My grandpa had one of these. He loved that car. When I was 10, he would take us in to town in it and buy some cheetos for our morning bird watching session on the front porch. I loved that car.
Man, those old flatheads are indestructable (especially studebaker engines). I recently picked up my own '51 Studebaker Champion Starlight with the 170 and an Automatic Drive. All I did was clean the points, drain the gas tank, throw on a Carter YF (I had it laying around) and it fired right up. It did have a couple of stuck valves, so I later pulled the head and cleaned them up. Now after some brake work, tires, and a transmission service I am now driving it to work. I got a video series about it.
Flatheads are the most practical engines for regular passenger car/pickup truck use. Fewer parts = less to go wrong. If the Horsepower Race had never happened, we would probably still be able to buy new cars with flathead engines, as they probably would be very easy to make smog compliant.
You have a very special wife you are a blessed man with a beautiful lady to share your life with and all your knowledge and talent this is my favorite channel always learning something new thank you
Man that old dude runs great , one thing about old cars like that , they all had their own personality , you always knew another car as you met it coming from the opposite direction , if it was a Chrysler , Cadillac , Nash or what ever car it was you knew what kind of car it was by its grill , which is in my opinion , the personality of the car , nowadays they all look the same you never really know what you're looking at . Glad to see you saving some old cars that can once again , strut their stuff on the open road . Great Job . Keep them coming .
Not only that, but they also had their own driving characteristics. You could often tell blindfolded what make of car you were riding in just by how it sounded, how it rode, the sensations when it was on a bumpy road, how it cornered. Ditto if you were outside listening to cars go by while blindfolded - you could tell what make and year just by the sound.
My 89 year-old dad back in the day, had a '50 or '51 Studebaker with the bullet nose, then later he got a '56 Studebaker Hawk. He really wanted a '48 Tucker. He had many cars he loved.
The beautiful bullet nose Studebaker was ahead of its time when it hit the market in 1951. I remember the magazine ad like it was yesterday. The nose design made it so much more impressive than the other makes back in the ‘50’s. Seeing one today, still makes my heart skip a beat. Good work Jonathon.
If only they had made the Commander and the President longer and wider. These cars, all models, were as low as the Hudson Hornet, but because they were rather narrow and had a short wheelbase, they looked tall. If they were longer and wider, their lowness would have stood out and made them even more of a sensation.
In 1951 I began Kindergarten and I remember several cars just like this in the teachers parking lot. I still remember them fondly.Later in life I had a friend who was a wagon collector. One he had a was a Studebaker horse drawn buggy.
The Bullet Nose Lives! If you ever have the chance to look it up in an old "Motors" Manual you'll find that Studebaker tolerances are much closer then most others. I have 4 big trucks and they all run well. What a great feeling when one comes back to life. Well done Jonathan. Thanks for sharing your adventures with an old guy.
Hello gentilme, I have seen your well documented videos, outstanding well organized, very well spoken technical vocabulary extremely easy to understand, to you and each one that collaborated for us to see those impresive art of engineering toys from that time and even better after all these years some of them practically start right away, my most expresive thanks to you for tsking your time and bring them to us, very neat indeed, I have no doubt in my mind about your skills and knowledge in that area because I was born and raised in it, now I am an old man, on a very respectful way, when I come across with those engines that have been sitting down for long time I normally remove all the spark plugs, dump a little bit of oil into each cylinder , crank the engine to soak the cylinders then put all back together agan, make sure that the rest of the system is working right and most of the time it save me a lot of time, please no ofense to you, respectfully.
I absolutely love that Studebaker. It’s simple yet some of the technology is advanced for 1951. My uncle when I was a kid had several of them. Went for many rides in them. If I had a lot of money I’d love to have one. I’ll be really watching the future videos of this old fun car.
Thank you for all your help. You have inspired me to tackle jobs I was scared to try. I have had great success with your help. I am now restoring a 51 Studebaker 2 dr Commander!
Thanks for the excellent video. I spent many years bringing old engines back to life and now retired but offer help to others. Now looking for an scrapped locomotive LOL. Tons around here and Europe but don't have that kind of money
Good to see the old girl alive again ! That carb looks very like the WA1 used on Pontiac 6 s etc , air cleaner might be the same, an oil bath type that clamped on the carb and was supported by a rod at the side . I remember losing a small ball bearing valve when I dismantled the carb and it led to similar performance issues....
Hi, My dad bought the same car brand new, in Belgium, in 1951. Reseda Green, 2.8 liter six, steering column shift, with overdrive and Hill Holder, 4-door sedan. The next year he bought another new car, but he did keep the 1951 bullet nose Studebaker. No idea why, but he kept it. When I was 12 or so he taught me how to drive with it and let me burn all the gas I wanted, driving it across and around the estate. Comes 1955, dad took me on a trip to Venice, Italy, and back to Belgium via Vienna, Austria. A 3 week trip that was most enjoyable not one single breakdown. I am 72 now but to cut a loooong story short, I was still driving that Studebaker in 2002, original engine, never opened, only to lose it when our stables burned down. Engine, believe it or not, had, by then, about 2,000,000 Km on the clock (although the speedo could only read up to 100,000. That car was absolutely UNDESTROYABLE ! In 2001, a drunk driver hit me, head-on, with a very recent Peugeot. The Peugeot was a total loss. I had to have the front bumper straightened. There must have been a time when quality cars were built. Oh i forgot, the starter button was under the clutch pedal. It always started. winter or summer, after 1 turn of the crank.
