Swifster
Forum Member
I bought another Studebaker. It's a '64 Commander 2-dr sedan. I bought it to build a purpose built drag car. The car has to look bone stock, but what can't be seen is fair game. This includes under the hood. The target is 11.00 to 11.50 with a blown Studebaker engine.
My concern is weight. These cars typically weigh around 3100 lbs without the driver, I'd like to shed at least 300 lbs out of the car, and this includes the added weight of the required roll bar. As a Commander is pretty basic, I can remove the radio, speaker, heater (it was an option), carpet (rubber mat was standard), undercoat, windshield washer (optional), side mirrors (optional), so on and so forth.
What other ways can I cut weight? I can't use fiberglass panels. The rear seats need to be in the car. It has a front bench seat. I've heard of guys cutting out every other spring in the unused seats. I can use an aluminum drive shaft (needs to be painted to look stock). I've heard aftermarket glass weighs less than OEM glass. Any other ideas?
If you are so inclined, these are the rules.
My concern is weight. These cars typically weigh around 3100 lbs without the driver, I'd like to shed at least 300 lbs out of the car, and this includes the added weight of the required roll bar. As a Commander is pretty basic, I can remove the radio, speaker, heater (it was an option), carpet (rubber mat was standard), undercoat, windshield washer (optional), side mirrors (optional), so on and so forth.
What other ways can I cut weight? I can't use fiberglass panels. The rear seats need to be in the car. It has a front bench seat. I've heard of guys cutting out every other spring in the unused seats. I can use an aluminum drive shaft (needs to be painted to look stock). I've heard aftermarket glass weighs less than OEM glass. Any other ideas?
If you are so inclined, these are the rules.
