Part 1

_Your_ 1952 STUDEBAKER CHAMPION

OWNER’S GUIDE 1952

CONTENTS

Instruments and Controls 5 Run-in Period 14 Operating the Car 16 Lubrication 27 If You Must Change a Tire 35 Maintenance and Care of the Car 37 Service and Adjustments 48 Technical Reference Data 51 Seasonal Services 54 Wiring Diagram 55 Index 56

A word with you—

You no doubt have many reasons for your choice of this car. All of them, we are sure, are good reasons. Accept our congratulations and thanks on your purchase of a fine motor car.

Speaking of reasons, we have three for printing this book. First, to tell you _what you have_ in your car. Second, to tell you _how to operate it_. Third, to tell you what care it should receive to serve you best.

For more technical information as to how your car or any of its parts operates or how to make any of a multitude of adjustments or repairs, we refer you to your Studebaker dealer. Studebaker owners operate their cars with the assurance of a friendly, nation-wide service organization. Dealers’ men are constantly informed by us of the latest advances in technical procedures, tools, and equipment.

The General Service Department THE STUDEBAKER CORPORATION

BE SURE TO READ YOUR DEALER SERVICE POLICY

_With your new Studebaker you received a Dealer Service Policy from your Studebaker dealer. Please read it carefully._

_Under its terms you, as the owner of a new Studebaker, are entitled to receive from your dealer during the warranty period, two thorough check-ups which are important to the efficient operation of your car. These services will be performed gratis only by the dealer from whom you purchased the car and advance arrangements should be made with him if these services are to become due while you are touring or after a change of residence._

_Any Studebaker dealer in the U. S. or Canada is authorized to replace, without charge for material or labor, any parts found to be defective under the terms of the Studebaker Factory Warranty._

_Always keep your Dealer Service Policy with the car during the warranty period. It will be necessary to present the Policy in order to obtain the parts replacement privileges under the Warranty from other than the Studebaker dealer from whom you bought the car._

GASOLINE AMMETER DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL INDICATOR ODOMETER DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL INDICATOR OIL PRESSURE HEAT INDICATOR HOOD CONTROL FOG LIGHT CONTROL OVERDRIVE CONTROL CLIMATIZER AND DEFROSTER CONTROL PARKING BRAKE CONTROL HANDLE MASTER LIGHT CONTROL IGNITION LOCK AND SWITCH

INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS

_The driver of a new car should become familiar with the functions of the instruments and controls described below before operating the car. Standard equipment varies to some extent between different models. The illustration above includes both standard and extra equipment._

_Ignition Switch_ The ignition switch is operated by means of a key which, when turned to the right, supplies current to the ignition system and accessories. Turned to the left, the key completes the electrical circuit to the gasoline gage, radio, and other accessories but not to the ignition. _The ignition key should always be removed when you leave the car._

_Starter Switch_ The starter is controlled by a button on the toeboard located directly beneath the clutch pedal. By completely depressing the clutch pedal, the electrical circuit through the starter switch is completed. Do not operate starter when the engine is running.

_Ammeter_ When the engine is not running and any of the electrical circuits are in use, the ammeter will register a discharge (-). With the engine running at a reasonable speed, even though all electrical circuits are in use, the ammeter will register a charge (+) until the battery is completely charged, after which the needle should swing back and remain around the zero mark. Any abnormal fluctuation of the ammeter needle in either direction is a signal to the driver to have the electrical system checked and serviced by his authorized Studebaker dealer.

HEADLIGHT BEAM CONTROL CLUTCH BRAKE STARTER BUTTON ACCELERATOR PEDAL

_Heat Indicator_ The temperature of the coolant in the engine cooling system is shown by the electric heat indicator which, under normal conditions, should register within the rectangular mark on the face of the gage. In summer, and on hot, long drives this may normally be a little higher.

If the gage registers an abrupt or continuous rise to the “H” mark, stop the car immediately and investigate. Check the water level, fan belt, hose connections, and look for water leaks. Continued use at this temperature will cause serious damage and unnecessary expense.

The gage registers only when the ignition key is turned either to the right or left.

Check the water level frequently.

_Gasoline Gage_ The gasoline gage registers when the ignition key is turned either to the right or left. If you wish to know the quantity of fuel in the tank when the engine is not running, turn the ignition key to the left. It takes about 30 seconds for the gage to register after the ignition key is turned.

_Oil Pressure Gage_ The oil pressure gage indicates the working pressure of the oil as it circulates within the engine. Normally, the gage will register between 20 and 40 pounds (1,4 and 2,8 kgs.) at 40 miles (64 km.) per hour. _This gage does not indicate the amount of oil in the crankcase._

If this gage should fluctuate rapidly or drop to zero, STOP the car immediately and check the cause. Continued operation of the car under these conditions will probably cause serious damage.

