1955 Studebaker Commander 4dr Ultra Vista Regal

[Craig]

New member, first Studebaker, only done frame up on 30'sPackards, and many British motorcycles
Friend has 1955 Commander Regal , I think, speedo shows 11,000 miles.
V8 , 3 on column, radio. heater
6 volt positive has me disturbed for adding AC for wife.
Chrome is a little "sandy" surface.
headliner needs replace, but OEM
Seats "puff" foam when sat on, but OEM.
Air cleaner stock config, but has FRAM decal.


What should the value be?

[Craig]

Added pics
clicked wrong post reply which added this post.
How do you delete post?

What does tag mean?
1bG8 Wb
2611

[RadioRoy]

Don't worry about the air conditioning. The only 12 volt requirements are for the compressor clutch and the evaporator fan. There are little sealed boxes that convert 6 volts to 12 volts and they are available on eBay.

The compressor clutch does not care about polarity - it's just a magnet.

If the under the dash fans are designed like they have been for decades, they are not polarity sensitive either.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/20308976995...cAAOSwr6BheJhJ

[RadioRoy]

What does tag mean?
1bG8 Wb
2611

16G8 = 1955 Commander
W6 = regal four door sedan (fanciest model)
2611 = the 2611th W6 body to be built

[StudeRich]

Welcome to the SDC and to the SDC Forum Craig!

Looks like a True Low Mileage "Barn Find" alright, Very Clean.
In my opinion, it is just crying to be "completed" with Wheel Covers and Wide Whites.
Very Nice "Ultra Vista" Sedan.
A Late '55 with Wraparound Windshield to "Catch Up" with the Big Three competition.

Does that Car have a "O.D." Chrome handle under the Dash on the Left of the Column?
If it does, there would also be a "Kickdown" Switch on the Carb. Linkage and a Relay for the optional Borg Warner Overdrive Transmission, a BIG PLUS!


An Early '55 President with a "Straight" Windshield, actually Curved.

The Value is what someone will Pay for it, $5000.00 + not anywhere close to a '55-57 Chevy value.

Note: when Logged in, you CAN Edit your Posts but cannot Delete them.

[Noxnabaker]

Oh that is a nice one, & the small pretty hubcaps too!

[Craig]

Looking further into local 55 Commander.
Seat foam is crumble brittle.
Two handles next to column HEAT, OD
Twist knob raises antenna.
Spare tire has the missing beauty ring.
No rust in trunk floor, shiny paint.
No back up camera or heated seats.

[6hk71400]

Craig,

Are you in the process of negotiation for this car? My first car was a 55 2 door hardtop K7 model. That particular car had the kick down button on the firewall with a nut that held it in place. I am guessing that was because it had a 4 barrel carb. If you have a 2 barrel, the kick down switch will be on the linkage for the carb.

These are very easy to work on and require less "shorting out" than the MG next to the car! Keep up posted as to if you purchase the car. The Studebaker Drivers Club is an excellent resource and support for your car. I think the paint color combination was Shasta White and Pima Red.

Bob Miles
You can never pay to much for a Studebaker, but you can buy one way too early

[Commander Eddie]

The small round stainless delete above the light switch would be for the optional fog lights like found on the President. The delete plate above the ash tray would be where the clock would go. That would be a nice addition. This car needs to be back on the road.

[Craig]

Was able to purchase a 1955 dealer sales catalog, complete with additional update flyers included.
The amount of information, the presentation is overwhelming.
I think 95 pages+
Riveted pages with movable HP curves, braking distance , steering force +++



paint schemes, paint samples, fabric samples

[StudeRich]

It's a Salesman and or Showroom, Complete 1955 Package, pretty Cool!

Nice Literature, but if you don't have the Car?

[Craig]

Not sure the odometer has moved, but i got the required shop sign prominently displayed.

[StudeRich]

Looks like it is Still in amazing Original Condition, hasn't changed since Jan. 25, !

So is it yours Now?

[Craig]

Where do you find a good formula for engine color paint for the 1955 Alberta Blue?

Page 37 of the sales catalog shows a nice blue color.
Notice the overlay sticker describing "Bearcat and Passmaster" added later possibly to sell the power kit for the Commander.

[RadioRoy]

Studebaker vendors will have correct engine paint. The colors in the sales brochures were often different than what was used in production. Sales brochures were colored to highlight different things they were talking about.