56 president starter needed

[fargoguy]

My 56 president 289 w od starter is giving up- it spins but won't engage at first- took it apart and cleaned the drive, didn't make a difference. Does anyone have a rebuilt? Thanks, Evan

[Studebakercenteroforegon]

Sounds like you just need a new starter drive, not a complete starter. This drive fits Delco starters '56 - '60 and it fairly common to find. (Note the '61 "short" Delco starters do not use the same drive.)

[RadioRoy]

The drive is different between manual and automatic transmissions, so be aware of that.

Also be aware that the starter mounting bolts are special, not off-the shelf bolts from the hardware store.

[Studebakercenteroforegon]

The starter gear drive (Bendix) is the same part, whether standard or automatic installation.

[altair]

Here is a standard and an automatic starter gears, the blue one is the automatic, they are the same.

[RadioRoy]

The starter gear drive (Bendix) is the same part, whether standard or automatic installation.

So the difference is in the tooth count and pitch of the gear in the Bendix only? What about snout depth of the assembled starter?

[Studebakercenteroforegon]

So the difference is in the tooth count and pitch of the gear in the Bendix only? What about snout depth of the assembled starter?

The starter drive gear, also known as a starter Bendix, is exactly the same, whether it was for a starter designed for an automatic transmission car or a standard transmission car. The overall length of either starter is the same. The only different part of the starter is the drive end casting. The location of the mounting flange is different which changes the installed depth of drive end.