Truck Body Interchange?

[Joe Nichols]

I would like to know if 1/2, 1, 1 1/2, 2, 2 1/2 ton truck bodies are interchangeable? If so, will 1/2 ton beds work with the larger ton cabs? If so again, will M's and R's work the same (ie interchange of 1/2 to 2 1/2 M's & 1/2 to 2 1/2 R's)? What about E's. Thanks for comments.
Joe

[Mark57]

I am thinking that the wheelbase would be the biggest issue in attempting an interchange... 112" and 122" wheel bases (6.5 & 8 ft. pickup boxes) were only on 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks. The 1 ton 9 ft box was made for a 131" wheelbase, so would not fit very well on a longer wb 1 1/2 or 2 ton model.

One ton and over trucks (E-series) started at 131" wheelbases, so length would be an issue for the pick-up boxes. Also, pre '56 pickup boxes were narrower than later ones causing clearance problems with the rear axle/wheels if you attempt an interchange.

That said, if you have the ability and tools to fabricate, you can probably make most anything fit on any truck!

BTW truck cabs on R and E series were identical from 1/2 up to 2 ton, so the cabs could be interchanged (for the most part - some differences with various engine/transmission combos).

<h5>Mark
'57 Transtar Deluxe
Vancouver Island Chapter
http://visdc.shawwebspace.ca/ </h5>

[Joe Nichols]

Mark, Thanks for that information. I am wanting to find a solid M, R or E truck body and fit it to a late model Stude V8 chassis.
I needed to know if I find a cab & bed separately, if they will match.

[Guido]

Joe,

Are you looking to swap onto a truck chassis? If so, I would locate a 8E truck ('63/64) as they have the upgraded brakes and suspended pedals.

There are differences in the cabs with '49-53 having a split flat glass windshield, the '54's having a 1 piece windshield and small back window and '55 and up having a 1 piece windshield and big back window (which is NOT flat glass).

While all trucks used the same cab, the 1 ton and up had larger fender openings to accommodate the tires required on big trucks. Larger model cabs will match up to small truck beds with the exception of the wheelbases that Mark noted.

Guido Salvage - "Where rust is beautiful" and real Studebaker horsepower lives

See pictures here: http://community.webshots.com/user/GuidoSalvage

Hiding and preserving Studebakers in Richmond, Goochland & Louisa, Va.

[Joe Nichols]

Guido, thanks for your input! I am wanting to use a truck chassis with the latest technology. It sounds like the 56 & up cabs will be easier to fit on the newer chassis.

[TX Rebel]

There is a nicely done 59 pick up for sale in Dallas on ebay for a good price now...

Barry'd in Studes

[satdoc2]

Where is the 59 pick up listed?
Allen