Rip and Thrash: 1954 3R Studebaker Truck Hotrod

Free Chevy frame.

2009-02-18T16:02:00.000-08:00

I am giving away the Chevy frame the Studebaker came on so I posted it on Craigslist.

Body Swap

2009-02-12T23:03:00.000-08:00

I finally got a chance to work on the Studebaker truck again. I was able to remove the bed and cab from the 1 ton frame with the engine hoist, some chain, and some rope. Curse sloped driveways, I had visions chasing the cab and hoist down the street.

Seeing the cab on the ground keeps me thinking of airbags. But, I want to avoid the cost, complexity and energy usage this time around.

The front body mounts on the old frame. Stick welded even. This is an old school hack job, just like the firewall currently in the truck. The original owner of the truck had at least 6 projects like this (all Studebaker trucks) in various stages of completion. Sadly he died before he could complete them all.

Not the best picture, but the body is in place on the S10 frame via some wood 2X4 spacers. It looks like it will actually fit well and the mounts should be easy to design and make.

Next up...
Measurements.
Ergonomics.
Body mounts.
Move engine back?
Firewall.
Lengthen frame? or shorten bed.
Remove the floor of the bed.

Do we have transmission?

2009-02-01T22:37:00.000-08:00

I have been reading up on the T5 transmission.

There is a log of great information on the HAMB summarized in this post.

The good news is I it looks like I have a World Class T5.

I have not verified it but I think my gear ratios are as follows.

1352-222, GM 1993 MY S-Truck 2.8L WC, R, 3.70, 3.97, 2.34, 1.48, 1.00, 0.72

For a v8 application it might be better to have slightly taller gears... but that will work. I can also do some calculations with rear end ratio (3.73) and tire size.
(But I am using the original v6 so I won't need to worry about that right?)

The bad news is I have an electric speedo. I need to convert the tailhousing to mechanical buy a converter box made by Cable X. It is $319.00 plus shipping. Ouch.

I also have thoughts of putting the T5 behind the Studebaker V8 I have. Dan Giblin makes a T5 Adapter. There is also some tech on that is here.

Or maybe I will use that ford 5.0 engine I have.

Too many options...

Studebaker Math

2009-01-21T23:31:00.000-08:00

Add one rusty ebay 1952 Studebaker 2R truck.

Plus one wrecked Chevy S10.

Equals

I love this truck and blame Stude-Sled for the purchase of my S10 truck. Brian used the S10 chassis including the firewall and dash on this truck. With the S10 fuel injected 4 cylinder engine it gets good gas mileage in style. Using the S10 firewall he also increased his legroom from stock Studebaker.

Removing the Body Mounts

2009-01-04T22:03:00.000-08:00

The body mounts on the S10 frame are solid despite the ugly looking factory welds. This is the removal technique worked best for me.

The required tools:
Sawzall
Sledge Hammer
Cold Chisel
Grinder.

First I cut a horizontal cut with the Sawzall parallel with the frame but at a 45 degree angle to remove most of the mount. Then I hammered both of the sides inward, against the weld to attempt to crack the weld. Then I cold chiseled down the weld to remove the remaining sides. The final bits I attacked with the grinder. Not that difficult but I needed a break after each mount.

I pulled the other parts off the S10 that I might be using. The pedals and the master and slave cylinder.

In preparation for moving the cab I needed to work on the cherry picker. The cylinder was shot so I replaced it. The technique I plan on using is shown on a forum post in the H.A.M.B.

Studebaker Served Rat Rod Style.

2009-01-02T23:01:00.000-08:00

Well, after a little break I am back. If you haven't noticed I have been posting content between inspiration. I don't know how long this format will continue but for now it seems to be working just fine.

Time for some more inspiration and for something different.

Is this a Rat Rod? I don't know, but it is pretty cool. While the truck started life as an earlier M series truck at least it is a Studebaker. The truck's builder posts on SDC forum Myspace and Youtube.

I love the Lone Wolf Plaque (Insert "Blades of Glory" quote).

Merry Christmas

2008-12-22T23:24:00.000-08:00

Last year when my sister was storing my 2R10 she deciced to decorate if for Christmas. Sorry for the picture quality.

Ebay Special Part 2.

2008-12-22T23:02:00.000-08:00

This beautiful restoration appeared on ebay a while ago. If my organization is correct maybe Oct. 2007. It looks like a 1955. Notice the large rear window.

Megasquirt.

2008-12-22T21:47:00.000-08:00

In 2004 I built a Megasquirt 1 V2.2 DIY fuel injection computer. I built the megasquirt in order to learn more about various aspects of electronic fuel injection. I built the computer intending to install it on a Corvair. I never got around to it and the computer Sat in a plastic tub until...

The S10 came with a GM 2.8L 60 degree V6. The harness however was cut and I decided for now to break out the plastic tub...

After reviewing the literature (see binder below) and scratching my head a bit I was able to get the megasquirt connected to the computer via megatune. I then finished the relay board and started wiring the actual engine. Everything went pretty smooth except...

I need to update the Megasquirt with extra code so I can control the GM HEI ignition and I need to figure out what I want to do with the ignition circit. I am almost ready to start testing everything. That should happen in the next few days.

Ebay Special.

2008-12-21T11:10:00.000-08:00

I have had a picture of this truck by Jeff Wingo on my poster board of inspiration (or poster board of clutter, depending on who you talk to) for several years and now it is for Sale. This truck is a little over the top but fantastic non the less.

Update 1/1/09: The truck did not meet the reserve price. The 22 bids topped 50,100.00 dollars. Wow.

Junk yard dog.

