However, I find myself needing to replace my everyday car, so practicality dictates that this cool old Stude finds a new loving home.
As most Stude truck guys know, a 2R6 is the "one to have" when it comes to the R series models. With over 100,000 '49-'53 Studebaker pickups built, only 10% of them left the factory with the more-powerful Commander 245" engine.
Today they are hard to find, and much more desirable than the more common 2R5 model with the 170" engine. Nice 2R6's rarely come up for sale, so here's your chance to own an exceptional one.
When I found this truck, I knew it was too good to pass up, and I still stand by that. The previous owner lives in Ontario, Canada, and I went through the proper channels to get it here to Florida. (For what it's worth, he has offered to be a "reference" if anyone wants an opinion from an unbiased previous owner. I can forward his contact info.) It was shipped in an enclosed hauler and I was able to get the correct paperwork to get it registered.
The truck has a clear Florida title and current registration in my name. Prior to its stay in Ontario, it spent its first 6 decades in southern Michigan, not too far from its birth place of South Bend. For a northern truck, it's certainly held up well.
The odometer reads just shy of 63,000 miles. I have no way to prove it as accurate, but the overall condition of the truck makes me think it's probably correct.
This is by far one of the nicest unmolested Studebaker pickups I've ever come across, hence why I went through the trouble and expense of getting it here. Never restored, just 64 years of living a pampered life and being well cared for.
The engine is the original, numbers matching, 245" Commander Six, and it runs excellent.
I have no idea if its ever been opened up or rebuilt, but I can say with certainty that it's a very strong, very healthy engine.
It always starts right up, runs smooth as silk, and has plenty of torque to move the truck along. With the optional 4.09 rear axle ratio and Overdrive transmission, this truck will cruise at 70 MPH with plenty of pedal left. Oil pressure is good (20+ psi at hot idle) and consistent, there are no funny noises, and it doesn't smoke whatsoever. It's simply a great running engine.
The wiring is mostly original, and still intact.
However, it is a Studebaker, so it leaves a few drops of oil on the garage floor. By the way, the wiper motor was recently rebuilt, and it works great.
I did replace the water pump with a rebuilt unit, otherwise I haven't touched the engine. I haven't even had to add a drop of oil in the 1000 miles I've driven it.
All gauges are operable. The speedometer reads about 5 MPH fast compared to a GPS. The fuel gauge reads E when it's empty, and F when it's full. Though it isn't very accurate in between the two. I'm guessing the float cork needs to be replaced. As you can see, part of the lettering around the temp gauge is worn away. All of the lights work. By the way, the choke cable is ornamental. A previous owner converted the carb to work with an automatic choke with a heat tube.
I removed the original truck transmission and installed a T86 unit from a '49 Commander car.
It was a direct bolt in swap, and it gives the truck a more "usable" first gear. I had no intentions of pulling stumps, and the car trans makes it a lot more user-friendly in traffic. The transmission shifts great, the synchros are good, and the overdrive works without a hitch. The shifter is tight, no sloppiness.
I live in a busy town and wanted to make this truck as safe as I could for today's roads, so I rebuilt the brake system and converted to a Deluxe front disc kit from Turner Brake.
I also did a dual master cylinder conversion at the same time, along with all new steel lines and braided stainless flex hoses. Nothing on the body or frame was cut or altered.
(Sorry about the water, it rained when I drove it over to the shop to put it on the lift). The brake job was nearly $1000 in parts alone, but I feel it was well worth the expense. As a result, the truck stops GREAT and will put your head through the windshield if you want it to.
I finished off the brake job with a fresh set of 235/75R/15 Goodyear Wrangler radial tires. They currently have about 500 miles on them.
I also sprung for correct NACO reproduction taillight assemblies. The lower-mounted aftermarket lights are backup lights.
The truck has turn signals (aftermarket lights on the front), as well as operational back-up lights.
The genuine Studebaker fog lights work great, too.
