Transmission / Overdrive: 1950 Studebaker Champion 4 Dr, 3 Spd Manual - Transmission conversion

[sean]

First time post so I apologize in advance if this has been answered before.

As the post title suggests we have a 1950 Studebaker Champion 4 door with a 3 speed manual. My wife absolutely loves this car with the bullet nose. I mean she would drive this thing everywhere if given the chance. Alas, she cannot drive it much beyond quick trips to the corner.

That said, she has a tough time with the clutch, it's just too far a stretch for her to drive comfortably. Thus, I think I would like to pursue converting this to an automatic for our 30th Anniversary. Unfortunately, this is our first Studebaker so I just don't know enough to even know whether its feasible or not. I have marginal experience with classic car repair and restorations. Most have been Mustangs and none have included a complete transmission conversion.

1. Has anyone had experience with converting a champion to automatic?
2. If so, what would be the expected 2023 costs of such an endeavor? Just a round about general budgetary guess is fine.
3. Are the original 1950 automatic tyranny's still available in refurb channels?
4. Would a different automatic tranny be possible considering bolt patterns and such?
5. Is there anyone who is mechanically included in Central California that might be willing to do some consulting on this project?

Thank you.

Sean

[6hk71400]

Welcome Sean to Studebaker's and to the forum. You will find a wealth of knowledge and opinions here.
The 1950 Champion is one of the most iconic Studebaker's around. The 1950 as far as mechanical is concerned, is unique and is as far as that goes, a transition model. 1951 has a similar appearance but mechanically, is the same basic platform from 1951 to 1966 with a few exceptions.

Free advice is worth every penny you pay for it, so that being said, I would see about finding a 1951 with an automatic transmission. You might find someone that would like to trade for a car such as your car. If you do want to keep you car, the easy way would to find a complete parts car to do the swap including the rear end. You might also find someone that has swapped out an automatic for a three speed and still has the parts. Items 2,3, and 4 would detail a large amount of time and expense. You can probably get an answer for 1 and 5 you can probably get here on the forum. I would also recommend joining a local SDC chapter. On the forum front page is a listing of chapters by state and you could contact what chapter is close to you. There might be members there that have what you need as far as best way to approach what you want to do.

You already have half the battle won; having a wife that loves your Studebaker

[jackb]

Don't forget you'll need the steering post shifter stuff from that Automatic part's car..

[Hugh]

Sean, you state it’s too much of a stretch for your wife. I guess you mean she has a short reach with her legs. If so, the seat mounts in front only have three positions on each mount which can move the seat fore or aft for more than the seat adjuster will allow. Maybe I interpolated this incorrectly, if so, my apologies. If I am correct you can ALSO use a piece of flat stock and drill two holes in the stock allowing even more adjustment remembering to use the proper hardness of flat stock and also the bolts used must be proper grade. You will certainly be a hero in her eyes and save hours and hours of refitting from standard to automatic

[StudeRich]

I think I have a Better suggestion/approach to the problem !

The Dealerships when selling a new Car to shorter people usually Lady's, would add Wooden Blocks to the Clutch and Brake Pedal if necessary after moving the Seat all the way forward.

Also the seat can be remounted farther forward on the Floor if needed.

I think once She can reach the Pedals and She gets the process down of applying just the right amount of Go Pedal and Release of the Clutch, mostly by Ear to properly launch the Car without slipping the Clutch She will like it just fine!

I would make SURE that the Clutch is properly adjusted to have only 1 or 1 1/2 inch Free Travel at the top and a good Return Spring to help her operate it better.

THEN you Both can began learning How to operate the OVERDRIVE, that it very likely HAS!

My experienced opinion is; I would not attempt to install a Automatic Trans. in a 2,900 Lb. Car with an 80 HP Engine, the result will be dangerously SLOW in Today's Traffic !

IF I were to even THINK about doing it, I would definitely use a newer; 1956 or 1957 Short Tail Stude. Borg Warner Flight-O-Matic from a Six Cylinder Champion, and Plan on a Higher Ratio Rear Axle change but be prepared to spend a LOT of $ depending on how much conversion you can do yourself.

[Henry]

I also suggest using "auto pedal extenders" and there are a lot of varieties to choose from on amazerk. Got some for my wife's Sorento since she has Oompa Loompa legs. :-)

[Hugh]

I totally concur with Rich. The extender blocks for brake and clutch can be made to fit. Also, by unscrewing the pedals from the linkages and even have some “extension” threaded rod welded on to be able to “adjust” the length of the pedals to fit both of you without disassembly between users! The accelerator pedal can easily have “blocking” if necessary. Use your ingenuity but most of all make it so its an enjoyable car for both with minimal expenses involved, she will be most appreciative of this and life will be roses again!