Car ahead of its time sitting for years, will it start?

In this video we purchase a 1951 Studebaker Land Cruiser that has the optional first year V8 engine. The car has been sitting for several years but has been stored inside and taken good care of. Will it start? Lets find out together.
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[@Spike643]

So nice to see a father so patient with his children. Ralphie is definitely getting a whole lot of mechanical education!!! God Bless this family ,

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@JoE_Songs]

yep, it's a joy to see. perfect family.

[@rickyneill8193]

@@Sleeperdude top KZbin Channel for me.

[@Chevy-hw6lw]

He's pretty dang good at fathering. The patience is what really blows me away. Lol, i can't even do a brake job without cussing and a hollering.

[@stevemacdaddy9909]

It the epitome and should be the blueprint to a happy and blessed life with wonderful respectful smart children I'm truly envious as anyone should be.

[@danterry6328]

I’m so jealous. This is by far the coolest car you have found. Definitely worth a restoration. Damn this is fantastic.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@JoE_Songs]

agreed. 100%. in these plastic times those cars get sexier by the day.

[@2koolchris291]

Nothing can beat them old classics. My dad has a 63 studebaker lark that we are gonna get a carb kit for. We need some rust free fenders for the front. They are really bad on ours.

[@neil6212]

@@2koolchris291 If you have a 4 barrel, the carb would be a Carter AFB. If a two barrel, I believe it would be a YF. Those intake manifolds were only made in '63 and '64. If you have a 2 barrel with the right manifold and access to a milling machine, you can mill off the top level, then cut out the 2 barrel openings. Use a AFB base gasket for a pattern,

[@2koolchris291]

@@neil6212 I’ll keep that in mind. We might be able to rebuild the original carb though.

[@walter2990]

Despite the little problems, you've gotten more memories for Ralphie than it cost for the old Studebaker! He'll remember that day..., forever! Good job Dad (and Mom)!!!

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s true thank you

[@danielkeene1623]

You guys (and Vice Grip Garage) are my two favorite car stuff shows. Both for the same reason. Your families. It is so important for kids to love cars and fishing and such, and it is so cool that you can bring back such memories of working on cars in the carport, with dogs and cats and kids(and yes, Goats) helping. I just love you guys.

[@jonsworld5307]

same here my top 3 are VVG ,this one and, junk yard digs mostly cause they doing about same thing i do with old cars

[@patrickrooney5130]

I agree with you that's my favorite 2 channels.

[@williamgunter6801]

Don't forget about the Restored guys. Wyatt and Lance Bush in Texas.

[@johndonlon1611]

For a 71 year-old car, this is in nice shape and that paint may buff out real well. This is a great "survivor" car and i hope you have good luck with it.

[@Sleeperdude]

I agree thank you

[@allenschmitz9644]

@@Sleeperdude Parked in the front yard with a for sale sign never looked gooder.

[@jazzvictrola7104]

I think the clutch issue is that being a stick it has overdrive. If the overdrive lever or knob is pushed in, overdrive is in effect and it will freewheel until is goes into overdrive, except for in reverse when it will always stop on compression. Pull the OD lever or knob out and it will always have compression braking just like a conventional stick shift. I had a '52 Champion for about seven years.

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s awesome thank you

[@johnhere6058]

I think you nailed it with the OD issue - It's probably a mechanical pull cable under the dash

[@robertjean659]

Cool car always liked the bullet on the nose of those old studebakers. 🇦🇺🇦🇺👍👍

[@Amen.22]

I thought that only automatics had overdrive.

[@jazzvictrola7104]

@@Amen.22 They do today, but back then it was the standard transmission cars that had optional overdrives.

[@brucefraser3961]

The extra button under the clutch pedal is a hill holder. When you are stopped facing uphill you can keep the clutch pedal depressed , release the brake pedal, put your right foot on the accelerator and then slowly release the clutch which then releases the brakes. I had this feature on my 54 Studebaker Lowboy and it was a great help.