My aunt and uncle who lived in Wells, Texas had one of these Studebakers in front of their house from my earliest recollection but I don't ever remember it running. This had to be around 1959-61. The car they had was a 4-door and I was infatuated with it as a 5-6 year old kid. The car disappeared when their house burned in the mid70s, killing my aunt Viola and first cousin. After that tragedy, I tried to forget everything about their place. Thank you Jonathan for sharing this clip from my childhood.
Jonathan, Don't know that I could enjoy a site better than yours. I am a fare backyard mechanic but have learned a lot from your broad range of knowledge. I especially like the fact that in spite of your capabilities you proceed through the latest episode with such humility and a descriptive manner for all to learn. Thanks so much........ I grew up in South Bend where the Studebaker was manufactured, and know some about them. The 1951 was the first year for their V8 and it was a 232 ci engine. We as kids used to hitch hike all over the place and one time an old lady picked me up. While we rode and talked she told me that her late husband w.as a an engineer formerly from Cadillac and that he since was employed by Studebaker to develop their V8. She said that there was very little difference between the two engines.I later found that she was right on. Studys typically had a somewhat weak clutch and we used to replace them with early Dodge/Plymouth clutches. They were a very innovative car. Yours, being a stick, should have hill holder brakes in the rear.They came with standard features that many offered only as options or not at all..... Would like to also comment that as a Christian viewer I so appreciate the lack of foul language and your good ethics. I know that a utube site has to be a lot of work but want you to know that every day I come home in hopes that you have another one loaded on here... Thanks again and hope for many more great vids..........................
Ohhh yeahh!!! Jonathan esse é um lindo Studbaker, e adorei o lindo funcionamento do motor Ehh Jonathan, que motor honesto!! funciona com perfeita exatidão! adorei
I owned a 51 champion starlight coop in the early 90's. Once a year the stude.factory in South bend would open the warehouse and the public could hand pick parts from wooden bins. Fill your basket and line up at the cashier. (No paper or plastic back then) After paying you walked out the door into the car show and swap. Every one was smiling and showed off their finds. Also a little lite in the wallet but to pick your own parts made great memories.. Polarize electric current at voltage reg.when up and driving. I used a togle switch for over drive kick down to be easier on every thing and a joy to drive. Thanks.
another runner!!!!!! runs great!! drowning in cool cars and first starts!!!!!!! loving it!!!! what a clever idea stocking the old school parts!!!!!! awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your knowledge and ability to save these old rides amazes me thank you for taking the time to share your love of old rust with us and I still havnt figured out where you get the time to breath
The '51 Studes were designed by Raymond Loewey, best designer of all time, designed streamliner NYC steam trains, Cold Spot refrigerators, lots of other great designs. This is the most beautiful car of all time, IMHO! We all knew you'd get 'er going in no time, of course! Awesome, very nice gift for your wife for sure.
Been a while since I have seen the old carbs being taken apart. I used to love rebuilding carbs. So far I am familiar with all the ones I have seen you rebuild. Your video's bring back the good old days for me.
One time when I was about 9 years old and my sister 5 years older than me in 1963. My Aunts friend gave us a ride home. Yup she drove what must have been a 51 Studebaker. We were so embarrassed when we got to our street we layed low so our friends couldn’t see us. Now I absolutely love these old Studebakers.
Think I kinda figured one reason that I enjoy hearing you say stuff is/was the fact that I was born in Johnson city N.C., and I kinda remember folks way a talking. Kinda like being home after quite a few years.... I was raised further in washington but that town had mostly people from back there that worked summers then traveled back to home towns across N. Carolina. I do remember the state a bit. Your wife has good taste in cars. I'm as surprised as you at the compression. After the compression test I had a good feeling about the get to start, but she come close to the Whippet for being a easy start. Glad some things went your way. Your camera gear has made some mighty fine improvements except to your wallet, I seen Andrew C.'s stuff and he has a lot more money than most to invest plus some collage time so big advantage for him. I must say with a quickness that you have done everything within your power to make extremely good quality videos. To be commended Sir. I don't see a lot of tare down to get driving... if doing all brakes, floors, etc a part of breaking apart. i know it is. Metal kinda is your "forte" and the things you do don't have the element of surprise, more to just waiting to see done and not many can stand in your shoes. A wonderful time had here watching your channel so I guess the next really big step is the one hundred subscribers, bout all of the people who vest time like you stand a chance, its just the time waiting. I send links to people of you and yours. I have you a few from Minnesota who are like family to me who say they did watch and subscribe... I really hope so as it is as much as I can do to help other than not to put my whole life on a page when I scratch my drivel down.. thats my que
Pretty amazing how smooth that engine ran, almost as amazing as how many you find that were apparently running fine just before they were just parked. Thanks, JW!!
