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Never had a Hudson but always loved the look of the Big Boy. I did have a 49 F3 Ford pickup (basically a one ton) and the cab was very cramped for leg movement to the pedals. The springs were just about the same and what a lot of guys do is remove every other one. I suggest you take 2 or 3 out try it and then take more out until you get the ride/feel handeling you like. Remember the ride height will change taking them out also. Have fun it looks like a great deal.

A totally redone one sold for $28000 at the overpriced BJ auction out east recently. With the original look of this one and the interior being in reasonable shape I would think the 11-12K would be reasonable. The headliner is a real pain in these cars so depending on how bad that is could hurt a little. It would be a shame to rod it as they say " it is only original once ".

I wonder if all of this will be affected if some states that are currently testing the pay for mileage tax as opposed to or more likely in addition to the current gas tax. I know CA is testing how to track mileage along with 5 or 6 other states. If they figure it out can the ins companies be far behind?

I agree it is a lot of fun driving an old car. But I also get a lot of pleasure fixing it so I can drive it. Currently pulling the engine from the 38 because the rear seal is leaking very badly. My neighbor stopped by and asked why do I bother, why not take it a shop and have it fixed? My answer was simple it gets me away from the computer, gives me a sense of accomplishment and most of all its just fun getting my hands greasy again. When I was a kid I worked weekends in a junk yard, my pay was I got any part I needed to keep my 57 DeSoto running and I got to siphon the gas out of any car brought in the yard. Kept that hemi running for 5 years and always had a full tank of gas. My hands were always greasy but I don't think I was ever unhappy or worried. Today I am lucky enough to be able to afford to just take it to a shop but no way is that going to happen. I'm just to happy getting greasy!! Have fun

Robert. I sent you a message. I think it went to your email or profile. If that did not work please let me know and I will try again. Dave S

I have a shop manual and have a parts manual on order but the supplier shipped it to someone else in error. He has promised me it will be corrected and I will have it by the middle of next week. Maybe I'm a sucker by believing him but I would like to think it was just an honest error and not just someone trying to rip me off. Time will tell thank you for the clarification on the meaning of the codes. Dave S

Studerex did you replace the slinger or cap or did you reuse the the ones you had. I assume it is not possible to find original wood seals. You just took a best guess at the size and the wood was soft enough to bend or did you cat as a half circle then worked into the slot. I assume I have to pull engine to do this. Do I just loosen crank journals or remove crank. I appreciate any advice. Dave S

Thank you for the help from down under! I talked with "Studebaker International" to try and get the seal -- this has caused more confusion on my part. They say the 38 -6 cyl flat head did not have a rear seal per say but has an oil slinger that has a rubber cover too it that acts as a seal. Has anyone replaced this gasket/slinger/seal snd csn give me any information regarding what it is and where I may be able to find one? Thanks Dave S

The "rear main seal" is leaking on the flat head 6 -- I have heard (have not pulled engine yet) that it isa wood seal! Does anyone know if that is true? If so is there a modern replacement that will work better? The engine was rebuilt before I purchased the car and currently has about 500-600 miles on it. I also need to find a seal as I've checked Studebaker International and a couple other sites trying to find one without purchasing a complete overhaul gasket set. Any help will be appreciated. Any advice about pitfalls of doing this will also be greatly appreciated. Info that may help know me- I've rebuilt a 1960 Austin Healy, MGB's, a 49 Ford F3 truck and a few other cars/engines so have some limited experience. The 38 SC was in a barn for 42 years and I purchased it about 6 months ago. All the mechanicals (engine, trans, clutch, brakes, wiring, radiator, carb, fuel pump-also has elec fuel pump) were rebuilt before I purchased it, so I have just driven and had fun with it. Thanks again for any info help provided. I have the shop manual and have orderd a parts manual but it is not here yet.

Hagerty had a "Show and Shine" car show Saturday at the brickyard in conjunction with the SCRA vintage races. . Entries received access for two people and your car for two days and the "Three Dog Night" concert Saturday night. The high lite was we got to take the cars out on the Indy Track ! As I had the oldest car that lined up I waited to be the last car. About 50 cars lined up - no trailer queens took the opportunity but there were Porches, Vets, Mustangs, E-types, Chevells, MG's, Chargers and every kind of muscle car you can think of and my 38 Studebaker. Single file with a pace car and a trailer car behind me. First lap was slow at about 35-40, second lap about 50 mph, third lap I had the 38 flat out about 65-70 and never lifted around the two and a half miles. We had a ball. A Porsche Carrera was in front of me and would back way off the car in front of him then take off. I was going flat out with the trail car behind me just cruising along. One time I came up on the Porsche before he stepped on it so I made a quick move to the inside to make the pass! He hit it and left us in his dust and had the nerve to wave bye bye. I could see the guys in the trail car busting a gut laughing there heads off as we were too. Great time and I really recommend anyone that gets the chance to run the track do not hesitate to do it. It is a must do bucket list item!

I drive the 38 Studebaker around Lexington KY quite a bit. The biggest problem is people cutting in front of me when I leave more space between cars for braking. They do not understand it takes a 3800 pound old car with drum brakes and small tires a lot more room to stop than their modern cars. I do enjoy driving it around all of the horse farms in the Blue Grass country that surrounds Lexington. Go for it and have fun.

I bought it out of the last barn within the city of Chicago. Took it down to the frame. It had a flat head 6 in it and widow maker wheels. I got the flat head running for about 10 minute when it thru a rod and destroyed the block. Dropped a 5.0 EFI Mustang in it so it at least stayed all Ford. The stance is due to original leaf springs, all 14 of them in the rear and a Jag front rack & pinion. It's an F3 heavy duty which is actually a 3/4 ton rated as a 1 ton. Drove it twice and sold it. The fun was in the build. Now I've got the 38 State Commander which is a survivor out of a barn in PA after 40+ years. It runs and looks ok. The interior should be re-done but it is only original once so I am still undecided if I should fix it. The best part is driving it 4 or 5 times a week. Have fun. Dave S

Try it yourself- there is a book on ebay/azamon called "Metal Bumping" by Frank Sargent for less than $20 It is a must read for anyone going to do metal work. It explains things very well. The FTE (Ford Truck Enthusiast forum) turned me on to it when I was rebuilding my 49 F3 see before and after pics. First time I did any metal work.

Three things come to mind. Time to do things right. Money to do things right. A wife that understands how much time and money you spend on something you love besides her! Have fun is another important thing to do. Dave S