"54 Champion

[Guest]

Well, traded my Rambler for my first Studebaker, a '54 Champion coupe. I traded a very pretty, totally rust-free (had never been rusted), '64 Rambler wagon that ran like new with the original 6 cyl and 3 on the tree, and working overdrive for a rust bucket with the worst interior and chrome I've ever seen, the engine torn down for some unknown reason and pieces of the frame rusted away. But I LOVE my little coupe. I've always loved this body style and always dreamed of one day owning one. I'd be the first to say I prob got taken on the trade, but I really wanted just one of these before I go to the big garage in the clouds. Now to the point of my Post (besides bragging about my coupe), I need help, desperately, in finding some good people to deal with for getting the parts I need to get this baby on the road. First, I'm looking at taking the floor pans out, so I need a line on some good used or re-pop floor pans. After that, everything else is gonna need replacing too, so any info you have, let me know. Thanks

Jerry

[rockne10]

http://www.classicent.com/coupes_hawks.php

http://www.studebakervendors.com/

[Flashback]

Post us some pictures. Order a Studebaker Intrnational catalogue. Then get
the parts and service manuals. Type in 53 Studebaker, and go to lookin'.
GOOD LUCK

Tex E. Grier

[Guest]

Thanks for the advice guys, now can you tell me the best way to handle a rusty frame? It's the bottom frame plate (the one facing the ground) that seems to have the biggest problems. Not saying the others don't show some rust, but the bottom plate is the only one rusted through and with chunks missing. If I'm going to have to do a frame swap, I want to go with one that gives all the modern plusses like front disc brakes, V8 motor mounts, maybe power R&P, or at least power steering. Any suggestions as to what would be the easiest and most efficient modern frame to swap over to my little coupe? Help, I don't want to lose this car because of frame and floor-pan rust issues. I'd do anything to keep this coupe and get it on the road, no matter how "un-Studebaker" the car ends up, it's really the cool '54 C/K look that I wanted anyhow. Thanks for any help.

Jerry

[sweetolbob]

Jerry

Contact Bob Peterson on the forum for frames. He's in California but comes east occasionally and might be able to deliver to a meet and then someone or you might be able to pick it up. He might have a heavier frame from a later model. Just a thought.

Also, if it's just the bottom, a replacement piece could be welded in. It's just a straight piece of steel that could be conformed to the frame.

Again, Welcome.

Bob

,

[wcarroll@outrageous.net]

Here's what you need Jerry (a solid CA frame):

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/pts/1411321302.html

http://community.webshots.com/user/s2dbaker?vhost=community

[Allan Songer]

quote:Originally posted by wcarroll@outrageous.net

Here's what you need Jerry (a solid CA frame):

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/pts/1411321302.html

http://community.webshots.com/user/s2dbaker?vhost=community

Second that.

[sweetolbob]

Steve

quote:From Upperdarbyhawk

2: A rebuilt 289 V8 studebaker engine with a 4 barrel and a perfect automatic transmission. A solid hawk frame.

You might want to give Upperdarbyhawk a look. This frame may be an upgrade to replace your's. Better minds than mine on the forum would know.

Bob

,

[jallen]

You've made a very smart trade. Now look for a late model Hawk frame. 62-64 would be the best shot at V8 with front disc brakes,
plus a stouter frame.
Good luck and welcome to the forum.