Jonathan: You remind me so much of my late dad, he had the same 'knack' & passion for fixing what ''couldn't be fixed''! - Well, there's a breed apart for ya!💓😉👍 There's ''something'' special about the Studes,: I'll never forget as a 12 - 13 y.o., a neighbor who was the owner of a local restaurant on this small island where we lived (he was a former merchant navy cook/steward), at one point he had a visit from a former sailor colleague, and as the were both passionate trout-fishers, and our island had 5-600 different lakes with trout, they had already decided to try their luck when his friend came visiting that weekend. I'll _never_ forget when this guy turned up from the ferry in his 'rust red' 2 door 1950 Studebaker Champion! - To hear the rumbling straight six was a treat! (As an avid fisherman myself at the time, I naturally went along for the trip, sitting aft (watching the fishing rods and glasses of worm bait!). Funny how different cars evokes long gone memories, but your video certainly did! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When I lived in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan I had a 1950 Studebaker Champion with the same engine in 6 volt pos. ground. ...... What we all did back in the day was to run a 9 volt tractor battery in it! ...... it would always start, and the lights where brighter than the standard 6 volt battery could make them. ..... the generator and starter handled the 9 volt just fine, and would be just about as good as any 12 volt system.
I actually seen a Studebaker today driving down the road, looked real nice! The back window didn't have as many sections i don't think anyways.... Really sweet car and thats gotta be the only one I have seen one the road in years....
Brings back memories as a kid my dad had an old Studebaker coup from around those years. Us kids thought it was neat to get behind the seat, pull the leather curtain aside and be in the trunk..Hated sitting on the seat in the summer though as they were always hot, the heater cores were under the seat and couldn't be shut off..Wish I had that car..
I like your personal hardware store, mighty handy for not having to go in town, i also really like the style of that car, defo a hot rod candidate, tho the 6 cyl is cool too, i tnink you should fix it up for your good lady wife, happy wife= happy life!
My father loved the studebaker cars..... they were economical, he bought old ones just to get to and from work... I so remember the old car smell and driving around in it.... as I remember the heaters worked well... sadly they did not have air conditioning.... so in summer time they were hot.... I went many places in those old cars....
Another good one...my grandmother's boyfriend used to say: "you couldn't tell if these cars were coming or going" (he was a Nash man)...but everybody (including him) said these cars were ahead of their time - they just got out produced...your wife has good taste
Love that body style, Studebaker has got to be one of my favorite makes. The pickups in these years were just as cool. Thanks for the video Jonathan. You are a true engine whisperer.
Here is an old time trick, from an old Studebaker lover (4 Hawks and 3 Larks): to see which way the distributor turns, point at the opening in the vacuum advance where the vacuum line enters. Your finger is pointing in the direction of the distributor rotation. Another way is to turn the rotor. It will turn in one direction and slightly rise up, then it will turn back and lower a little. The direction it turns and raises is the direction it turns when it runs. I am pretty impressed with how well it ran, I hope that you will enjoy it. Personally, I think that this body design looks like Dr. Seuss and Salvador Dali designed it over a few bottles of wine.
Yes I did Allen...I was even going to mention it.......ha ha..funny! Love these old cars I grew up with fixing. Brings back those great memories of simple engines to work on......
Great job getting it running! My first car was a 1950 Studebaker Champion that I got in 1966, I lapped the valves and replaced some of them and redone all the brakes. That car also had the 6 cyl engine and man it burned a quart of oil every 50 miles. I could not get it to go over 50 MPH on the highway and when I tried it left a smoke trail behind and a state cop pulled me over....LOL
Damn buddy, as soon as you took care of the obvious stuff it fired right up. Crazy how easy it is to get something like this fired up after so long when it actually has compression/spark/fuel. Good video as usual. Thanks Jonathan!
There were a few of this model in my country New Zealand in the 50s when i was a boy. They were a classy vehicle, right hand drive, new at the time and were popular with travelling sales reps, including a guy who lived opposite our house.
I am shocked you got that baby to run. My Dad had a Stude Champion that was green and looked a lot like your old rusty thing. I love the damn things they are so cool looking Great video Thank You for sharing can't wait to see it with a Carb kit, my first car was a 47 Chevy, then 52 Olds. Love them old cars. D
My father had a Studebaker "Golden Hawk". I always loved that car! I believe it was white and gold paint. It really stood out in a crowd. I thought it had a Chevrolet motor in it.
Well l think what you and Noah do is awesome… Your knowledge and the way you attack the maintenance needs of these autos is really cool, I rode in cars like these when I was a kid in the 50’s in fact dad owned a 1936 Plymouth in 1956 and my 2nd cuz owned a bullet nose 51 Studie like yours thanks a bunch
You have a talent Johnathan. Enjoy watching you bring these old beauties back to life. I am sure you get a great deal of joy in yourself when they come back to life. Great vids you give us to enjoy. Thanks from Canada
I've never left a comment on any content anywhere ever. Love your videos and look forward to each new one and go back and view the old ones. I'm a retired industrial mechanic and electrician/auto mechanic etc, etc... Your videos make feel like i'm working again and trouble shooting equipment. Just keep posting and rescuing the old equipment. Sincerely , Nelson.
I did not have to wait long for you to get onto takin off that carburetor! And to find out that your wife is taking a fancy to the Studebaker style! Well, that should make the progress on this one all the sweeter. Great first start!
Great Video! Helps that my first car was a 1951 Studebaker convertible. That flathead 6 was not too good in my limousine, but boy I and friends had some more fun it. That is when I (and my dad's money) and mechanic (MR. Rich) could keep it running. Had her painted fire engine red , MAN. By the way payed a hard earned $35.00 for her. Of course that was just the small expense; new top, tires, seat covers, paint job, overhaul, and on and on. But like the song about "my ole yellow car" sure wish I had her now.
There was one of these in Miami in the late 50's that looked like two front halves welded together. It was driving down the street and looked pretty cool; bullets on the front and rear. I was pretty young but I've never forgotten it.
