1946 Skyway Coupe Restoration - this is my first Studebaker off the frame resto

[rmoore]

I need solid floorpans for both front (near the kickboards L&R), backseat area and trunk near the bumper. Also, a possible parts car that would provide the extras, like a deck lid handle. This car has a 1960 Lark 6 cyl. engine - does anyone know of a rebuild-able '46 6 cyl. motor? Any suggestions as to whereabouts? Thanks

[nvonada]

Champion, Commander, or President? I am assuming that with a Lark 6 it is a Champion. Do you have a true coupe or a coupe sedan? Many trim and body parts are different between the two. I have a somewhat ptted trunk handle for a '41 but I think the '46 is different. Very rough 39-46 Champions show up on e-Bay all the time but most are rusted in the same areas as yours. Good for other parts though! As far as I know nobody is making sheet metal for these so you probably get to fabricate the parts yourself.

Nathan

[ddub]

If memory serves, all 46 production were Champions.

[Retired]

dON IS CORREECT AL '46S WERE cHAMPIONS ALL TRIMED OUT AS sKYWAY MODELS. cOUPE, 2 AND 4 DOOR SEDANS. wARMED OVER '42'S. tHO THEY DID NOT MAKE A 42 sKYWAY cHAMPION. tHE MOTOR WAS IN PRODUCTION FOR THE WEASEL SO IT WAS AVAILABLE. DID YOU KNOW THAT sTUDEBAKER DEALERS COULD GET AND SELL '42 MODEL CARS IN 47-48?

[rockne10]

Wouldn't the '46 Champion 170 and the '60 Lark 170 be the same engine? Would there be an advantage to installing an identical engine, unless it were number matching?

[rmoore]

Yes, it is a Champion coupe, but I'm not sure what the dif is,explain? I would call it a business coupe..it has a back seat but cab is short. The motor has some exterior differences, for instance, the way I understand, the oil filler tube is behind the distr on the '46 and in front of the distr on the Lark. The interior motor has main bearing journal-size differences...the larger being on the Lark, which isn't an issue. The '46 motor had Babbit rod bearings and the Lark has insert type-far better I say. Thanks for the responses guys..my first tim is successful...I will be looking on Ebay for possible parts car.

[nvonada]

I guess I never realized only Champions were built in 46. That explains my service manual saying "and 5G Skyway Champion" on it. It sounds like a coupe. The sedan coupe or club sedan used a sedan-style trunk and a longer passenger compartment to provide actual rear seat leg room. The coupe is a little tight back there. Click here for a picture.

I would not let the babbit rods scare you. If they are good they work fine. If not you can retrofit new insert-style rods for less than re-babitting would cost. Champion engines are not much for power but they are rugged, reliable, and easy to work on. If you find a donor engine it should be rebuildable. Unless you want a show car most people will never notice the differences.

If you don't have them get the parts books and service manual. They are a huge help. And please post some picutres!