Projects need some info on a 1938 studebaker

I'd be after it like a fat kid after cake. When I got there I would bring a nice present, a box of candy or flowers or whatever you think appropriate. As a thank you gesture.

I would also look around the garage for loose parts, spare wheels etc and ask for the ownership, spare keys, owner's manual etc. Would try to impress on them the importance of letting me know if they find anything later.

Bring it home and start by ***essing condition and seeing if I can get it to run (my success rate is about 9 out of 10).

Of course what you do, is up to you. I know there are millions of people who wouldn't want a car like that if you gave it to them.

 

I'd be concerned about the 73" trailer I don't think it will fit

 

http://www.carnut.com/specs/gen/stud30.html
Frame number is stamped on frame under left front fender. A 'C' anywhere in engine number indicates that car was built in Canada.

http://www.studebaker-intl.com/2015_catalog.html
https://studebakermuseum.org
http://www.cl***iccarcatalogue.com/STUDEBAKER 1938.html

1. Commander (6cyl, 226.2ci, 90hp; 116.5" WB)
   • Sedan
   • Business Coupé
   • Club Sedan
   • Convertible Sedan
   • Station Wagon
2. President (8cy., 250.4ci, 110hp; 122" WB)
   • Sedan
   • Club Sedan
   • Convertible Sedan
3. Coupé-Express
4. Pick-up

Commander, $965;
State Commander, $1040; and
State President Eight, $1,205

Factory Production Orders are available for most 1936-1966 Studebaker cars and trucks and most 1956-1958 Packards. The Production Order shows how the vehicle was equipped when it left the factory.

Colors:-

 

thx so much all for your work in posting things i need to know, as for the trailer i am going to practice with my brothers 37 plymouth on loading . this should be very similar in size to the stud and weight, i wanna see if my winch housing i made will work etc...
thanks again for all your help, i will post pics as i get them
goat

 

talked to a man in utah yest with a 38 studebaker commander, it has a 63'' width so i should be just fine with my trailer.
goat

 

1938 President

1938 Commander

Either one would be a cool car!

 

Would you (or anyone) know what blue that is?

 

This is the article with the photo,
1938 Studebaker President Cruising Sedan

Wow. The St. Louis Car Museum has some amazing cars for sale. Plus, their online photographs and videos are excellent for the fan, ******, or researcher.

"1938 Studebaker President 4dr. Sedan; in Deep Blue with a nice gray cloth interior.

This rare car is powered by a 250.4 cid 110 hp. Flathead 8 cylinder engine via a 3-speed manual transmission. Studebaker in the late 1930's named their cars Dictator; Commander; and President with the President the top of the line model.

This Raymond Loewy designed car features the ultimate in art deco styling from the era. The car was ***embled in California and spent it's working life in that state. The drive line and brakes have all recently been overhauled plus new white wall radial tires have been fitted. The car also has a spot light, fog lights, turn signals, fender skirts and wheel trim rings. The older respray is still quite presentable as is the upholstry which was done at the same time is also like new."
I would guess the Revere Blue in chart above could be it. The color would be quite different under different light conditions. At least a starting point.....

 

What Ray means is tell U-Haul you're hauling a Camry with a Kenworth and they will rent you the trailer.

 

ok finally got a pic today, hope I can get it linked to here, it is a commader and looks like it has some deluxe trim pcs.im getting way excited now, goin out july 1 to get it.!!!!

 

Looks really nice!!

Ray

 

Beautiful piece of American history. That's a gift that you will always be able to share the story of. And have the memories of others shared with you about their time with a similar one.

Sent from my SM-G955U using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

That is nice!

 

anyone have some advice for getting this ol girl fired up ?
ive never fired one up w/o rebuilding it first, i know clean gas lines, swap out oil and water and flush systems, ck brakes. any good shortcuts or ideas for me?
thanks for your help guys, im gettin excited !!!!

 

Congrats !!!! That one's a keeper. You don't need any shortcuts.
You'll get a dozen "how to start after ** years" replies. Worry about the fuel system later. Whatever you do, at very least, dump some Marvel down the plug holes. Then try moving the crank - if free, rock it back & forth a few degrees, listening for expensive noises. You'll have the dist. cap off, noting how much play if any is in the timing chain or gears. If no knock/thud, then you have to make the choice - pull pan & inspect bearings for acid etch & clearance, or fire it up & use it. If the latter is your choice, then bring up the oil pressure while doing your dry & wet compression tests. Almost every "back-to-life" engine will have scary readings. Some improve after adjustment & use, most get worse.

 

ok got it home been workin it over today, found all kinds o neat stuff about it !!!
the oil looks like it was changed yesterday , the wheel bearing grease looks brand new, the brakes looks well over half, but did find one broken spring.
I am gonna try and find out about the fuel system tomorrow but I would guess its pretty fair, but will drain and clean lines and put in new, charging the battery tonite and will see if its still good.
so far this car is checking out to be so well maintained its unbelievable, I will send some pics as I get along, this is great fun !!!!

 

From the looks of the car and it's surroundings, I am not too surprised that you are finding it to be well maintained. You did good! Looking forward to updates also. Hope you find the fuel system to be in good shape, and would like to see the interior when you get a chance.

 

Look at these brakes !!!! They look brand new, also the fuel wasnt bad at all no varnish i can find must have used a stabilizer, i dumped it out anyways. Looks like new rubber brake lines also, plugs look new, this car astounds me at every turn.
I spent 30min on one fender did a little sand and buff it looks like a mirror!
Maybe by the end of today i van hear it run

 

Great car, if it was a 34 it would be one of the most beautiful cars ever made. Just leave it alone and drive it. The unique trunk design really makes it!

 

I'd have torn my pocket off getting my truck keys as soon as she said come get it. Very nice for you to get such a great car. I love them 30's n 40's Studebakers.

 

That's a one in a lifetime gift, beautiful car! If you're in or near Kansas City and want some help getting it running, I've got a pretty good record for bringing old stuff back to life.

 

Looks like a real gem! Do not be fooled by the appearance of the oil on the dipstick. Everything has had plenty of time to settle to the bottom. I would change the oil before you try any rotation of the engine. If there is an external oil pressure gage connection, you may want to try to pressurize some oil into that port. This will get some oil into the internal p***ages.

 

Thx for all the help guys. No i am in se ks down by okla border or i would love some help although i dont think it will be bad.
Thx again for all the tips keep em comin.

 

Could you tell me if these look like the ones on your 38"s?

 

impala59 i dont think those look correct but i can look tonite and see fro sure for you.
also i got the ol girl running friday nite !!! new gas, oil, etc... and boom she fired right up, idles very smooth, clicks in and out of each gear perfectly, every single item works, every gauge, wipers, heater, everything !!! love this ol car more every day

 

Sorry didnt get out sooner but those are not like the ones on my 38 heres a pic of mine

 

Heres some progress on hazel, drove her sat for a bit but now i need to rebuild wheel cylinders they leak bad. Speedo cable needs greased bad and a drip from the water pump, but all in all it was a blast from the past. Today im workin on sandin and buffin heres some progress pics.

 

Thank you.

 

Great car & story, good luck !