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Tell me more please!!!

PostPosted: 2015 Apr 06 Mon 7:41 pm
by klangum
Hey this is the barn find my father in law and i picked up about 8 months ago its a one owner car full of rats nests. The only reason i know its a one owner car is because it belonged to my father in laws great uncle he bought it brand new. I am just wondering if you guys can give me some more info on it. it looks pretty complete as far trim and badges and things. it has been in the barn since the 70's and it was last registered in 75. The badges i have found say commander and connestoga. im assuming its a 55 but i could be wrong looks like a v8 under the hood but the hood is stuck closed and full of hay from the rats. any info would be greatly appreciated!

Re: Tell me more please!!!

PostPosted: 2015 Apr 06 Mon 7:42 pm
by klangum
last pic

Re: Tell me more please!!!

PostPosted: 2015 Apr 07 Tue 5:36 am
by BRIZ
Hell yea.
1955 Commander would have a 259ci V8.
Blows me away that there is still a 1 owner barn find out there. Cool.

Re: Tell me more please!!!

PostPosted: 2015 Apr 07 Tue 5:45 am
by Mike
Cool...
Welcome.
Yes, it's a 55 alright. Obviously in need of a windshield. While not cheap, check both e-bay and Studebaker International, see what they turn up. I've seen verious windshields for Studes on E-bay. Someone's remaking them.
As for the hood being "stuck", maybe not. Clean out some of the "stuff" from under the front-center of the hood. There should be a safety catch you need to...hmmm...pull or push, I don't recall. I'll check mine when I get home tonight.
Overall, the body doesn't seem to be too bad, probably look MUCH better after a good bath..!
The engine could be either a 232 or a 259, two or four barrel carburetor. You'll have to check the numbers, right next to the oil filler tube, front top, just to the left of center of the block to see what the engine is.
All of the front end appears to be in decient shape. Some of "that" stuff can be hard/expensive to find. That stainless steel sun shield is worth it's weight in gold to many.

There's more parts available than you might think for these cars, body, suspension, and mechanical. I have a new (reproduction) complete 12 volt wire harness if you are interested, when you get to that point. I went to an aftermarket wiring system. For the front fenders (other areas), patch panels are available for many of the normal rust areas, complete floors included.

What's your current plan, keep and build or sell ?

Mike

Re: Tell me more please!!!

PostPosted: 2015 Apr 07 Tue 9:45 am
by klangum
Yea we have the hood released but one of the hinges is pretty gummed up we have been soaking it in penetrating Oil the last few weeks to hopefully loosen it up. Current plan is to get it moved to my shop from my father in law house then strip it down and see what we have. If the engine is unsalvageable we will probably put a ls in it with a 4l60e and make it a driver of everything is salvageable we will probably try to restore it. As far as I can tell less the windshield and the bits of interior the rats of chewed up the car is complete

Re: Tell me more please!!!

PostPosted: 2015 Apr 07 Tue 7:51 pm
by Mike
Let us know where you are in your build, keep the pictures coming.
If you need anything, post it here, maybe we can help.

Mike

P.s. - The sedan and wagon share many of the same body parts, including the windshield.

Re: Tell me more please!!!

PostPosted: 2015 Dec 04 Fri 7:39 pm
by Nick Wilson
Awesome find