1953 Studebaker commander 2 door hard top Tri-star

1953 Studebaker Commander

Early Tri-Star 1953 Studebaker Commander 2door hardtop. Originally a New Mexico vehicle. Previous Owner (P.O.) purchased and moved it to New York. I bought it in 2018 and brought it to Minnesota.

History: Modifications started in NM when the owner started a Studillac build that was not finished. The frame was sectioned with a 2ndgeneration Camaro front end (that was poorly done). NY owner continued the build. I bought it non running and decided to switch it to a LS6/4l60e drive line.

Frame and front suspension brakes: I corrected the poor frame section with an Industrial Chassis Mustang II frame section. This was professionally installed/ welded to a tolerance of +/_ 1mm. Painted in PPG epoxy primer (photo third from last shows post welding). Tubular control arms, manual steering rack and 2” drop spindles. I also have standard spindles I will include. Finished with Speedway metric calipers in front and stock ford calipers in rear. All new copper lines and Turner Brakes master cylinder and mount bracket.

Body: The body is exceptionally clean. Rockers had rust and were removed by P.O. I have the replacements coated in PPG epoxy. The only other rust in the vehicle at all is in the right fender that has a quarter sized spot at the top near the windshield and a small spot near the bottom (last 2 photos). Everything else is 100% rust free. The inner fenders were trimmed at the bottom by the P.O. and just need rubber skirts. All panels are original to the vehicle with the exception on the left rear fender (quarter). I have hood stiffeners installed but not welded in. Panels fit well no signs the vehicle was ever in a collision. I took great steps not to put any holes or cut the body in any way. I have all the chrome including the door window flappers.

Electrical: Vehicle has an all-new wiring harness for the body. Only thing I did not get to was the front lamps. Everything else is wired. I left the wiring for the dash without terminals as I was undecided on gauges. All wires labeled. The engine and transmission have a standalone harness. I have the OBDII hooked up and wired to a small light on the dash to an unused switch blank. Engine wired to start with the toggle switch as originally intended.

Engine and Trans: LS6 came from a 2002 Trans Am WS6 with 86k miles still in stock form. Replaced intake seals, new sensors all around (crank, cam, knock, etc.) Chrome headers and a re-worked stainless exhaust from a 2000 Camaro. After installing and starting noticed the front pump had a small leak after shutting off the engine. Rather than replacing the pump, I elected to rebuild it for dependability. Several modifications built to handle 450+ HP to handle any future HP additions. This was rebuilt by a local Aamco Transmission shop that is known for building 4l60’s and 4l80’s. Carries a full warranty. Has less than a mile on it post install.

Rear axle: is a narrowed 8.8 from a 1995 Ford Explorer. Posi unit with 3:73 gears and disc rear. Drive shaft is still a 2 piece unit with new U-joints and carrier bearing. I have new bushings for the rear leaf springs.

Fuel: straight forward Corvette high pressure fuel pump, regulator and filter all in line. Original fuel tank modified (welded fittings and tube )for the high pressure system. 3/8 braided lines finished with AN fittings, no clamps in this system.

Cooling: Aluminum radiator for a 70’s Datsun, stock water pump and hoses using all T-clamps. Lower hose collapses when running due to 90 turn, I have an aluminum elbow with clamps to correct that needs to be installed.

Interior: Original dash with pod gauges. Ford style tilt column. Original door panels are included but rough, and window mechanisms. Original full set of seats (black and white) also included. Burgundy seats are in great shape and sit comfortably. Only have one tear on the back side of the passenger front. I love a bench in this car, but was also considering adding some first generation mustang bucket seats in front.

Paint: There is the original Coral Red under a poor Earl Scheib paint job that is fading and falling off. Top still has the remains of the factory white. I was intending on refinishing it in the original colors but had a difficult time finding a base clear paint code. I landed on buffing out the original to get a digital color match of the original color. That is why the right quarter is buffed out. I also thought of sanding off all of the gold and buffing out the original paint.

Wheels are steel Ford style from Wheel Vintiques with 245/60/15 BFG’s all around that gives it a Stock Car stance. Have a nice set of ’55 Stude tail lamps to add (in photos).

Vehicle needs: alignment, cooling fan, radiator overflow, all body rubber, finish the emergency cable, Simple bracket for trans cooling lines and rear shocks installed.

Due to the vehicle ownership being processed through NY, it came with a registration only (non-title state). I had to correct that for MN. It is a clear and fully transferable.

I was building this for a dependable cruiser that could go to car shows across the country. With the low mileage LS it starts every time, runs great and is fast!

Recent injury forces sale as I am unable to finish.

Inspections welcome, I have many more photos and videos of it running.

I will assist in loading for shipping. I do not recommend driving for more than a few miles until it is sorted.

Payment: Cash, Cashiers Check, Bank Transfer.

Want to buy? Contact seller!