Death of the Studebaker Plant

[olddogvideo]

You lost me at four minutes.....sound track for cut to the beat could be the reason......

[dontfeedhimmc2]

you should of taken one of the engines of some one that was restoring a studebaker needed one you could of made bank sense parts are so scares for studebakers

[PepperJackJohnson]

d-low? donald?

[jakkman69]

if that was knoxville all the meth-heads would have hauled away and smoked every scrap of metal........

all the cars on that one floor make it look like an illegal chop-shop....

[600joe]

Studebaker Truck engines

[highdesertworkshop]

The engines are obsolete Multifuels from military trucks, in the 90s some of the trucks were re-powered with modern diesels for reserve units..

[DET832]

Wow !! Nice job. Sad to see the engines etc just sitting...

[videotimesss1]

Good music for something dead.

[the60scarfreak]

What's that old Firebird and other cars doing there?

[crossharpchronicles]

This is a great sound track. I didn't realize what I was listening to when the song first opened, but I like this spin on things.  Who does this?

[Thugarchist]

@crossharpchronicles

It's been so long since I made this... I tagged it as KMFDM but I'm pretty sure it was actually someone else's remix of their track. Can't recall who. Sorry.

[JustaRegularPatriot]

Great time capsule! Looks like the engine around 3:52 mignt be the supercharged R2 from the Avanti and Super Lark!

[PlainzGenius]

Those engines and trannys are NOt all Studebaker!

[4thstooge]

@PlainzGenius I believe your right, Studebaker was using GM engines in their cars towards the end.

[MrJoseph1157]

Some of those engine tranny combos looked like they were new,anyone have any idea what was up who owned them or what? thanks

[Mchammer489]

i live in downtown south bend, always wondered whatit's like in there, you know the old days in that shut down? ever been in there?

[Shoknifeman]

lousy music!

[banshee8989]

More like The Death To The American Machine. I cant evern buy the materials to Machine a part for less than China can sell the completed part for.

[NCW250]

@banshee8989 I know how you feel. The spare parts supplied for my classic car over here in the UK, made in China equals rubbish! Similar part made over here in the UK works perfectly. I blame the bean counters. Lets make a lots of people out of work and make loads of money by making crap in the far east, so it will break, and the mugs will have to buy a replacement part, which will break again. The accountants win!

[rapsucksrockrocks]

Awesome video man! Are all those engines still there?

[Garwood900]

Great video, Thugarchist !

Im surprised to see those hundreds of new engines sitting there going to waste. Studebaker was known for building high quality and very reliable products. They probably wouldnt be useable for highway applications, but could be used as stationary power plants, such as electric generators or industrial water pumps for mining operations. Im shocked to see all that going to waste.

I saw another video of a Studebaker plant being demolished.

Was that the same plant?

[koolratrods]

i was shocked to learn that for the 1st 2 years studebaker made electric cars? but when ford were selling 1 million model a's they switched to gas engines

[hudson501]

Interesting photos of old Studebaker plants and their contents (I wonder what kind of engines those were all lined up? They appear to be diesel engines, not leftover Studebaker eights or sixes). Also, I agree with some others here that listening to the accompanying music is ANNOYING.

[28modla]

Those engines are White Hercules multi fuel engines for the military. M-35 deuce and a half trucks and older 5 tons.

[SPUPRR]

They are thousands of LDS and LDT465 Multifuel engines left over from the repowering of M35A2s and 5 tons by AM general for the military.

[hudson501]

Thanks for the clarification regarding what type of engines those are. I wonder what'll become of them.

[badgerbuddy]

my grandpa owns a studebaker that was built in that plant

[badgerbuddy]

they better keep the packard plant up... this is like america's ancient ruins, they should become national monuments

[bigheatover]

the factory is not thier any more they demolished it this year

[95PurpleHaze]

thats crazy that all of those old engines and trannys just sitn there lined up. My jaw dropd when I seen that

[fballev55]

it sucks they nocked most of them down

[necronomicjustice]

What the fuck1? That music sucks major ass. And you kids shouldn't be going into other peoples property like that. Bastards.

[Thugarchist]

That sucks that you won't watch the video. I'm sure the entire world will feel awful about it.

[grega1972]

Hey idiot nice selection of music I was interested in watching the video but you really F'd it up with your stupid taste in music.

[necronomicjustice]

I know. These fuckwits think we can just mute are speakers when ever we want. Yeah right, like it is that easy.

[Packrat1947]

Very poor photography. Even poorer selection of background noise.  I'll bet this guy never worked in an auto plant.

Packrat1947

[necronomicjustice]

I bet this asshole is somehow connected to the UAW.

[CrazyAlvis]

Yes, must be. That is what the unions want, to lose members by shutting plants down.

You aren't so smart, are you?

Dumbass...

[necronomicjustice]

The unions want to destroy america any way they can.

[CrazyAlvis]

So they can shoot themselves in the foot? Really? Who's your hero? George W Bush?

Pull your head out of your ass kid. Wake the fuck up to what is really going on.

