1937 Studebaker Dictator

[Buk_kao]

1937 Studebaker Dictator Four Door Cruising Sedan

My father recently passed away somewhat unexpectedly at an early age of 52 as a result of brain cancer. He was a real car enthusiast and as such left many cars behind; one of them being a 1937 Studebaker Dictator 4-door Cruising Sedan project car. Unfortunately, I know very little about any of the cars and I am having a hard time deciding what to do or where to start. Not sure if I should make an attempt at putting the car together or just sell it to someone better equipped than myself to take on the project. Any suggestions would be so greatly appreciated at this time. Thank you.

<img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Pics: http://www.care2.com/c2c/photos/view/95/967772658/Cars/

[Mike Cullen]

Sweet looking car! that would be a great candidate for restoration. It looks as if it would need a lot but it seems to be fairly complete and unmolested. Would I pick this for your first restoration? maybe not, but if you can go slowly and stay organized it will be the biggest learning experience of your life. It will cost you far more than you will ever hope to recover by selling it but the experience and pleasure you will get out of firing it up and taking that first drive wearing the silly ear to ear grin we have all worn makes it worthwhile. Studebakers are fine cars, enjoy it if you are able. Whatever you do, DO NOT sell it to be hot-rodded, there are far too few pre-war Studebakers left to chop up any more of them. Keep us posted, there is a wealth of knowledge and experience here, use it!

Condolences on you Dad's passing.

[Buk_kao]

Wow. Thank you very much for your response Mike. I sold off so many neat cars already and most of them far to cheap. It has been hard to quit kicking myself for it too. Some of them were a 1967 Corvette (600 horsepower), 1965 Chevelle Malibu Convertible, 1965 Impala, 1933 Dodge pickup (street rod), 1970 Monte Carlo SS with a 454 in it, and a couple of others. Along with this stuff, I accidentally sold all the chrome and emblems to a 66' Caprice that I still have (didn't even know about the car at the time) and what I hate most now is that we sold the rear fenders to the Studebaker that you see missing in the photos! This was another car that I wasn't even aware of at the time. They are scattered all over in fact and many have disappeared since his passing (long story). Anyway, I just found out that this Studebaker was on its way to becoming a rod and is in fact now on a Chevelle chasis. Does that change much? Remember, I know very little about this stuff. And how hard will it be to find rear fenders for it again? Thanks again for your time!

[Mike Cullen]

Being a body on a late model chassis makes a big difference. Going back to original configuration is (IMO) preferred. If you have lots of stuff kicking around, maybe the remnants of the Stude are still around hiding. Finding fenders won't be too bad, they are the least of your worry. If its possible to start searching, maybe a derelect parts car can be found. If you just want to make a weekend cruiser, you could finish it on the later running gear and drive it more. Rather than restoration, that would be more of a fabrication and custom build. It's pure speculation, you'd need to drag the car out, inspect it carefully, and then see which way you would like to go. Check with a local chapter of the AACA, there will likely be a Studebaker junkie who could give you some advice on what could be done to save it if you want to go the restoration route.

[Buk_kao]

Thanks! We'll do.

[Guest imported_GeorgeCagle]

Greetings,

The body looks solid. I have seen all the parts you need to restore it on ebay over the last few months, including a frame. Right now there is an auction with a complete drivetrain, front and rear suspension, radiator, and wheels (item #170057893496). Most of these cars are being rodded so the original parts are available. There are lots of '37 rods but very few restored '37s. Keep it original.

[Buk_kao]

Great. Thanks for the info. I actually have the hood skirts, the running boards, and an extra front end(grill with lights, etc). I also have the bumpers for it as well. I think I am only missing the read fenders which I sold like a dummy! Lol...

[mbstude]

The rear fenders are currently available in fiberglass. They are pretty good quality too.

Those extra front end parts are worth a fortune. Why? Because of hot rodders. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

[1937hd45]

Just spent two days last week block sanding the nose of a '37 Studebaker, that was a twin to the one you have. Current owner built a station wagon body for it, and put it on a bagged S10 chassis. The stock running gear and body less cowl and fenders brought less than $100.00 on eBay a year ago. Sounds like you have a few more cars in the collection, I'd let this one go and spend the funds on a better car, hopefully one your dad really liked.

[Guest abh3usn]

You can get a lot of help from your local Studebaker Drivers Club. Here's some info from the Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805-1942. "A new flat type 18 gallon gas tank provided increased space in trunk. New safety feature was rotary door latches with safety catches. Standard equip. gas gauge, engine thermometer, Autolite ignition lock, Geo W.Borg clock, Casco cigar lighter, safety glass, one sun visor, dual windsheild wipers, bumper, Houde shocks, spring covers and Budd steel disc wheels. Planar front wheel suspension was used on series 6A models ($20 extra). Total production from Aug '36 - July '37 39,001. Price 4Dr Cus. Sed $880, 4 Dr. Cr. Sed $900." IMO, the '37s were gorgeous! Check out the Studebaker Drivers Club site for some restored examples. Good luck!