Charles,
I'm contemplating a change in my racing hobby from vintage sports cars to LSR, and have found your build thread vary inspirational and enlightening, as I'm considering a similar project. Or, maybe find a car that is already built, and make the mods to it to fit my needs, I'm a large guy like yourself.
I do have a couple of questions for you. First, having limited skills in bodywork & welding, and wanting to try doing a lot of the work myself, are the body panels (the rear quarter for example) on a Studebaker bolted on as your pictures make them look? And second, in the pictures of your roll cage and the containment seat, I don't see any supports for the seat back and headrest to the roll cage, let alone any side support for the seat.
I hope you don't mind if I ask you question as I get started. I've exchanged a few emails with another Stude racer, Gary Hart, and he's been helpful, I'm also considering his car for my start in LSR.