1939 Commander

[yuppie]

Hello all Im new to the whole studebaker world and am a recent graduate from the University of Tennessee. My parents bought me a 1939 commander for graduation and am having trouble on finding things for it ALL ORIGINAL PARTS ARE THERE Im just looking for motor gaskets and what not any ideas where to look?

Thanks,

Jeffrey

[Dick Steinkamp]

quote:Originally posted by yuppie

Hello all Im new to the whole studebaker world and am a recent graduate from the University of Tennessee. My parents bought me a 1939 commander for graduation and am having trouble on finding things for it ALL ORIGINAL PARTS ARE THERE Im just looking for motor gaskets and what not any ideas where to look?

Thanks,

Jeffrey

Welcome, Jeffrey! Post a picture of your Commander. Those are beautiful cars!

Here's a few vendors...

http://www.studebakervendors.com/

Studebaker International might have the most parts for your '39.

Also, check out these guys...

http://www.theantiquestudebakerclub.com/

[yuppie]

Thanks a bunch Im not sure how to post the pics yet but here is a link or two the car has been in a garage since 1941!!


[http://www.streetsourcemag.com/uploa...47PM36971.jpg]

[http://www.streetsourcemag.com/uploa...32PM61091.jpg]

[rockne10]

Welcome, Jeffrey,

What a great project car. Incredibly comfortable ride; gorgeous when new; and it looks like your starting with a solid item.

The Antique Studebaker Club concentrates on the pre-war vehicles and M series trucks, which were pre-war design. However, the 39 Commander shares many mechanicals with later vehicles in to the fifties.

You may be surprised to find some items still listed at your Friendly Local Auto Parts Supply, if they are willing to look in the old books. I would recommend joining both SDC and ASC. You will probably need the full time vendors and part time hobbyists to which both will avail you.

[N8N]

what a great car! is that a sunroof, or just something sitting on the roof?

nate

--
55 Commander Starlight
62 Daytona hardtop

http://home.comcast.net/~njnagel

[yuppie]

its just something on the roof! and thanks for all the great info Im still wet behind the ears when it comes to the antique vehicles and I just dont want to mess up such a great project!

[klifton1]

Don't forget a local club also, if there is one. You will find parts and help there too.
Klif

[Roscomacaw]

The gaskets should all be available from Studebaker International or SASCO. Many other engine and rubber parts too.

Miscreant at large.

1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe
1957 President 2-dr
1955 President State
1951 Champion Biz cpe
1963 Daytona project FS

[N8N]

if you just work slow and think about what you're doing, you won't mess it up.

If I may offer some advice, concentrate on the mechanicals first - don't do a thing to the car cosmetically until it's running and driving well.

Once you start tearing into it, feel free to ask lots of questions... that's what we're here for

good luck,

nate

--
55 Commander Starlight
62 Daytona hardtop

http://home.comcast.net/~njnagel

[yuppie]

Thanks I really want to get started on it but Im not exactly sure where to start. The wiring is a little shotty and I probably want to upgrade the suspension BUT WHERE SHOULD I START?

[stude53]

I'll add my welcome, Jeffrey.

Where to start?

To state the obvious, start with a good cleaning and clean out, so you can assess the condition of your body (including floorboards and trunk)as to dents, rust, etc. Check condition of tires, gas lines, wiring,etc. and make a list you can prioritize and check them off as you do them or have them done. Then pick some easy tasks you can do with things at hand, to see early progress and gain experience.

Ingmar Vik, a technical editor at SDC, wrote this useful article on "Things to do once you have bought a Studebaker". Link below.

http://www.studebakerdriversclub.com/tech_things2do.asp

Good luck with your vintage ride.

Regards,
Bob (stude53)

[rockne10]

If the car hasn't been run in a while, it wouldn't hurt to pull the spark plugs and dump some marvel mystery oil in to each cylinder. There's no harm in letting the valves, rings and pistons soak while you assess the next move.

Definitely concentrate on electric/mechanical safe operation before doing body work.

Complete brake restoration is a must: all lines, hoses, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, shoes, bearings and true drums. It's more important to be able to stop the car, even before you can get it to go.

Assess the condition of tie rod ends and king pins. Drain and replace the rear and transmission oil.

If the wiring is iffy--and after 67 years it probably is--a new harness provides great peace of mind.

If that's all good, a set of tires and a running engine calls for a test drive.