@catmodelt All cool cars now. I remember when they were considered as old and slow junk cars during the 1970s. Seems that a modern drive train , brakes and a sway bar would help a lot. Some feel that they should be kept original. I understand both points of view.
Excellent! One of my three favorite car channels on UA-cam, along with Coldwar Motors and Vicegrip Garage. Unpretentious, much fun and very educational. And I see cars I ain’t never seen before! ;-)
It is a pleasure watching and listening to you work on this car. My parents had a four door like it when I was a youngster so it brings back great memories! I look forward to more videos on it! Thanks!!!!
Thank you for working on this old studebaker. I have a 1950 Commander I will be building. I am also related to the studebaker brothers. I very much appreciate your mechanical knowledge.
That engine sounds so good .....I know my dad use to use some Ford parts on them and vise versa because when he was going a Ford clutch was expensive and a Studebaker clutch was like half as much so he would put a Studebaker clutch in his old Ford ....but I can't remember what years he said was interchangeable.....but I'm like your wife I like that car it styling is so cool
I have liked that model Studebaker for decades. Fun video. It would be interesting to measure the compression in those two errant cylinders after it had a chance to run.
Yes, sir, J-7 or J-8 Champion spark plugs. Compression 130. The engine of the Champion 51 model if original is a 170 cubic inch, with 85 horsepower at 4,000 rpm. It wasn't until 1955 that the 185 cubic inch engine came out, with 101 H.P. at 4,000 rpm.
finally somebody on UA-cam that I can relate to you got to have the back and forth back and forth back and forth you can unseize motors with the back and forth you don't have to be so impatient and break things, because I find it painful to watch, some of these youngsters they give up too easy,,haha something told me that was a Studebaker but I said bullet nose ford, my favorite truck is a 53 Studebaker pickup I had one with a 58 Corvette drivetrain , I'll never forget the graffiti in an alley when I was a youngster it said "Studebaker rules" and then somebody painted "the junkyard" underneath it, it stayed there for years and years. lol
I have no idea why anybody would dislike this video, but evidently there are folks that you can't satisfy reguardless of what you do. If my life was so miserable that I had to dislike such a positive and interesting video, I believe I would do the world a favor and not have any contact with the outside world and just waller in my own misery by myself. Great video Jonathan keep um coming.!!!!
that was an interesting vid, remember that car well, bought one in 1968 running for 75.00 with a tiny bit of rust on the right rear quarter panel, oh memories,, thanx mate for this,
My granpa was one of those fellas who could stop a running Model T by using the first and last fingers on each hand on top of the monstrous plugs they had, with the oak cased coil setup. He died at 49 of a heart attack, so maybe it wasn't the smartest thing to do, but he was a man...
Dad used to tell me about how cheap running that the Studebaker Champions were, even more so than the Chevrolet six cylinder of the same era, notice that it has a Carter carburetor,wonder if it is a W-1 series,Dad used to swear by those on his Chevy sixes from the forties
Back in the 1950s we were so poor that for a while my single mother, me, and my sister slept at night in one of those old bullet nose Studebakers. For a young child it was an adventure, not a misadventure; kind of like when I got sleep outside in a pup tent in my back yard.
No next to nothing about engines,but find these videos about getting old engines running fascinating
My grandpa had one of these. He loved that car. When I was 10, he would take us in to town in it and buy some cheetos for our morning bird watching session on the front porch. I loved that car.
My dad has a 51 4dr Commander that has been stored in his basement since 1974. It was just parked. It's in primo shape.
What ya do with it!
@@joycehoke2334 bring it back from the dead this fall.
@@theoriginaljimmykicker howd it go??????
Man, those old flatheads are indestructable (especially studebaker engines). I recently picked up my own '51 Studebaker Champion Starlight with the 170 and an Automatic Drive.
All I did was clean the points, drain the gas tank, throw on a Carter YF (I had it laying around) and it fired right up. It did have a couple of stuck valves, so I later pulled the head and cleaned them up.
Now after some brake work, tires, and a transmission service I am now driving it to work.
I got a video series about it.
Flatheads are the most practical engines for regular passenger car/pickup truck use. Fewer parts = less to go wrong. If the Horsepower Race had never happened, we would probably still be able to buy new cars with flathead engines, as they probably would be very easy to make smog compliant.
That is way cool!
You have a very special wife you are a blessed man with a beautiful lady to share your life with and all your knowledge and talent this is my favorite channel always learning something new thank you
Man that old dude runs great , one thing about old cars like that , they all had their own personality , you always knew another car as you met it coming from the opposite direction , if it was a Chrysler , Cadillac , Nash or what ever car it was you knew what kind of car it was by its grill , which is in my opinion , the personality of the car , nowadays they all look the same you never really know what you're looking at . Glad to see you saving some old cars that can once again , strut their stuff on the open road . Great Job . Keep them coming .
Not only that, but they also had their own driving characteristics. You could often tell blindfolded what make of car you were riding in just by how it sounded, how it rode, the sensations when it was on a bumpy road, how it cornered. Ditto if you were outside listening to cars go by while blindfolded - you could tell what make and year just by the sound.
My Father had. 53. Champion I had. 53 Commander ,and a 56 Silver Hawk loved them all. Way ahead of their time low and sleek.
My 89 year-old dad back in the day, had a '50 or '51 Studebaker with the bullet nose, then later he got a '56 Studebaker Hawk. He really wanted a '48 Tucker. He had many cars he loved.