2008-12-20T23:18:00.000-08:00

A trip to the local junk yard yeilded results...A 1998 Ford Exploder 8.8 inch rear end. Disk Brakes, 3.73, Traction-Lock, wider than the 2WD s10, a perfect match for the Studebaker, especially when I get ford bolt pattern wheel spacers in front.

The hangers are about 1/2 inch wider than the s10 but for test purposes they bolt right up. I need to get the real hangers but for now.

Astute Stude.

2008-12-20T19:09:00.000-08:00

I love the stance of this truck by Greg Porter. The black color and copper dash are nice and the whitewalls make the look. I also like the exhaust (although it is a little large for may taste.) The grill hasn't grown on me yet and I do like the less blunt shape of the pre-55 hood better.

Look what the cat dragged home.

2008-12-20T09:56:00.000-08:00

A popular frame swap for hot rods and ratrods is the S10 chassis. The frame comes in several lengths and is easy to shorten. Lowering kits and bags are readily available to change the stance. The 4*4 rear axle is the appropriate width for many old vehicles and you can use axle spacers for the front. The frame is strong and also easy for V8 swaps. Some kits are even made for gm trucks.

I wasn't going to use the frame I had with the truck (too big) so I was on the lookout for s10 chassis. I missed at on auction s10 which I still regret. 1989 Longbed with 50000 miles, formerly own by the City of Carson City. The hood realesed at highway speed and smashed the hood/window/cab. The truck sold for 800 dollars, but I didn't inspect the truck before the auction so i didn't bid.

Then I saw a truck on Craigslist a 1993 truck for 120 dollars. Entry price seems cheap enough, but what a truck. I gave a deposit on the truck and quickly regretted it. When 90% of the trucks at the junkyard are better...

One redeeming thing about the truck...it was so hacked up the engine and trans was ready to pull. A few bed mounts and I pulled the bed. A few more bolts and I pulled the body...and the prize. An S10 frame. But ugh rust. I am not used to rust, but if I can avoid it I am never going to buy another rusty truck.

Next out come the sawzall and grinder to remove the body mounts.

This Old Crow.

2008-12-19T16:50:00.000-08:00

This truck is absolutely fantastic and one of my favorite Studebaker truck customs! Built by Bobby Green of Old Crow Speed Shop which also has an awesome Bonneville Lakester and blog. The truck has a 3 inch chop and Volare front suspension. Bobby posts on the H.A.M.B and really does some nice work. If I could only be so cool.

The Lucky Winner.

2008-12-19T09:13:00.000-08:00

I had been following Craigslist for some time looking for Studebaker trucks. This resulted in several disappointments as the trucks were invariably sold before I had a chance at them. Then I was gone for a few weeks and when I got back I was surprised to find I had missed a whole slew of Studebaker truck adds. It actually took months from there to finally look at the trucks because of snow and difficulty meeting with the owner. By that time I had missed the good stuff, "you don't want to know" Russ replied when I asked hem what was already sold. Russ' recently deceased dad apparently had quite a collection and Russ and his brother were left trying to dispose of them. One of the more interesting trucks, already sold but still at the house was an extra cab dully with a Chevy 454. The bed had been widened and the hood was a tilt forward setup. Not my cup of tea, but interesting none the less. I contemplated purchasing the remaining 4 trucks and 2 cabs...my better judgment allowed me to purchase just one truck.

The lucky winner...

A 1954 3r no engine or trans on a Chevy 1 ton chassis for the sum of 300 dollars. The truck did have a title, bed and glass but was missing upholstery, and bumpers and the firewall was modified.

The 1954 Studebaker truck is a rare transitional truck with a few parts that are specific to that year. Most notable the windshield is a 1 piece affair, instead of the earlier 2r, 2 piece flat windshields. The way Studebaker did this was interesting. In order to appear more modern they just bent the 1 piece window in the middle. Done...modern curved window. The grill is also a modification for the 2r grill. The hood is the earlier, more slanted (and better looking) shape, and the back window is small and flat. In 1955 the back window grew larger and was crowned. There is also something different about the firewall. I think the 1954 had the earlier firewall while the 1955 had the later firewall.

Vin number decoding 3R5-12

3R5 - 1954 3R series.
12 - 112" Wheelbase with the short 6-1/2 foot bed.
R5 - 112025 The 3R5 started at 111401 and at 114000. My truck was number 623 off the line with a total production of 2599.

Studebaker truck Inspiration.

2008-12-18T21:39:00.000-08:00

I have been following this blog for some time and it is probably part of the reason for starting this blog.

1955Studebaker

John and Tracy Smith have a Studebaker truck in the style I appreciate and want to emulate...with the original Patina. While they had a post titled Rat Rod, this is no rat, it is a real working truck. It has been fun watching them fix up various bits on the truck and I am sure the new Lark will be just as fun.

Jason

My First Post.

2008-12-18T15:47:00.000-08:00

I am starting this blog for a couple of reasons.

1) I have never used blogger before and I want to learn first hand about the "user experience".

2) I intend the content to be Studebaker specific, unlike my other web site and my social networking sites.

3) I want to chronicle the birth (or re-birth) of my Studebaker Truck hot rod.

4) Maybe I can help (and solicit help) from people involved in similar endeavors.

Why Rip and Thrash. Have you ever tried to come up with a name that is not taken? The name is how I feel at this moment in the project. My old Boss used to use the term when I was in the middle of a wiring project and everything looked like a mess, "Rip and Thrash." he would say. I knew where I was going but to onlookers, chaos. Maybe not the most descriptive for SEO but I think it will capture the spirit of the blog. Because the trucks I am starting with have seen "better days" (another passable blog name) I am not afraid to get in their and cut and grind and weld. Happy studebakering.

RipNThrash - Jason