Thread: 1950 Studebaker Champion Mordoor project!

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The only place there was rust was on the drivers side floor and body mount. I cut out the floor and put some beads in it and welded it in.



When I built the trans tunnel I used the old tunnel just raised it up about 4". I left a removable panel so I could get the linkage easier.

Here's the body mount I had to replace. I found a replacement on a site on the internet. So I didn't have to fabricate one.


Front view with new recessed firewall. I think on 51 Studes the year of their first V8 they had a recessed firewall to make room for their V8. The booster and master cylinder were out of a 78 Firebird.



As was the brake pedal assembly and steering column (with key). The seats are 6 way power, heated leatherfrom a 2003 Trailblazer $300 for the pair. I also got the center console and over head console for another $100.

The driveshaft tunnel I made on a 3' sheetmetal brake making a small bend every 1/8"-1/4". Sure wish I had a slip roller.



Here's a shot of the dash. I had to add 4" to widen the original dash to clear the Vintage air conditioning condenser. It can get hot here in NM and I want to be comfy!



There's a view of the console too. It fit perfect!

Another view of the dash.



I made a cardboard template for the front of the dash and cut it out of 18 gauge.



Finished dash with Auto Meter Gauges in Billet Specialties Bezel. I used the original glove box door.



Test fit in car.

I finished up the dash and got it in the car. Started making a mounting place for the CD/DVD player. I need to make some sort of side panels to go from the console to underneath the dash to cover this area and mount the heater vents.



Got an electric wiper motor from Newport Engineering. O boy, no more vacuum wipers that only worked when it wasn't raining! Bolts right in place of the original motor.





Here's a shot of the 6 way power Leather seats and console from a 2003 Trailblazer.

Put on a new power brake booster this one is 7" diameter. The stock GM one was hitting the fender. As it is I will still have to modify the fender for clearance.



Steering Shaft using a SS Borgeson double universal Chevy splined to double D.



I'm using a support in the middle since it has 3 universals in the shaft. Lower universl is a SS Borgeson Mustang II rack to double D

After some research I found out that a Chevy 55-57 radiator with the 6 cylinder mounts will work with some minor mods.

The size is almost exacty the same dimensions. It has the center inlet and passenger side outlet. It is aluminum with 2-1" cores.

Well after a year of putting it off I'm finally started back to work on the Studebaker. I spent 2 days clean up all the junk around the car so I can get work on it and have room to get the gantry crane over it to pull the body off.



I assembled the body dolly I bought. I know I could have built it but sometimes it's just easier and less expensive just to buy it. I'll get plenty of use out of it in thr future too.



The car is amazingly straight and rust free. Since we have owned it since 1969 and it spent a good part of it's life in CA or garaged. I did finish all the body work and primered it back in 1977 but never painted it. It's been a Rat Rod for 32 years. But I plan on doing a shinet paintjob on it.