_Locks and Keys_ Two sets of keys are furnished with the car. One key operates the front door external locks and the ignition switch. The other key operates locks on the package compartment door (except Champion Custom) and the luggage compartment lid.

To prevent unauthorized persons from purchasing a duplicate ignition key, the key number does not appear on the key or on the face of the lock, but is stamped on a small metal tag supplied with the keys. The compartment key number is stamped on the key or on the lock housing. Both key numbers should be recorded on page 15 of this manual and elsewhere among the owner’s permanent possessions, after which the metal tag should be destroyed.

Duplicate keys may be ordered by key number from the nearest authorized Studebaker dealer. If the key numbers are not known, the order must be accompanied by the car serial number.

Front door lock controls are designed so that either front door, locked from the inside, may be opened from the outside with the key. This is an advantage in parking lots when close parking blocks one door.

If an inside front door handle is set to “lock” position with the door open and the door is then closed, the lock releases; Studebaker front doors must be key-locked in such circumstances. The key will always unlock either of the front doors from the outside no matter whether it has been locked from the inside with the door lock control or locked from the outside with the key.

The next three paragraphs explain the operation of the door locks.

1. Front door inside handles, when pushed up from the normal position to lock the door from the inside, will spring back to the normal position although the lock will remain set.

2. The front doors are locked from the outside with the key. Turn the key to the stop clockwise on left front doors and counterclockwise on right front doors. Return the key to the vertical position to remove it from the lock. To unlock the front doors follow the same procedure except turn the key to the stop in the opposite direction to that used to lock the door.

3. To lock either rear door of sedans, simply move the inside door handle upward, whether the door is open or closed. The door will remain locked until the inside rear door handle is moved downward to the full open position.

_Hood Lock_ The hood lock safeguards your battery, carburetor, and other under-the-hood equipment against theft and tampering as long as the car doors are locked. The hood control (marked “H”) is located on the driver’s side of the car just below the lower end of the instrument panel. To unlock the hood, pull the control until the automatic hood lock is released. To raise the hood, release the safety latch as illustrated. As a safety measure, after raising the hood, remove the end of the hood prop from its bracket and place it in the hole provided on the underside of the hood at the front.

Care should always be taken in raising or lowering the hood. Never try to force the hood lock or safety latch. This might affect adjustments which would result in an improperly operating part.

Lower the hood firmly so that the automatic hood latch and the safety latch are fastened securely.

HOOD LOCK HOOD SAFETY LATCH PROP ROD HOOD LOCK PLATE HOOD LOCK CONTROL WIRE

_Light Control Switch_ A pull-and-turn type switch control is located on the driver’s side of the lower instrument board to operate the headlights, instrument lights, map light, tail lights, and parking lights.

_Parking and Tail Lights_ Pull light switch control to the first position for parking and tail lights.

HEAD AND TAIL LIGHTS PARK AND TAIL LIGHTS OFF POSITIONS OF LIGHT CONTROL MAP LIGHT

M L I PULL INSTRUMENT LIGHT

M L I PULL

_Headlights and Tail Lights_ Pull the light switch control as far out as possible (second position) to operate the headlights and tail lights.

_Headlight Beam Control Switch_ The foot-operated switch to the left of the clutch pedal operates the headlight beam. Pressing down on the switch will change the headlights from country to traffic beam, and vice versa as traffic conditions require. When the country beam is in use the red tell-tale light in the speedometer face will be lighted. Use the traffic beam when approaching oncoming traffic and in city driving.

_Instrument and Map Lights_ The instruments are lighted with non-glare _black light_. Turn the control clockwise for instrument lights.

In Deluxe and Regal models a map light can be lighted by turning the control counterclockwise. On these models, this light will also operate whenever either of the front doors is open.

_Dome Light_ The dome light in all models is operated by a switch just to the rear of the right front door. On Deluxe and Regal models, this light operates on 2-door bodies when either front door is open and on 4-door bodies when either rear door is open.

There is no dome light in convertible models.

_License Plate Light_ The light for the rear license plate is located in the center of the luggage compartment handle. The light operates whenever the headlights are turned on.

_Stop Lights_ They light whenever the brake pedal is depressed, making a distinct red light shine to warn following vehicles.

_Luggage Compartment Light_ This light goes on when tail lights are lighted and the luggage compartment lid is open. _The luggage compartment light is available at slight extra cost._

_Package Compartment_ To open the package compartment door after unlocking, turn the rotary knob to the right and open door. _An automatic package compartment light is available at extra cost._

_Ash Receiver_ To remove the tray for cleaning, push down on the retainer while pulling outward on the tray.

