GE Dictator 1928

Carine, Thanks! Can't wait to get her back on the road. Right now in process of taking her apart to inspect things. So far front end, brakes, rear end, lower engine, etc. all look real good. We are finishing up the gas tank and gas line and should be able to try starting soon, but time lacks as always. CVarbeurator is being changed out to a Carter BB1 updraft as the original Stromberg fell apart on me and I can't afford the new Aussie castings for making a reproduction UX-2. The dictator registry is just something I have not had the time to do, though I would love to follow through and do it, same as starting an East Coast Chapter of the Antique Studebaker Club. Hope all is well with you and would love to see how your Dictator is coming! Best, Keith

Thank you Frank! That's what Ive done now, so hopefully that will work! Keith

Gentlemen: I am looking for a Dole thermostat for my '28 Studebaker Dictator 6. I am told that the the thermostat should begin to open at approximately 150 F. The Studebaker part number for the thermostat is 125772 and came into use in 1927. I have attached a pic of the water outlet. I need a Dole flapper style thermostat with a flanget that is a smigen over 2", a neck diameter of 1 and 350/1000" and a lip of 1 and 440/1000". Anyone know of this available? I have tried the Studebaker board, but figured I would branch out to the club to see if others may have more information. I appreciate, as always, the knowledge and expertise of all of you out there! Keith Gramlich

OK, Here's what I am looking for in the way of a Thermostat. I need a Dole flapper style thermostat with a flanget that is a smigen over 2", a neck diameter of 1 and 350/1000" and a lip of 1 and 440/1000". Anyone know of this available? Thanks! Keith

Scott, Thank you for posting those pictures. I will need to see now if this is the same pump housing that I have. Thanks!! Keith

Is there an additive that can make current "gasolines" non-ethynol? Keith

Ahhhh got it. thanks for confirming. I did confuse the term Royal. There were so many differences, i guess its just best to accept 'em and drive 'em instead of trying to figure 'em out! Thank you! Keith

Mike, Everything is looking like we just pretty much need to wake mine up at this point. Everything is in pretty good shape. We took up some lash in the rear end, cleaned out the gas tank, looked over the engine which appears to be nice and tight. Front end and brakes all appear to be good. We are awaiting the carb to come back from the rebuilder to find out if it is OK to use (orig. Stromberg UX-2), and if not that will be a setback till we get a replacement. I have pics on my profile page is you want to see the car apart. Also looking for a King Seeley gas gauge face plate and cover glass for the car, or an original gauge, as mine is missing. Would love to see pics of yours Best, Keith

Mike, Was wondering how you are coming with your project? Keith

I wasn't aware of that. Interesting that the bigger cars got the updates first. That explains a lot. Thank you all! Keith

Yes, it is confusing. There was an article in the "Review" that explained the three series as well. Even that is not totally applicable here as the club sedan was introduced mid year, and my car has the third series engine and instrument panel, but has the torpedo cowl lights and radiator shell of the 1st series. Studebaker did constant changes through their production runs, so you could end up with almost anything. Keith

Thank you for pointing that out! Thanks Terry! That helps alot. I never knew thermostats in cars would go back that far. We will give it a test and see. Keith

Thanks Terry! I will try that. Keith

I found them at Restoration Supply Company

Thanks Terry. I've seen these guys before. I was sort of hoping I could do this for less than $400, but it looks like when I'm done with getting a face, I'll be pushing the $500 mark without the sending unit. We'll see how we make out. Unfortunately a mechanic many years ago took the original out of the car in the name of rebuilding it, and ended up doing a 5 finger discount for himself. Thanks again for your reply. Keith

Any idea what we do if it is malfunctioning? Does someone make replacements?

I am attaching several pictures of my '28. Does anyone have, or know who might have: A passenger door outside door handle with key lock similar to the driver handle shown? Interior Window Cranks as shown? King Seely Gas Gauge for the depicted dash Board? A photo of what the proper ignition pawl should look like? Headlight Bezels? Thanks! Keith

Amongst the things I'm finding in myh Dictator, i found a thermostat. Would anyone on the list happen to know if this is proper, or some aftermarket item added later on? Thanks! Keith

Just remember, if the starter is on 12v then the rest of the car probably is too... Generator, Coil, Lightbulbs... Keith

Thank you. I just read it and am guided accordingly. I appreciate your advising of this thread. Keith

I just called this Harris Connect firm that is taking info for the directory. They wanted my credit card info and all in order to reserve the directory. I don't know who this firm is, and they advised that if I did not reserve the directory with them for two payments of $49.95 each, I would not be able to purchase one in the future, which all sounds really fishy to me. Can someone from the executive board advise what this is all about? Thanks, Keith

Thanks Virgil! I sent him an email to inquire. Keith

Does anyone have a reproduced ignition switch pall (lever that flips the ignition on or off at the sterring wheel post) I could purchase? Thanks! Keith

Mark, I am amazed at how things carried over from year to year and we discussed this in a previous thread how there were many mid year production changes. My 1st Series GE Club Sedan has the same exact engine as this 29, which is an amazing restoration. That is a case where generally cars like that are eaten up by the "rat rodders" of the world, and thankfully, your friens has chosen to bring her back to her real beauty. A remarkable and beautiful job!! Please compliment your friend for me! Those pictures of the engine really help me with mine as I am in the middle of working on mine to get it on the road again. Keith

Roberts Auto Parts has a universal replacement that may be able to be used. It is their part number T45. You can go to their website at Roberts Motor Parts - ONLINE CATALOG I just got two for my '28 GE. These are similar to the old Purolater 1/2 Keith