Engine: 1936 Fire Truck Air Filter Assembly question

[sailhard]

Hi there, new to the forum.

I'm a fairly new owner of a Studebaker Fire Truck - 1937 Studebaker Canada. The truck runs great, and am enjoying my time with it. However, it is missing the Air Filter Assembly. Ordering one is a nightmare as I cannot answer many of the engine questions parts-people are asking me. I understand that the Truck could be a T265. VIN is T2C115. Air intake is 2 1/4" diameter. Any info on what to do next would be helpful!

[altair]

The White Rock Fire Department has a vintage Studebaker fire truck maybe they can send you some photos.

[Skip Lackie]

It may be titled as a 1937, but I think it's a 1936 model 2T2. However, the serial number should begin with 2T, not T. A serial number beginning with T would be a 1934 model, and would look a little different. In any case, the engine appears to be the 230 ci Studebaker 6, which would probably have been equipped with the same air cleaner as Stude cars equipped with that engine and carburetor. Can you get the engine number? More info on the differences of that era of trucks are here:

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

[sailhard]

Thanks for the help Skip. And a typo on my part. Yes, the truck is a 1936. I will try to ascertain the engine number. Assuming it is a 230 ci Studebaker 6, any recommendations on sourcing the air cleaner assembly?

[Dwain G.]

Here are pics of the air filters from the 1936 Truck and Bus Service Manual. The dry, oil wetted filter in illustration 19 is part number 638715. The oil bath filter in illus. 20 is part no. 639217. The parts book calls this last one a United filter, but the shop manual is showing a Handy brand. The '37 manual shows a United oil bath filter. The Handy and United look the same. A little discrepancy there

[sailhard]

Thank you Dwain, that is very helpful. Do you know where one of those can be sourced, if that's even possible?

[Skip Lackie]

Those were both common filters (as was the AC/Delco filter on the 1935 1T2 models) used on many brands of cars and trucks during that period. If the point is to just get a functional air filter that looks appropriate, I would widen the search to something like the AACA forum and ebay and focus on finding one that fits your carb throat size.

[sailhard]

Hi Skip, Sorry for my ignorance, but what is the AACA forum? Yes, the purpose would be to simply have an air filter that is function. Anything beyond that is a bonus. I would take anything that fits and protects the engine...

[Skip Lackie]

Antique Automobile Club of America forum. I believe the Antique Studebaker Club has a separate section on the AACA forum devoted to pre-War Studebakers. However, in those days, nearly all makes of vehicles used air cleaners made by aftermarket companies like United or AC, so I would not limit your search to those used on Stude vehicles.

https://forums.aaca.org/

[jclary]

Hey! Welcome to our forums! Regarding your air filter...I don't know if my attempt to post a pic I stoled from eBay is going to post, but if it does this is the style of air filter I would recommend for your engine. It is a very effective "Pancake" style dry air filter used almost universally across many makes on single barrel carburetors. I like them for several reasons. In general, they will accept many dry air filter elements available at part stores. If you can't get one across the counter at your local parts store, just take your old element and go to the lawn tractor section and match it up, (or even Walmart). They look great and don't spoil the view of your engine. They are compact, lightweight, and, unlike the huge heat holding oil bath air cleaners, do not have a reservoir of messy hot oil sitting atop your engine. With vapor lock on hot days (with modern gas) being a common topic of discussion, any item that helps dissipate heat in the engine bay is a plus.

Unless you are going to attempt to make this a museum exhibit, I would attempt to find and install the most period appearing small dry filter assembly. For the occasional cruise-in and parade appearance...very functional and attractive. Thanks for accepting and caring for this vehicle. Not everyone is up to the task of caring for, and properly storing larger trucks like yours.

[sailhard]

Thanks John! That's just what I'm looking for. I think this is the filter you identified on eBay. https://www.ebay.ca/itm/1936-49-AC-V...xeodvA&vxp=mtr

The truck is a functional piece of history, and while it drives great, it's a long ways from being show ready. The kids (and adults) love to take a ride in it or hear the siren roar. So having an air-filter that will decrease the likelihood of damage from errant air particles and dust is a good thing. What I don't know about cars could fill books!

Cheers,
Devin

[jclary]

Thanks John! That's just what I'm looking for. I think this is the filter you identified on eBay. https://www.ebay.ca/itm/1936-49-AC-V...xeodvA&vxp=mtr

The truck is a functional piece of history, and while it drives great, it's a long ways from being show ready. The kids (and adults) love to take a ride in it or hear the siren roar. So having an air-filter that will decrease the likelihood of damage from errant air particles and dust is a good thing. What I don't know about cars could fill books!

Cheers,
Devin

That's the one, but I think with some patience you can find Studebaker's version for a whole lot less! But, whatever you do I wish you the best. Join the SDC and get to know fellow members and the great resources from our member vendors.

[BRUCESTUDE]

Devin
I have an oil bath AC from who knows where, it measures 9” x 4” and fits standard 2 1/4” carbs. It will need paint but otherwise is in good shape and is period correct. If this will work it’s yours for shipping from Yakima.
Having an air filter not only keeps grit out of the engine but acts as a silencer and spark arrestor.
Bruce