Well, I have been unintentionally hijacking on the other Stude build posts, so here goes with details on mine. My name is Terry, it is in my introduction post, but in case you did not read it several months ago.
So this all started with two free 55 Stude coupes. Both very rough, rusty and sitting up in the Santa Cruz mountains for 40 years. Last reg'd in 68 and 69. So here are some pics of as-found:
My parts car, which started life as a 55 President hardtop model. This car had no hubs and sat right on the ground.
Now don't laugh, this is the good one that will become my race car, a 55 Commander post model:
Both cars were filled with tree junk from the wood rats piling it up inside the car, the engine compartment and the trunk. Needless to say these cars are too far gone to return to a street car, but just right to make a race car out of.
The yellow car was a V-8 3-speed OD, and the good car is a V-8 auto. Since I will want a manual trans, i took the clutch pedal set-up off the yellow car. The rest of the yellow car is/was parted out to make some money. The yellow car is gone to scrap now. The good car has started being stripped, I still have a lot of work to do just getting it ready to build up.
My plan is to build for gas coupe class. I have not decided on the engine choice yet. Maybe a V-6 or a V-8, but I do know I plan to start less radical on the engine, get the car all inspected and learn the driving feel and how the car is working. Then I can step it up later. Rest of the drivetrain will be a manual trans and a (most likely) 9-inch Ford rearend.
The front end on both cars is no good, so I will go with a fiberglass 53 style front. Front suspension I am just about set on a dropped solid axle. Rear will be the stock parallel leafs. Of course the car will sit real low. Nothing real exotic, I believe in keeping it simple and having fun.
So not a whole lot of exciting stuff right now besides planning and destruction phase. Then on to the construction phase. Since I have too many other projects of the hot rod variety, I anticipate this will be about 3 years until I get it ready. BTW, this was me at Speedweek this year, one of those other projects, I am sure many of you might have seen this:
It is my 49 Ford COE, also is my daily driver. Sits on a 74 GM reg cab dually chassis. Works good for hauling car parts!
I know that I can go faster using a later model more aerodynamic body, but I always have liked the old Stude coupes and I want to look good going fast. My opinion is that the Studes were unintentionally designed for land speed racing. My personal goal is to go 200, not sure if a stock body can make that, how about some advice? well, that's it for now, Terry