Other: 63 Champ ½t 259 Connestoga Camper

[ConneTheChamp]

Hello all, reposting my initial questions from the Champ registration to here. I believe it is the right area now, but if not just let me know and I will move it elsewhere

I am also wondering if anyone has more information on the camper top itself as it seems near impossible to find definite answers on them even throughout the forums. Also, if someone could provide a list of common maintenance parts i.e. filters, fluids, and rubber parts that would be greatly appreciated. I am very new to classic cars in general and I know Studebaker isn't the most aftermarket supported of them.

If you happen to know common issues with Champs feel free to bring them up to me as I don't know much more than the typical old vehicle that has been sitting for how long. It does turn over but my first big project (after maintenance) will be to figure out what is wrong with the brakes as they are completely pedal dead. Good chance at a clipped line, but who knows right off. From there I will check other issues and see about that.

I am very excited to see what others know about these and can't wait to dig in to it!

[StudeRich]

/Cut/I am very new to classic cars in general and I know Studebaker isn't the most aftermarket supported of them./Cut/

This is one thing we can help you understand.
It is a misconception that most people believe... "STUDEBAKER" ! 'They have been Gone for Decades, there must be 0 Parts left by now.'

It is true that Non-Studebaker "Auto Parts Stores" are just now after 58 years since production stopped, beginning to have fewer Parts available.

The surprising to many truth is, Studebaker Owners had and still do have available one the largest Supplies of NOS Parts after Studebaker's 114 Year run as a Vehicle Manufacturer, possibly the Largest of any US Make, certainly after 58 years.

It was never Studebaker's policy to scrap left over and replacement stock parts after 3 to 5 years past production as other Makes do.

The Good News is, we have one of the largest Networks of Studebaker Vendors of any Obsolete make, there are Tons and tons of original NOS made in USA Parts remaining but more importantly, the Most often needed Repair and Maintenance Parts are available NEW, Mechanical and Electrical Parts to keep them running and many restoration parts are being reproduced to make the Bodies and Interiors new again.

There are around 200 plus Studebaker Vendors that are ALL SDC Members that are listed in the Annual March Vendor Issue of Turning Wheels, and many also advertise in the Monthly Turning Wheels Magazine. issues.

https://studebakervendors.com

Your "Materials" question is one of THE most often asked and answered here, so many posts about Oil Filters, Oil for Fat Tappet Engines with ZDDP (Zinc and other needed additives) for older engines can be found here with a Search (Top of page Right) or even a Google search.

The lack off Brake pressure is most always just rusted up Hydraulic Cylinders mainly the Master Cylinder, but likely all 4 Wheel Cylinders if not failing or leaking yet, will soon be from being parked too long.
Until the complete system has been checked or replaced it will not be safe to drive it off of your property.

Studebaker did contract to have custom made Camper Shells made for them to sell at Dealers, could we get a few better pics of the Interior and rear of your Conestoga Top ?

[ConneTheChamp]

I never knew about their NOS situation, that is sweet to hear. I also do not have many pictures of them but I will post a picture of the rear door that I have and hopefully sometime this week get some more. Unfortunately sick so may take a bit.

[Skip Lackie]

Studebaker did offer a Conestoga Camper top for Champs in 1963. Not many were sold. If you PM your mailing address to me, I'll send you a Xerox copy of the brochure for them.

[ConneTheChamp]

Very interesting brochure. I posted a picture of my Camper, do you have an idea why my windows might be shorter than the example shown? Maybe a different custom package?

[StudeRich]

Here is where you find your New Wheel Cylinders (4), Master Cylinder, Brake Hoses (3), Grease Seals, Rubber Weatherseals, Engine Parts, Tune Up Kits, etc. etc.

https://www.studebakerparts.com/

https://mystudebaker.com/

https://www.parts123.com/parts123/dyndetail.pta?catalog=0001003a&uKeY=AAVNH

[ConneTheChamp]

Thank you for the parts list!

[ConneTheChamp]

Picture of the rear for you guys as well. I notice my side windows are far shorter than the brochure ones too, not sure why.

[StudeRich]

This one is looking like a plain Pickup Camper Shell from "in the Day", NOT a Conestoga for Studebaker.
It is not marked as "Conestoga" with a professional made Decal is it?

Notice that in addition to full length side windows Conestoga's are wider than the Dodge/Studebaker Box, yours was designed for probably a Ford width box.

There were several other Brands that had that rather unique Removable Rear Panel with a Crawl thru Door in it. I believe one was the "Open Road' Campers we had in Calif.

Must be a false alarm, but the Truck still is what it is, a 8E7-122 Champ V8 with a New Process 5 Speed Overdrive and a Twin Traction Dana Rear Axle.
There will be a Tin Tag under a rear cover screw on the Left, telling you what Axle Ratio it is, and or the number of teeth on the Ring and Pinion Gears.

[ConneTheChamp]

Super late reply to this, as time just flies by, but thank you for the information! I did not see any professional marking last time I was out there, just that there was some built in cabinets/cupboards on the inside with some wood paneling. I did some double checking and it looks to be that it might just be one of the Open Road Ford toppers that you mentioned, though how it started life in Minnesota I'm uncertain. Waiting for it to be a little more liveable out before I get working on it, but I am ordering parts in the meantime. I'll post some more pictures of it too, I grabbed some when I put in the mouse repellant.

[ConneTheChamp]

Finally did post those pictures and it looks to be the Ford topper like you said

[62champ]

Couple of photos of the Conestoga topper offered by Studebaker.

[r1lark]

More Conestoga info on my Champ truck thread here: https://forum.studebakerdriversclub....ration-project

Scroll down to post # 6.

[ConneTheChamp]

Awesome info there, thank you!

[Topper2011]

There's one for sale on FB.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/501288689627161/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3Ad843c532-b803-4da0-8c40-ea7e1552e5ad

[Tutulate]

This Conestoga on Facebook is the one I am selling.
My Dad passed away and I would love this to go to someone who would restore it. My Dad took this to the 1979 International Meet in Long Beach and won First Place in his Division, and Best of Show in the Commercial.
Yes, it needs total restoration, but it is all there. I even have the original Title and plates for it as a House Car in CA.

[DieselJim]

When we did the brakes on our 8E12, we installed a power unit with dual master cylinder. The power unit was for a Chevy station wagon.

[ConneTheChamp]

Just realized I never did post those photos

I'll try to organize them out a little bit, but maybe someone will see something here.

[ConneTheChamp]

And here's the various interiors.

You'll have to mind the garbage in there but given we get some consistent weather out I'll be able to clean things up a bit. Maybe I'll be able to sell some of the posts to make up for buying the thing!

[StudeRich]

So this is the one from Post # 5 back in Sept. last year that has a '60's Era generic Camper Shell made for other makes on it, not a Connestoga Camper.

I see the Truck has a Deluxe Cab with sliding rear Window, a V8 and 5 Speed floor shift Transmission, probably an Overdrive 5, and a Twin Traction Differential Dash sticker.