This is the third time we’ve seen a Studemino here on Barn Finds. A Studemino is/was a 1978 to 1987 Chevrolet El Camino with the bullet nose of a 1950-51 Studebaker grated on to it. The obvious question is “why”, and the company that provided fiberglass kits for these transformations seems to be no more. Here, we have a 1981 El Camino with the Stude snoot on the front, hence a Studemino that was done as a rat rod. Located in Sequim, Washington, this almost one-of-a-kind pickup is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $5.000 OBO. Thanks for the odd tip, Rocco B!
We assume this vehicle has had one of the Studemino kits bolted on. But the website for the former supplier has apparently been hijacked and no longer has reference material. Examples of one from 1983 can be found here on Barn Finds, and another from 1981 was also covered a few years ago. Not only has the seller’s El Camino been cosmetically changed, but it’s also been revised mechanically, too.
Instead of a V6 or V8, this truck has a 292 cubic inch straight six, perhaps from Chevy’s earlier truck days. But it’s not in stock form either, with a Clifford intake manifold, Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor, headers, side pipes, a 700R4 overdrive transmission, and more. We’re told it runs, drives, and sounds great, but it’s likely going to need some TLC.
Inside, a set of non-Chevy bucket seats has been added with a Camaro center console. The exterior wears some flat black paint on purpose that could stand a refresh. The seller says work is needed on the “accessory brackets,” so we assume that to mean what holds the front clip in place. And some spare parts are included. The interesting truck is for sale due to the advancing age of its owner.
Somehow it works. It does need somethin in the back to match the front though.
I couldn’t have said what you just said any better.
Wrap around rear glass? No 2 tone paint? Paint the bumpers body color?
I like everything about this truck, except for the paint. Engine, transmission, modifications are to my liking also. Alas, too many projects now.
Tailfins (Lark) or a Stude’ split window
RetroRidesFlorida.com is where these are. Kits still available as well as finished vehicles.
From the pics, I prefer the smooth sides on this one -without the rear panel bump outs.
More like a rust-rod that needs a nose job to me, stugly!
Sequim- the sunshine belt.
Sigh. Another case of just because you can do it doesn’t mean you should. Ugh!
Actually I kinda like them. I do prefer the rear quarter bump outs and I would have never put the inline 6 in it but, I see potential. 👍
I sure am glad this is on the west coast. Not because I’d be tempted to but it but so I don’t have to see it.
Seller says it has split pipes (not side pipes), meaning a split-exhaust. And accessory brackets mean the brackets for the alternator, power steering pump, etc., not the front fenders.
I’ve seen a couple of these that were fully finished. They looked exceptional. However, I wouldn’t do this to my 85 Elky. I prefer stock.
Yes, just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
More importantly, just because you did doesn’t mean you should tell anybody about it…
There were a couple of these in my area, one belong to a window tinting company which parked it out front until 2 or 3 years ago. In person, they look great from a couple of angles, but from most angles it looks out of proportion.
Steve R
My first car was a 62 Bel-Air with the 292 six and 3 on the tree. Dad was a Chevy 6 man, said the vertical pistons were better than a V8 or slant 6 as the rings wouldn’t wear lopsided due to gravity. Not sure if that was true, but he was a machinist in WWII so who was I to argue. He called the 292 a taxi or truck motor and that it was a transplant as it had an upright oil bath oil filter with replaceable element and his 61 Impala Convertible 6 Pglide (kid u not he ordered it new that way) had a modern spin on filter. I bought my 62 292 in 1971 or 72 fir $300. It smoked more than me or my friends, burnt still beat a buddy’s 62 SS with a 283 and Pglide. 292, 3 on a tree could burn rubber even though it smoked oil and literally ran like stink.
My least favorite El Camino vintage so this helps. The back end needs something too as said by others here. Maybe a 55-59 Cameo rear bed…I like the 292 but I like Stovebolts….