All of the changes I've made came together to make this one of the nicest driving stock Studebaker trucks around. Most recently, I did a 400 mile trip to visit the family at Christmas. It ran and drove flawlessly and got an honest 25+ MPG while averaging 60-65 MPH. Even for an old truck, it was a fairly smooth and quiet ride. There are no vibrations, no shakes, no noises. On the way home, it did develop a slight exhaust leak around the manifold. I won't have time to look into that before the auction ends, but it shouldn't be anything more complicated than a new gasket.
The suspension has a few squeaks and groans, so I'm including a complete set of brand new spring bushings and 4 new shocks.
The wood sideboards slide easily into the stake pockets, and are included with the truck, along with the custom signage.
The previous owner said that he thought most of the paint is original, though I have no way to confirm it. Parts of it may very well be factory applied, and there is a lot of "patina" that would agree with that. That said, there are 3 or 4 different shades of green from 60 years of touch-ups and minor repairs. There are dings, scratches, and other imperfections. It's an old truck and I think it wears its "character marks" rather well.
The most noticeable contrast is that the front fenders are a darker shade than the rest of the truck. It only really jumps out in certain lighting, and since I bought this truck to be a "driver", I felt that the paint was just fine as-is. It holds a decent shine and is an excellent 10 footer. This truck without a doubt gets more horn honks and waves than any other vehicle I've owned. I wouldn't consider it to be show quality, though I'm sure it would take home a trophy with some proper detailing.
There are some minor issues in the bed, but even so, when's the last time you saw an original bed that was this nice?
There is some old damage repair that's held up fine, as you can see in the pictures.
The only rust problem that I'm aware of is the driver's side lower portion of the cab.
A previous owner replaced the left cab mount, but there is some minor cancer on the cab as can be seen in the pictures.
The bottom of the door and fender also show some evidence of old repairs, though I'd say that everything has held up very well.
The rest of the cab and body seems to be solid with no issues, as can be seen in the pictures of the passenger side.
The doors close and latch with minimal effort and a solid "click".
The interior appears to be original and untouched.
The factory headliner is nearly perfect, and the original rubber mat is still intact.
The previous owner added a factory-correct AM radio kit, and it works great once the tubes warm up! It has optional dual horns, and I think the factory sourced them from a train.
I was told that the plaid seat cover is an original Studebaker accessory, though I don't have the books to prove it.
Regardless, the upholstery is in great condition with no tears or stains.
The glass appears to be original with the factory gaskets (all still very soft, not split anywhere), though the left windshield has a small rock chip, and the right side vent window is cracked.
It could use new window channels and fuzzy strips in the doors, however. The window regulators work smooth and easy.
I have a receipt showing that the exhaust system was brand new a couple of years ago, and it's still in great shape. The muffler used is very quiet, just as it should be.
Though I've only owned it a brief period, I've ironed out a lot of small issues and made the truck much more drivable on today's roads. New parts I've installed include: 6V battery, complete front disc brake conversion, dual master cylinder conversion, new Goodyear radials (500 miles on them), new taillights, rebuilt water pump, new fan belt, new braided stainless oil pressure hose, NOS passenger door latch assembly, (used) passenger car overdrive transmission.
The truck is 100% fully operational. From the map light to the parking brake to the Climatizer heat/defrost system.. Everything works as it should.
Overall, this is a great old truck. It's a "turn key" driver that I have the confidence to drive anywhere. I'll be happy to help load it onto a transport truck, or pick you up from the local airport if you'd like to fly in and drive it home. The truck is located in Tallahassee, Florida 32301.
Full payment is due within 3 business days of the auction ending, otherwise I reserve the right to relist the truck or sell it to someone else. If you do not have intentions of owning this truck, please do not bid. I accept cash in person, certified bank check, or a direct bank transfer.
Secure indoor storage can be provided for a monthly fee if the buyer needs some time to make transport arrangements. Insurance would be the buyer's responsibility.
Please, feel free to message me through ebay with any questions, request for specific photos, etc. Send your contact info and I'll be happy to give you a call. I'll answer any inquiries as honest and thorough as I can.
Driving while filming isn't easy, but I wanted to show that the truck does run, drive, and operate as I've described.
And a few more pictures:
Thanks for looking!