I'm a new member with my first Studebaker, a 1936 president. I'll offer a picture... and I seek guidance.
I bought it at an auction, so I don't know much about this particular car. We are still getting acquainted. I didn't know Startix was standard (thought it was an option). It was a little unnerving to turn the key one click and have it immediately start. I suppose one day I'll just accept that I don't get a vote on when to engage/disengage the starter. The car arrived today. I put in a few gallons of ethanol free gas, and drove it a couple miles from the drop-off to my house. No drama. Brakes worked fine, all gears were OK, no steering issues. It's in very good condition given it's age.
The trunk was quite literally full of parts. For example the original oil filter housing was there. It was replaced with something that accepts normal oil filters. I have the original and a new convenience. Nice!
I have a shop manual, and I figure a good way to get to know the car is to give it a full servicing per the manual. I've worked on a few 60s era cars, but nothing this old, and never a Studebaker. It's not obvious (to me) what modern lubricant to use in all cases and I don't like guessing. I bought it from an auction so I can't ask the previous owner what they were using. I guess I'm asking this forum.
Rows without asterisks are precisely what I was intending to use, and the rows that have "***" show what the manual calls for. I'm still deciding on what to use for those rows.
Apologies if this is already covered somewhere, but I've looked and I can't find it.
I might use "Valvoline Moly-Fortified Gray Full Synthetic Grease" for the "Dixon's XP-201 Graphite Grease". Maybe for the "Gredag Graphite Grease" as well. I'll see if I can get a sample of what is already there and use that as a guide.
I've done a little research and for the Houde No 1400 shock absorber fluid maybe I can use 10W50 after flushing and cleaning?
Normal engine oil for the transmission? OK I suppose. Again, I might see if I can get a sample of what is already there.
I'll probably flush the radiator and change the coolant too.
I bought it at an auction, so I don't know much about this particular car. We are still getting acquainted. I didn't know Startix was standard (thought it was an option). It was a little unnerving to turn the key one click and have it immediately start. I suppose one day I'll just accept that I don't get a vote on when to engage/disengage the starter. The car arrived today. I put in a few gallons of ethanol free gas, and drove it a couple miles from the drop-off to my house. No drama. Brakes worked fine, all gears were OK, no steering issues. It's in very good condition given it's age.
The trunk was quite literally full of parts. For example the original oil filter housing was there. It was replaced with something that accepts normal oil filters. I have the original and a new convenience. Nice!
I have a shop manual, and I figure a good way to get to know the car is to give it a full servicing per the manual. I've worked on a few 60s era cars, but nothing this old, and never a Studebaker. It's not obvious (to me) what modern lubricant to use in all cases and I don't like guessing. I bought it from an auction so I can't ask the previous owner what they were using. I guess I'm asking this forum.
Rows without asterisks are precisely what I was intending to use, and the rows that have "***" show what the manual calls for. I'm still deciding on what to use for those rows.
Apologies if this is already covered somewhere, but I've looked and I can't find it.
| Shop manual title | Modern Equivalent |
| Engine Oil | Valvoline VR1 Racing SAE 20W-50 |
| Pressure Gun Lubricant | Valvoline Moly-Fortified Gray Full Synthetic Grease |
| Wheel Bearing Lubricant | Valvoline Multi-Vehicle High Temperature Red Grease |
| Transmission Lubricant | *** sae70 engine oil in summer and 50 in winter |
| Rear Axle Lubricant | Valvoline SynPower SAE 75W-140 Full Synthetic Gear Oil |
| Steering Gear Lubricant | Millers Oils 7921 Classic Worm Steering Box Oil |
| Parking Brake Cable Lubricant | *** Gredag Graphite Grease |
| Shock Aborber Fluid | *** Houde No 1400. Eh? Maybe use 10W50, after flushing and cleaning? |
| Shock Absorber Link Lubricant | *** Dixon's XP-201 Graphite Grease |
| Spring Lubricant | *** Dixon's XP-201 Graphite Grease |
| Water Pump Lubricant | *** Kasson's water pump lubricant |
I might use "Valvoline Moly-Fortified Gray Full Synthetic Grease" for the "Dixon's XP-201 Graphite Grease". Maybe for the "Gredag Graphite Grease" as well. I'll see if I can get a sample of what is already there and use that as a guide.
I've done a little research and for the Houde No 1400 shock absorber fluid maybe I can use 10W50 after flushing and cleaning?
Normal engine oil for the transmission? OK I suppose. Again, I might see if I can get a sample of what is already there.
I'll probably flush the radiator and change the coolant too.
Attached Files
Welcome and beautiful car! Glad to read you have the manuals. Best place to start. There are others that will chime in to answers to your questions. Join The national club and enjoy a wonderful magazine, Turning Wheels, as well as a great group of people. 
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