Studebaker Restomod: 1947 Studebaker M5 Pickup
The Studebaker M5 pickups in my opinion are one of the best looking trucks of the era. The moustache like grill, and the treatment of headlights really set this truck apart from others of the era. With a heavy patina, and some mild modifications, this Studebaker is ready to drive! Bidding has reached $7,101 with 3 days remaining, or buy it now for $9,500. Find it here on eBay out of Bountiful, Utah.
Chugging right along after 70 years the 170 cubic inch flathead inline 6 runs and was rebuilt in 2006, having only gained 8,000 miles since then. Ready to drive, the engine is reliable and backed by a 3 speed manual transmission. Despite other modifications that have been performed, this truck is still 6 volt, but it does have modern disc brakes up front, as well as custom leaf springs for the front suspension. Most of the modification are hidden, giving the truck a stock appearance.
One modification that I am not exactly in love with are the modern bucket seats. I am all for comfort, but I would have gone a different direction. With that being said, I am sure these seats are comfy and are suitable enough for daily use. Also lap belts have been installed adding a touch of safety to this classic. The driver side floor has been patched, and the foot starter has been relocated from its original location. Beyond the modern seats and belts, the interior appears pleasantly original, and looks like a joy to drive.
With a heavy patina the exterior has an interesting appearance. I could have lived without the “hotrod Henrys” logos on the doors, but they don’t take much away from this truck. There is hidden rot in a few places, where I would consider this truck a fair weather driver. With its fair share of bumps and bruises through time, there are no heavily dented areas other than some rumples on the front passenger fender. Something excellent about this truck is that the seller has a fair amount of good condition parts included with the sale, so this truck can live on. With some subtle modifications, an interesting patina, and ready to drive anywhere, this Studebaker is like a dream come true. What do you think of this Restomod, and would you change anything about it?
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Comments
Now I don’t know which pickup I like best, the Studebaker or the Hudson pickup. Those seats though, have to go.
I like this truck as is, but I like old “shop” trucks. I have a couple that are washed by rain, one started looking a little rough and we painted it with a roller and brush. Looks great from 500 yards. Interesting that the front and back fenders are identical and interchangeable on this model. The disc brake conversion and rebuilt motor make this useable today. I can’t see changing anything
My dad said my grandpa had a stude of this body style and told me the same thing about the fenders. I think he said grandpa’s was blue. He said my grandpa whacked a tree or something similar and they went to a salvage yard and pulled a red one of another pickup and put it on the front. Never painted it to match as it was a work truck. (Grandpa drilled water wells for a living.)
That’s a great truck! I’d lose the seats and the writing on the doors but that’s about it.
The only thing I would change is the seats to black to fit the truck better oh and a cup holder otherwise buy it and enjoy it.
Just put a bench seat in it and it’s good to go.
The buckets leave a lot to be desired. Just give me the stock bench seat and let it go. Of course the ‘patina.’ I can’t help but think of the old Indian words…
Yep, needs a bench. I would have gone with “Studebaker parts and service” lettering, but otherwise, just as she is.
While I personally like the seats ( the original bench seat is about as comfortable as a church pew), I’d be more concerned with it’s gearing. 55 mph on a good day, cruising was 45-50. Again, depends what you want to do with it. It’s halfway there as a driver. Not sure when the last time you drove a 2 ton vehicle with 80 hp, but the gas pedal does little, if anything, for power. Your foot will be glued to floor, trust me. In that regard, it needs a better drivetrain, ( and not some wild, firebreathing monster, either) it already has the stopping power. However, do you really want to go 70 mph in this? ( straight front axle was not designed for that, and has handling quirks all it’s own) Never, EVER, thought I’d see old Studey’s like this bring 10 grand, but here we are.
If cars/trucks have ‘faces’, the previous 49 Mercury PU has this cheery face, while this Stude has a somewhat stern fatherly look, reminding me of my Dad when he was really serious about something (usually that I did wrong :-)).
Studey McStudeyFace
Please let the “patina” fad die.
Yes, PLEASE let it die the death it deserves, “Patina” is an old hot-rodder’s word that translates as “I’m too lazy to paint it.”
Besides seats, lettering I would put 16″ wheels on with tall tires. The ones on it appear to be 14s with 6/70 14 tires. Disc brakes are a great safety improvement. Limit speed to 45-50 and enjoy
When I was in High School my Dad owned a pale green one with red wheels. Yes 50 MPH was about max. In low gear you could get out and walk beside it! Personally never cared for the looks mainly with the angle of the windshield.