossible to find. Mack fabricated the tailgates and laser-cut the die to stamp the Hudson name in them and the tailgates turned out beautifully. I committed to buy 60 tailgates. We sold 58 of them. Of the other two, one is on my truck and the other is hanging on my shop wall if I ever need a spare. I would recommend Mackpro products to anyone restoring a vintage truck. Mack advertises in every issue of Hemmings.

[jclary]

Gee, Tom, didn't know you had a Hudson truck. That is one of several unfulfilled wants of mine. Next to a Coupe Express, I think the Hudson trucks are among the coolest ever.

[rockne10]

I now have numbers. He says the model number is 2R5-12 .... Do these make sense?

Yes. It is an R series from the '49 model year. If you look at John's signature photo in the post directly above this one, that's what he is looking for.

[Skip Lackie]

Thanks for these responses. I now have numbers. He says the model number is 2R5-12 and the serial number is R5-95704. Do these make sense?

As Rockne said, yes. Any 49-55 tail gate will fit. See my post #4 above.

[dusty taylor]

I have got a hood. You can call me at 417 827 0940 Dusty

[tomlewis]

Thank you Dusty. I'll pass your phone number along to this man so that you and he can discuss it. It's probably too late tonight to call him, so I'll try Saturday morning. Tom