Hello Hot Rodders
     Thought I would send a few pics of my ‘50 Stude project, still in the build process.
     My latest project has had many modifications applied since I acquired it in a very rough condition. The car sports a Blown 355/425 hp SBC using a 144 B&M Blower, 700 cfm Double Pumper Holley, 882 large chamber heads with 76cc intake runners, mild street cam, roller rockers, stud girdle, aluminum rad. Trans is a 700R4 with a 3000 stall.  Rear-end is a shortened 8 3/4 Posi-Sure Grip Dodge with Bear Racing Axles, tri-angulated 4-link, Air Ride Technologies Ride Pro suspension with 1000 Shockwave front and 9000 Shockwave rear, Mustang II front clip, all on a newly fabricated 2×4 boxed steel frame. The roof has been chopped 3 inches, front clip tilted and will incorporate remote hydraulics, door shaved with remote door poppers/bear claw latches. Vintage Air, Ron Francis Wiring, Ididit Stainless column, leather interior from a ‘99 Infiniti, Specialty Power Windows, 18 inch American Eagle wheels, 275 40ZR 18’s on the rear and 255 40ZR 18’s on the front.
     Currently working on running a pair of custom fabricated 4 inch Corvette style chrome side pipes incorporated into concave rocker panels below the doors. I hope to have the car ready for next seasons cruisin’.  I wanted to wait till the car was finished before unveiling my project but thought perhaps people would be interested in seeing some of the build up.
     I’ve thoroughly enjoy all the car shows and readers rides, it’s given me lots to ponder in respect to paint and such.  Keep up the good work!  In solidarity, Darrell Lawrence, Barss Corner, NS, Canada.

December 2004

Back in Dec. 04 I sent pics of my 1950 Studebaker Retro-Rod Project for your Garage Shots page.  The car is really coming together and should be in paint no later then July ’05.
Since we last touched base, all the modifications and welding have being accomplished, only a small hand full of little things to double check before grinding, filling and sanding. The custom side exhaust was trial mounted, linear actuators replaced the intended hydraulics for the front clip, articulating trunk hinges from Sachse Rod Shop were installed along with gas shock support. The Grill retainers were welded into the front clip but still allow for the grills to be removed, this eliminated the need for the chrome surround reveals. The trunk lid incorporates a Draw Down Actuator Latch and Trunk Release Actuator from a Chrysler New Yorker, recessed license plate box and overhanging sheet metal work resembling a Turtle Back for the license plate light. The Turtle Back was fabricated by using the sheet metal from another Studebaker trunk lid to get the matching shape. I’ll be using ’52 tail light bezels to finish off the fender lines, which by the way, also match the shape of the Turtle Back. A Battery Box was placed within the right fender and is accessed through the trunk wall. The car will be void of bumpers, so a rear roll pan was fabricated starting with the shape of the original splash pan. Currently finishing up on a stainless fuel tank under the trunk floor, fits nicely between the rails and should hold approx. 16 gals. The filler spout is being worked into a hinged left taillight housing similar to the Chev’s of the mid ’50’s.  I hope you enjoy the photos of the final leg of my build.           Darrell Lawrence, Barss Corner, NS, Canada

August 2005