Too hot to drive a Stude!

[mbstude]

I left the '51 outside in the hot sun for a couple of hours.. Came back to it and found the gear selector dial had melted. Used up the last NOS one replacing it so I hope it doesn't happen again.



So I pulled the car back in the A/C and installed a Lindberg Prop. I've been wanting to add one for two years, but didn't want to drill a hole in the NOS bullet. I unearthed a new reproduction bullet, introduced it to the drill, and viola. The bad news is that the repop bullet isn't the right color. But, oh well.

[FlatheadGeo]

Matt,
Is it possible to fabricate a new gear indicator in aluminum?

[studegary]

The bullet looks correct in the picture. What color do you think it should be?

You are too young to remember that people drove these cars everyday, rain, snow or heat.

[jclary]

Don't run that propeller on the car. I found one and put it on a '50 chrome bullet that someone had already drilled a hole in for the prop. Those things never ran too many miles until the bearing would give up and the prop would fly off. That is what happened to mine. I was just a little kid when those things were popular. I recall seeing them on Studebakers and Fords. What I remember most is the bare bolts where the stupid things flew apart!

[mbstude]

Here's a better photo for you Gary. Reproduction installed on the car, and NOS up against it. The reproduction is more of a bronze color.



John, this car sees very little miles, maybe 20 miles a week. I made sure to grease the bearing before installing, too.

[jclary]

John, this car sees very little miles, maybe 20 miles a week. I made sure to grease the bearing before installing, too.

Me too. The bullet nose I used was mounted on my utility trailer that was made from an old truck bed. I just hope that the one you have don't fly off and damage the fine finish on that car. (Of course you know I like you too much to cause you any undue worry!)

[BobGlasscock]

Chrome it, Matt, chrome it!!!!!

[mbstude]

Alright John, you've given me plenty to think about. I'll probably end up taking it off and putting the NOS bullet back on. But the propeller does look pretty cool..

[DEEPNHOCK]

Stick the prop nose on and enter division 8.
It'll drive 'em nutz

[jclary]

What would really be cool... would be to figure out some sort of "quick disconnect" system and have one you could just pop in for display. Heck, a little solar-powered motor to give it a slow spin would be even greater.

The problem with that is that the sticky fingered guy that took those vent wings off the car at the Arizona meet would probably steal your propeller for his trophy wall.

[studegary]

Here's a better photo for you Gary. Reproduction installed on the car, and NOS up against it. The reproduction is more of a bronze color.



.

Thanks, Matthew. The difference is clear in this picture. I wonder why the repros are that far off. It seems just as difficult to make them incorrect as correct.

[JimsLeadCommander]

Regarding the Too Hot issue: I'm thinking the car was in a position where the sun light was beaming straight through the windshield onto the gear selector (as well as many other interior parts). I would suggest a windshield 'shade' of some kind if you'll be parking it out in the daylight again. A white inexpensive drop cloth (from Home Depot) will do; cut to fit and leave enough on each end to be held in place by the doors...
Why? Because the cloth goes on the OUTSIDE -- the wiper blades can be used to hold the lower part in place & the doors do the rest. I've done this for my daily driver and it works great; keeps the glass cooler as well since it's covered so, the interior is a little cooler after a long day in the sun also. Heat plays havoc with so many automotive items........and the propeller looks great on there; if you're unhappy with the color, a can of silver or chrome finish paint will cover that.

[oldcarfart]

try a "A203" alt/gen bearing for the prop, the neatist was a '51 ford with two prop driven dagmars.