HomeEvents

The Atomitron

Kristin Cline
Events, other cool cars
2 Comments

Custom Studebaker Pickup from 2011 Grand National Roadster Show

I promised I had a few customized Studebakers up my sleeve that I found at the 2011 Grand National Roadster Show….so here’s #2 (Check out this Ute if ya missed #1!)

Who’s ever seen a Studebaker pickup like this one!? Believe it or not, this 1949 Studebaker Pickup has been in the works for about 25 years. When the current owner, John Saltsman, got the truck it had already been chopped about 6″ by “Merc John.”

With a small block chevy drivetrain (just like my Studebaker coupe,) John used it as his daily driver on long commutes for at least 8 years. As John drove it, his vision for what he wanted it to become grew. He had a “wild and mild” proportioned-custom in his mind.

As its been completed, this Custom 1949 Studebaker Pickup has a laundry list of custom items from customizing legends! It started with the 6″ chop of course. To that was addeda 15 1/2 ” channel. And as “one thing led to another,” this pickup was transformed with:

  • a 59 Chevy trunk lid,
  • 55 Cadillac bumpers,
  • taillights by Gene Winfield,
  • custom Barris headlights (an extra pair leftover from another custom Studebaker, The Modern Grecian),
  • and paint by Larry Watson/Keith Dean.

With such a list of custom features, it wasn’t a surprise to see it in the “Customs: Then and Now” hall at the 2011 Grand National Roadster Show. As it ends up, John’s ’49 Studebaker was sitting right next to another custom Studebaker truck that looked awfully similar! As it ends up, the two have no relation. The purple Studebaker truck was customized sometime in the 1950s-60s. John couldn’t be happier with his Atomitron and will still be seen driving it around town.

If you think this truck is unique…just wait ’til I show you the pictures of the 1953 Studebaker coupe that this truck’s owner, John Saltsman, customized in his teens!!! Don’t stay away for long…
Happy Trails!

2 Responses

  1. Jameswaterwolf

    That Stude Pickup Custom sure does reek of nostalgia. Reminds me of my tweens lookin’ at Rod&Custom and HotRod magazines, dreaming of building a rod of my own. Never had the money or a place long enough to do so, but I ain’t dead yet! I started two frame-off street car rebuilds through the years, but had to move both times and my dreams were sold,(1949 Ford Club Coupe and the later 1956 Ford Courier). My third time might be the charm! Building an old vehicle takes years, but they’re worth every dime and busted knuckle. Right, Grease Girl? Somethin’ in the blood. Hardcore,GearHead DNA.

    Reply

Comment & Join the Conversation!