1938 STUDEBAKER
Model Designations:
Studebaker, Commander Six, Series 7A, 6 Cylinder
Studebaker, State Commander Six, Series 8A, 6 Cylinder
Studebaker, State President Eight, Series 4C, 8 Cylinder
Studebaker, Commander Six, Series 7A, 6 Cylinder Body Styles
2 Door Business Coupe, 3 Passenger
Base Price: $875; Shipping Weight: 3,045 Pounds
2 Door Custom Coupe, 3 Passenger
Base Price: $900; Shipping Weight: 3,060 Pounds
2 Door Club Sedan, 6 Passenger
Base Price: $955; Shipping Weight: 3,140 Pounds
4 Door Crusing Sedan, 6 Passenger
Base Price: $965; Shipping Weight: 3,190 Pounds
4 Door Convertible Sedan, 6 Passenger
Base Price: $1,315; Shipping Weight: 3,390 Pounds.
Production Totals by Body Style are not available.
Commander Production Totaled: 19,260.
Studebaker, State Commander, Model 8A, 6 Cylinder, Body Styles
2 Door Custom Coupe, 3 Passenger
Base Price: $965; Shipping Weight: 3,095 Pounds
2 Door Club Sedan, 6 Passenger
Base Price: $1,030; Shipping Weight: 3,160 Pounds
4 Door Crusing Sedan, 6 Passenger
Base Price: $1,040; Shipping Weight: 3,215 Pounds
4 Door Convertible Sedan, 6 Passenger
Base Price: $1,365; Shipping Weight: 3,400 Pounds
Production Totals by Body Style are not available.
State Commander Production Totaled: 22,053.
Studebaker, President & State President, Model 4C, 8 Cylinder, Body Styles
President Eight
2 Door Coupe, 3 Passenger
Base Price: $1,120; Shipping Weight: 3,315 Pounds
2 Door Club Sedan, 6 Passenger
Base Price: $1,185; Shipping Weight: 3,400 Pounds
4 Door Cruiser Sedan, 6 Passenger
Base Price: $1,195; Shipping Weight: 3,455 Pounds
StatePresident Eight
2 Door Coupe, 3 Passenger
Base Price: $1,130; Shipping Weight: 3,315 Pounds
2 Door Club Sedan, 6 Passenger
Base Price: $1,195; Shipping Weight: 3,400 Pounds
4 Door Cruiser Sedan, 6 Passenger
Base Price: $1,205; Shipping Weight: 3,455 Pounds
4 Door Convertible Sedan, 6 Passenger
Base Price: $1,555; Shipping Weight: 3,640 Pounds
Production Totals by Body Style are not available.
Total President Series Production: 5,474.
1938 STUDEBAKER
Commander & State Commander 6, Series 7A & 8A, General Specifications
Wheelbase: 116-1/2 Inches
Engine Type: Inline 6 Cylinder, L-Head
Bore & Stroke: 3-5/16" X 4-3/8"
Engine Displacement: 226.2 Cu. In.
Compresssion Ratio: 6.00 to 1
Taxable Horsepower: 26.35
Horsepower: 90 @ 3,400 RPM
Torque: Not Available
Rear Axle Ratio: 4.55:1
Carburetor: Stromberg 1 Barrel, Model BXO26
Tire Size: 6.00 x 16 inches; Inflation Pressure, Front 33, Rear, 33
President 8, & State President 8, Series 4C, General Specifications
Wheelbase: 125 Inches
Engine Type: Inline 8 Cylinder, L-Head
Bore & Stroke: 3-1/16" X 4-1/4"
Engine Displacement: 250.4 Cu. In.
Compresssion Ratio: 6.50 to 1
Taxable Horsepower: 30.01
Horsepower: 115 @ 3,600 RPM
Torque: Not Available
Rear Axle Ratio: 4.55:1
Carburetor: Stromberg AAO-161 .
