Nissan Restomod Build - 1948 Studebaker Starlite Coupe

[xawax]

Hey All,

I don’t post much on here, but lurk enough to know that some of you may enjoy seeing this restomod build that my friend just got done with.
It started out as a 1948 Studebaker Champion Starlight Coupe.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/765/22576670952_9b7f857bc2_b.jpg
This is what it looked like before he started; a clean complete 1948.

Ben, the owner, enjoyed the car stock for about a year before he decided he wanted the car to accelerate and handle better than it did. After being exposed to my SR20DET S13, he started to become a fan of Nissan’s jdm turbocharged engine offerings. He decided that he wanted to use the motor out of a R32 Skyline, because of the straight six configuration and the cheap pricetag of front clips at a local engine importer. Things went from there, as the entire car basically was frame off restored and then upgraded with the entire r32 drivetrain, suspension, brakes, wheels, and an Audi A4 exhaust. Ben even meticulously reworked the jdm r32 cluster gauges into the existing Studebaker dash to retain a stock”ish” look. Incredible craftsmaship and fabrication went into this car. I'm glad I'm around to learn from these masters.

This is what it looks like now, after two years of work...

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5681/21969029953_0059c9e81a_b.jpg

The most immaculate RB20DET you will ever see... (shaved valve covers and all)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/698/21967458704_16f470711c_b.jpg

For all intents and purposes, it's a complete base model r32 skyline with a 1948 studebaker body on it. Really, there is too many details to metion here, but If you want to know more go here:

Build Thread: http://www.pro-touring.com/threads/111168-1948-Studebaker-Starlight-coupe-project

Website: http://stilettoman.info/2015/07/1948-studebaker-restomod-skyline-drivetrain/

Here is my car for reference, which Ben did the paintjob on actually...

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/735/21967456494_3bca1406a3_b.jpg

Cheers,

[corbin]

Good to see stuff being done right... love the 240 as well.

[Malik]

that rb20 looks hella righteous

[brndck]

at first I was like :tweak: but then I caught on and now I'm like :naughty::yum::bowdown::eek2::boink::rawk:

[Reece]

Hot damn...

99% of the time I get sad when I see crazy restomods like this but FUCK this is good.

Post more!

[10psitx]

wow just wow!!...both cars look awesome, the RB looks like a different engine in the studebaker...please elaborate on the extended black portion of the body kit on the s13...rubber extensions or custom molded pieces?

[XMcEvilson]

wow nice quality build. I would prefer the old steelies with hub caps, just seems to match better on a 48

[lethanh93]

Wow that was one really cool build. Interesting to see that he used the R32 Gtst front clip.

[Bullitt_180sx]

wow just wow!!...both cars look awesome, the RB looks like a different engine in the studebaker...please elaborate on the extended black portion of the body kit on the s13...rubber extensions or custom molded pieces?

That's just that universal lip material off eBay.

[xawax]

Thanks for the love guys. I know Ben appreciates it.

Yeah, its just garage door seal with 3M doublesided tape on it. I'm doing a custom diffuser soon so the rear valences will go away.

My car in action recently...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pam--0bJ2R0

[spooled240]

Wow very impressive build! I didn't even recognize the RB at first lol

Nice hatch and video too :2f2f:

[10psitx]

Thanks for the love guys. I know Ben appreciates it.

Yeah, its just garage door seal with 3M doublesided tape on it. I'm doing a custom diffuser soon so the rear valences will go away.

My car in action recently...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pam--0bJ2R0

Thanks, its what i assumed it was...

[collegekid]

I personally would have gone with a different wheel setup. The build looks high quality but those wheels do not deserve to be on that car



Im not suggesting some fan boy fitment wheels,just something a little more period correct.

[RalliartRsX]

I personally would have gone with a different wheel setup. The build looks high quality but those wheels do not deserve to be on that car



Im not suggesting some fan boy fitment wheels,just something a little more period correct.

Considering a "modern" DOHC small displacement turbocharged inline 6 is on the complete opposite end of the spectrum in terms of period correct, then by definition, the engine also should not be in there.

Personal taste and looks are subjective :)


Awesome build OP! I always like off the wall builds ad not your typical work! Keep it up!

[TougeSR20Kid]

Ayyyyy whattup Peter!

That Studebaker is legit, dude has an fb rx7 with an RB20 also, which is also super clean.

[xawax]

I personally would have gone with a different wheel setup. The build looks high quality but those wheels do not deserve to be on that car



Im not suggesting some fan boy fitment wheels,just something a little more period correct.

This has been a topic around the shop for sure. Ultimately, Ben likes them and that's all that matters and feels the curves of the rims match the car well. The centercaps he made really went a long way in my opinion.

I think it's mostly the alloy color that throws it off. He did try to polish them first but it wasn't going well and was going to be too much work so he decided just to paint them.

He is standard 5 lug now, so yeah he has all the options available to him and he might get another set of wheels later down the road.

[xawax]

Ayyyyy whattup Peter!

That Studebaker is legit, dude has an fb rx7 with an RB20 also, which is also super clean.

Hey what up! :wavey: sorry, but don't remember, who dis? Lol

[TougeSR20Kid]

Hey what up! :wavey: sorry, but don't remember, who dis? Lol

Haha its Russ with the white s13 coupe

[xawax]

Haha its Russ with the white s13 coupe

Oh! Hey Russ!! Dude we gotta kick it soon.

[Super_OK_S13]

the level of custom fabrication and how it all comes together is AMAZING!!! i love seeing builds on this level! VERY VERY UNIQUE!!!

[TougeSR20Kid]

Oh! Hey Russ!! Dude we gotta kick it soon.

Definitely man! You should hit up the meet at Griots Garage tomorrow!