Studebaker Champion Taillight Bulbs

Sometimes the simple things are incredibly comforting. After years of "the big stuff," repairs on our 1950 Studebaker Champion seem to be settling into a "maintenance mode." Now, maintenance on a 59 year-old car includes a head gasket and what could be seen as major part reconditioning.

But then there are days like this, when a simple bulb replacement is ... as simple as replacing a bulb. A & E Auto Parts in Sacramento, CA, is THE place for 1940 and better basic car parts. A & E had the 1158 and 1129 bulbs that Kragen and AutoZone did not - complete with a fancy, old-school cardboard bulb holder.

Note: these bulbs are for 6 volt systems. Our 1950 Champion has a 6V, positive ground system.

See a 1158 miniature bulb.

See a 1129 miniature bulb.

FYI, if you want to identify your stop light switch, I received this advice from StudeRich on the SDC forum:

"If your car has TWO female PUSH-ON terminals on the wires to connect to two (bullet type) male pins on the switch, it takes the 666858 switch. Or, you could ask for a 1962 Ford Truck hydraulic type stop light switch at your local Auto Parts Store. They fit most ANY pre-'65 or so U.S. car!"

Until next drive.

Brakes - 1950 Studebaker Champion

There is a good post on the SDC Forum detailing the steps required for a brake re-do on a 1950 Studebaker Champion. Here is an excerpt.

Steps required:

1) Dual master cylinder (from Turner)
2) Hone, rebuild or replace wheel cylinders
3) Install new brake lines
4) Install new brake shoes
5) Clean up brake drums
6) Install new brake hoses
7) Install new front drum grease seals
8) Clean, inspect (replace if required), repack inner/outer front wheel bearings
9) Pull rear axles; clean, inspect (replace if required), repack rear axle bearings
10) Install new rear axle inner and outer axle seals
11) Check axle endplay and reset if required
12) Inspect emergency brake cable, ensure it is free and in good condition, replace if needed, lubricate

See the full thread about this topic.

An Airplane Without Wings

This morning, Jack's Towing stopped by to pick up our 1950 Studebaker Champion, "Doc," and bring him to the shop. A wiring short has Doc out of commission for a few days.

I needed to move Doc from the driveway into the street in order to position him for the tow truck. I unhinged the emergency brake, and with one push from within the driver's seat Doc glided into the street without effort. The manual steering wheel eased with the car's movement. All was silent save the wind and Doc's aching joints.

Doc is an example of all that's right about cars of his day; he is a marvel of engineering and design. He is the manifestation of Loewy's and Exner's imagination. Pop the hood, and he's exposed. Every part is evident.

While parenthood and work are complex, Doc is simple and beautiful and real. Yes, he's a car, but he's our car - and there's only one of him.