Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Uncle Joe]

I have the chance of buying a ´50 Studebaker Champion.

Is there anyone out there that has any info on them?

Initially, I am looking for things like spare parts availability, and so on. Also, are there any special things that I should look for, such as options?

[admin]

Someone will be around shortly who knows his Champions, I'm sure about that .. you know who you are

Rick.

[Stuchamp]

Here we go Joe!
Is it a 2 or 4 door? There are about 12 different Champion models for 1950.
Wheel base is 113 inches and they came with a 169.6 (170) c.i. L-head six cyl. engine. Horsepower was rated at 85. Transmissions were the standard 3 on the tree with optional overdrive and a Borg-Warner automatic.
If you can get the VIN and the trim plate numbers I can probably tell you what model it is and where it was built. VIN # is usually located on the driver door hinge post and the trim # plate will be on the firewall.

As with most Studes, rust is the biggest problem.
Problem area's are the front floor boards, trunk floor, rocker panels. Also the front fenders around the side air vent doors, lower fender behind the wheel, and above the headlamps.
Also check rear fenders under the splash guard in front of the wheel or if it's a 4-door, check the lower door bulge.
Check bottom of doors for rust as the drain holes usually plug up. Also the bottom edge of the trunk lid will rust as well as the weatherstripping channel for the trunk.
Also inspect the top of the dash for pinholes in case the windshield rubber ever leaked.
Studebaker frames were never known for their strength and over the years they will sag some which then causes the body seams to open up.
If the car has been resting on its frame be sure to raise it for inspection.

A good range of parts are available.
Classic Enterprises; http://www.classicent.com has partial floor and trunk pans along with rocker & patch panels.
Loga Enterprises; http://www.studebakervendors.com/logaent.htm can help with interior items.
Studebaker International; http://www.studebaker-intl.com/ has a wide selection of items such as engine parts, weatherstripping, lamps & lenses, etc; as does SASCO; http://www.stude.com/sasco.html

Large parts such as new fenders, doors, hoods, trunk lids & quarter panels are not available. Good used ones can be found at Studebaker swap meets and if you're lucky you may even come across new panels. Ebay is another good source for the 'hard to find' items.

Some of the options that were available are the climatizer heater which is under the drivers seat. Overdrive, automatic trans, and a radio. Most optional items were dealer installed but the rarest is a propeller for the bullet nose and interior blinds for the rear windows. A large outside sun visor was another option.

The best thing about Studes is that they have a world wide car club.
The Studebaker Drivers Club and its monthly magazine "Turning Wheels" is a great source for info and help.
http://www.studebakerdriversclub.com/

Also of interest is the National Studebaker Museum.
http://www.studebakermuseum.org/

The U.K. chapter is http://studebakerownersclub.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/

Hope some of this helps. Just ask if you need more specifics.
I also have parts books for the 1947-50 Champions if you need help with part numbers.

[Uncle Joe]

All I really know about it at present is that its a 2-door with overdrive. A side window needs replacing. The interior is shot, but that doesn´t really bother me - theres enough for a pattern, and if I cant get the material locally, I probably can from SMS in Canby

Are any parts that are difficult or really expensive to get hold of?

I´m going to arrange to have another look at it at the weekend. I´ll have a look for the VIN number and let you know.

[Stuchamp]

Joe, I'll do some checking but it seems that there is a company here that has new factory style seat covers and material available for the '50.
I also think the rubber floor mat is still available thru the vendors.
Most Studebaker new items are reasonably priced.
I'm sure you know about used item pricing but just about anything can be found for the bullet nose Champions.
My Dad has a '50 4-door that just sitting at his shop in Texas. It needs a total restoration and lots of work but he doesn't have time to do it. Would make a great parts car if nothing else.

[Uncle Joe]

Thanks for that, Stuchamp.

If we buy the Champ, and if the interior is not available, we (my wife) can make it.... After shes finished my Lincoln!

Your Dad Lives in Texas does he? So does an old friend of mine....and as TX is such a small place (english humour) maybe they know each other! Especially if he plays golf!

[Stuchamp]

Joe, did you get a chance to check out the Stude again?

[Uncle Joe]

Hi Stuchamp,

I was hoping to be able to check it out again this weekend, but it will now be the next one, 2nd or 3rd Sept.

Thing is, my wife wants it!!

[Stuchamp]

heehee, smart wife!

Here is another site that can supply interior materials.......
http://stude.com/covers/

[Uncle Joe]

Hi Stuchamp, we had a close look at the Stude during the weekend. though at first sight it seemed a solid car, as soon as we really started looking, it proved to be really rusty (everywhere you mentioned). Even the "reconditioned" engine was seized!

So you can guess our decision! Thanks for the help.

[Stuchamp]

Sorry to hear the news wasn't better.
Hopefully it will make a good parts car for someone.