_Front Seat Adjustment_ The front seat is easily adjusted forward or backward. Move the control lever forward at the driver’s side of the seat (as shown in the illustration above). This unlocks the mechanism and permits the seat to be shifted to the desired position.

In addition to this quickly adjusted shift, there are three basic positions in which the seat can be bolted by your authorized Studebaker dealer to accommodate the leg length of the owner. From any of these basic positions, the front seat adjustment mechanism will give you the full adjustment range.

_Clutch Pedal_ The clutch pedal disengages the clutch when depressed, engages it when released. The clutch pedal, depressed to the floorboard, also operates the starter button located directly under the pedal.

_Steering Post Gearshift_ The steering post gearshift is operated in the conventional manner, and provides three forward speeds and one reverse speed.

_Luggage Compartment Lid and Lock_ The luggage compartment lid is controlled by a lock and handle contained in the rear emblem incorporating the license plate light and rear license plate bracket. The luggage compartment lock is operated with the same key which operates the package compartment lock.

1. UNLOCK WITH KEY (_Custom Models Only_) 2. TURN LOCK RING TO RELEASE UNLOCK WITH KEY PRESS UP ON RELEASE PAD

To close, lock and remove the key. Lower lid firmly to be sure it has latched. The tight rubber weatherseals have a spring action which will tend to hold lid in a slightly raised position unless it is firmly closed.

_Brake Controls_ Braking pressure is applied to all four wheels in proportion to the amount of foot pressure applied to the brake pedal.

The parking brake lever operates independently of the hydraulic brake system, applying brake pressure to the rear wheels only. To set the parking brake, _depress brake pedal and pull back on parking brake handle_. To release the parking brake, depress brake pedal, pull back slightly on the handle, press the release button with the thumb, and let the handle move forward.

_Windshield Wiper Control_ The windshield wiper control knob, located at the top center of the instrument board, must be turned clockwise to operate the wiper blades.

_Windshield Washer_ The Studebaker AC-2047 safety windshield washer is equipped with a control button mounted on the dash just above and to the left of the clutch pedal pad. To operate, exert a slight foot pressure on the button, which will eject water to right and left Windshields. An antifreeze and wetting agent is available from your dealer for injection into the water supply jar.

_Windshield Washers are available at extra cost._

_Seat Cushion Auxiliary Springs_ To vary the front or rear seat cushion resiliency for the driver or passengers, Select-O-Seat cushion springs are available as an accessory.

RUN-IN PERIOD

The First 1000 Miles (1609 km.)

It is desirable to limit driving speeds during the first 1000 miles (1609 km.) of operation in order that the closely fitted parts of the engine and chassis may have an opportunity to “wear in” smoothly.

For the _first 500 miles_ (_805 km._) it is recommended that you do not drive your car at speeds in excess of _50 miles (80,5 km.) per hour_. For the _second 500 miles_ (_805 km._) it is recommended that you do not drive your car at speeds in excess of _60 miles (96,6 km.) per hour_.

While it is always better to let your engine warm up at lower speeds, you should, by all means, follow such a practice during the first 1000 miles (1609 km.) of operation.

Further, it is well to avoid _continuous_ high speed driving during the first 1000 miles (1609 km.) even though the engine has been warmed up.

Engine Oil During Run-In

The use of special run-in oils is not necessary. Use only engine oils produced by reputable oil companies.

During the run-in period it is important to change the oil shortly after the engine is put into operation. Therefore, change oil _at least_ by the end of the first 1000 miles (1609 km.). After 1000 miles (1609 km.), change oil regularly. See page 32.

It is a good practice to have the oil level checked whenever gasoline is purchased. Keep oil at the Full mark. _Do not overfill._

The viscosity of the oil to be used depends entirely upon prevailing temperatures. See page 33.

LOCATION OF VEHICLE NUMBERS

Serial Number The serial number of your car is stamped on a plate attached to the left front door lock pillar post. Record it in the space provided. Engine Number The engine number is stamped on a machined pad at the upper left front of the cylinder block. Record it in the space provided. Body Number The body number is stamped on a plate attached to the dash under the hood. Record it in the space provided. Key Numbers _Ignition and front doors:_ This number is stamped on a metal tag furnished with the keys. Record it in the space provided. _Package Compartment and Luggage Compartment Doors:_ This number is stamped on the compartment key or on the lock housing. Record it in the space provided.

_Paint and Trim_ When ordering paint materials be sure that the serial and body numbers above as well as the paint color name printed on the sticker attached to the underside of the package compartment accompany your order.

