i have a 59 studerbaker lark 2-dr wagon want to put a v-8 in it or a frame swap so i can get power steering and dis brakes, does anyone know of an easier way...help... thanks,
A V-8 is not a real problem. The power stuff is. Strange belcrank steering and no room for brake booster under floor.. A friend of mine put his Lark wagon on an S-10 ch***is. Not too bad as a swap.
We had a '37 Chevy someone put on a Lark frame to upgrade it. The Stude frame is more or less the same from '48-'66. I think the front suspension will unbolt, which makes it a good candidate for a Jaguar XJ6 IFS swap. They did come factory with a V8, for what it's worth.
Why not put a mustang 2 under it. I have yet to see a s-10 swap under anything that didnt look like ****. I drive a s-10 almost daily, great truck love it. If you swap the frame everything will have to be modified,a m2 crossmember would be alot more simple. Just my 2cents
1951-66 Stude car frames are quite similar; the 1947-50 have a much different front suspension. Front cradle does not unbolt; it's welded in.
kar - I have a 59 Lark...unless you're a real light-weight...they don't really need power steering. E****ially if you're putting a Chevy in it. The Chevy engine is lighter than the Stude V-8. Mine had it...but because a pressure line split, and it was a pain to replace...I just removed it all...! There's a coupla locations for disc brakes. http://hotrodsandbrakes.com/Studebaker_Brake_Kits.html http://www.turnerbrake.com/ The Hot Rods and Brakes kit isn't pretty...but it's effective and moderatly light and a fair price. I have a simillar set on my 59 Lark. The Turner kit is more expensive, and HEAVY. I also have a 54 Conestoga wagon. I built my own disc set for it. Four wheel, Wilwood disc, "no" power booster. Two toes are all that needed to stop it. With the right caliper piston size and master cylinder size...boosters aren't really nesessary. On the Chevy engine, since Stude used Chevy engines in 65 and 66, Chevy motor mounts are around...just gotta look. Not knowing what engine was in it, you may need mounts for a Stude V-8 if a I-6 was/is in it. Here's some of my Stude stuff...though the 59's not pictured..! http://public.fotki.com/-Mike-/ Have fun... Mike
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