A Great Studebaker Outing

[6hk71400]

For over the past 40 years, the Southern Arizona Chapter of SDC has gathered for a first week in May pancake breakfast cookout. We originally traveled to Fort Huachuca on base for the cookout but have over the past 30 years gathered at Agua Caliente Park. It was originally the home of Roy Drachman, an early city pioneer who donated the home and park for all to enjoy.

Jim Hill and Lilian and I cranked up the 56 President Classic and cruised down I-10 in overdrive and arrived at 8:15. Randy Goble and others got the grille going and soon we had pancakes, bacon, eggs, sausage as well as everyone bringing other goodies.

Now, on to the best part: Larry Northington invited a very special guest: Bill Frick Jr. Bill brought a very thick binder of 70 plus years of history of Studillac history plus many adventures of Bill Sr and Jr as well. Pictures of Bill Jr and his first job of sweeping up the floor in the shop before he started working for Bill Sr. I also found out many other historical. Bill was in France for six months working on the film Grand Prix with James Garner and many other stars. Bill invented the camera mount on the cars that showed all the racing shots without vibration.

There is still much more to tell that Bill has promised to come to more of our outings. I found out he and his dad did the work on the famous 65 Impala convertible that was on a rock surrounded by ocean waves. Great story on that.

We all started to leave around 11am. There were 8 Studebakers there from Fred and Nora's 37 Dictator Coupe to Jim's 56 President classic. All in all, one of the best Studebaker outings will great food, great cars, and with Bill Frick and his album great Studebaker and other automotive history.
That is me with the big grin, Bill FrickJr. and Stan Luczycki

[Lark Hunter]

So, about that guy in the blue pineapple shirt with the big grin... I thought he was 86'd from all events for showing up in a Chevrolet? How'd he sneak back in?!

Kidding aside, thanks for sharing. Wish I coulda made it this year, but my work schedule didn't align. Agua Caliente is one of the nicest parks around here... wish it was closer to my side of town.

[6hk71400]

Tory, ok you wise guy! We came in Jim Hills 56 President Classic. I finally got the overdrive working in his car and he bought it and brought it to Benson so he did have a Studebaker to drive to events. His payment to me for all the work is to let me drive the car to the events.

Now on to my car(s). I will devote time to both cars and should have the Golden Hawk running prior to the International meet and the 41 when I get back. How are the 62 Larks coming along?

[Lark Hunter]

Touché! Lark is still stalled where it has been for far too long now. I will spare you any further excuses.

[StudeRich]

Good Breakfast/Show !

A '56 President Classic HAS to be one the best Highway Cruisers ever, and with Overdrive, just over the top Great !
I always love hearing those 289 4V Studes. Roar when you kick it down to direct 3rd. to enter a freeway on-ramp, or to pass.


I have always preferred the Rear view to the front, though.

[6hk71400]

Rich,

One our way home before we got on the interstate, a guy pulled up next to us in a Porsche Cayenne. He gave us a thumbs up and we heard him telling others in the car about 289 and then let us pull out from the light so he could hear the car go thru the gears. When Jim got the car, it had been mickey mouse'd on the exhaust with the PO joining the right rusty exhaust pipe to the left right in front of the overdrive solenoid. Jim got a new exhaust system and asked the guy to put on "smittys" The car is not loud; it has that wonderful Studebaker burble and at 75 nice and quiet.

In Tombstone, there is a gas pump that has blue gas. That is unleaded without any additives. Jim likes making the trip for the gas. Thanks for your comment Rich

[mbstude]

Bill is a real enthusiast and great story teller, he can talk about all of the stuff that happened around his dad's shop like it was yesterday. Next time you talk to him, ask him about the '55 Pontiac station wagon with the supercharged Cadillac engine that he backed into a tree when he was 15.

Frick Sr. did a lot of "behind the scenes" work for GM's car commercials in the 1960's. The '64 Impala perched on top of Castle Rock, the '65 Impala "driving" on the river in Venice.. Bill Frick was a big part of making it happen.

Here's Bill Jr. standing at the back door of Bill Frick Motors. The Studillac is cool, but maybe not as cool as the Mercedes SSK and the Allard. I'm pretty sure the Ford was Frick's shop truck.

[63larkcustom]

I was surprised to find out he lives in my neighborhood. A few months ago, I was out for a drive in our Daytona, and he was taking a walk and gave me a big thumbs-up as I drove by. I never put two and two together until I met him Saturday.

[BillyB]

How do I test my governor on a 1951 Studebaker champion

[StudeRich]

How do I test my governor on a 1951 Studebaker champion

I see you are new here, Welcome to the SDC and to the SDC Forum Billy !

This Question belongs in the Tech. Forum for the best coverage and help.
This String is in the "General Forum" about an event of the SDC Chapter in Arizona.

It would be best if you started a New String from the light Blue Box at the Left Top of these Pages that says: " + New Topic."

If no one else further adds to the confusion here, that would be Great.


There are good instructions in the Studebaker Shop Manual for testing all the Overdrive Circuits.