Studebaker was not only in the automobile business but also built pickup trucks. Such as the 2RS Series produced from 1949 to 1953. They were modern by the standards of the day, including the industry’s first running board-less pickups. This 1949 half-ton edition has been in the barn for ages, and its engine/transmission now resides in the bed of the truck. Needing a thorough restoration, the rolling project is near Sacramento, California, and is available here on craigslist for $2,500. Kudos for the patina tip, “Barney”.
The new late-1940s Studebaker trucks looked cleaner than others on the market after World War II. But mechanically, they were the “same-old-same-ole” using the 170 cubic inch inline-6 from Studebaker’s Champion passenger cars. They were a bit underpowered until a 245 I-6 and a V8 came along later. These trucks were largely unchanged for years until the Champ light-duty models arrived a decade later. Studebaker would exit the truck market in late 1963 when U.S. vehicle production was discontinued.
This 1949 truck is a true barn find that the seller describes as being in “salvage” condition. That’s likely because the drivetrain was pulled out (why?) and now sits in the back of the pickup. Perhaps a restoration was in the plans at some point, but things changed, and work never got off the drawing board.
If there is rust beyond the surface variety, the photos don’t help much. But the Studebaker is a patina lover’s dream as you can’t really tell what the original color of the vehicle was. It may or may not be complete, and we can’t tell if the interior looks any better than the exterior. These trucks weren’t around in huge quantities when new, so finding one in any condition today is probably not easy. Would you take a chance on bringing this old soldier back to life?
From what I heard these were good trucks. Dad thought they were a little on the light side but I never saw any major failures. One of the guys in our car club restored one and it took (3) additional parts trucks to get what he needed. The result was good. I sure wouldn’t kick it off my driveway.
This one is somewhat hard to tell how far you would have to go. I’m sure that it’s worth the effort. Someone is bound to take it on. I sure wish them luck…
Like I’ve always preached. If you’re going to store your old car in a barn, or similar structure that has access to the outside world? Always leave the windows down on said vehicle. That way the vermin won’t have to work as hard to get inside.
Having the engine and transmission already out is a good thing. Makes it easier to put a 350/350 in it.
I would go for a 5.7 Hemi from say a Dodge Charger donor car, but I totally agree with the sentiment!
Friend here in town built a beautiful restomod out of one of these. Good looking trucks to start with, he kept the body stock but put a lowered frame and new running gear under it. Looked good and ran good. This could be a candidate for that.
Years and years ago I bought a 1954 Studebaker Truck, with 21000 original miles, in downtown Phoenix, from the original owners son. It was in great shape, with only surface rust a little on the hood from a mesquite tree that grew over it, for $800. My wife was pissed. It stunk up the garage from the old gas. I couldn’t melt and pour that thing on anyone when I tried to sell it, at the time. It wasn’t a Ford or Chevy! I actually lost money. Now, that is a hell of a collector that someone would turn into a beautiful hot rod! Times have changed.
A very Interesting project!! Basically it looks all there.. Granted it will take an experienced restorer, or at least have a friend who is, to bring this truck back to the glory of the one in GEO’s picture. There is a large Studebaker club for additional help. I hope someone will restore it properly not restomod it..
GEO what show was that picture taken at?? I see some big trucks in the background.
I think it came from the ATHS convention in Colorado Springs back in ’06. I wasn’t at that particular show; I knew several people who were though, and I’m really not sure who sent me that one. I trade a lot of pics…
I was there, but it was before a digital camera.
2500.00 for a pile of scrap metal. i will pass. seller should have sold this 50yrs ago before this happened
The paint color behind the vin tag is red. Studebaker in 1949 called it Cherokee red a bright fire engine red.
I’d love to take on as a restoration. But the cost would probably be too high. So a resto-mod would most likely be the most cost effective way to see the road again. (A deep inventory of condition and available required parts would be in order. To determine the way to go.) Cool old truck and not too far away. But my project list is over flowing at this point. (I probably won’t live long enough to get it all done as it is.
Always been happy with mine…..my 56 is one of two ordered with the V/8 and the 5 speed overdrive offered in the half tons for 1956…..the other one is the same green color and still around
Very cool! Nice truck!
Thats really cool!!! I had no idea you could get a 5 speed overdrive in one of these. You only see 3 speeds and 4 speeds. Love the green too.