Tire Size: 6:50 x 16 inches; Inflation Pressure, Front 33, Rear, 33
Tune Up Specifications, 6 Cylinder Models
Spark Plug: Gap .025"
Spark Plug Type:
Regular Head: Champion 8, D-16, or Equivalent
High Compression Head: Champion 7, D-16, or Equivalent
Point Gap: .020"
Distributor Cam Angle: 35 degrees
Ignition Timing: IGN Mark on Vibration Damper
Firing Order: 1-5-3-6-2-4
Tappet Clearance, Cold: Intake .016", Exhaust .016"
Cylinder Head Torque: 83 Ft Lbs
Tune Up Specifications, 8 Cylinder Models
Spark Plug: Gap .025"
Spark Plug Type:
Regular Head: Champion 8, D-16, or Equivalent
High Compression Head: Champion 7, D-16, or Equivalent
Point Gap: .020"
Distributor Cam Angle: 33 degrees
Ignition Timing: TDC Mark on Vibration Damper
Firing Order: 1-6-2-5-8-3-7-4
Tappet Clearance, Cold: Intake .016", Exhaust .016"
Cylinder Head Torque: 83 Ft Lbs
Valve Specifications, 6 Cylinder
Tappet Clearance, Running Cold: Intake .016"; Exhaust .016"
Clearance for Timing: Intake: .020"; Exhaust: .020"
Valve Timing:
Intake Valve Opens 15 Degrees Before Top Dead Center
Exhaust Valve Closes 10 Degrees After Top Dead Center
Valve Seat Angle: Intake 45 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees,
Valve Spring Pressure: 57 Lbs @ 2-3/32 inches (New Springs)
Valve Stem Clearance: Intake .001"-.003"
Exhaust .001"-.003"
Valve Specifications, 8 Cylinder
Tappet Clearance, Running Cold: Intake .016"; Exhaust .016"
Clearance for Timing: Intake: .020"; Exhaust: .020"
Valve Timing: Intake Valve Opens, 15 Degrees Before Top Dead Center
Exhaust Valve Closes, 10 Degrees After Top Dead Center
Valve Seat Angle: Intake 45 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees,
Valve Spring Pressure: 57 Lbs @ 2-3/32"
Valve Stem Clearance: Intake .001"-.003"
Exhaust .001"-.003"
Piston & Ring Data, 6 Cylinder
Piston Removal: From Above
Piston Clearance (Minimum):
Top Land Inch .016"
Top of Skirt, Inch: .0015"
Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:
Shim Thickness: .002" (Using 1" Wide Feeler Gauge)
Pounds Pull on Scale: 7 to 15
Width of Ring End Gap (Minimum):
Compression Ring: .013"
Oil Ring: .013"
Clearance Between Ring & Grooves:
Compression Ring: .0015"-.002"
Oil Control Ring: .001"-.0015"
Piston & Ring Data, 8 Cylinder
Piston Removal: Above
Piston Clearance (Minimum):
Top Land Inch .016"
Top of Skirt, Inch: .0015"
Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:
Shim Thickness: .003" (Using 1" Wide Feeler Gauge)
Pounds Pull on Scale: 7 to 15
Width of Ring End Gap (Minimum):
Compression Ring: .013"
Oil Ring: .013"
Clearance Between Ring & Grooves:
Compression Ring: .0015"-.002"
Oil Control Ring: .001"-.0015"
Engine Bearing Data, 6 Cylinder
Camshaft End Play: .004"-.008"
Camshaft Bearing Clearance:
Front Bearing: .00075"-.00225"
All Other Bearings: .001"-.00275"
Rod Journal Diameter: 2.18675"-2.18775"
Rod Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.002"
Rod End Play: .005"-.009" inches
Rod Bolt Tension: 50-55 Lbs. Ft.
Main Bearing Journal Diameter: 2.4995"-2.5000"
Main Bearing Clearance: .0005" -.0025"
Crankshaft End Play: .003"-.006"
Main Bolt Tension: 90-95 Lbs. Ft.
Engine Bearing Data, 8 Cylinder
Camshaft End Play: .004"-.008"
Camshaft Bearing Clearance:
Front Bearing: .00075"-.00225"
All Other Bearings: .002"-.00375"
Rod Journal Diameter: 1.87425"-1.87525"
Rod Bearing Clearance: .00075"-.00275"
Rod End Play: .005"-.009" inches
Rod Bolt Tension: 50-55 Lbs. Ft.
