C cab grille/fender welting.

[dclerici1]

From the factory was this welting between the fiberglass grille and fender painted or natural black?

[JRoberts]

This is a good question. I too would like to know the answe

[Skip Lackie]

It's possible that none of the OEM welting exists any more, so only someone who has owned a 57-64 C-cab since it was new may know the answer. However, I note that the parts books show the 3E-6E trucks had welt with a part number that ends in CHB, which I think means black cloth (not sure the meaning of the H). The 6E-8E welt part number ends in VB, which means black vinyl.

[StudeRich]

I am definitely voting for Black as the correct original Color, it is unlikely that the front panel would be Painted with the fenders and Hood. Many I have seen were Black, these were not the Fat "Fender Welt" used on the Fenders of Older Cars, just tiny little Vinyl "insulator strips" like those used on Tail Light and Head Light Housings & Rims.

Remember that some Years like 1960 to '64 "Big Trucks" had Off-White Grille Panels, so neither Fender nor Front Panel Color would have worked.

Here is my Original '62 7E-13 Dually 10,000 Lb. GVW Cab & Chassis with it's original Custom Body from Helms Motors Studebaker and JC Truck & Equipment Co. Long Island, NY.

[Lynn]

If it is any help, I just removed the grill from my 49 2R16A a couple days ago. Black insulating strips down each side. Pretty sure it had never been removed before.

Can post pics if it would help.

[4E12D]

This is a picture of my 1957 E40 that I just got back on the road. As you can see, it still wears it's original paint. The grille does appear to have been painted at some point, but it may have been a rattle can job. The rubber trim is black, and it is not a traditional, "welting", but it is actually a "U" shaped rubber that fits tightly over the edge of the fiberglass.



Zane

[52-fan]

I thought my brother could help, but he doesn't know what his welting fit. He and a friend were in Newman & Altman and saw a roll or some material that looked like it would work so he bought it. Correct? Who knows, but he left it black.

[8E45E]

This is a picture of my 1957 E40 that I just got back on the road.

Zane,

It was nice to see your truck in Salem. I agree with your observation about it being black U-shaped rubber that slip-fits over the raw edge of the fiberglass grille.

Craig

[4E12D]

Thank you Craig. It was really nice to meet you. I wish I had more time to visit. But with almost 900 trucks there, and only 2 days to see them, it didn't leave much down time. Next time I'll plan on staying longer.

[8E45E]

Thank you Craig. It was really nice to meet you. I wish I had more time to visit. But with almost 900 trucks there, and only 2 days to see them, it didn't leave much down time. Next time I'll plan on staying longer.

Here are some, but not all of the ATHS Studebaker Truck Farmers:







Kurt's is rather unusual in that it was never ordered with a Climatizer:





Craig

[Lynn]

If it is any help, I just removed the grill from my 49 2R16A a couple days ago. Black insulating strips down each side. Pretty sure it had never been removed before.

Can post pics if it would help.

After seeing the difference in the two trucks, I now see how stupid this statement was.

As Emily Latella would say: "never mind".

[Skip Lackie]

No sweat. We've all been there.

[dclerici1]

Thanks for all of your replies fellas'!

[dean pearson]

On the other Studebaker models where it would be correct for the welting to be painted body color were the body parts first primered, then assembled with the welting and painted?
Or were they simply bare metal parts assembled and painted?

I know the process may vary depending on the model but say for example a 50 champion.

Dean.

[studegary]

On the other Studebaker models where it would be correct for the welting to be painted body color were the body parts first primered, then assembled with the welting and painted?
Or were they simply bare metal parts assembled and painted?

I know the process may vary depending on the model but say for example a 50 champion.

Dean.

Neither - The body, rear fenders and welting were all painted body color separately and then attached.
One exception - black and perhaps some dark color cars had unpainted black welting.