Engine: 1964 South Bend Skybolt Six Air Cleaner Orientation and Decal Placement

[bjackameit]

This is really two questions that could be answered with a single picture. On a 1964 South Bend assembled overhead valve six cylinder Lark type, what is the correct placement of the silver Studebaker air cleaner decal (Fram dry type) on the side of the air cleaner housing, and what is the correct orientation of the air cleaner on the carburetor (what direction does the snorkel point -- straight forward, sideways 90 degrees, or sideways about 45 degrees towards the passenger side fender seem to be the logical choices). Car is a Challenger Wagonaire just back from the paint shop and getting the engine compartment detailed. I think I'm o.k. on the location of the other items including Caution Fan Sticker on the little radiator shield, STP Oil Cap Sticker on the oil cap, and the Battery Charger Booster Warning Sticker on the front panel behind the grill (none of these are installed yet but Ii have all of them ready to go). Any help would be appreciated. Bill J.

[BobPalma]

Bill: I just spent a good 20 minutes looking through all my 1963 and 1964 year material, trying to find a legitimate photo of a 1964 Six Engine Compartment (see also: Special Studebaker Photo for Canada Day topic!)

The only thing I could come up with is the following Commander from the April 1964 Studebaker News, which isn't much help:



Barring further documentation, I would leave the air cleaner body oriented exactly as you have it now, and put the decal on the front of the air cleaner body so it is facing the front of the engine room.

That looks like a nice Challenger Wagonaire; congratulations on the detailing. BP

[studegary]

V8 air cleaners go at 90 degrees. I would guess that sixes are the same, unless there isn't room. The only OHV six Studebaker that I have owned is a Zip Van.
Erase that! I just looked at the 1963 brochure PD63-14 and it shows the six cylinder air cleaner at a 45 degree angle, as you have it. However, it does not show any label on it.

[bjackameit]

Thanks for the input. Based on this and my research here is the result --

[tj1852]

Here's the "before" from the air cleaner of my '64 six followed by two photos of what I found once I started sanding it and getting it ready for paint.

I was surprised to find the AMC paint and decal under the black paint and Studebaker decal. When I bought this car it had only 27,000 miles on it, and I've got no reason to believe that the air cleaner has ever been replaced. I've always wondered if Studebaker bought these from AMC or if maybe their supplier re-worked some of the air cleaners and painted over the AMC sticker before selling them to Studebaker.

~Tim

[BobPalma]

Thanks for the input. Based on this and my research here is the result --

Very nice, Bill.

That has to be the nicest 1964 Challenger Six Wagonaire in the world. More pictures when you have time, please. BP

[christophe]

I have the same filter on my 63 GT Six. But when I sanded it, nothing appeared under the black coat.
By the way, where did you got your decal? It appears I put the wrong one on mine. Grrrr...
Nice week-end to all.

[bjackameit]

Air Cleaner Decal

Studebaker International does not have this decal but this eBay seller does --

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1963-1964-STUDEBAKER-AIR-CLEANER-SERVICE-INSTR-DECAL-/160589267736?pt=Motors_Manuals_Literature&hash=item2563ddc318&vxp=mtr

I ordered it from that listing and the one you see is the one I received. I did need to trim it a bit to have it square but otherwise it is good quality.

This is the U.S. South Bend production version not the Canada Hamilton version which SI does have.

Bill J.

[bjackameit]

Not ready for prime time yet but here a a few quick shots --

[mbstude]

Bill, I was wondering why you only gave me the windshield stainless to polish. I guess there isn't any other stainless!

Gorgeous wagon. It's good to see a Challenger done up that nice. My granddad had a Challenger Wagonaire with a 259 in his junkyard for years, but it became soup cans a couple of years ago.

[bjackameit]

Hi Matt -- Yes that was the only stainless and it was part of an optional appearance package from the factory that also included the hood ornament. BTW, you did a nice job on the stainless! Bill J.

[christophe]

Studebaker International does not have this decal but this eBay seller does --

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1963-1964-STUDEBAKER-AIR-CLEANER-SERVICE-INSTR-DECAL-/160589267736?pt=Motors_Manuals_Literature&hash=item2563ddc318&vxp=mtr

I ordered it from that listing and the one you see is the one I received. I did need to trim it a bit to have it square but otherwise it is good quality.

This is the U.S. South Bend production version not the Canada Hamilton version which SI does have.

Bill J.

Hi Bill,

Sorry for the late answer.
Thank you very much for the info. I'll check with this guy. I don't understand why he makes them grey as they were golden. Maybe an effect of the flash.
Nice day to all.

[BobPalma]

Your Challenger Wagonaire is looking good, Bill; congrats. Even if it isn't "ready for prime time yet," as you say, I'll bet it is already the nicest Challenger Wagonaire extant. BP

[Jim B PEI]

As well, it should be repeated that it has one of the best looking headliners, if not the very best, I have ever seen on any sliding roof wagon.