Early 1920s Studebaker ?

4 minute(s) of a 173 minute read

At last a tiny step forward! Having checked and cleaned the points in both the magneto off the engine and the spare, I now know that both  produce a spark healthy enough to jump the "safety " gap at "cranking speed" and both produce a steady stream of sparks from a wire run around all six terminals on the "distributor cap" and then finishing about  1/4 inch from "earth". I have not yet fully cleaned up either but it is nice to know that I will not be wasting my time. In fact as probably should be expected the mag off the engine shows very little evidence of it's 97 years. Neither have the random collection of "timing marks"etc usually found on "old" magnetos. The "spare" shows some signs of "shelf age" but is otherwise in very good and unsullied condition. Both have all their correct knurled terminal nuts etc. It is quite evident that no one wearing a "striped apron" has been working on either of them.

(no one wearing a "striped apron" has been working on them) The traditional working attire for a butcher!

While on the subject perhaps someone can suggest the best way to conserve and present the red "Composition"  distributor caps found on American Bosch magneto's. 

Next; I find an old/discarded tooth brush excellent for cleaning up all those awkward corners on magnetos. 

Finally in a classic example of "belt and braces" I will take all four magnets out to my friendly Magnet specialist to have them boosted (re-magnetised) 

The inportant thing with these is to make sure that the "polarity" goes back in the same direction. As all he requires is the actual magnet it is a good idea to place a piece of steel strip acosss the ends as a "keeper".

10-18-2017

While this may seem a little premature I would like to start sourcing the correct cotton covered wires for my car. does anyone know of a list of colour combinations and gauges for the Wagner equipped Light Six electrics? I have found on page 72 of section 3E of the Service Manual for 1920 -24 Models EJ -EM. one diagram Number 54-E for the Junction Box Wiring Diagram EK-EL. It mentions: Battery Indicator "Large Black Wire" : Switch Large Red Wire : Switch Tan Wire with Green line : Switch Small Red Wire and Switch Tan Wire. I have yet to discover the location of this Junction Box but no doubt it will reveal it's self once I start to remove the dash board (Hopefully) I know that this sounds a little suspect but having been brought up working on British cars, Uncle Joseph's system of automotive wiring has some benefits. Even if it is only so you know which wire the smoke is coming from.

Thank you Scott

It is now down-loaded and safely stored in my Studebaker File. I will keep you informed when I start the re-wiring. We have a local firm that will knit a "sock" for the loom once I have it finalised. 

I have just received this photograph from the Auctioneer's Office showing the Studebaker prior to the "Clearance Sale" at Merrigum in Central Victoria (Australia) In October 2012.