Frame / Springs: Securing car for truck transport also radial or bias tires for a '54 commander??

[Jim G.]

I'm planning a cross country truck transport for a '54 Commander and been cautioned to avoid frame anchor tie downs and instead use soft tie wheel tie downs. Is this due to some weakness in the frame design that I need to be aware of? Also, the original tires will likely need replacement. Will radials work with this old car or will it be better with bias tires? Car being inspected for me by a third party professional as I haven't seen it yet.

[wolfie]

Hi Jim, My 53 has factory tie downs mounted on the frame but modern technology says the tire tie downs are better/less stressful. Radials will work fine, search the threads RE: using radials on the old style wheels. Many suggest finding a Ford wheel from a later model car. Stay consistent, all radials or all bias. Steve

[studegary]

Use wheel tie downs. Peg Trucking moves a lot of Studebakers and that is what she specifies.
For tires, to me it depends on what you are going to use the car for. If it is going to be basically a show/hobby car, go with original appearing bias ply tires. If you are going to make a restomod or everyday driver, go with radials on new wheels.
Welcome to the Forum and, probably, to the wonderful world of Studebakers. Join the Studebaker Drivers Club, from this site.

[Jim G.]

Thanks Gary. Good advice! Actually am using Peg Trucking, recommended by another Studebaker owner, but car needs to pass inspection by one of your fellow New Yorkers (also recommended) since I live in Californis and wont see the car until it gets here.

[Bob Andrews]

Welcome, Jim! Hope the inspection goes as planned this Sunday (third time's the charm?) and the car is everything you hope it is

If your inspector is a pro, he should have no problem sending you pictures as he is looking it over

[studegary]

If the car is within an hours drive of me, I will offer to be a second pair of eyes for you. I do have considerable experience with Studebakers and other cars. I will volunteer. If you would like to kick in for out of pocket expenses, like gasoline and tolls, that would be nice. A couple of weeks ago, I traveled 469 miles for another 1954 C/K.

EDIT: To clarify, I am offering a SECOND pair of eyes. I AM NOT offering to do a complete inspection and report.

[Bob Andrews]

Gary- it would be fun to see you. Tried to PM but your inbox is full.

[studegary]

Gary- it would be fun to see you. Tried to PM but your inbox is full.

I didn't realize that, thanks. I just completely emptied my in box, rather than deleting a few, like I have done in the past.

EDIT: A direct e-mail may work better (or a phone call).

[Jim G.]

Gary, Not sure if it was you who volunteered to be "a second set of eyes" to look at a car I'm considering, but if so, the car is in Centereach, Long Island. Would that be withlin an hours drive from Wappingers Falls? I'm still having Bob Andrews do the inspection but if you saw something obviously a deal breaker (total rust bucket, need of major resto., unacceptable ownership documents, etc., etc. )) it would save Bob a long drive of 239 miles. Let me know, please. Thanks Gary, Jim G.

[studegary]

Gary, Not sure if it was you who volunteered to be "a second set of eyes" to look at a car I'm considering, but if so, the car is in Centereach, Long Island. Would that be withlin an hours drive from Wappingers Falls? I'm still having Bob Andrews do the inspection but if you saw something obviously a deal breaker (total rust bucket, need of major resto., unacceptable ownership documents, etc., etc. )) it would save Bob a long drive of 239 miles. Let me know, please. Thanks Gary, Jim G.

No. The Long Island part takes it out of the volunteer part for me, sorry (also, beyond one hour). I was not trying to cut Bob A. out of this. I just saw it as a chance for Bob and I to get together and pick apart a Studebaker.
I do know of a "1954" in the area that is really a 1953 that has a 1954 Serial Number plate that it received after it was stolen. I remember that car as being a Starliner, not Starlight. Bob A. would know to check for things like that.

[Bob Andrews]

Well, as an update: This deal fell through. Jim says he found out that the seller of this car is known to Hemmings as having at least questionable business practices. Jim has decided to pull the plug on the deal, and I can't argue with that.

Jim is still in the market for a nice Loewy coupe. Doesn't have to be a show car, but needs to be a quality example. If you know of one, send him a PM.