When trim materials are needed, it is important that the serial and body numbers which you have recorded above be furnished.

OPERATING THE CAR

Starting The Engine

Before starting the engine be sure the gearshift lever is in neutral position. Depress the accelerator to the toeboard once only and then immediately release it. This permits the automatic choke to come into full operation. This operation is essential to easy starting. Turn the ignition key to the right. Then depress the clutch pedal to the toeboard to operate the starter.

If engine should not start after a few revolutions, completely depress accelerator and, holding it in this position, operate starter.

_Starting a Hot Engine_ It is easier to start a hot engine if the accelerator is held approximately halfway to the floorboard until the engine starts. Release the accelerator as soon as the engine starts.

_Warming Up the Engine_ A gasoline engine performs best when it reaches an operating temperature of approximately 170° F. (76,7° C.). This is the normal range indicated by the rectangular mark on the face of the heat indicator. In cold weather the engine temperature should be raised by allowing the engine to idle slowly before driving the car.

Do not drive the car until oil pressure registers on the gage. If it registers above 40 lbs. (2,8 kgs.), drive slowly until pressure returns to normal, or approximately 40 lbs. (2,8 kgs.).

After starting, the high idle system may cause the engine to “race”. If so, depress and immediately release the accelerator.

Push or Tow Starting

Should the battery fail to supply enough current to start the engine with the starter, place the transmission in conventional high gear and either push or tow the car until the engine starts. _OD control (on cars so equipped) must be in Out position._ Be sure ignition is On and parking brake released.

Shifting the Gears

To shift the gears in either the conventional or overdrive ratios with the steering post gearshift lever, follow this procedure:

TO SET CAR INTO MOTION

1. Start engine and with clutch pedal still depressed, place gearshift lever in low (first) gear position.

2. Release parking brake.

3. Release the clutch pedal gradually and at the same time slowly accelerate.

TO SHIFT FROM LOW TO SECOND GEAR

1. At approximately 10 miles (16 km.) per hour, release accelerator and depress clutch pedal.

2. Place gearshift lever in second (intermediate) gear position.

3. Release the clutch pedal gradually and at the same time slowly accelerate.

TO SHIFT INTO HIGH (THIRD) GEAR

1. At approximately 18 miles (29 km.) per hour, release accelerator and depress clutch pedal.

2. Shift lever into high (third) gear position.

3. Release the clutch pedal gradually and at the same time slowly accelerate. Without overdrive, this is the highest or cruising gear ratio.

TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE GEAR

1. _Bring the car to a complete stop._

2. Depress clutch pedal.

3. Place lever in reverse gear position.

4. Release the clutch pedal gradually and at the same time slowly accelerate.

_Shifting Tips_ To avoid excessive wear on the clutch, transmission, and drive mechanism, never try to jump gears (that is, do not shift from low to high, or start out in second and avoid using low) and never shift from any gear—even the neutral position—into reverse until the car’s motion is stopped. Also, never make a gear shift until the clutch pedal is depressed, disengaging the clutch. Make it a habit to pause for an instant in neutral as the gearshift lever passes from one gear ratio to another.

Transmission Overdrive

The automatic overdrive operates only when the control handle, next to the hood control handle and marked OD, is in its full forward position. It engages automatically when the accelerator is released momentarily at or above the overdrive cut-in speed of 30 to 35 miles (50 to 55 km.) per hour.

If, while in overdrive, it is desired to gain more power for passing cars in traffic or on grades, push the accelerator to the floorboard. This cuts out the overdrive and it will remain inoperative until the accelerator is again released. At that time the overdrive again engages automatically.

The overdrive control can be pulled out, thereby locking the transmission in the conventional position. This should be done for descending steep, mountainous grades, _or when pushing or towing the car to start the engine_. The circumstances under which this change can be made safely are as follows:

1. To change the transmission from overdrive to the locked-in conventional position while the car is standing still, merely pull out the OD control.

2. To change the transmission from overdrive to the locked-in conventional position when driving below the overdrive cut-in speed of approximately 30-35 m.p.h. (50-55 km.) accelerate the engine and at the same time pull out the OD control.

3. To change the transmission from overdrive to the locked-in conventional position when driving in overdrive, completely depress the accelerator past the wide-open throttle position and as soon as the transmission is in conventional, pull out the OD control.

If the OD control is in the locked-in conventional position (pulled out) it can be placed in the overdrive position while the car is standing still. To make this change when the car is moving at any forward speed, accelerate slightly and push the control fully forward.

_Overdrive is available at extra cost._

Automatic Hill Holder