Phase V: Studebaker Conversion: Installing the Radiator, Brake Assembly & Steering

Disclaimer: We don’t have pictures of the final construction and installation of the brake vacuum booster, brake master cylinder, and steering column. We apologize!


First of all, this was the hardest part! There was seemingly more head scratching, fabrication, and money spent on these three items than the whole process prior. In truth, there was just more problem-solving and time spent during this phase.

We were re-using the brake hanger assembly and booster out of the Chevy Blazer. We wanted to keep the parts matched to the running gear. Re-using the Studebaker steering column was out of the question. Its installation angle and length did not fit the new configuration and location of the steering gear. We were able to solve the steering shaft by manufacturing a column based on an early ‘70’s Chevy van with automatic steering column. We re-worked the column to fit the Blazer extension shaft on the lower end and accept the Studebaker steering wheel at the top.
The radiator was re-fit but we could not keep the original location of the radiator. We had to move it up and forward to clear the front of the frame. We notched the frame as far as possible to keep the radiator as large as possible. We had a new custom radiator manufactured from the mounting rails and upper and lower tanks of the Studebaker radiator. I went through the selection of radiator hoses at a local Napa auto parts store and purchased two hoses to complete the custom installation. I also installed an electric cooling fan.