The beautiful bullet nose Studebaker was ahead of its time when it hit the market in 1951. I remember the magazine ad like it was yesterday. The nose design made it so much more impressive than the other makes back in the ‘50’s. Seeing one today, still makes my heart skip a beat. Good work Jonathon.
If only they had made the Commander and the President longer and wider. These cars, all models, were as low as the Hudson Hornet, but because they were rather narrow and had a short wheelbase, they looked tall. If they were longer and wider, their lowness would have stood out and made them even more of a sensation.
Saw a bullet nose Studebaker front end on a Chevy El Camino . looked like it came from the factory that way. Beautiful job.
In 1951 I began Kindergarten and I remember several cars just like this in the teachers parking lot. I still remember them fondly.Later in life I had a friend who was a wagon collector. One he had a was a Studebaker horse drawn buggy.
The Bullet Nose Lives! If you ever have the chance to look it up in an old "Motors" Manual you'll find that Studebaker tolerances are much closer then most others. I have 4 big trucks and they all run well. What a great feeling when one comes back to life. Well done Jonathan. Thanks for sharing your adventures with an old guy.
This brings back fond memories for me from about 1949. My grandfather would fire up his Studebaker and head to town, trailing a cloud of blue smoke.
Hello gentilme, I have seen your well documented videos, outstanding well organized, very well spoken technical vocabulary extremely easy to understand, to you and each one that collaborated for us to see those impresive art of engineering toys from that time and even better after all these years some of them practically start right away, my most expresive thanks to you for tsking your time and bring them to us, very neat indeed, I have no doubt in my mind about your skills and knowledge in that area because I was born and raised in it, now I am an old man, on a very respectful way, when I come across with those engines that have been sitting down for long time I normally remove all the spark plugs, dump a little bit of oil into each cylinder , crank the engine to soak the cylinders then put all back together agan, make sure that the rest of the system is working right and most of the time it save me a lot of time, please no ofense to you, respectfully.
I absolutely love that Studebaker. It’s simple yet some of the technology is advanced for 1951. My uncle when I was a kid had several of them. Went for many rides in them. If I had a lot of money I’d love to have one. I’ll be really watching the future videos of this old fun car.
Thank you for all your help. You have inspired me to tackle jobs I was scared to try. I have had great success with your help. I am now restoring a 51 Studebaker 2 dr Commander!
Thanks for the excellent video. I spent many years bringing old engines back to life and now retired but offer help to others. Now looking for an scrapped locomotive LOL. Tons around here and Europe but don't have that kind of money
I think you are right. You either love them or hate them......I love them!
Love the old Studes. Those bullet noses are beautiful.
Good to see the old girl alive again ! That carb looks very like the WA1 used on Pontiac 6 s etc , air cleaner might be the same, an oil bath type that clamped on the carb and was supported by a rod at the side . I remember losing a small ball bearing valve when I dismantled the carb and it led to similar performance issues....
Hi, My dad bought the same car brand new, in Belgium, in 1951. Reseda Green, 2.8 liter six, steering column shift, with overdrive and Hill Holder, 4-door sedan. The next year he bought another new car, but he did keep the 1951 bullet nose Studebaker. No idea why, but he kept it. When I was 12 or so he taught me how to drive with it and let me burn all the gas I wanted, driving it across and around the estate. Comes 1955, dad took me on a trip to Venice, Italy, and back to Belgium via Vienna, Austria. A 3 week trip that was most enjoyable not one single breakdown. I am 72 now but to cut a loooong story short, I was still driving that Studebaker in 2002, original engine, never opened, only to lose it when our stables burned down. Engine, believe it or not, had, by then, about 2,000,000 Km on the clock (although the speedo could only read up to 100,000. That car was absolutely UNDESTROYABLE ! In 2001, a drunk driver hit me, head-on, with a very recent Peugeot. The Peugeot was a total loss. I had to have the front bumper straightened. There must have been a time when quality cars were built. Oh i forgot, the starter button was under the clutch pedal. It always started. winter or summer, after 1 turn of the crank.
beautiful car. I am 83 and remember these out on the roads.
Dad had one in 1955/56 3 spd o drive.
My aunt and uncle who lived in Wells, Texas had one of these Studebakers in front of their house from my earliest recollection but I don't ever remember it running. This had to be around 1959-61. The car they had was a 4-door and I was infatuated with it as a 5-6 year old kid. The car disappeared when their house burned in the mid70s, killing my aunt Viola and first cousin. After that tragedy, I tried to forget everything about their place. Thank you Jonathan for sharing this clip from my childhood.
Sorry to hear about that.
Jonathan, Don't know that I could enjoy a site better than yours. I am a fare backyard mechanic but have learned a lot from your broad range of knowledge. I especially like the fact that in spite of your capabilities you proceed through the latest episode with such humility and a descriptive manner for all to learn. Thanks so much........
I grew up in South Bend where the Studebaker was manufactured, and know some about them. The 1951 was the first year for their V8 and it was a 232 ci engine. We as kids used to hitch hike all over the place and one time an old lady picked me up. While we rode and talked she told me that her late husband w.as a an engineer formerly from Cadillac and that he since was employed by Studebaker to develop their V8. She said that there was very little difference between the two engines.I later found that she was right on. Studys typically had a somewhat weak clutch and we used to replace them with early Dodge/Plymouth clutches. They were a very innovative car. Yours, being a stick, should have hill holder brakes in the rear.They came with standard features that many offered only as options or not at all..... Would like to also comment that as a Christian viewer I so appreciate the lack of foul language and your good ethics. I know that a utube site has to be a lot of work but want you to know that every day I come home in hopes that you have another one loaded on here... Thanks again and hope for many more great vids..........................