[@Sleeperdude]

Yes your right thank you

[@poorfesor]

I had a 47 Nash that had the starter button under the clutch pedal and I remember one car that used a dimmer switch to scan through the radio selection buttons. I also drove a 56 Studebaker to school in San Fransisco that had a hold on hill brake but it was invoked by pressing on the brake pedal really hard, auto release when you hit the gas. Cars after WW II usually used basically the same dies for three years so only minor changes in trim, light bezels and minor stuff changed. Ford had very little change from 49-51 same for 52-54.

[@mmbatrider2]

Ralphie is so so lucky to have a supportive dad drive instructor

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@rogerlee3941]

The Champions all had flat head 6 cylinder engines and the Commanders could be had with a 6 or a V8. I own a restored 51 Champion Starlight Coupe, so this episode is of special interest to me! I would encourage you to consider letting this be a keeper for you and your family.

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok thanks for the info

[@wiserman100]

Keeper indeed. I had a 1950 coup w/ a flathead 6 and stick trans w/overdrive. Beautiful car ahead of its time.

[@randybargar4916]

Kudos to you sir for getting your kids involved and teaching them car basics. This kind of knowledge is fast disappearing especially with the classic stuff!

[@Sleeperdude]

Yes your right

[@peterpet77rp]

Animals involve too

[@mraycgz]

Yeah that’s super impressive. I have 5 kids. 4 girls and a boy. The girls aren’t into this kind of stuff much but 2 of them like a challenger we own. My son is 50/50 on stuff. I don’t let it stop us we just have to do more stuff that the majority are into. Movies, the beach stuff like that. Not my favorite but a day with the family is a day well spent.

[@nicholasconf0rti150]

Try the condenser

[@nicholasconf0rti150]

Condenser failed

[@Biomancer81]

Just gonna say it, Puddin' is the cutest goat. Id take her home if I could.

[@Sleeperdude]

For sure

[@wandab9241]

Me & Noah love this one ...Noah says he wants to race it ...he says "I'd just be zoomin'!"

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s funny

[@dockmasterted]

I had a 1950 Studebaker Champion, It had a 6 cylinder engine, a "HILL HOLDER" brake, and an over drive differential. that I converted to shift to overdrive in every gear (so I had 6 forward and 2 revers gears. this made for a good tow car... In the winters in Michigan I would remove the nose cone and install a head light bucket in it's place to use as my bright light. because the dimmer switch on the floor would freeze on low beams. I also replaced the 6 volt battery with a 9 volt battery, as the 6 volt system worked better in every way than the 6 yolt ever would, and the 6 volt lights worked even better with 9 volts running them. It also starts far better on 9 volts than it ever could on the stock 6 volts.

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok thank you

[@mattconnor6779]

The switch under the clutch pedal is the starter button. You turn on the key in the dash then and press the clutch all the way to the floor to turn over the engine. This keeps you from starting it while it's engaged in gear.

[@samwiggins5349]

Learned to drive in one of these Studebakers, my friend and me back and forth in his driveway, unsupervised in '56 or '57. His big sister's car. We did it a lot but never got found out. 😁

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s funny

[@johnhenke6475]

You are a great Father. I love the way you bring your children into you life and teach them the tings they need to know.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you I try

[@wunone67]

Ralphie is the best little helper! What a great kid!

[@Sleeperdude]

He is . Thank you

[@seandayma]

Just feed her the BEANS!!!!!!

[@dalekline3612]

Love this channel. The bond between you and your son is awesome. The goats make me smile every time. I can't forget the great selection of cars you work on. I like that you don't just limit yourself to the typical 2 door classics. Great job!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@papilloncycles3463]

Loved watching this one! My Grandpa had a studebaker in the mid 50's He put a baby hemi in, beat the first exhibition corvette that came to our drag racing track with it. It was the family car!

