Other: 17A Commander?

[Lynn]

Got a reprint of the Auto Trans service manual with my new 53 Commander Hardtop.
Manual makes several references to a "17A" model Commander.

I know mine is a 4H as the tag has 4H K5.

Did a search, and couldn't find anything. What is the 17A model? Among other things, it must have a larger capacity oil pan for the auto trans.

[mapman]

The 17A was a 1950 commander that used the 245 6 cyl. engine. It was the first year of the automatic and I believe it had a larger capacity torque converter/clutch. It did have additional cooling ductwork.

Rob

[Dwain G.]

The manual you have dates from 1950. There were no later complete manuals. There are several supplemental manuals. The latest I know of is for the 1954 Champion. I'm not aware of a supplement for the 1953 Commander. The majority of later information is in service manuals, service bulletins and service letters, and there are several. Many upgrades to this transmission over the years.

[Lynn]

Thanks for the info.

[studegary]

The manual you have dates from 1950. There were no later complete manuals. There are several supplemental manuals. The latest I know of is for the 1954 Champion. I'm not aware of a supplement for the 1953 Commander. The majority of later information is in service manuals, service bulletins and service letters, and there are several. Many upgrades to this transmission over the years.

Not a "manual", but there is "Studebaker Automatic Drive", an eight page booklet, 6-53-35M, for 1953.

[doubledaddy]

17A was the model number for the Land Cruiser. It was an upgrade from the commander and was quite a bit longer with a longer wheel base. Don't know anything about the automatic transmission, I have one plus a parts car but both are stick. I believe the drive train for the Land Cruiser and Commander were the same.

[doubledaddy]

Sorry folks. I have been living a lie. Just learned the 17A model was for all 1950 Commanders, Land Cruiser was a trim option or something. However it is longer and has a longer wheel base. The chassis catalog does not show a separate part number for the Land Cruiser hood, finders etc. Not sure where the extra length is.

[RadioRoy]

Sorry folks. I have been living a lie. Just learned the 17A model was for all 1950 Commanders, Land Cruiser was a trim option or something. However it is longer and has a longer wheel base. The chassis catalog does not show a separate part number for the Land Cruiser hood, finders etc. Not sure where the extra length is.

The extra length is in the rear doors and gives more leg room to the rear seat passengers.

[studegary]

Sorry folks. I have been living a lie. Just learned the 17A model was for all 1950 Commanders, Land Cruiser was a trim option or something. However it is longer and has a longer wheel base. The chassis catalog does not show a separate part number for the Land Cruiser hood, finders etc. Not sure where the extra length is.

It is not a "trim option". It is a separate model of the Commander series. All 1950 Commanders are 17A series. The body style is identified by the letter and number after the 17A. A Land Cruiser is a Y5.

[8E45E]

Not a "manual", but there is "Studebaker Automatic Drive", an eight page booklet, 6-53-35M, for 1953.

There was also the 'Hydraulic Power Steering' supplement for 1953.

Craig

[55 56 PREZ 4D]

. The majority of later information is in service manuals, service bulletins and service letters, and there are several. Many upgrades to this transmission over the years.

Is there anywhere that the later info concerning automatic trans is put together, one catalog, manual ?
Either a factory supplement or on another site or blog.
Maybe something that could be put on the Home page tech and tips section.