Main Bearing Journal Diameter: 2.3435"-2.3440"
Main Bearing Clearance: .001" -.003"
Crankshaft End Play: .003"-.006"
Main Bolt Tension: 90-95 Lbs. Ft.
Capacities, Commander & State Commander, Series 7A & 8A, 6 Cylinder
Cooling System: 14 Quarts
Fuel Tank: 18 Gallons;
Engine Oil Refill: 5-1/2 Quarts;
Grade of Oil: Above +32F 30;
Above +10F 20;
Above -10F 10
Manual Transmission:
Without Overdrive: 2-1/2 Pints
With Overdrive: 4 Pints
Grade of Oil: Summer 90, Winter 90
Rear Axle: 3 Pints
Grade of Oil: Summer 90H, Winter 90H
Capacities, President, Series 4C, 8 Cylinder
Cooling System: 17 Quarts
Fuel Tank: 18 Gallons;
Engine Oil Refill: 8 Quarts;
Grade of Oil: Above +32F 30;
Above +10F 20;
Above -10F 10
Manual Transmission:
2-1/2 Pints, Without Overdrive:
4 Pints With Overdrive
Grade of Oil: Summer 90, Winter 90
Rear Axle: 3 Pints
Grade of Oil: Summer 90H, Winter 90H
Beginning Engine Numbers:
Model 7A: H-101
Model 8A: H-101
Model 4C: B- 24601
Beginning Serial Numbers:
Model 7A: 5582001 South Bend, Indiana
5857501 Los Angeles, California
Model 8A: 4090001 South Bend, Indiana
4800001 Los Angeles, California
Model 4C: 7120101 South Bend, Indiana
7801801 Los Angeles, California
Brake Specifications, All Series
Lining Material:
Primary Shoe: Molded
Secondary Shoe: Woven
Lining Dimensions/Wheel in Inches: 19-11/16"
Width: 2-1/4",
Thickness: 3/16"
Pedal Free Play: 3/8"
Wheel Alignment Specifications, All Series:
Caster: + 1/4 Degrees
Camber: + 1/2 Degrees
Toe In: 3/32"
Kingpin Inclination: 5-1/2 Degrees
Rear Axle Specifications, 6 & 8 Cylinder:
Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash: .005"-.007"
Drive Pinion Adjustment: Shims
Drive Pinion Bearing Adjustment: Shims
Axle Shaft End Play: .003"-.008"
1938 STUDEBAKER SPECIFICATIONS FOR:
DISTRIBUTORS, GENERATORS, REGULATORS,
STARTING MOTORS, & CARBURETORS &
FUEL PUMPS
ALL SERIES
Auto-Lite Distributor Specifications:
Distributor #1GW-4101
Cam Angle: 35 Degrees
Breaker Point Opening: .020"
Condenser Capacity: .20-.25 Mfds
Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces
Centrifugal Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 2 Degrees @ 600 RPM
Full Advance: 10 Degrees @ 1,400 RPM
Vacuum Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 2 Degrees @ 5" Vacuum
Full Advance: 6 Degrees @ 12" Vacuum
Delco-Remy Distributor Specifications, 8 Cylinder:
Distributor #662M
Cam Angle: 33 Degrees
Breaker Point Opening: .020"
Condenser Capacity: .20-.25 Mfds
Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 19-23 Ounces
Centrifugal Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 250 RPM
Full Advance: 14-1/2 Degrees @ 1,800 RPM
Vacuum Advance Data:
Inches of Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 5" - 7"
Inches of Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 11" - 14"
Maximum Vacuum Advance: 6 Degrees
Auto-Lite Generator Specifications:
Generator #GCJ-4808A
Brush Spring Tension:
Main Brush: 53 Ounces (Maximum)
Third Brush: 53 Ounces (Maximum)
Direction of Rotation: Clockwise
Field Current @ 6 Volts: 1.90 - 2.10 Amperes
Low Output Test: 8 Amperes, 8 Volts @ 1,135 RPM
Maximum Output Test: 19 Amperes, 8 Volts
Generator #GDF-4804B
Brush Spring Tension:
Main Brush: 53 Ounces (Maximum)
Third Brush: 53 Ounces (Maximum)
Direction of Rotation: Clockwise
Field Current @ 6 Volts: 1.90 - 2.10 Amperes
Low Output Test: 8 Amperes, 7.6 Volts @ 1,270 RPM
Maximum Output: 32 Amperes; 8 Volts
Delco-Remy Generator Specifications::
Generator #1102653
Brush Spring Tension: 25 Ounces
Direction of Rotation: Clockwise
Field Current @ 6 Volts: 2.0 - 2.2 Amperes
Maximum Cold Output: 25 Amperes, 8.0 Volts @ 1,650 RPM
Maximum Hot Output: Controlled by Current Regulator
Auto-Lite Regulator Specifications:
Regulator Type: Voltage
Regulator #VRD-4006A
Ground Polarity: Positive
Voltage to Close Relay Points: 6.4 - 7.0 Volts
Amperage to Open Relay Points: .5 - 3.0 Amperes
Maximum Operating Voltage:
Before #8R-000001: 7.65 Volts
#8R-000001 & Later: 7.45 Volts
Regulator Type: Voltage
Regulator #VRD-4006B
Ground Polarity: Positive
Voltage to Close Relay Points: 6.4 - 7.0 Volts
Amperage to Open Relay Points: .5 - 3.0 Amperes
Maximum Operating Voltage: 7.45 Volts
.