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s awesome

[@michaelhayden5264]

Totally blown away how he involves the children. Getting them enthused from such a young age. Incredible!!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you we try

[@ni_wink84]

It’s running perfectly! I think that’s how studebakers ran from the factory! Super cool to see this thing up and running again great job as always!

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s funny thank you

[@oldhippie7538]

Always had a soft spot for Studebaker 😊

[@stevemacdaddy9909]

I think one is the starter the other a dimmer. Looks like a great car. The chrome looks all there. I always loved that middle head light. We I was growing up in Alabama as a teenager I worked with my dad and grandfather at a rechrome plant. My job was to go out to huge bummer piles and find the bumper or repairable and send them in. Then they were straighten and chromed. Love the videos guy. Can't wait for the next one.

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s neat thank you

[@robertbisson9161]

l learned to drive a 3 speed manual on a 1951 Studebaker, back in 1962, i was 13 years old. What a memory your video brought back.

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s awesome

[@wobnif1777]

My dad was a My dad was a studebaker mechanic after the second world war in Toronto .He drove only Studebakers until they folded in 1966 after they built the Avanti which at the time was the fasted stock built car ever made at that time.My first car i owned in 1966 was a 1960 Lark red convertible v8 3 in the tree with O.D. It was one of the nicest cars at that time.It was also quite fast.My dad owned a Commander and a Hawk pitty at that time we didn't know that they would be collectors items now.

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s cool

[@grayhounddaddy62leake83]

WOW. Amazing that you found an old Bullet nosed Studie! When I was a kid, my Dad had a 1952 Studebaker Champion and it too had a carb problem! It would idle, but when you stepped on the gas, it would die! Loved it anyway! You brought back a lot of memories for me!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you, that’s cool

[@bensymington5550]

That’s very nice car Studebaker I love those

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@tonymazz9912]

I'm watching this and feel back in time with my dad. He was a Sargeant for the motor pool during the Korean War and knew what made cars tick. He had the knowledge that you have but not the patience. Your very good man and an excellent Father. Please stay the way you are and never let success point you in the wrong direction. Every moment that you share with Your family will be precious, especially when time goes by. They will be there for you as you are for them. God bless.

[@kfl611]

Yes he is a great example of how a dad should act.

[@StreetFreaksGarage]

Great find! We had a 51 Studebaker we had on our channel, definitely not as good of shape, lol. But we made sure it didn't go to the crusher. Nice find. 👍👍👍

[@Phiyedough]

I do like the styling of this one, it would be great to see it restored. I didn't think you would get a 6 volt coil that easily. I don't know if you had them in USA but in UK there was a tool called a Gunson Colortune which was a sort of spark plug with a window. You could tell whether the cylinder was running rich or lean by the colour of the explosion.

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok thank you

[@mescko]

You can get them here. The insulator is made of hi-temp glass and you can see the color of the flame front.

[@smarternu]

I think I say it in every 6 volt video. Get an 8 volt battery they always work better on 8. You can convert the whole car to 12 volts kinda easy. Everything will work, it's just that it will not last that long. The gauges should have an in line resister to be accurate. Sometimes to test I run both, 12v coil and 8v starter, chassis.

[@smartestpersonontheplanet7467]

@@smarternu I figure the amazing last try 24 volt jump start sleeperdude has adapted got its start in the 6 volt ear and auto makers decided 12 volt was the way to go.

[@warrenpyper9942]

i didn't think anyone knew about puting a 8volt in the old cars it will start and run like a new one it was easy to get 8 volt battery back in the 1950s

[@daveallen8824]

What you got with the thing coasting in gear is called freewheeling. It's a leftover from the 30's - they thought it would be a cool deal to just let it coast down - b ut there should be a switch or lever to take it out of freewheeling and make it normal

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok thank you very much we will have to check into that

[@josephrogers5337]

I loved the freewheeling cars. Supposed to save gas. Overdrive gave you 4 forward rather then 3 forward and 1 reverse on a three on a tree.

