The Cutting Edge
September 25, 2022
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
CIMTEX SUPER CAMEO: PART 5
When we selected a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 twin-cam, small-block 350 V-8 engine for our Cimtex Rods Super Cameo, we knew that we would be breaking new ground in the sense that GM never built a “production” automatic-transmission-equipped Corvette ZR1. However, there is record that a couple of Corvette ZR1s were specially equipped with automatic electronic overdrive transmissions for physically challenged Corvette enthusiasts. We don’t know whether it was done by the factory or by the private sector.
Nonetheless, it was our intent to run an automatic transmission behind this awesome powerplant. After all, we wanted our ’56 Super Cameo to be as civilized as possible, yet still be able to handle all the available torque and horsepower that will be the result of this twin Powerdyne (BD11-A) supercharged and intercooled Corvette ZR1 engine. But what type of GM automatic transmission would we actually be using?
CLASSIC RECONSTRUCTION
Kinney Lazarus has owned several Jeeps over the years, and he had an interest in owning one of these vintage Willys pickups. While searching the Internet one day, he came across a running ’52 Willys 4WD pickup in Arkansas. He purchased the pickup online and had it shipped to his home in Georgia. Once he had possession of the truck, he quickly found that the performance of the original flathead four-cylinder engine left a lot to be desired by today’s standards. Also, being accustomed to a more modern ride, he found that the outdated suspension was less than desirable. In general, this classic Jeep was no fun to drive.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: DIESELSITE’s Stand Pipe and Dummy Plug Kit for 2004.5–2010 Ford 6.0L Powerstroke
If you’re a Ford 6.0L Powerstroke owner, you already know the score. The factory stand pipes are a disaster waiting to happen, and most of the aftermarket replacements aren’t much better. Torn o-rings, flimsy oil ports, and cheap materials? Yeah, those sound like problems you don’t want to deal with when you’re halfway through a road trip or hauling a trailer up a steep grade. But don’t worry—DIESELSITE has your back with their Stand Pipe and Dummy Plug Kit, a complete overhaul of the weak link in your 6.0L system.
Spotlighter
Caddy Stu
This ’53 Studebaker Sports a 500-Inch Cadillac Powerplant
Author
Bob Carpenter
Story And Photography
Richard Larson and his wife, Jane, have owned a number of custom cars and trucks in their time, but they never really thought they would have so much fun building and owning a custom 53 Studebaker pickup.
There was no plan to find a Studebaker; the truck simply found him. I lived across the street from a friend who owned a repair shop in town, Larson told us. Over some time, he had collected six or seven cars and trucks that he hoped to restore some day. One weekend morning, his wife informed him that she planned to plant an orchard in the area where the vehicles were being stored…and in one week. He had to get rid of his collection. I asked about the Studebaker pickup and he said if he could get $200 for it, it was gone. Well, it was gone.
Over the next two years (about 2,000 hours of work), and after spending many more dollars, Larson finally had his Caddy Stu on the road. Yes, he calls it a Caddy Stu because of the 500ci engine mounted on the boxed framerails. Larson did a complete frame-off restoration of the truck, sandblasting all the parts along the way. He spent a lot of time collecting the parts and planning the build. He figured out how to mount the ’75 Cadillac engine, made the mounts for the four-link rear suspension and then found a welder to attach it all for him.
The front suspension is a Fat Man Fabrications Mustang II setup with airbags and shocks from Air Ride Technologies. Wilwood four-piston disc brakes help slow the beast when it gets up to speed. An ididit steering column and Grant banjo steering wheel provide the driver with precise control. The rear suspension is a four-link with airbags and coilover shocks. A Ford 9-inch Posi rearend was shortened 2 inches and has 3.30:1 gears in it.
Larson repaired the ripped fenders (with help from Jose at Cruisers in Bakersfield), shaved the door handles, louvered the hood, crafted an LED third brake light, built a 2×8-inch-square tube bumper and added a toolbox. After all the bodywork was done, Phil in Lone Pine, California, applied the ’67 Cadillac gunmetal-gray enamel.
Inside the cab, Larson turned to Dee Norris in Bodfish, California. Norris used gray cloth and bird’s-eye maple to create a unique look. Bird’s-eye was used for the dash, the dash extension, the overhead console, the door panels and more. Classic Instruments Gold gauges are perfect for this truck.
The engine, of course, is a focal point of this truck. The 500ci engine (built by Cram-McCall in Ridgecrest, California) uses an Edelbrock high-rise intake manifold and Sanderson headers. A 750 Q-Jet carburetor is topped with a Flying Nun air cleaner housing. Larson added one-off CaddyStu valve covers and lots of other chromed and polished parts.
While the Larsons weren’t planning to build a Studebaker truck, they certainly have embraced this one and have given it their all. They have been rewarded with accolades from show judges and friends alike. That’s what this hobby is about anyway, so they obviously made the right decision that fateful weekend when a truck suddenly became available for $200.
You don't often find a hot-rodded '53 Studebaker truck, especially not one that looks this good. Richard Larson spent 2,000 hours working on this truck.
Louvers on the hood help keep air flowing through the engine compartment and ensure that the big-inch Caddy engine runs cool.
The 500ci Cadillac engine provides plenty of power for the '53 pickup.
The interior is luxurious with gray cloth and a Grant banjo steering wheel. Notice the event plaques on the bird's-eye maple dash. This truck is driven all over the place for shows and runs.
With the tonneau open, the red-stained white-maple bed floor is revealed. Larson added polished diamond-plate siding on the bedsides.
