Dog Days Of Summer

Well, for those of you that check in on a regular basis and have not seen much progress it's because we live in Phoenix and it's at least 115 degrees outside, making it seem 130 degrees in my garage. The swamp cooler we stole from you-know-who while he's been gone works, but only in about a 20 foot radius. So bear with me, we started to collect bits and pieces of stuff to makes some pretty radical changes when it cools down. The big disagreement around the shop is whether we should lower the truck or leave the way it is. We will not tell you who wants what, but all we can say is that Chicks dig low riders:). These new leaf springs should drop the front end about 3.5 inches. Let me know what you think.

Birthday Theft Pays Off.

Once again for those of you that don't remember, it appears that John had to take matters in his own hands due to the lack of participation of his birthday (and helped himself to GD's secret stash of Studebaker Parts). But, to his suprise, when he retrieved this glove box door it had a small dent. This began several hours, days, almost months of stressing how he was going to get this fixed so he could go foward with his gauge panel. Seriously. He practically needed Valium. He took it to Tucson where Lucky (in a short amount of time...not even hours) fixed the dent and sent him on his way. Note...John did have to sand and primer this thing at least 8 times until it was right. But we both agree that once we get to the next step the work will be worth it.

Barn Find or Just a Barn?

It's amazing the things that exist in the world around you that mean nothing one day, yet have significance the next. This sign hangs on a building just down the street from the Tucson shop. No telling how many times we've driven past this street and never taken a second glance...

Many Studebakers used to reside at this site...now it's mainly just a few bits and pieces of days gone by. These doors are proof positive that Studebaker trucks were used for work trucks! Need a little landscape maintenance?

This little guy has seen better days. Anyone want to try their hand at a little Studebaker identification?

Who Is This Secretary And When Can She Get Here?

Thanks to Tracy and the kids the truck will have all new wiring. When we ordered this they said, "Oh yeah, this kit is so easy even our secretary can do it." Well, send the Bitch on over. I get most of it but there are a lot of unanswered questions:

1. Do I just rip out all the old wires and the things that look like they are relays or something like that?
2. Where should I mount the fuse panel?
3. "Use a crimp tool that doesn't break the plastic installation on the terminals." Do they make such a tool?
4. How do I wire the lights, light switch, dimmer, and new ignition?

My point is that if this is supposed to be this easy, then don't you think it should include pictures or at least the secretary that wrote the instructions? While the product looks great and is obviously good quality, it's tough to know just where to begin. Maybe it's my lack of experience, but do they always have to say how easy it is? Good thing I didn't get the Deluxe Kit...