[@dirtydog2858]

Never let this studey go! I have been a solid Studebaker driver ever since I talked Mom into dumping her 54 Puick Dynaflush for a 50 Lark w/overdirve. Yours also has overdrive. We consistently got 24 MPG with it. I got a 64 Wagonairre and it was my daily driver in 86 and it was my daily driver until 2019. I moved to Manzanillo JAMX in 2019 and drove my 63 Hawk w/300,000 miles on the clock from NM to Manzanillo with no qualms as to whether it would get me there and "baby" is happily residing in my carport here. There is not a finer car on the road and the engine is ABSOLUTELY BULLET PROOF. I had to sell the 64 when I moved since I could not have both of them. STUDEBAKERS LIVE! AND THEY LIVE FOREVER! If anyone is interested in the Wagonairre with the sliding cargo roof. it is slowly dying at Buckskin Towing, Pagosa Springs CO. I hope someone will get it and bring her back to life. I hope that will be the case because I'd hate to see what her ultimate fate may be. It's downfall is the OD croaked. Someone please give her a new lease on life. Sincerely Studebaker fanatic!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thanks for the enthusiasm!! Maybe someone will get it

[@edmarkham2632]

MY family had a 1951 4 door Studebaker just like yours. Later, they got rid of that and got a 1955 Studebaker President and a 1953 Champion. My older brother really loved hot rodding that old 51. Enjoy that Beast and those kids. They grow up so fast.

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s cool thank you I try to

[@jonlennon3348]

I am so jealous you found it. Did it come with a hood? These cars were so ahead of its time and they made the big 3 so upset that they schemed to destroy them by getting the banks to refuse to lend them money.A guy around the corner has one near me and yours is in really super condition compared to his.

[@Sleeperdude]

Yes it has a hood it’s green though

[@josephrogers5337]

The big three had an agreement to not develop new models during the war, Studebaker did not. Such sayings after new models came out before the big three was. You cannot tell if it is going backwards or forwards. But notice later madels of th big three adopted similar stying is later models.

[@zoommikerobinson3315]

That's a keeper. I just saw a '51 6 cylinder running project car for $7,200. It looked like it needed a lot more of TLC. 🤠😺🐂

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok good to know

[@oliverpetroski4205]

That Studebaker comes from the time when cars were made to look like rockets and space crafts. Awesome find.

[@Sleeperdude]

Yes 👍

[@richardcoram1562]

Lucky guys getting to play in a 2 door coupe V8 Studebaker! There's awesome Studebaker clubs around the country. Fathers,cars and families welcome. Your Stude is a real stud ...looks complete and straight, nothing missing, no visible damage. Thanks for sharing the posting, and the easily imagined ride along. God bless y'all.

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok thank you

[@JimmyWatches2102]

It’s not a pull handle on the back of the front seat, it’s a lap robe rail. A lap robe was a small blanket rear seat passengers could use to keep their legs warm.

[@Sleeperdude]

Yes you’re right

[@5610winston]

The Studebaker 'Climatizer' (mounted under the front passenger seat) was regarded as among the best heaters in the industry. My Dad's '53 Plymouth had a lap robe hanger rope.

[@frostyworks8810]

Always finding some of the coolest cars! Love all these crazy start up videos!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@michaelbenardo5695]

Remember, with a Positive Ground system, the + terminal of the coil goes to the distributor wire, the negative terminal to the ignition switch wire. The factory coil was marked "Distrib" and "Ign". Engine will run with coil backwards, but spark will not be as strong.

[@Sleeperdude]

Yes thanks good info

[@johnelliott7375]

Your a good mechanic and never let anyone else tell you anything different. Just need to be patient with the old stuff, I am old and I will never steer you wrong.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@keithkuckler2551]

My father had a Starline coupe, It was the first car I can remember from my childhood. I had several Studebakers when I was a teenager, my last was a 59 Lark. I never thought that Studebaker had a V8 in 1951.

