1957 Studebaker Transtar Deluxe

I have wanted a Stude truck for as long as I can remember.  But, I can't have two "toys."  My truck will have to work.  I needed one to go, show, and tow.  Here 'tis!

Park lights are from a Honda, inside are park lights, outside are turn signal.  Custom billet grill "bars."  Original front bumper.

Since purchasing the truck, I have lowered the rear gear ratio from 4:10 to 3:53.  Also, it now has a one piece drive shaft.

'85 Ford Bronco bumper.  '79 Caddy tail lights.

Seat belt latches serve to secure the tail gate.

Seat belts keep the tail gate level when in the down position.

Just about every piece of chrome, inside and out, has been redone.  Never been a pin-stripe kinda guy, but I can live with it.

Picture it like this...

(It could happen.)  Photo edited and provided by Jeff Rice.

Vintage Air, B&M "Quick Silver" shifter.  GM tilt column, power steering.  AM/FM cassette, Autometer gauges.  The seats are from a Chrysler Sebring convertible.  These provided seat and shoulder belts without having to cut, weld, and repaint.


Engine compartment, "Before."

"NOW"

I didn't care for the Edelbrock Treatment.  These items are designed to get dirty, hold dirt and grime, and are hard to clean.  Besides, if I'm going to have some company's product name plastered on something I own, they will pay me for the privilege, not visa-versa.   Well, the Studebaker badges don't bother me, but that company is no more.

I also trimmed and secured the vinyl firewall cover, helping to keep hot air out of the cab.

Chevy 350/350.  I'm not proud of that, but this is the only truck I have found in my area that fits my needs.  I would be proud to have a 289 in there, but it wasn't in the cards.

I apologize for the large number of pictures to follow, but I couldn't pick a favorite.  <G>  It strikes me that the same idiot could have built both vehicles, so many of the "touches" are of the same nature.  To verify this, follow the link below, and notice things like the vanity panel below the dash, mirrors, steering wheel, etc.

The car's name is 'Sheba.

Trying to come up with a name for the truck.

Goliath?  Yes, his name is Goliath.  Vanity plates are in order!  Should I write, "David," on the driver's doors?  Nah.  -¿Ö

David had to deal with both, ya know.  Poor David had his hands full.  I share his name, and feel his pain!

America is great, isn't it?

Can't believe I am so lucky!

Really, I can't!

The pair in the sunlight.

The lovely couple headed out for a date.

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