Lebowski Posted July 25, 2019 Share Posted July 25, 2019 (edited) I ran across it on the Studebaker Drivers Club website on Monday. It had just been put on there the day before. The guy was listing it for his brother and the only location given was Kentucky so I figured it was probably at the other end of the state. When I emailed him and he said his brother lived about 20 miles from me I started getting excited about it. I went and looked at it on Tuesday and was very impressed with it so I gave him a deposit. Yesterday morning I met him at the motor vehicle office and gave him the cash and they transferred it to me (total cost $78.50 with no appointment and no waiting). Today I painted the wheels red and had a set of Goodyear tires installed at Walmart ($338). The two brothers completely restored it several years and made a few improvements which some of you guys may not like. They yanked the 6 and installed a Studebaker 289-2v that had recently been rebuilt. They replaced the 3 speed manual with a heavier duty T-85 OD transmission and added a new clutch and also a 3 row radiator. It didn't come with turn signals so they added them with 2 big amber lenses in front plus a couple of fog lamps for good measure. They put in a Ford 9" posi rear end with 3.50 gears and also an upgraded steering box and suspension. They completely rewired it with a 12V Painless harness and installed Cadillac disc brakes on the front. They also put in an aftermarket AC and heat system and an AM/FM/CD player with 4 big Pioneer speakers (one in each door and two behind the seat). They had the original seat reupholstered and installed a new headliner and then had a friend paint it. It cruises down the freeway at 70 with no problem which it obviously could never do if it was left stock. I plan on taking it to some shows and cruises in the next couple of months before it starts getting too cold out. Here's a few pics.... Edited July 29, 2019 by Lebowski (see edit history) 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stvaughn Posted July 26, 2019 Share Posted July 26, 2019 Technically it’s not “restored” but I’m ok with it. Enjoy it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesR Posted July 26, 2019 Share Posted July 26, 2019 I absolutely love it! Beautifully done. Congrats on acquiring a great looking old truck. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pmhowe Posted July 26, 2019 Share Posted July 26, 2019 I had a chance to buy one - and didn't. I'm still kicking myself. It was a fun truck to drive, very solid. Congratulations! Phil 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zepher Posted July 26, 2019 Share Posted July 26, 2019 Congrats on your new truck. Most would call it a resto-mod but it sure looks good. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryB Posted July 26, 2019 Share Posted July 26, 2019 Great truck! It’s set up so you can drive it which is fantastic. Enjoy and keep the pictures coming. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_Mack_CT Posted July 26, 2019 Share Posted July 26, 2019 Nice! We do not have one but a favorite of my dads. He was happy to find your truck in miniature form at Hershey a couple years back. A popular kids toy in period. We have seen a couple since, usually a mustard yellow. Now you can look for that to go with the big one. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hans1 Posted July 26, 2019 Share Posted July 26, 2019 i LIKE IT TOO ! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Luddy Posted July 26, 2019 Share Posted July 26, 2019 I much prefer the swapped in 289, as well as Cadi disc brakes and improved steering. I'm a Studebaker owner and SDC member. This rig is road ready and very, very drivable. Whats wrong with that? 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lebowski Posted July 26, 2019 Author Share Posted July 26, 2019 (edited) I forgot to mention that his daughter bought a new bed so she sent out an email to a few relatives and asked if anyone could use her old bed frame. Bob (the seller) said let me take a look at that and you can see where it is now. It lined up perfectly with the holes on the side of the bed so he put a bolt in each end of it and you can see the end result. Bob's brother said that Bob can work wonders with metal and can even make his own guns. I didn't even know that it was possible for someone to make something as complex as a gun.... Edited July 26, 2019 by Lebowski (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lebowski Posted July 26, 2019 Author Share Posted July 26, 2019 (edited) 4 minutes ago, Ed Luddy said: I much prefer the swapped in 289, as well as Cadi disc brakes and improved steering. I'm a Studebaker owner and SDC member. This rig is road ready and very, very drivable. Whats wrong with that? Absolutely nothing but as we all know you can never please everybody. Thanks for the kind words.... Edited July 26, 2019 by Lebowski (see edit history) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plymouthcranbrook Posted July 26, 2019 Share Posted July 26, 2019 (edited) That is one fine looking truck with the added advantage of being mostly Studebaker. I really like the bed rails(I couldn't resist). I haven always liked Studebakers although i have never even ridden in one. Edited July 26, 2019 by plymouthcranbrook (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8E45E Posted July 26, 2019 Share Posted July 26, 2019 Must have been owned by a priest at one time. Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dosmo Posted July 26, 2019 Share Posted July 26, 2019 That looks great - I'd be proud to own and drive it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Harwood Posted July 26, 2019 Share Posted July 26, 2019 I think those are really good-looking trucks. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
just me Posted July 26, 2019 Share Posted July 26, 2019 Very nice truck Charley 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted July 26, 2019 Share Posted July 26, 2019 14 hours ago, Lebowski said: Absolutely nothing but as we all know you can never please everybody. Thanks for the kind words.... One only needs to please one's self. I would be tickled pink with that truck. Ben 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesR Posted July 26, 2019 Share Posted July 26, 2019 I also see no problem with the way it was modified or restored. If I decide to pursue my '65 Thunderbird as a project, it may have some of the same aspects of restoration (since it came with a non original motor and inconspicuous aftermarket stuff.) I had a '50 Plymouth that simply would not do modern hiway speeds; a little 273 v8 could've helped that. I like that the non-original V8 in your truck is Stude. It keeps it more original in spirit. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uncle_Buck Posted July 26, 2019 Share Posted July 26, 2019 Nice, nice 2R5, from the year of my birth ... !! Remember the words of Ricky Nelson’s hit, ‘Garden Party’ : “But it's all right now, I learned my lesson well.You see, ya can't please everyone, so ya got to please yourself” 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pont35cpe Posted July 26, 2019 Share Posted July 26, 2019 Lebowski, are you going to install your throne for the drivers seat? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lahti35 Posted July 26, 2019 Share Posted July 26, 2019 Great looking truck! I Passed on one a few years ago and still kick myself..... I must admit I am jealous it only cost $78 to transfer... here in MI it would have been 10 times that easy! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lebowski Posted July 26, 2019 Author Share Posted July 26, 2019 1 hour ago, pont35cpe said: Lebowski, are you going to install your throne for the drivers seat? Are you referring to The Dude sitting on the throne in his bathrobe with no TP left on the roll? That's a classic pic. But no, I think I'll leave the driver's seat just the way it is.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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