[@outofthinair1]

I have always wanted one of those, never got the opportunity to own one. Looks like you got a really clean one, I'm jealous.

[@Sleeperdude]

Yeah it seems to be in pretty good shape

[@1ctnichols]

You have an awesome relationship with your son, I hope he understands what a great thing he has. Very special☺️

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you he’s the best

[@geezus1201]

I love squeaky's heart glasses and that you let your children be part of fixing these vehicles and on the channel.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@TestECull]

33:24 there's a stronger possibility it has an intake valve not seating properly. If an intake valve is leaking around the seat and that chamber fires it will often ignite what's in the plenum; a true backfire. Fact that it's also doing this out the exhaust side clues me in that the valve seats are probably covered in shit and not sealing quite right. Even more proof its a good engine if it starts up and runs at all with valves not sealing right.

[@Sleeperdude]

You might be right

[@larryrowe5259]

I loved when the wife says: this is nicer than you usually get ". What a fun family.

[@Sleeperdude]

Yes 👍

[@jdfixit1]

I think that is great

[@anthonysmohawkspeedshop324]

Love your videos. Nice to see these old cars saved. The best part is your family. Love how y’all do things together. It shows your kids are being raised right. God bless you and your family. Always counting down to more videos!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thanks really appreciate it

[@jeremyedgell9989]

Could not believe my eyes!!! Me and the wife went to Walmart. And their they finally restocked..... Bourbon barbeque Vienna's!!!!!!!!! I almost cried.. Lol!! Y'all have a blessed evening brother.

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s awesome !!!!! Have a good weekend

[@donniegaddis2843]

Glad to see you got her running. The points surprised me, my guess was the timing. I know a guy that has two of these for about the past 30 yrs, he knows them inside out. If you have any troubles with it I can get you in touch with him.

[@Sleeperdude]

Yeah it surprised me too, thanks

[@jimmyb2669]

Suggest replacing points/condenser and check the wire lead from coil to distributor for fraying/short. Love the channel👍

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok thank you

[@shawncook7656]

My father and mother had studi about 49 or earlier. They saved there mony and ordered one. This was Washington DC , they said that when they drove it in the city everyone stopped and stared as no one had seen a new design in many many years, they looked so futuristic. I'm 70 and I remember the car parked in the side yard covered with weeds in the mid 50s. A car then that reached 100k miles was wore out.

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s a great story thank you

[@russellhancock9765]

My Dad used to have one of those, but it Never Ran. It sat in Our Woods for My whole life.My Brother-N-Law Sold it in 1989 when Him and My Sister got married.

[@Sleeperdude]

Wow

[@wadetyler5056]

This was my birth year, 51, and this car, this color was the first car I remember us owning! My Dad had a heavy foot and got a ticket doing 90 over the Raton Pass in northern New Mexico!🤣

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s awesome

[@mkofftiger]

Great car! From my limited experience, I assume that working on a Studebaker of this vintage is straightforward and eminently doable. A family friend about my father's age, owned one of these cars and most weekends he could be found under a cooling shade tree with his torso in the engine bay. One day as my father and I drove past and saw him, once again working on his car, I asked what the man did for a living. My father replied, completely seriously, "He takes his car apart and puts it back together."

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s funny

[@arthurbiringer5676]

For such a young boy Ralphie knows a lot about cars! Guess he has a great teacher.

[@Sleeperdude]

He pays close attention to everything I do

[@Frank-in-NY]

Sleeperdude? More like Superdude! Quite a mechanic, smart man. You and your wife have a really nice family. Your kids will learn plenty from you both and have a fun at the same time. And Jeopardy too! My wife and I loved your youngest daughters eye glasses, fits her perfect. You are a lucky man. Be well, stay safe..

