64studeavanti

Here is a link to a discussion of different heads and gaskets. https://www.studebaker-info.org/Tech/Heads/Headcasting.html This web site, maintained by Bob Johnstone, is a great resource. Best gaskets used to supply a gasket that was about .040 compressed. For my R1 4spd, I had the block zero decked, bored .060 over with flat top pistons. This gives excellent quench. With an Isky ST5 cam installed, it runs very well on pump premium gas. Some did not care for the best gaskets. I do not believe they are available any longer.

Later Studes used the shim gasket. If you use the thick gasket on R1, the compression will drop about half a point to 9.75:1 instead of 10.25:1. This is good for today's gasoline. If you have the block decked and heads milled to ensure they are flat, the shim gasket will seal. Otherwise, use the composite.

The shop manual clearly states to use Sealer and bedding on the windshield and butyl tape and Sealer on the rear window.

While re-doing upholstery, I discovered that the driver armrest has deteriorated. Hopefully, someone has one to spare. Plan B is to make one out of fiberglass using the bad one as a mold.