New project for me 51 pickup

[frankenworks]

New member here!
I found a 51 pickup when searching for something different.
The truck had been started on 25 years ago then left indoors until I bought it.
lots of work had been done, but not a restoration.
a Camaro front clip had been added, firebird diff with disc brakes, the firewall had been pushed back 4 inches to accomadate a bbc.
The body was in very good condition, cab comers need to be replaced due to pinholes, passenger floor needs a patch.
Lots of dents and dings as it must have been a work truck
truck was built in Hamilton Ontario 45 minutes away from where I grew up.

[frankenworks]

The truck will now have a 4.8ls automatic and hopefully be ready for a road trip in 2020.
paul

[Skip Lackie]

Am interested in how they pushed back the firewall. Cut it out all the way around?

[Stude Shoo-wop!]

Cool stuff! May I suggest that you order a copy of your truck's factory production form online from the Studebaker National Museum? It would both prove interesting and may guide you on how you want to proceed with your build.

[frankenworks]

Skip, very hard to tell the firewall was pushed back, it was done very cleanly.
i will get a better picture when I get the motor out for cleanup,
just got the motor mounts finished.
paul

[pinehurstbob]

Welcome to the Studebaker world. Thanks for posting and keep us up to date with your progress.
Bob

[my2R5]

frankenworks, what is your VIN? I also have a '51 pickup from the Hamilton plant. I am 45 minutes in the other direction of Hamilton. Welcome to the forum and the group.

[frankenworks]

Thanks for the great welcome, the real work begin in another month.
just trying to decide which way to go with a couple of things.
I would like to have a stock looking truck with modern running gear.

[frankenworks]

Spent the day in the shop today, removed the box cut off some rusty bits at the front of the box, test fit the fenders after a few repairs. The fenders were off the truck when I bought it so I flying blind.
tomorrow I go after the cab corners.

[frankenworks]

Sent the box, tailgate and front of the box out for stripping.
got it back today well worth the cost!

[frankenworks]

Tested out a paint colour.... needs to be a shade or 2 darker but I think it’s the right direction

[62champ]

Looking pretty good. Green was a pretty popular color for all kinds of vehicles when that truck was new. Good luck!

[frankenworks]

A little more done today, mounted the new valence panel and the rear box sides, test fit one fender

[creegster]

That looks similar to Forest Service Green. One of my favorite colors!

[frankenworks]

Thanks!
a couple more repairs to the box and it can be primed.
i used panel bond for the first time to attach the rear box panels. Highly recommend it for panels that you can clamp .