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you I am blessed

[@richardbutterworth7873]

Man it's really cool that you get your kids involved in these projects. My 13-year-old son and I are building a 1978 Chevrolet Nova for him to drive when he gets old enough. He's learned an awful lot about cars. Keep up the good work

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s awesome

[@JamesAllmond]

My favorite car, besides a Cord 810/812...and this one is obtainable.. Switch next to clutch is the starter, Press clutch all the way down to start her...

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok thank you we finally figured it out

[@Retro_Husky]

So cool to see this Studebaker running. My great-grandfathers used to work at Studebaker when this car came out. I'm happy for you all.

[@greerbox]

Another great l one. I love those ads/publications. They would look great in plain black frames on the work shop walls. Isn’t it funny how kids are fascinated with knives? I loved Ralphies face when he was driving.

[@Sleeperdude]

Yes thank you

[@paralyse78]

Reminds me of working on old cars with my Dad when I was about your son's age. Doing everything from carb rebuilds to setting points & dwell by the time I was 10. Those backfires mean she's got too much timing or too much fuel or both. Thanks for keeping your kids learning about cars and mechanics in general!

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s great thanks for watching

[@ericbraun4233]

This is one of my favorite channels! Only thing different I would like to see is some full (or at least partial) restorations of some of these vehicles that you work on. Keep up the good work!

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok thank you

[@tj4ndirish]

@@Sleeperdude I agree...........this one deserves a full restoration!!!

[@ruskiryan2398]

You have to show those kids the Great Muppet Adventure! they have a Studebaker just like that, they get it painted up too, looks great!

[@Sleeperdude]

Great idea!!

[@rodwallace-hz6ty]

I love the baby goat jumpin' around. It'll be on top of the car before you know it.

[@Sleeperdude]

For sure

[@michaelnevanssr206]

Great video. I love the Studebaker brand, It was always dependable. I owned a 1952 Champion, flat head six w.3 on the column and an overdrive. I was able to get 26 mpg. I really miss that car. I had plans to restore it but life got in the way. Please keep up the good work.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you that’s cool

[@Doogie_Causey]

Thanks fellas & ladies for another outstanding video. Glad to see another classic back running n driving

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you for watching

[@user-du1eo1kg6m]

We are watching this video for the three time. I think my husband really,really liked it !

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s awesome thank you

[@dianneestes8515]

If I remember correctly, Studebaker had a 'hill holder" built into the clutch. It made starting up on a hill with a manual transmission car easy. Love your channel, especially the kids and the Kidds. For some reason this shows my Wifes name, I'm a guy, and a retired diesel mechanic. really enjoy watching old iron coming back to life! keep up the good work.

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok thank you I think you’re right..

[@LarryDeSilva64]

Yes indeed that was a great find a 1951 Studebaker Champion and the body and the frame are not all rusted out so someone took pretty good care of it. Always fun seeing an old engine come back to life. A few more minor things and you will have a pretty good runner. Not back for a 70 year old car.

[@Sleeperdude]

Yes I think so too

[@jeffdavidson3563]

Now that’s a cool old car! Hopefully y’all will get to keep it since the kids like it so much!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@MUN.A1988]

I am so sympathize with the little daughter..she is so ashamed..I like her.. Ralphi is so cute and intellegent ..someday will be michanical engeneer..God bless you all my freind..

[@robjustlooking8729]

A 1951 Studebaker bullet nose. Made famous by Fozzie Bear in The Muppet movie. My junk car days are over, but I pulled quite a few home through the seventies. I don't know what it is with most of these folks on KZbin, but before I even messed with the fuel system or anything else I pulled the cap off and checked the points. Make sure they're clean they're opening when the motor turns and you can flip them with the screwdriver while holding the coil wire away from ground to see if you got fire. Then try to start the thing. Never had a voltmeter just a test light. Used it to set the timing before I even started the engine. I did that to old International 6 cylinder on an all-terrain crane a friend of mine bought, he was amazed I could get that coil to throw a spark without the engine turning over. Didn't take much to amaze him.

