Joen and Tim Painter

1953 Customized Studebaker Commander  Restoration project.

This car was restored back to the condition when it was custom built back in 1955.

 

1953 Studebaker Commander Starlight Custom

"A Daughter’s Dream come true"

Original custom work by my Father, George Monsen

& Uncle Magner Monsen of Custer, South Dakota, 1955-1959

**************************************************

Restoration by Jim’s Rod Shop – Yuma, Arizona, 2009-2011

Upholstery by Mark Varner – Phoenix, Arizona, 2011

Completely rewired to 12 volt negative ground

Original 232 cu. in. V-8 engine with 19,000 original miles

Original 3-speed transmission with overdrive

Original Running Gear

Original Rear fenders (less the fins) and bumpers

Original headlights, taillights, windshield and hood (cut to fit grill)

Removable roof can be stored in the trunk

Approximately 17 cars contributed parts to the custom and restoration work

-         Hood ornament, V-8 side emblems, wheel covers, exterior mirrors, dashboard, radio, steering wheel, and horn button are period correct Studebaker parts

Roof – 1939 Chevrolet truck

Trunk Lid – 1946 Oldsmobile Hood

Trunk Hinges – 1949 Ford

Parking Lights & Turn Signals – 1950 Chevrolet Car

Mile-o-meter Vacuum Gauge – 1953 Packard

Fuel tank – 1954 Chevy BelAir

Grill – 1955 Ford Fairlane

Rear Valance & Trunk Latch – 1957 Nash Rambler

Top of rear inner fender panel – 1959 Buick door extension piece

Under dash AC Unit – 1965 Mustang (dealer option)

Alternator -- 1972 Chevrolet Camaro

Power Steering Pump – 1985 Corvette

AC Compressor – 1988 Volkswagen

Power Steering Rack and Pinion – 1984 Dodge Omni

Fins were manufactured by Jim’s Rod Shop – 2010

 In memory of Magner Monsen

Owner:  Joen Painter (Daughter of George & Niece of Magner Monsen),

                    & Tim Painter of Yuma, Arizona