My long introduction: I have Lurked here and there...decided to introduce myself to the H.A.M.B. Been wrenching on cars since I was a kid. I'm blessed (maybe cursed?) with a Dad who loves old cars more than I do, He got me into studes and has quite a few...takes a few hands to count how many he has. He calls it a hobby, some say it is an OCD or a future episode on A&E. I call it a parts store/private wrecking yard for me! I, on the other hand, have only one. I have a 1959 Studebaker Lark Regal Deluxe H/T V-8 3 spd overdrive car, black with a red interior. I got it during college right before Christmas break around 1994. When we picked it up in Central Texas it was sitting in a field. Tires were flat, the transmission was in the trunk. The last inspection date on the windshield was 1982. I brought it home and scavenged some parts, and did a 3 week thrash/ wrench fest. I put the ****** back in with a new clutch, swapped out the carb for a known "good one" from another stude. New brakes shoes and rebuilt the wheel cylinders. Cleaned the gas tank, replaced the fuel pump, put an inline fuel filter in, changed the oil, poured some marvel down the spark plug holes and let it sit a day or two. Basically a tune-up for the a car sitting for 15 + years. I dropped a battery in it and it cranked as soon as the gas hit the carb. No smoke and is to this day probably one of the smoothest running motors that I own. I got lucky! Got it tagged and inspected and took it on its maiden voyage of 200 miles to college. I think I ran it up over 110 mph on the way down on a long stretch! It was a cool ride and definitely the only one around in town at the time. Needless to say, I graduated, worked, moved, got married, had kids and the car got mothballed at my Dad's shop. Told the wife this week we are making room in the garage and I'm bringing it home. I hope to get it ready to drive down to the Lone Star Round Up this spring. Plans are to lower it a bit, put some 16" painted steel wheels on it with some beauty rings and somehow mate original stude baby moons (they attach kinda weird). I have a 3 deuce intake to swap on and some vintage finned aluminum valve covers, and a four speed...If I can talk Pops out of one of his, a saginaw four speed w/ overdrive mated to the back would be sweet for those road trips. All the while trying to keep it drive-able. I really enjoy the board and hope to learn a few new things.
Pop's has a '53 starliner commander he bought years ago (90's? I think). it's a hard top v-8 car. What's cool about it is that the PO put a new factory crate motor in it. It has no number stamp on it. The original numbers matching motor came with the car in the original wooden Studebaker stamped crate that the new motor was shipped in. I told him I wanted it to make a "shop" coffee table out it. I guess he could "make" the newer motor numbers matching. The two things I don't like about those cars is the window sealing deal on the hard tops. The spring gets weak in those and you end up tearing them up when you shut the door. You have to pay attention... the other is the dash is kinda ugly...the '57-61 dash is much better IMO. the '62-64 dash is kinda cool if you like more of a wrapped GT feel. The turned metal and SW gauges on the '57 is hard to beat. they both will fit. They definitely are iconic and sleek.
Always a fan of Studebakers and someone as into their cool rides as you seem to be. Welcome aboard the HAMB from Maryland and enjoy the ride.
Welcome to Hamb a friend of mine had a Lark just like your your dad's 53 sounds cool post some photo's of the Studebaker's
Stude's are very KOOL......................Excellent INTRO...........Welcome to the H.A.M.B. firstnomad www.angelfire.com/jazz/flatlandstudio
Welcome from another Stude nut. My first Studebaker was a '59 Lark Hardtop. I really liked the look of that car. It had late model Studebaker 289. I always wished it had a three speed w/overdrive instead of the automatic. Got rid of it to get a pickup and that led to the Champ pickup I have now along with the '65 Cruiser. It is being redone and will be rather unique for a 4 door.
Sweet Studebaker! I am a newbie also. I have been dreaming about a 'Studillac' since reading James bond stories in the 60's. Like you had to wait years - married, raising kids,working to keep the wolf off the front door. I finally got a great rodded Silver Hawk. she is not put together exactly like I want but runs well and looks great from 20 feet. I hope to lower it, add lake pipe, and do a custom interior. Welcome a board, keep us up on your progress.
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