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s funny

[@ManBoo55]

First time viewer. I love your family dynamics and how everyone is involved in this project. Your goats are a real show in themselves. Buggers are so inquisitive. Southern lifestyle at it’s best. Now subbed for more entertainment

[@ronbunker5778]

I've always loved the noses on these old Studes.

[@Sleeperdude]

Yeah they are cool

[@ronmorris3823]

My wife’s grandpa worked at Studebaker when this car was built. He had a black bullet nose one. Employees could follow their new car order down the assembly line and made sure it was done to their liking. He worked their until the plant closed in South Bend, Indiana. I worked at a gas station in South Bend area in 60’s during high school. Studebaker owners would come in and get $1 worth of gas and 5 quarts of bulk oil. Gas was quarter a gallon and oil was 20 cents a quart. They got great gas mileage, but bad oil mileage. My first Studebaker was a 1959 Lark for $35 in 1965. Ran and looked good.

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s a great story

[@brianyockney9410]

Hello from a little town called Chinhoyi in Zimbabwe! Yeah, out here in Africa! I really enjoyed the laid-back approach you have with your kids and the animals and the general informality of your presentation, really most refreshing and extremely enjoyable. Thank you so much! I have a couple of oldies; a 56 Cadillac Coup de ville, a Mark9 and a Mark1 Jaguar, also from the 50's, a 62 Mercedes 220 Fintail and a Citroen 2CV. trouble is, none of them are working right now!! so I walk a lot, which is good for a 73 yrae-old! There's quite a good following of the Classic Car scene out here...believe it or not. Thanks again and keep up the good work on that lovely old Studebaker!

[@Sleeperdude]

Sounds like you have some cool cars, I appreciate you watching all the way in Africa

[@pdinardo9472]

Great video Sleep. Very rare car, it runs, and is in remarkably good condition. For being all original. Love the Studerbaker👍👍🤙🤙

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank You

[@doug4bears]

Hey Sleeperdude....Studebakers are cool and parts are easy to get.

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok thank you

[@mariofilippi3539]

Great job getting that old Studebaker up and running. I remember these as a kid and would avoid any street where they were parked , they scared me.

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s funny

[@murph9813]

My father had a 1951 Studebaker when I was a about 4 years old. I believe it was a champion, unfortunately it caught fire on his way home from work one day. It was totaled. It also was the same color as yours. Good luck!

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s too bad

[@smartestpersonontheplanet7467]

I am amazed at your ability to get cars we had when I was growing up My uncle had a towing business and we were always getting a new used car. If we had that one it wasn’t for long. But I do remember having ash trays in the back seat. It might not have been a built nose but definitely a studabacker

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok thank you

[@earlsteves8141]

Love your family dynamics. Good kids!!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you I am blessed

[@michaelfoust8992]

I've got a 51 Champion. It's nice to see a V8 survivor. I drive mine to car shows and it wins too. Thanks for showing it.

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s awesome thanks

[@clintferguson8328]

looks like a good time for your family and not a bad car nice to see Ralphie learn to drive a 3 on the tree love it have a bless day

[@Sleeperdude]

Yes thank you

[@harveyjohnson2587]

One of the dimmer switches is a starter button.

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok thank you we finally figured it out

[@steveboschen9141]

I have really enjoyed this video. I love you're including your lovely family members, the kids, goats, and pigs. Mr Ralphey does a great job helping his Dad. It's just a fun video to watch. Oh...and then there's your great southern accent. Subscribed "fur" sure.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you we appreciate it

[@waltschannel7465]

Love Studes. My grandfather worked for them. My father drove a car hauler with Studes out if South Bend in the 1950s

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s neat

[@russellmancillas4464]

After watching the corvette video I subscribed to your channel and love it, the family that wrenches together is happy family

[@Sleeperdude]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@DonKelleyMusic]

one of the coolest cars I've ever seen. I think they had a weird transmission design that would let it roll like that? automatic coasting or something but with "hill holder" so it won't roll back? I know the hill holder thing is real, I might be imagining the automatic coasting part, but this era had a bunch of strange ideas like this for a few years before they went back to regular auto and standard trans designs.

