I was in the early stages of building a ‘54 Studebaker when I came across “Rudy” (for Rudybaker) in Lake Havasu, while searching for parts. I purchased him on February 21, 2023, from an ex USAC chief mechanic, just couldn’t pass up the opportunity. It was originally built as a D.A.R.E. car and to be submitted as a Hot Wheels model. Ironically, when I finally submitted it to Mattel, they said it was not the theme of car they did. True story. It was finished initially I believe in 1998, in Washington. King Graphix did all the striping and lettering, including striped oil pan. Ron Hernandez took care of a nasty rock chip for me. The purple paint is a Sikkens color. The flames are a Nissan yellow, plus a few other colors, with blue pinstripe outline. Bucket seats are Kia I believe. There is no back seat. Simpson safety belts. Power windows, electric door poppers, tilt column. Full complement of gauges. The chute is more for show.
The chassis is by Art Morrison, with 4 – link in back, rack and pinion steering, coil overs all around, wheelie bars, and 10-point roll bar. Narrowed 9” Ford with 4.56 gears, drum brakes in back, disc in front. Streetable 454 BBC by Dave White with 6-71 BDS blower by Gale Plummer, and digital BDS EFI. It makes enough power to have twisted the original drive shaft. 16-gallon fuel cell, electric fuel pump, runs on 100 octane Sunoco, about 6-7 MPG. 3 cooling fans. Custom headers and Flowmaster exhaust. Trans is a Turbo 400, B&M shifter, and 2 drive shaft loops. Trunk mounted battery. No AC, no radio and that is fine with me. I am “Lost In The Fifties” when out and about.
Tires are Mickey Thompson Sportsman Pro out back, 31 X 16.5 x 15, MT Sportsman 26 x 7.5 x 15 in front, all mounted on polished aluminum wheels. There are 2 on board Halon fire extinguishers. I pretty much do everything needed on the car, except for alignment, which was done by Ted Lux at Roosevelt Alignment here, just under 3” ground clearance.
The car is always a blast to drive and always puts a smile on my face and those of others, as well as Diane King, when we drive around, go to shows, Studebaker club events, etc. This past December, Rudy was in the televised 2024 Fiesta Bowl Parade, as part of the All American Hot Rods-Unit. When Rudy drove past literally, thousands of Parade spectators, they cheered, applauded, and there were lots of big smiles.
It never fails to lift my spirits and mood if I am feeling a bit off. I have always loved this body style and am happy to own one. There is just over 16,000 miles on Rudy since built, so he isn’t just a trailer queen.
I understand built not bought, but I was born the same year as this car, and I’m not getting any younger, except when in and around vehicles like this. Thank you for reading. – Fred Schlegel
Photos by
Rod Loveless