Except (I heard lately) that Stude overbuilt theirs a bit....seems the engines were built heavy to be enlarged later?
Ohhh yeahh!!! Jonathan esse é um lindo Studbaker, e adorei o lindo funcionamento do motor
Ehh Jonathan, que motor honesto!! funciona com perfeita exatidão! adorei
Studebaker HAD A GOOD STARTING - 6- IN COLD WEATHER IN Detroit as my grandfather had one , and it started in very cold weather on a 6 volt
I owned a 51 champion starlight coop in the early 90's. Once a year the stude.factory in South bend would open the warehouse and the public could hand pick parts from wooden bins. Fill your basket and line up at the cashier. (No paper or plastic back then) After paying you walked out the door into the car show and swap. Every one was smiling and showed off their finds. Also a little lite in the wallet but to pick your own parts made great memories.. Polarize electric current at voltage reg.when up and driving. I used a togle switch for over drive kick down to be easier on every thing and a joy to drive. Thanks.
Great looking vehicle...Thanks JW...
Love those bullet nose Studebakers. I remember seeing them when I was a child in the 50’s and early 60’s.
Even in the 70s and 80s you would still occasionally see them, all unrestored daily drivers still running fine.
another runner!!!!!! runs great!! drowning in cool cars and first starts!!!!!!! loving it!!!! what a clever idea stocking the old school parts!!!!!! awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your knowledge and ability to save these old rides amazes me thank you for taking the time to share your love of old rust with us and I still havnt figured out where you get the time to breath
This is one of the most beautiful cars I have ever seen from this era. I'd love to be driving one for sure
The '51 Studes were designed by Raymond Loewey, best designer of all time, designed streamliner NYC steam trains, Cold Spot refrigerators, lots of other great designs. This is the most beautiful car of all time, IMHO! We all knew you'd get 'er going in no time, of course! Awesome, very nice gift for your wife for sure.
Friend has the convertible he bought cheap in the 70s and restored over time. They're beautiful cars.
Hi Johnathan finally got to watch this Studebaker video. I for one love this car, you probably sold this off long ago! I like it.
Been a while since I have seen the old carbs being taken apart. I used to love rebuilding carbs. So far I am familiar with all the ones I have seen you rebuild. Your video's bring back the good old days for me.
@catmodelt How old is he now?
Owned one - Commander with a V8. A terrific car and the interior was really nice. Worth restoring. Studebaker made really tough 6 cylinder engine.
I love those old 1951 Studebaker and seeing a “real mechanic” work!
Coming or going,love em.
One time when I was about 9 years old and my sister 5 years older than me in 1963. My Aunts friend gave us a ride home. Yup she drove what must have been a 51 Studebaker. We were so embarrassed when we got to our street we layed low so our friends couldn’t see us. Now I absolutely love these old Studebakers.
a 1951 Bullet nose Studebaker and you got that engine actually purring and its all original now that is really amazing.
Think I kinda figured one reason that I enjoy hearing you say stuff is/was the fact that I was born in Johnson city N.C., and I kinda remember folks way a talking. Kinda like being home after quite a few years.... I was raised further in washington but that town had mostly people from back there that worked summers then traveled back to home towns across N. Carolina. I do remember the state a bit. Your wife has good taste in cars. I'm as surprised as you at the compression. After the compression test I had a good feeling about the get to start, but she come close to the Whippet for being a easy start. Glad some things went your way. Your camera gear has made some mighty fine improvements except to your wallet, I seen Andrew C.'s stuff and he has a lot more money than most to invest plus some collage time so big advantage for him. I must say with a quickness that you have done everything within your power to make extremely good quality videos. To be commended Sir. I don't see a lot of tare down to get driving... if doing all brakes, floors, etc a part of breaking apart. i know it is. Metal kinda is your "forte" and the things you do don't have the element of surprise, more to just waiting to see done and not many can stand in your shoes. A wonderful time had here watching your channel so I guess the next really big step is the one hundred subscribers, bout all of the people who vest time like you stand a chance, its just the time waiting. I send links to people of you and yours. I have you a few from Minnesota who are like family to me who say they did watch and subscribe... I really hope so as it is as much as I can do to help other than not to put my whole life on a page when I scratch my drivel down.. thats my que
Pretty amazing how smooth that engine ran, almost as amazing as how many you find that were apparently running fine just before they were just parked. Thanks, JW!!
Jonathan: You remind me so much of my late dad, he had the same 'knack' & passion for fixing what ''couldn't be fixed''! - Well, there's a breed apart for ya!💓😉👍
There's ''something'' special about the Studes,: I'll never forget as a 12 - 13 y.o., a neighbor who was the owner of a local restaurant on this small island where we lived (he was a former merchant navy cook/steward), at one point he had a visit from a former sailor colleague, and as the were both passionate trout-fishers, and our island had 5-600 different lakes with trout, they had already decided to try their luck when his friend came visiting that weekend.
