Buggy Restoration Begins

We started with what we believe to be a 1904 Studebaker runabout, buggy or carriage—(there are several ways to label it).

It was in solid, but deplorable condition. The wheels were rotted with metal pipes used as substitutes for broken spokes.

The paint was checked, faded, chipped and weathered. The seat and leather upholstery was torn and faded. The horsehair was bulging out. All of the metal components were badly rusted, with red paint flaking off.

To remedy this situation, we completely stripped the carriage down to every nut and bolt. We stripped the body off down to a rolling chassis—shown in the second photo. Every metallic piece was disassembled, cataloged and sand blasted. The old upholstery was carefully removed from the carriage body to begin restoration of the wood. The old upholstery was saved and photographed for a subcontractor to replicate as close as possible.