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.

Studebaker Dealer - Pot Holder - Marketing

Here's a unique piece of Studebaker Dealer marketing history that proves that there is a market for everything. The potholder states:

A Gift for Your Kitchen
STUDEBAKER
Sales and Service
H. LANDIS HILL
21 East Clay St.
Lancaster - PA.
GENERAL REPAIRING
2-1623

I mapped the dealer location with Google Maps, but there isn't a "Street View" for this address. I'm curious to know what's currently in the large building at 21 East Clay St in Lancaster, PA. Is there anyone in the area that can email me a picture?

Studebaker Electric - Art

A quick "thank you" to my sister for the Studebaker collage using the Studebaker Electric buttons/glass beads.

I'm researching the origin of these buttons. An SDC member estimates that they were produced in the 1950s.

Studebaker Key Ring

It's been a Studebaker holiday for me. My wife picked up this leather Studebaker key ring (or holder) from JC Leather.

Click on the image below to get a better view of the "lazy S" stamp.

Studebaker Electric - 1904 - Glass Buttons

My sister and future brother-in-law gave me these vintage Studebaker Electric glass beads or buttons. Does anyone know the original purpose of these buttons? I can only think that they were for promotional use and originally set in (crimped into) button frames.

Here is some information about the Studebaker Electric.

Roger Ebert's Journal - Studebaker Golden Hawk

There is a fantastic editorial on the Chicago Sun Times website by Roger Ebert about his Studebaker Golden Hawk. An excerpt: "They say that when a man reaches 40 and finds some spare change in his pocket, his thoughts turn to the car he desired with all his heart in the years before he got his driver's license."

Amen. Read the full article here.

My comment to Mr. Ebert:

Thank you for the amazing journal article Mr. Ebert, and thanks to the readers for the equally indelible comments and web links.

I'm 36 years-old and our 1950 Studebaker Champion binds my Dad and me. It's a joint project that has clear outcomes; you fix it and it purrs; you drive it and see the world; you care for it and the car smiles. It moves you whilst parked (metaphorically).

A Studebaker automobile is unmistakable, and my in mind, unrivaled. Once you drive a Studebaker and take in the sounds, the mix of fresh air and American innovation, you can't shake it... you've been had.

Studebaker Golden Hawk - Held Up - Movie

Ten minutes of Golden Hawk goodness in this clip from Held Up (1999) with Jaime Foxx.

Packard - When the Cars Go Away

There's an interesting article in The New York Times about the demise of Packard and its barren headquarters in Michigan.

"In its day, when Detroit was the Silicon Valley of the early 20th century, the Packard complex was a center for innovation. In 1905, the architect Albert Kahn designed Building No. 10 with reinforced steel concrete, creating an airy, spacious workspace. Such construction revolutionized the building of factories around the world.

The demise of Packard took place as the city’s industrial base was beginning to unravel. Other notable firms that folded or merged in that era included the Hudson Motor Car Company, Murray Body, Motor Products and Detroit Stove Works. By the end of the 1950s, unemployment had soared, white flight was under way and Detroit’s downward spiral had begun.

Misery has rarely been mentioned as a reason to pass an auto industry bailout. But walk through the Packard plant on a December day and you will know that once a car company disappears, in southeast Michigan at least, nothing comes along to take its place."

See the full article on NY Times.com.

Studebaker Birthday

I'm rocking my 36th birthday with this Studebaker Red Ball sweatshirt. It may be freezing and raining outside, but I'm all set with this reminder of the Champion in the garage... ready for a ride when the weather settles down.

See this sweatshirt at the Studebaker Museum shop.

1949 Studebaker Champion - Nugget Market Shopping Bag

A 1949 Studebaker Champion makes unexpected cameo on the Nugget Market's reusable shopping bag. Pretty cool image from yesteryear. A scan of the Tyvek-type bag is below.

Studebaker for the Postwar Generation

"Auto design in the immediate postwar era was strongly influenced by the streamlined shapes of fighter planes and bombers. Studebaker pointed the way with design cues like bullet-nose front ends (a shape meant to suggest aircraft engine housings), gun-sight hood ornaments and the wraparound rear windows of the 1947-52 Starlight coupe. The windows, along with other details, make the car’s front and rear ends look so similar that it was often called the “coming or going Studebaker.”

See the full article on the NY Times website.

Studebaker Champion Regal DeLuxe for Sale

This seems like an unbelievable deal...

"Studebaker Champion Regal Deluxe.

4 Door sedan. 6 Cylinder flathead 3-speed stick. Acquired this car in 1997 as an on frame restoration - not professionally restored. When purchased it had new main and rod bearings, crankshaft, ignition, exhaust, tires, complete interior, clutch disk and others items along with rebuilt starter, generator, radiator, gas tank, brake system along with some motor work and exterior paint job. No chrome work done.

I had the frame strengthened, installed new springs, electrical work, etc. A complete inspection and some recommendations for work were made by a retired Studebaker dealer in the area still active with old cars. He went over the car in detail and provided me with a list of things that ideally could/should be done.

This car has served me well for years but it's seldom used now. Stored in garage. Would be a great project car with high end potential or a great driver with minimal work. Additional pictures and information available. I'm located 30 minutes from Iola, Wisconsin.

Price - $ 5,450"

A link to this car is here. A picture is below.

Automotive History - Studebaker

Automotive History Online provides an overview of the Studebaker Corporation's history and includes photographs of many Studebaker cars post-1957.

Studebaker on Automotive History online.

Studebaker - Time Magazine Covers

Time Magazine sells reproduction covers from yesteryear. Here are two covers featuring Studebaker icons, Raymond Loewy and Harold Vance.

See the covers here:

Link: Harold Vance cover
Link: Raymond Loewy cover

Studebaker - Auctions - For Sale

Let it be known that a Studebaker remains an excellent investment. RM Auctions sold a 1929 Studebaker Commander Dual Cowl Phaeton for $93,500. Not bad for a Studebaker.

See a list of collectible Studebaker automobiles at RM Auctions.

Pictured: 1929 Studebaker Commander Seven-Passenger Touring and a 1951 Studebaker Land Cruiser Sedan