I'll _never_ forget when this guy turned up from the ferry in his 'rust red' 2 door 1950 Studebaker Champion! - To hear the rumbling straight six was a treat! (As an avid fisherman myself at the time, I naturally went along for the trip, sitting aft (watching the fishing rods and glasses of worm bait!). Funny how different cars evokes long gone memories, but your video certainly did! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My uncle had a new 52 Champion when I was 6 and I loved riding in the back seat,it was the darkest MAROON.I
Plan on painting my 85 F150 4x4 that color
Sounds unsurprisingly good! I like them too you can't mistake them old stuts!
i like the look of the studebaker its a cool looking car
When I lived in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan I had a 1950 Studebaker Champion with the same engine in 6 volt pos. ground. ...... What we all did back in the day was to run a 9 volt tractor battery in it! ...... it would always start, and the lights where brighter than the standard 6 volt battery could make them. ..... the generator and starter handled the 9 volt just fine, and would be just about as good as any 12 volt system.
I actually seen a Studebaker today driving down the road, looked real nice! The back window didn't have as many sections i don't think anyways.... Really sweet car and thats gotta be the only one I have seen one the road in years....
Brings back memories as a kid my dad had an old Studebaker coup from around those years. Us kids thought it was neat to get behind the seat, pull the leather curtain aside and be in the trunk..Hated sitting on the seat in the summer though as they were always hot, the heater cores were under the seat and couldn't be shut off..Wish I had that car..
I like your personal hardware store, mighty handy for not having to go in town, i also really like the style of that car, defo a hot rod candidate, tho the 6 cyl is cool too, i tnink you should fix it up for your good lady wife, happy wife= happy life!
My father loved the studebaker cars..... they were economical, he bought old ones just to get to and from work... I so remember the old car smell and driving around in it.... as I remember the heaters worked well... sadly they did not have air conditioning.... so in summer time they were hot.... I went many places in those old cars....
Another good one...my grandmother's boyfriend used to say: "you couldn't tell if these cars were coming or going" (he was a Nash man)...but everybody (including him) said these cars were ahead of their time - they just got out produced...your wife has good taste
Love that body style, Studebaker has got to be one of my favorite makes. The pickups in these years were just as cool.
Thanks for the video Jonathan. You are a true engine whisperer.
Here is an old time trick, from an old Studebaker lover (4 Hawks and 3 Larks): to see which way the distributor turns, point at the opening in the vacuum advance where the vacuum line enters. Your finger is pointing in the direction of the distributor rotation. Another way is to turn the rotor. It will turn in one direction and slightly rise up, then it will turn back and lower a little. The direction it turns and raises is the direction it turns when it runs. I am pretty impressed with how well it ran, I hope that you will enjoy it. Personally, I think that this body design looks like Dr. Seuss and Salvador Dali designed it over a few bottles of wine.
I wish that I had the money to buy that beauty from you. I had nothing but good memories with one of those.
Yes I did Allen...I was even going to mention it.......ha ha..funny!
Love these old cars I grew up with fixing. Brings back those great memories of simple engines to work on......
Great job getting it running!
My first car was a 1950 Studebaker Champion that I got in 1966, I lapped the valves and replaced some of them and redone all the brakes.
That car also had the 6 cyl engine and man it burned a quart of oil every 50 miles.
I could not get it to go over 50 MPH on the highway and when I tried it left a smoke trail behind and a state cop pulled me over....LOL
Damn buddy, as soon as you took care of the obvious stuff it fired right up. Crazy how easy it is to get something like this fired up after so long when it actually has compression/spark/fuel. Good video as usual. Thanks Jonathan!
I love the Studebaker, reminds me so much of a Tucker 48, beautiful car and a fantastic job getting her fired up right away.
There were a few of this model in my country New Zealand in the 50s when i was a boy. They were a classy vehicle, right hand drive, new at the time and were popular with travelling sales reps, including a guy who lived opposite our house.
I am shocked you got that baby to run. My Dad had a Stude Champion that was green and looked a lot like your old rusty thing. I love the damn things they are so cool looking Great video Thank You for sharing can't wait to see it with a Carb kit, my first car was a 47 Chevy, then 52 Olds. Love them old cars. D
My father had a Studebaker "Golden Hawk". I always loved that car! I believe it was white and gold paint. It really stood out in a crowd. I thought it had a Chevrolet motor in it.
Thank you sir you keep bringing these old jewels back from the dead and I'll keep watching
Well l think what you and Noah do is awesome… Your knowledge and the way you attack the maintenance needs of these autos is really cool, I rode in cars like these when I was a kid in the 50’s in fact dad owned a 1936 Plymouth in 1956 and my 2nd cuz owned a bullet nose 51 Studie like yours thanks a bunch
You have a talent Johnathan. Enjoy watching you bring these old beauties back to life. I am sure you get a great deal of joy in yourself when they come back to life. Great vids you give us to enjoy. Thanks from Canada
I get the feeling that Johnathan id pretty low key about excitement and disappointment.
I've never left a comment on any content anywhere ever. Love your videos and look forward to each new one and go back and view the old ones. I'm a retired industrial mechanic and electrician/auto mechanic etc, etc... Your videos make feel like i'm working again and trouble shooting equipment. Just keep posting and rescuing the old equipment.
Sincerely , Nelson.
I think it's a sweet looking car. Very unique. I don't think a 4 door would look as nice, though.
That little motor fired right up, nice job Jonathan.
My parents had one of those, a 4dr Champion until 1955
Unique: "one, of a kind." Nothing, therefore, is "very unique."
I did not have to wait long for you to get onto takin off that carburetor! And to find out that your wife is taking a fancy to the Studebaker style! Well, that should make the progress on this one all the sweeter. Great first start!