Delco-Remy Regulator Specifications, President Models:
Regulator Type: Voltage & Current
Regulator #1118230
Ground Polarity: Positive
Voltage to Close Relay Points: 6.2 - 6.7 Volts
Amperage to Open Relay Points: 0-4.0 Amperes
Maximum Operating Amperage: 26-28 Amperes
Maximum Operating Voltage (Hot): 7.0 - 7.2 Volts
Auto-Lite Starting Motor Specifications:
Part #MAW-4015
Brush Spring Tension: 42-53 Ounces
No Load Test: 65 Amperes, 5.5 Volts @ 4,900 RPM
Lock Test: 670 Amperes, 4.0 Volts @ 18.0 Ft Lbs Torque
Delco-Remy Starting Motor Specifications - 8 Cylinder Models
Part #1107903
Brush Spring Tension: 24-28 Ounces
No Load Test: 60 Amperes, 5.0 Volts @ 6,000 RPM
Lock Test: 600 Amperes, 3.0 Volts @ 16.0 Ft Lbs Torque
Stromberg Carburetor Specifications:
Carburetor Model: BX0-26
Part #A-18652
Code #6-69A
Repair Kit # RK-62
Float Level: 5/8"
Throttle Position for Economizer Valve: 27/64"
Throttle Valve Location for Idle: .010"
Throttle Valve Location for Vacuum Spark Control: Flush
Fast Idle Setting: 5/32"
Choke Unloader Setting: None
Stromberg Carburetor Specifications:
Carburetor Model: AAO-26
Part #A-18371
Code #6-70A
Repair Kit # RK-63
Float Level: With engine idling, fuel level should be at bottom of sight plug hole.
Throttle Position for Economizer Valve: 23/64"
Throttle Valve Location for Idle: .020"
Throttle Valve Location for Vacuum Spark Control: Flush
Fast Idle Setting: None
Choke Unloader Setting: 7/32"
Fuel Pump Data:
6 Cylinder:
Pump Model: W
Maximum Pressure: 3-1/2 PSI
President:
Pump Model: J
Maximum Pressure: 3-1/2 PSI
Dash Gauge Manufacturers:
Gasoline: Moto Meter Neco
Temperature: Moto Meter Neco
Oil Pressure: Moto Meter Neco
Popular Options
Bumper Guards, White Wall Tires, Fender Skirts, Radio, Antenna, Heater, Clock, Cigar Lighter, Outside Rear View Mirror, Spotlights, Dual Sidemounts, Sidemount Covers, Parking Lights, License Plate Frames, Sun Roof, Full Wheel Discs, Dual Defroster, Special Paint, Seat Covers, Planar Suspension on Dictators, Overdrive, Free-Wheeling. Hill Holder, Miracle Shift Lever, Vacuum Clutch.
1938 Studebaker Historical Data
Model Year Introduction was in September 1937.
Total 1938 Studebaker Production was 46,787.
Dash mounted Miracle Shift Lever was introduced.
Copyright 1999, Custom Solutions & Services