New Project Car
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 6
From: Olivehurst, CA
New Project Car I just picked this one up as a project car. Needs pretty much everything, but the body is straight with just a little rust. Only paid $950. This is my retirement project starting in January 2012, so I have plenty of time to plan. Not sure yet exactly what I will do. Was thinking of chopping the top to have a Dodge Magnum profile, but then a late model Hemi might be the better engine choice. Or I might do a supercharged Studebaker 289 to keep it pure. But then, I do love our LS motors. Maybe a Pro Charged LS to mimic the Stude motor? Lots of time to make those decisions.
It is a 1954 Studebaker Conestoga wagon. They made about 11,000 of them, so while they are not all that rare, they are not exactly common these days either. They are named after the Studebaker Conestoga wagons that carried America West during the 1800s.
Pat
It is a 1954 Studebaker Conestoga wagon. They made about 11,000 of them, so while they are not all that rare, they are not exactly common these days either. They are named after the Studebaker Conestoga wagons that carried America West during the 1800s.
Pat
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 6
From: Olivehurst, CA
This one was near Boise Idaho, found it on Craig's list. Then even found a guy coming my way with an empty trailer that delivered it for $200! Luck is running good.
Pat
Pat
Staging Lane
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 92
Likes: 1
Don't chop the top! The original lines are unique. I think it would be cool to leave the body and paint as is but go with high tech mechanicals: Injected late model Hemi or LS, electric power rack, irs, 4 wheel disks. Leather seats. Tell people you applied the custom mix patina.
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LS power all the way, maybe a hairdryer... but I think supercharger would be simpler. 
On The Tree
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: granville ma
there's a guy by me who has Studes.
He has at least two Avanti's, I've seen Hawks in the yard, but the one that catches my eye is a pickup.
That would make a nice street rod.
Good luck with your wagon.
mike
He has at least two Avanti's, I've seen Hawks in the yard, but the one that catches my eye is a pickup.
That would make a nice street rod.
Good luck with your wagon.
mike
Might be the color. How would it look metallic Rootbeer? 
TECH Resident
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 816
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Pat.
Great find.. I'll talk with you in Reno / HAN on your plans. Looking forward to meeting up with everyone then. Like you said.. you got time.. so.. do it right the 1st time !
I have somewhat started my 71 Nova project. But it's going slow.....parted out 02 Z28 with a LS1/A4..
Great find.. I'll talk with you in Reno / HAN on your plans. Looking forward to meeting up with everyone then. Like you said.. you got time.. so.. do it right the 1st time !
I have somewhat started my 71 Nova project. But it's going slow.....parted out 02 Z28 with a LS1/A4..
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 6
From: Olivehurst, CA
Thanks Rocky, Gives me the idea. I do like the belt line stripe too.
Brian I'll see ya in Reno, Staying at Grand Sierra again. Got a pretty decent rate going right through their reservations.
Pat
Brian I'll see ya in Reno, Staying at Grand Sierra again. Got a pretty decent rate going right through their reservations.
Pat