Great Video! Helps that my first car was a 1951 Studebaker convertible. That flathead 6 was not too good in my limousine, but boy I and friends had some more fun it. That is when I (and my dad's money) and mechanic (MR. Rich) could keep it running. Had her painted fire engine red , MAN. By the way payed a hard earned $35.00 for her. Of course that was just the small expense; new top, tires, seat covers, paint job, overhaul, and on and on. But like the song about "my ole yellow car" sure wish I had her now.
There was one of these in Miami in the late 50's that looked like two front halves welded together. It was driving down the street and looked pretty cool; bullets on the front and rear. I was pretty young but I've never forgotten it.
I recall a mild 1960s vw ad.
It talked about American car styling.
Fronts that look like backs, backs that look like fronts....
@catmodelt
All cool cars now.
I remember when they were considered as old and slow junk cars during the 1970s.
Seems that a modern drive train , brakes and a sway bar would help a lot.
Some feel that they should be kept original.
I understand both points of view.
Reminds me of friends I grew up and those days were the best .He would be a great friend to have .Great video .
Totally amazing seeing those old engines come back to life.
DDRighteous
They don't make them like that no more.
When I was in high school back in the early 60s I really loved the Studebaker especially that year model
Excellent! One of my three favorite car channels on UA-cam, along with Coldwar Motors and Vicegrip Garage. Unpretentious, much fun and very educational. And I see cars I ain’t never seen before! ;-)
Always enjoy seeing these old girls fire up
That is so amazing ... it’s been 60 years since I seen one of them running . Call this one the Beast .
That is so cool the way those spark plug wires are ran from the bottom side to each opening on that flathead...
Another one lives again! Great work... I love these first starts.
Love the sound of the cranking!
Love those old Studebakers and am looking forward to the upcoming videos
It is a pleasure watching and listening to you work on this car. My parents had a four door like it when I was a youngster so it brings back great memories! I look forward to more videos on it! Thanks!!!!
You sound stronger and I hope you will continue to get better. I will keep you in my Prayers.
Thank you for working on this old studebaker. I have a 1950 Commander I will be building. I am also related to the studebaker brothers. I very much appreciate your mechanical knowledge.
That engine sounds so good .....I know my dad use to use some Ford parts on them and vise versa because when he was going a Ford clutch was expensive and a Studebaker clutch was like half as much so he would put a Studebaker clutch in his old Ford ....but I can't remember what years he said was interchangeable.....but I'm like your wife I like that car it styling is so cool
I have liked that model Studebaker for decades. Fun video. It would be interesting to measure the compression in those two errant cylinders after it had a chance to run.
Love the old bullet nose and that barking spider at 12 or so minutes
It's alive, I like the Bullet Nose Studebaker, it's distinctive. The engine sound good too.
Yes, sir, J-7 or J-8 Champion spark plugs. Compression 130. The engine of the Champion 51 model if original is a 170 cubic inch, with 85 horsepower at 4,000 rpm. It wasn't until 1955 that the 185 cubic inch engine came out, with 101 H.P. at 4,000 rpm.
finally somebody on UA-cam that I can relate to you got to have the back and forth back and forth back and forth you can unseize motors with the back and forth you don't have to be so impatient and break things, because I find it painful to watch, some of these youngsters they give up too easy,,haha something told me that was a Studebaker but I said bullet nose ford, my favorite truck is a 53 Studebaker pickup I had one with a 58 Corvette drivetrain , I'll never forget the graffiti in an alley when I was a youngster it said "Studebaker rules" and then somebody painted "the junkyard" underneath it, it stayed there for years and years. lol
I have no idea why anybody would dislike this video, but evidently there are folks that you can't satisfy reguardless of what you do. If my life was so miserable that I had to dislike such a positive and interesting video, I believe I would do the world a favor and not have any contact with the outside world and just waller in my own misery by myself. Great video Jonathan keep um coming.!!!!
That engine sure sounds great i hope we get to see it painted and running on the road, thanks for sharing those videos 👍👍👏👏
that was an interesting vid, remember that car well, bought one in 1968 running for 75.00 with a tiny bit of rust on the right rear quarter panel, oh memories,, thanx mate for this,
Keeping history alive. Great job.
Jonathan you always get them running...................well done man!
Jonathan, Hi
I enjoy your methods. Very nice instructional series. Great Job. Bye.
One of my favorite thing is getting some old clunker running that has sat for years . To hear them fire up and getting them to purr is a good rush !
I love hearing the cranking before they start!
My granpa was one of those fellas who could stop a running Model T by using the first and last fingers on each hand on top of the monstrous plugs they had, with the oak cased coil setup. He died at 49 of a heart attack, so maybe it wasn't the smartest thing to do, but he was a man...
Dad used to tell me about how cheap running that the Studebaker Champions were, even more so than the Chevrolet six cylinder of the same era, notice that it has a Carter carburetor,wonder if it is a W-1 series,Dad used to swear by those on his Chevy sixes from the forties
You are a wizard! That car is Fallout in looks. It's great to see you bring it back to life.
What great content I have been going back and watching all the old videos and I enjoy every minute thanks for letting us set in .
Back in the 1950s we were so poor that for a while my single mother, me, and my sister slept at night in one of those old bullet nose Studebakers. For a young child it was an adventure, not a misadventure; kind of like when I got sleep outside in a pup tent in my back yard.