[necronomicjustice]

Don't be so racist. My hero happens to be Clarence Thomas.

[CrazyAlvis]

I think your meds need to be adjusted.

[necronomicjustice]

Nice try, but I don't buy into the myth that the liberal Pharmaceutical industry is selling.

[AMCtilldeath]

you are ignorant as sin. obviouslly what your saying is all truth. the unions, who were started to make sure the laborer got paid a fair wage, in a country whos backbone is MADE of hard workers... do the world a favor, stop jacking off to the photograph of rush limbaugh while listening to the savage nation, and actually do some research on your own, then maybe you'll learn the real truth

[necronomicjustice]

Holyshit! AMCtilldeath that is a hawt image. I can't get the picture of me acking off to the photograph of rush limbaugh while listening to the savage nation out of my head now!

[Thugarchist]

I am jacking off to a photograph of Rush Limbaugh while listening to Savage Nation RIGHT NOW!

[necronomicjustice]

GAWD i CAN'T TAKE THE HEAT.

[Thugarchist]

Actually I think it would be HAWTER to jack off to a picture of Rush while listening to Dan Savage now that I think of it.

Can't wait for FRIDAY NIGHT!

[necronomicjustice]

Sell out.

[Thugarchist]

Homophobe.

[necronomicjustice]

Anti-Semitic Speciest.

[Thugarchist]

Well, that one is true enough.

[necronomicjustice]

No, the song was "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" It's a cover of a Nancy Sinatra song.

[Locustinferno666]

I gotta love the negative comments on this one; it just shows the in general ignorance of those making the remarks.

As for the engines or whatever; they are all long since gone. Looks like I got in when the getting in was good and worth it.

[YamahaBanshee559]

When were these photos? Shot How many engines were in the room

[greenfuzz13]

Cool video. I must have seen the original stills on a website somewhere else. The music works although it wasn't what I was expecting. Nice take on N. Sinatra's "...Boots...". Too bad Stude went out of business. They made some good cars along the way but there were some very big reasons why they could no longer compete.

[leadman1979]

One last part of that company is still alive,it's called Studebaker Worthington leasing.Try a google swearch.

[Charger3091]

So......does anyone know where i can get a couple of cheap flatbeds and directions?

[3800Z]

all those engines big money bags...

[Faztlan]

Thats alot of Engine Blocks!! You can get some money for those!! Bring em down to TEXAS!

What a sad video!!

[DAJPDJProductions]

i been there i live in laporte IN

[studebakerempire]

STUDEBAKER IS BACK!  you must GOOOOGLE 'PLUNDERHERE' then enter 'SUPERCAR"

[shawnmeboy]

ya uhm this vid was pretty ghey...hm i wonder how the deusche got in to take these pics, oh and that song sucks

[b3nzyme]

is it still there

[Locustinferno666]

The "douche" (correct spelling) was me you damn twit.

[jstrunck]

Once a American Giant! Depressing...

[losky1]

I live near South Bend and have walked through what is left of the Studebaker Plant on 6/19/2008! The room of 100+ engines...All engines are GONE! That trolley type bus has also been removed. Whats left? Out of a dozen Audi's & Mg's? Only 2 good items - Two 1969 Pontiac Firebirds with V-8 455 blocks in them. Complete cars on frame no rust - needs air in tires to roll out! The rest of the place is worthless.

[Pookatube]

Are the Firebirds still in the factory? Email more with more info!

[leadman1979]

Great video but I can't handle the music

[waystobeworse]

your filming something that's been exhausted of material for about a decade. not too clever.

so if you get the idea of going there again remember; the building is being condemned and walking on that roof could mean instant injury or death.

thanks for the lame song too.

[Locustinferno666]

You know nothing of urban exploration you fucking wank.

The person who made that video and put the song with it is not even the guy who explored the place and took the pictures; that would be me. I happen to like it.

So basically, yeah, fuck off. That will be all.

[bobanddoug96]

i'm going to south bend in a while could you tell me where this is?

[losky1]

The Studebaker Plant in South Bend is off of the corner of Lafayette and Sample Streets. The SB Police Dept is right across the street from it. (South Bend Lathe used the remains of the plant) You better hurry only 25% of this palnt remains today 6/20/2008

[bobanddoug96]

i would love to walk through there

[Studeman51]

Well done! I particularly like the end shot of the wheelbarrow. Studebaker fans probably all know the story of "JM" coming to what is now Placerville, CA, earning enough money building wheelbarrows to return home to South Bend and buy out his brother Henry's share in the wagon business.

[Dieselolds]

The engines looks like military M35 engines...

[scotdouglas]

+1 for that.

[Dieselolds]

Thanks, but what are they doing at the studebaker plant??

[wordsmith74]

Those are engines left over from a rebuilding program that AM General (the Humvee maker) conducted for the military. Basically, they plucked the old, worn engin/tranny combos and replaced them. These are the old engines...wonder why they were never scrapped? Great slideshow, though...I've explored those buildings myself...

