Projects "Saving" a Studebaker

Thanks, Ha-ha... me too! I go pick it up Monday.

 

I went & picked up the Lark yesterday... My 1st order of business was to shovel out a half ton of rat crap. Ugh! I think it sits about 2 inches higher now!

 

It's amazing what a soapy bath will do. It still looks kinda funky, but at least it's not grungy. The paint (what's left of it) came out about 4 shades darker.
I removed the seats and power-washed the cabin area along with the undercarriage, engine compartment and trunk.
The front tires were fried so I got a couple new ones. I hooked a tow strap to the Transtar and moved the Lark to the shop garage. The fellow I got the car from said it's the 1st time in 40+ years the car's been under cover.

 

Love the Lark. I haven't seen a 2 door down here in decades. Still holdong out hope 1 will cross my path that is rebuildable. Would love to have an old pickup too. Transtars are the bomb.

 

On my girls '60 wagon an 8" from a '67 mustang was just 3/4" wider. I just had to relocate the pads and lengthen the drive shaft.

Very cool sleeper.

 

This one has a Dana 44 geared @ 4.56 posi. I also have another complete rear end with 3.31 posi gears.
Not the strongest rear end out there, but I don't plan on racing... should be fine.

 

First of all, I can relate to most of what you have said about saving old cars like this and even the "listening to them"
Looking forward to seeing the progress to getting it back on the road!

 

I truly appreciate any and all of you who choose to follow along! As I said earlier, this is going to be a "slow & steady" project, so please be patient. This isn't going to be a fancy affair, there are tons of projects that will be more interesting and have higher skill levels and budgets than this one. But it should be fun.
Obviously the first thing(s) to do is take it apart so it can be put together... see what works as found and decide what can be used, repaired, replaced, ext. After that I'll have a better feel for the actual direction I want to go with it.

 

Here's a quick photo-sketch of a '60 Lark mild custom. Lowered, tail fins from a '57Stude.

 

Thanks Dave... interesting. Before I actually took possession of it, I was originally inspired to set this car up in an early 60's drag car style... like with a straight axle, gasser or altered sort of theme. Now I'm not so sure.
I have an engine nearly ready and will kind of build the car around it. Right now I'm leaning toward a "sleeper"... but we'll see.

 

Cool project

 

Found this on another thread with a 30 second google search. I think its Jungle Jims car, a good look regardless

 

Oh by the way, dis-regard the wheels on the green one... those are "No thank you" items!

 

Hey, Jack;
The Dana44 Stude used were not exactly "lightweight" throwaways made from some unknown 'spooge' material. They were actually fairly tough. Did have tapered axles, & now you can get EZ exact replacement in flanged hi-po type/quality. Stude didn't use a "chev-clutch-type-posi" but I think you're going to really like the Twin-Traction diff. Sends power to the wheel w/the most traction. Eventually the Packard-design got sold to other companies, iirc, Chrysler, Cadillac, & more eventually used the design. Was a neat little trick that used 'V'-ramps & a cross-shaft to divert power to the side that had the best traction.
Marcus...

 

Ha! I already did a side view and replaced them with Hurst mags and redline tires. I extended the side chrome and filled the cove with some color for a more premium look. And I reversed the angle of the side pillars. Funny thing about these Larks, at standard height they look stubby, but drop them down and the proportions really improve.

 

The Barrett Jackson blue one and the white one with black steel rear wheels are definitely my favs.
It’s looking better already. Enjoying the thread.

 

If you're on a budget, which, who the hell isn't, keep it simple. Already too many gasser Larks and once you start getting crazy with the mods, may as well throw your wallet in the fireplace. Less is more. Good luck and have fun with it

 

How about this (created by one of the photoshop gurus here on the HAMB, sorry but I cannot remember which one).

 

or this... Same source.

 

I didn't know James bond drove a Studebaker

 

I guess through the years I used "posi" as a generic term... "Twin Traction" is what my 2 Danas are. My Uncle worked with the Granitelli's way back when and he said they used Dana 44s & 60s. You're right, I think they'll work just fine!

 

I think go low budget, just lower a few inches on stock suspension. Maybe upgrade front brakes. I agree the Dana 44 is basically pretty strong, just the two-piece axles are the weak link. Have to decide if new axles is cost effective or just find a 8.8 out of Explorer or similar. Same 5x4.5 bolt pattern as the Studebaker does. The car cleaned up nice. I like the street sleeper style, leave the paint as-is to save money. Put those savings into the engine, trans and rearend. I think it's neat to see some less common cars at local cruise or shows.

 

I was afraid the pics you are referring to would get 86'd because of the wheels... and they did. I was focusing on the clean look and stance, but I get it. I'll re-post the white and blue ones. (Torque Thrust Ds are legal here right?)

 

Gotta love an oddball!
I recently picked up a 62 Champ truck, 259 4brl, 5spd manual, long wide bed truck. I've managed to get it up and running with a new ignition switch and a new master cylinder. So far I've been around the block a few times and it feels solid. It's time for a major clean-up and assessment. I'll probably keep it mostly stock and use it like an old pick-up.

I can't wait to follow along and see where this goes and how your little Lark turns out
Bobby

 

That white one sure has a good overall look.

 

Hey I have a '59 hardtop in the yard. It needs a little body work anyway?

 

Dave;
I like the works done to the stude. Subtle, but I had to look twice. Liked it both times. . I like that kinda works/effect(s).
Marcus...

 

Good looking car, appears solid.

The rear quarter window has always seemed odd to me - shape updated a few years later.
No need to make changes - get it up and running.

 

Subscribed. They are cool unusual cars. Someone by me has a '54 coupe. I see a '58 wagon around too and someone has a newer Hawk with the V8 and factory 4-speed.