Kenny’s Rod Shop Takes Command on a 1952 Studebaker Commander Starliner Custom
Any list of top ten automotive designs of the 1950s would not include the 1952 Studebaker. Ask the innerweb. It will confirm this fact of automotive life. So, when Bill Bienaplf took a ’52 Studebaker Commander Starliner Coupe to Kenny Welch at Kenny’s Rod Shop in Boise for a makeover, the task ahead was a tall one.
When the crew at Kenny’s, along with collaborators at Regenerated Rides and Modern Upholstery Solutions, completed the project, the Starliner was transformed from ugly duckling to shining star.
Starting with the body, the extensive modifications included reworked sheet metal throughout, including massaged fenders and quarter panels. The rockers were extended slightly to help give the car a lowered look. The body was channeled to fit over the Art Morrison chassis. As part of that process the firewall, transmission, and passenger compartment floor were double-walled with insulation in between the steel panels. Kenny says that treatment keeps the heat from the engine and transmission away from the passengers.
Other changes included removing the stock drip rails and fabricating new edges for the roof. The front fender air inlets were deleted, along with most of the other trim pieces and emblems. The gas filler was moved from the left rear quarter to behind the left-side taillight, which swivels open thanks to a one-off fabricated mechanism. Bumpers were smoothed and tucked closer to the body. A custom grille insert was fabricated and sleek Ferrari door handles replaced the stock units.
A 525-horsepower GM LS3 crate engine is nestled into the chassis, topped by a custom engine cover and painted valve covers. A GM 4L60 automatic transmission feeds the power to the 3.50 gears in the rearend. Wilwood disc brakes handle the stopping chores, while Billet Specialties wheels – 18×10-inches in the rear, 18×7 in front – are wrapped in Bridgestone rubber.
The interior bears no resemblance to the original 1952 Studebaker design. Everything is custom built and wrapped in red leather. The front seats are reworked Chrysler 300 pieces. The console is custom built and runs from the dash through the rear seat. The ignition switch is mounted on the driver’s side of the console, which also houses power window switches and push-button transmission controls. The original rear license plate surround now frames the Auto Meter digital gauge panel in the dash. The steering column is from a late model Corvette, as is the steering wheel that was modified to include a Studebaker emblem.
After years of construction, this black beauty will not spend its life as a garage queen. Bill says he plans to drive his custom 1952 Studebaker Starliner regularly, and we look forward to seeing it out on the road.
Photos: Todd Ryden
