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Do I need to use a fuel additive in a 53' Clipper? Just wondering because when it was built i think the gas was all leadded fuel.

You really dont, as these are not high revving motors.

One additive that might be helpful is Sta-Bil if the car is going to have extended periods between fillups.

Thanks guys

The real high octane leaded fuel was just coming in when your car was built. It does not need any lead additive, it will run fine on today's regular 87 octane.

The Stabilizer additive is a good idea when storing the car. For driving, an upper cylinder lube like Marvel Mystery Oil, Redex or Bardahl can't hurt. I know we have had a number of reports of sticking valves especially on cars that are seldom or never driven. Some 2 stroke oil in the gas would do the same thing.

Another thing to keep in mind is that today's gas is more prone to vapor lock in really hot driving conditions. Some drivers add 5% or 10% diesel to their gas in hot weather to prevent the vapor lock. It is not necessary to do this unless you experience vapor lock, stalling or hard starting in real hot weather.

I was wondering the same thing - the former owner of my 48 told me to add a can of lead to the tank because the old gas was leaded - newer gas is unleaded - is this true ?

While it is true that today's gas does not contain lead, the lack of it will not affect your motor under normal operation.

Quote:
It would have to be a small can made of lead to fit through the gas filler neck

I wonder if adding a lead additive helps with vapor lock like adding diesel does? I'm no chemist so I am wondering out loud.

It's not just lead, it's Tetraethyllead. An organolead compound with the formula (CH3CH2)4Pb.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetraethyllead

It was originally added to boost the octane of gas. It was later found that exhaust valves would burn up quickly without it. This was overcome in later years by the use of hardened valve seats.

Putting a small amount of lubricant in your gas will effectively lengthen the life of your valves. A quart of diesel fuel for 20 gallons will do the job and not change the way the motor runs otherwise.

read the label on any bottle of lead substitute, study the chemical names. It's diesel fuel that has been repackaged and is way over priced.