[goldbergje]

Good god, all those Studebaker engines going to waste when restorers could be using them

[dinnerandashow]

i don't understand why those engines didn't go to repair the trucks of that time.

the company should have at least given them away to their customers.

[queensplazasouth]

Those "engines" look more like compressors. That building has seen many other uses long since studebaker stopped building cars.

[LordSamuelJ]

I think the music fits perfectly with the video. I dont think the video was really intended to be a tribute to Studebaker like most people think. Instead, its just the exploration of an abandoned and freaky looking plant. I like the video and the music choosen.

[Thugarchist]

The music is right for the video because its about the illegal exploration of an abandoned factory and the demise of the U.S. manufacturing base. I refuse to listen to you people further!

:)

[therealcharliesafari]

Actually I was about to say I didn't like the music, but actually your right, It does fit in with the De-indutrialization of America. what do all the people who used to work in the car industry of America do for jobs now??? I liked the video and the sentiment dude!

[losky1]

Last spring 2007 I took the time to go into the remaining large plant with the engines. The huge VAULT is where train cars would deliver sand for the making of car windows and other glass. Hence the large 4 story building. The entire building is eerie and old. Walking through it you can almost hear & see the production of the past. Video fits perfefctly!

[zappatx]

Here, make everyone happy and play "Flakes" by fRANK zAPPA.

[asswhole455]

Great video, but the music isn't appropriate. The Avanti II was indeed built in part of the Studebaker facility, although that particular building was torn down over 10 years ago. Such a shame as it was historically significant and over 100 years old. It should've been made a landmark but typical Indiana politics (read backroom shenanigans) squashed that before it could happen. The Studebaker museum has new digs several blocks away.

[3bar]

Why? Because they might not like "techno"? Pretty harsh assessment for thinking a particular type of music blows. You'll be old someday.

[Thugarchist]

I am old. It was a mild joke and that tune isn't techno. Its industrial. :p

[3bar]

I stand corrected. As for croaking: ribbit!

[Thugarchist]

Old people should croak.

[3bar]

Interesting video spoiled by crappy music. Put on a little "Studebaker John and the Hawks" instead. Repetious techno crap doesn't deserve to be referred to as music.

[dqq]

lose the music its annoyin great video tho

[Oldcrotch]

Great theme, lose the Disco/Techno or tighten your edits.

[Thugarchist]

I'm just using movie maker. I'm getting better slowly.

[hgt63]

Truly great. A very sad day, but a strong realisation of the world we live in. From New Zealand - thanks guys for doing this. Makes me even more determined to keep my Studebakers "alive".

[censor48]

studebaker did not move to china. it went out of business because americans can't build a car for the life of them. i know..i own a ford...

[nakednellie]

Moved to China? Where did you get that from? The company closed its operations in South Bend in December 1963. Production continued at the company's last production facility in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, where Studebaker had produced cars since 1948.Studebakers Canadian operation continued to build the Lark until March, 1966.

[dinnerandashow]

Not only bad design and poor quality but executives raiding the profits. This is where the negative meaning of "corporate america" came from.

Nothing has changed, except more effective use of the media.

American, and some European (especially french) executives still continue to plounder their own companies at the cost of the employees and their customers.

[Jaydublus]

Studebaker Corporation did NOT go out of business. It continued to manufacture cars in Canada until March, 1966. Car manufacturing was just one part of the corporation, which lived on for several more years after production ended.

[stroppytube]

Great video! Could you tell me about those completed engines seemingly abandoned in the factory. Truck engines? Why were they left there? Would they still function if cleaned up and re-oiled, etc?

Studebakers were sold in Australia until the mid 60s. the police used them as patrol cars in my home state because they were so powerful and handled so well.

[Locustinferno666]

I have no idea as to why they are still there or what those engines were for though trucks looks like the likely bet. I can tell you that externally they don't look worse for wear but internally who knows so their functionality is iffy.

[stroppytube]

Thanks Locustinferno666. Your photos are great, BTW. It's a pity that the museum doesn't rescue these motors or some truck guys don't go along and just move them out to be used. What a waste!

You know, it's kind of sad to see a once-thriving plant like that in decay. Some of this "closing down and relocating" stuff has been happening in Australia too. Lots of manufacturing going off-shore to China. Very sad.

[artistmac]

Didn't they build the Avanti II in part of this plant after Studebaker closed? Also, is the Studebaker Museum still in the former dealer building across the street?

[Locustinferno666]

I know part of it was in use after Studebaker left but as to the specifics of what was built I have no idea. I also believe the museum is still across the street, yes.

I'm the one who took the pics used in this vid BTW.

[Locustinferno666]

Ah, pure video perfection.

[Thugarchist]

Self-serving bastard

[Locustinferno666]

I'm just basking in my share of the glory.

[Thugarchist]

Candy's Remix

[lacychenault]

love the KMFDM Mix on this

[FunkInc]

This is a great compilation of still images and video. I hate to see all the old Studebaker buildings being torn down. Thanks for documenting this vanishing part of South Bend, just don't get caught in the process.

[theman1223]

were is this

[Thugarchist]

Uh... south bend indiana like it says in the opening title.