Dear Welder Series… MII On 1948 Stude Starlight Coupe?

Dear Welder Series…
I’m looking at the 56″ coil spring Mustang II crossmember. Your application chart lists ’34 to ’47 Studebaker.  I’m building a 1948 Stude. Starlight Coupe.  Can this crossmember be used on this car?
Thanks!
Charlie

Dear Charlie…
Thanks for this note, Charlie.  I don’t know the frame details for your ’48.  Could you send some digital pictures of the front frame area to me?  What is the stock front track width (center of one tire to center of the other tire)?

This will probably take a couple of emails back and forth while I zero in on a direct answer to your question.

Thanks, too, for looking at Welder Series parts.

Paul Horton

Dear Welder Series…
Paul,
Thanks so much for the quick reply.  I will try to attach a couple of photos of the frame when I first got it two years ago.  Unfortunately, the front suspension and crossmember have been taken off and discarded a long time ago.  I think the front track must have been 55″ or 56″.  Neither the factory shop manual, factory parts manual nor Motors Motor manual list the f/r track (!).  The frame is a 2″ X 4″ boxed section made up of a heavy bottom plate with a flanged “U” channel top section welded together. At the front axle centerline the outside to outside dimension is 29 3/4″ .  My plan was to cut the flange to the outside measurement of the cross member, weld the frame back together at the corner then weld the crossmember in to the sides and the flange.  I think that will be plenty strong.  My one concern is the thickness of the u-channel section of the frame.  The original front crossmember was rivited to the flange on both sides of the box section.  The only openings at the axle centerline are small bolt holes that I can’t get any measuring devices into.  It looks like it might be an 1/8″ or slightly less thick.  I will try to get better pictures and more info. on your advice when the weather clears, and I can get the car un-covered.
Thanks so much for your help.
Charlie
P.S. This car will be a cruiser with a warmed over Olds 350. Maybe 300hp. It will not be raced.

2 comments

  1. Brian says:

    Please post your progress on this blog. I am planning to put a 56″ welders series cross member into my 48 Studebaker champion also. Please share your measurement sheet dimensions as you fit it! Good luck!
    Brian

  2. Charlie says:

    Brian,
    Thanks for the interest. Progress will be slow as this is a middle-burner project around here. I will have to buy my wheels and tires and at least the lower “A” arms (going strutless) before I can start measuring, but will let you know as soon as it progresses. My Coupe will ride level, just lower than stock with Crown Vic cop car wheels and Ford 8.8″ Mustang GT rear.
    Charlie

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