1961 Studebaker

[jaybee]

The pinstripe makes a huge difference. Visually it extends the character line across the bed in a way that unifies the vehicle. Trimming the bottom of the bed up to match the bottom of the cab does the same thing. Downsizing the fenders really helps the proportions as well.

[idrivejunk]

Only catch to the pinstripe is in order to have enough visual weight, truck stripes have to be pretty big. Remember the tri-color stripes on two toned square Chevys? Fairly wide, to look proportional.

Its unfortunate that the existing bedsides have big cutouts. Do they go above the fender molding, Frank? I guess if you are making bedsides, wherewithall and inclination are the only limits really.

If a guy was to make smooth bedsides then add in some stamped tubs inside out, why he could mebbe make himself some fleetside fenders that way. Just a thought I had after doing the F1 tubs. They are like a smooth, rounded bumpout.

An alternate visual trick to the stripe might be to locate a roll of PSA chrome molding that matched the fender molding enough to continue it rearward.

All the input from you guys is nice. Thats how it should be when gathering opinions. Because acceptance is certainly relevant in old rides.

[enjenjo]

 The cutouts go up to the seam, no higher. My thought is to remove the whole side below the seam, and bend a curve similar to the one in the door into the new panel. It would be very easy to do.

[idrivejunk]

Thats good the cutouts stop there, makes it not too bad.

Think you'll use a roll pan or step bumper?

[enjenjo]

I am favoring a rolled pan

[enjenjo]

I have parts ordered to execute plan  idrivejunk on the bed. The more I looked at the pictures the more I liked it. I have some panels being fabricated that will help to do it.

[jaybee]

Can't wait to see it in execution.

[enjenjo]

Parts have started dribbling in. I ordered new gauges for it the other day.

[idrivejunk]

If they were dribbled in like basketballs you may want to check them for damage.

Here are some colors to keep your gears going. Some mock a few 61 Stude color chips I saw. Flamingo, Blaze, Desert Sand, Jade Green, Riviera Blue. Hope I used the right pic to show them on.

[enjenjo]

I like the darker tan myself. My grandson sent me a picture of a champ with a Ford Ranger bed installed on it.


the body lines don't match up, but I like the proportions. The sides of the bed are fiberglass, so it would be easy to reshape the panels to get the shape in your pictures, and mold the M series fenders into it. I may go that route.

[chimp koose]

THAT ^^^^^^!

[idrivejunk]

 

[WZ JUNK]

I like the Ranger bed.  I think the bed lines up as good as they do on the Ranger.  Simplest solution is the best.

[Crosley.In.AZ]

My friends Studie Champ truck looks good with Ranger bed on it. Fits better than you wud think. Plenty of options so far.

[jaybee]

The Ranger bed doesn't look half bad. The proportions are pretty decent. Maybe you can do something with trim or wheel arch shapes to make it look even more natural.