1940 Studebaker K15

1940 STUDEBAKER K15 I had been pulling my car trailer for several years with a 1/2 ton Dodge RAM pickup. Although it did the job, it worried me when I had a heavy load on the trailer. I decided I needed a truck with more power, bigger brakes, and dual rear wheels. This 1940 Studebaker K15 was the answer. I purchased this Studebaker in 2008 as a 1-ton flatbed with no engine, transmission, or interior. I began modifications in May of 2010. Project was completed 3 years later in May of 2013. It has served me well for 11 years. I am now 75 years old. I am retiring and selling my property as part of a downsizing move. I can only keep so many cars.

Modifications included replacing the frame with a Chevrolet P30 chassis. Engine is a Chevy fuel injected 454. Transmission is Chevy 4L80E overdrive automatic. Engine was moved back 10” in the frame to fit the Studebaker sheet metal. That put less weight on the front axle. The 1-ton front springs were replaced with 1/2 ton springs. I put a “Z” in the front of the frame behind the front axle to lower the fender well opening to fit the front tires. The frame was shortened 11” at the same time to adjust the wheelbase to fit the Studebaker body. For the dual wheel rear axle, several leaf springs were removed to soften the ride. A self-leveling air bag system was added to stiffen the rear suspension while hauling a trailer. The suspension modifications resulted in a reasonable ride when driving empty, and a heavier ride when working the truck.

Body Modifications include recessing center of firewall to clear distributor and fabricating a heavy-duty pocket to hold the brake pedal and hydroboost power assist unit. The 8’ bed uses sides and floor supports from a 1959 Chevy. Rear fenders are from a 1956 Holmes wrecker. Bedsides were tubbed 2” to clear the dual rear wheels and tires. Rear bumper was fabricated narrow to fit the rear of the truck, and it is heavy duty to hold the receiver hitch. Front bumper was replaced with fabricated “nerf bars.” Rubber covered running boards were fabricated using 2” square tubing and 1/8” steel plate. They taper from single wheel front fenders to dual wheel rear fenders. Bed floor is oak with stainless steel strips. Tailgate uses gas struts. Tonneau cover is black vinyl and keeps the cargo dry.

Cab modifications include fabricating a new dash to hold modern gauges, switches, and air conditioning vents. Heavy reinforcements were installed in the cab corners to hold the shoulder harnesses. Vent windows were removed from the door and replaced with a single piece door glass for no wind noise. There are electric wipers and fold-away inside window cranks. Heavy insulation was used beneath the carpet as well as inside the cab and under the seat. The interior is leather. There are 3 storage pockets: two in the doors and one behind the seat. Engine computer and  battery are under the seat. Jumper lugs for the battery are below the rear bumper. Outside door handles are shaved and electrically operated Bear Claw latches open the doors. Two-piece windshield is seamed together in the middle with no center post. There is an AUX power plug and cup holders at the floor in the middle of the seat. Headlights are halogen with built in LED directional lights. Taillight assemblies are made from antique truck front directional lights. They have the same shape as the pedestal headlights. The tail/directional lights are LED. The LED third brake lights were fabricated to fit into the roll at the top of the bed sides. Paint is base coat/clear coat ORANG CRUSH PEARL. Studebaker script and pinstriping are hand applied. Windows have built in copper tint. This truck is ready to go anytime either by itself or with a trailer. Starts instantly, runs smoothly, has lots of power and is quiet at highway speeds. This truck is a GoodGuys award winner. Also featured in "Route 66", "Girls" Calendar.

Seller Video 1    Seller Video 2    Seller Video 3

Seller's Note: The walkaround video shows minor blemishes in the paint as well as a rock chip in the windshield.

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