[@Sleeperdude]

Yes I think your right thank you

[@robertthayer5779]

Overdrive ...

[@RichZFishes]

@@robertthayer5779Almost all V8 standard shift Studes of that era had OD. And on the 51 for sure, and probably other early '50s models, it would not roll backwards when OD was engaged. By now, I would assume the OP has discovered that it had a proprietary self adjusting brake mechanism. IN 1951!

[@davidwolf2478]

That is not two dimmer switches. The switch underneath the clutch pedal is a starter switch when you engage your clutch.

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok thank you we finally figured it out

[@adamtereska8734]

Studebaker is a beautiful car. That Jade Green Thunderbird is beautiful as well. Love those Thunderbirds .

[@garyalford9394]

I am from South Bend Ind. , when I was a kid it seemed every old person had a Stude in his little Model A type garage. I loved the 55 stude Speedster one neighbor had, it still is a classy car.

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s cool

[@josephconsoli4128]

I love the independents - Nash Airflights, Hudsons, Studebaker bullet-noses. They were all actually really good cars with their only fault being that they were ahead of their time. Great show and I always get such a kick out of Ralphie. You have a great son. By the way, seatbelts were first offered from the factory by Ford in 1955.

[@Sleeperdude]

Yes thank you

[@josephconsoli4128]

@@Sleeperdude YW - I must make a correction - I believe it was actually 1956 that Ford offered seatbelts.

[@5610winston]

Nash offered seatbelts in the early fifties in conjunction with the double-bed seats. One ad circa 1951 showed grandma snoozing in the reclined passenger seat held securely by the seat belt.

[@josephconsoli4128]

@@5610winston Ah. Interesting. I believe when Ford offered them, it was the first auto sales campaign focused on safety. The pitch actually was a flop. No one cared about safety at that time! By the way, I believe it was '56. Not '55 as I had stated.

[@kfl611]

My grandmother told me the first thing my granddad did after buying a new car was to run down to the shop and get seat belts installed. They both made sure everyone was well buckled in before we drove off.

[@leonardwalters154]

That's definitely a going to town car!

[@Sleeperdude]

Yes for sure

[@jeffbecker9809]

Give her the beans. I love it. That young man will be a racer when he gets older

[@wiserman100]

Overdrive on the transmission tailstock is engaged; the overdrive's overrunning clutch allows engine to disengage from the drive-train in forward gears. Push or pull the overdrive handle (chrome t-handle by your right knee) to disengage the overdrive.

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok thanks

[@joesprostreet74gto68]

Great parents, great kids, great content, great channel!! Love you guys!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@bluerazor7049]

Gorgeous car SleeperDude, Studebaker's were by far one of the most beautiful American cars. The Commander, Lark, Avanti ect. This car with a little love can be a great driver. P. S, that carb backfire in the end was a unexpected one!

[@Sleeperdude]

They are cool

[@RichZFishes]

From '51 when the 232 OHV V8 was introduced onward, Commanders had the V8, Champions had the flathead six. A '51 Commander Starlight Coupe (3 speed + OD) was my first daily driver, back in 63. When we got married in 65, my wife and I went on our honeymoon in it, and it continued on as our daily driver until late '69. One of two cars that I wish I still had, out of 40 some-odd cars in the ensuing 60 years.

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok cool thank you

[@Tj1983coggin]

The random doll hand pointing at the battery had me laughing so hard!!

[@Sleeperdude]

I’m glad you liked it