Convertibles that never were. (55) 56-58?

[Jim B PEI]

I have long admired the pictures of 53-4 convertible prototype and the re-creation of it, based on the C/K line. Who hasn't? However, looking at the lovely lines of a few 58 Starlight pictures yesterday got me to thinking: has anyone ever created a 56-57-58 convertible using a 60-61 Lark centre section, retrofitted with the dash and interiors of the mid-50s? Since I only have 57 4 door sedans, and a 63 wagon and 64 sedan, I don't know if it would work although the centre section of my 57 4 doors looks identical to a 59-61 4 door to me. Although the C/K/Hawks were the halo cars, I sort of think that a sedan-body based convertible would look pretty nice too. I guess the 55s would either belong to the 53-54 or the 56-58 group based on the windshield. Anyone know the answer/have pictures?

Of course, someone good with morphing photos could also answer the call for impossible eye candy.

[fstst56]

I've always wanted to do just that...Mine would be a '56...I think if a person started out with a rusted out '60 convertible, a rusted out '58 hardtop and a solid '56 two-door sedan you'd have most of the parts needed.

[Jim B PEI]

Hmmm? If you used a 60-61 convertible for the centre, and used that 56 2 door for the front, rear and interior, why would the 58 Hardtop be required? I'm missing that...

[fstst56]

I think the windshield was different on '61s...I think you'd want a '58 hardtop for the center-section parts/trim that would be specific to a hardtop and almost if not the same as what a convertible would use...if not, then so much the simpler...personally, I like the design of the '56 the best...I think a good bodyman could do this conversion...looks pretty straighforward to me.

[Johnnywiffer]

OR---why not do what this guy did? (I know I've had this on before from the SB International.) There won't be any rust on the fender under THIS rear fin!



John

[mbstude]

This old thread should be a good read for you guys. I dream of this every time I see my Dad's '56 Champion two door.

http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/showthread.php?5090-56-convertible

[garyash]

Oh, you mean like these?

[rockne10]

OR---why not do what this guy did? (I know I've had this on before from the SB International.) There won't be any rust on the fender under THIS rear fin!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]5836[/ATTACH]

John

That's Shrock Brothers' "TommyHawk".

[JGK 940]

Photochops. Source material references available on request (smileyface with shades goes here).

[StudeDave57]

Photochops. Source material references available on request (smileyface with shades goes here).

WOW!!!! I'd like to order one of those '58s, please.
But put a '57 Clipper nose on it first, if you would...

[JGK 940]

WOW!!!! I'd like to order one of those '58s, please.
But put a '57 Clipper nose on it first, if you would...

Careful, son... looks like youʻre getting a little too excited, there...

[StudeDave57]

Careful, son... looks like youʻre getting a little too excited, there...

Sorry, but that '58 looked soooo goood in those colors!!!!
(if only it had a '57 Clipper nose to go with those fins... )



StudeDave '57

[JGK 940]

Sorry, but that '58 looked soooo goood in those colors!!!! (if only it had a '57 Clipper nose to go with those fins... )

Oh... NOW I get it. I like the '57 Clipper tail treatment so well I'd never even thought of that, and I'm just now (like within the past two weeks) learning to appreciate the fins on the '58s. Let me see what I can slice-n-dice...

[clonelark]

That 53 two door sedan looks sweet, the short wheelbase (116") helps the looks. Would look even better with the quarter panel filled in.

[scott.rodgers]

Yes! - '57 Clipper drop-top! I want one!