1953 Studebaker Grand National

[landman]

I was looking at the stash for my next project and the  Starliner caught my eye. I had visions of doing it in convertible since I already have coupe. Later, looking at the dwindling pile of rebuilds I saw a Grand National. Then, the light came on.

Edited February 15, 2020 by landman

[landman]

Here's the backstory. Back in the day I owned a 64 GT Hawk, 2nd from right in the photo. At a show there was a '54 with the interior and the drivetrain of a Buick Grand National. It is barely visible on the left. So I decided to do something like that.

[landman]

While the Full size cars are almost the same size length/width except for a wider track on the Buick, the differences in the models are eggagerated by the difference in scale, 1:25 Stude vs. 1:24 Buick. Here the difference in track was such that I had to narrow the rear axle by a scale foot almost. Most of that was because of the width of the tires. So the surgery has begun.

[stitchdup]

Cool project. I think i have some pics of the black car if you need them

[landman]

It would have crossed the pond? By all means, I'd like anything that can help.

[stitchdup]

39 minutes ago, landman said:

It would have crossed the pond? By all means, I'd like anything that can help.

Oh no I think its still in Canada, I just save every pic of cars i like for reference/ideas and i recognised the way the hood opens. Is this the right one?

[Reuhkapelti2]

Cool project you have started here. I wish I was a little bit closer to your location, as I would have needed need that Buick GNX body shell for my next project (replica of the Drag Week 2020 Buick).

[landman]

13 minutes ago, Reuhkapelti2 said:

Cool project you have started here. I wish I was a little bit closer to your location, as I would have needed need that Buick GNX body shell for my next project (replica of the Drag Week 2020 Buick).

Give me your mailing address by PM.

[landman]

The rear of the Stude is quite narrow. The fat tires of the Buick and the fact they are 1/24 almost make it look like a Pro Street.

[landman]

Narrowing the track in front required reducing the inside hub of the brake drum and sectioning the front suspension.

[landman]

Then came the filling of the gaps in the rear wells.

[landman]

After much fiddling and fussing, I think I got it. Now I can proceed.

[christian-w]

Great Project!

Do you still have your Studebaker? I like these cars because they are no mainstream.

[landman]

On 2/25/2020 at 3:14 AM, christian-w said:

Great Project!

Do you still have your Studebaker? I like these cars because they are no mainstream.

Thanks Christian. I sold it in 1998, after I purchased a 1947 Oldsmobile. Here's a few photos of it.

Edited February 26, 2020 by landman

[christian-w]

Lovely Thank you. It looks very interesting with this partly vinyl top.

[landman]

33 minutes ago, christian-w said:

Lovely Thank you. It looks very interesting with this partly vinyl top.

A few years ago I built up this '62 as there was no '64 avaialable. It is a resin body over a '53 chassis with a  semi scratchbuilt R4 engine.

[christian-w]

Wow! Very good Job! It's a shame, that there are only a Handful of model kits (1/24 … 1/25). I'd like to have the 63 Lark Wagonaire. It's my Favorit Studebaker since I was a kid. In Germany I saw one in my life. And that was in the 1980s. I'll never Forget the red, faded paint, some rust and where it sat.

With your model kit my apetite is awaked to get one too  What an elegant car.

 I only have the "regular" Starliner

 

And the Lindberg Lark Convertible

Edited February 27, 2020 by christian-w

[landman]

7 hours ago, christian-w said:

Wow! Very good Job! It's a shame, that there are only a Handful of model kits (1/24 … 1/25). I'd like to have the 63 Lark Wagonaire. It's my Favorit Studebaker since I was a kid. In Germany I saw one in my life. And that was in the 1980s. I'll never Forget the red, faded paint, some rust and where it sat.

With your model kit my apetite is awaked to get one too  What an elegant car.

 I only have the "regular" Starliner, And the Lindberg Lark Convertible

 

I had purchased the '62 Hawk from Missing Link.

[landman]

Had to modify the turbo shield and intake duct slightly to clear the sloping hood of the Stude. Same with the intercooler duct.

[landman]

The Grand National's exhaust will be useable with the help of the tea  light.

[slusher]

Nice, looking forward to more..

[Hotrod 97]

Very cool build project. Looking forward to the next update.

[89AKurt]

Cool subject, will watch from the sidelines!

[landman]

One of the front "shock mounts" had pulled off when I removed the suspension from the Buick chassis.Had to make another one. Also made up a Panhard rod.

[landman]

More fiddling with the exhaust system.