Another Studebaker makes it back onto the road.

[wheels777]

Our 59 Lark was driven 30 miles already today. The Lark has been off the road since 1976. After our road test, we have 4 items on the to-do list. Still on target to get "RJ" to the York Swap Meet.

[r1lark]

Great news wheels777!! But..........we do need some pictures.

[Commander Eddie]

Score another one for the Studebaker "Drivers" Club!

[345 DeSoto]

Did the engine not run since 1976?

[wheels777]

Great news wheels777!! But..........we do need some pictures.

The bumpers are now on...

[wheels777]

Did the engine not run since 1976?

The flathead 6 went Bye-bye....we are more of the Thunderbolt persuasion.

[nebraska stude]

Both my Larks have been off the road sinc 76, so I guess there is still hope. Congrats on all that work.

[wheels777]

One turn of the left tie rod.
Clean the needle and seat.
One flat on the wheel hub nut.
1/2 turn on the steering box.
2 turns of the brake adjuster on the left side.

100 miles down.....AND LOVING IT!!!!

[T.J lavallee]

Yea! Another Studebaker Lark hits the highway. I love it and it's the same year of production as my Lark Regal Hardtop. Congratulations!

[Jessie J.]

Love 'em. Have always regretted letting that Blaze Red one get away.

[billslark]

The flathead 6 went Bye-bye....we are more of the Thunderbolt persuasion.

Ford FE 427 Sideoiler?



Bill

[wheels777]

Ford FE 427 Sideoiler?



Bill

While I would love that....I can't imagine that would fit. Thunderbolt is the name Studebaker used on the SBC that was used in the last few years of production. I bought a set of 65-66 frame mounts and parts store engine mounts. The engine was a raffle drawing that we won. The bell housing is a 57 Chevy unit that uses a set of modified mounts on top of the factory cross member. The trans is a cast off '66 Chevelle Saginaw will 2.54:1 first. Rear is a '63 Ford 9" with a 70's 2.50:1 gear set and 4 pinion Trac-Loc. Hooker headers, Edelbrock intake, Holley carb, Moroso air cleaner, Hurst Competition Plus, Lakewood traction bars, and chrome reverse rims. It all stuff that was previously owned, except the plugs, belt, oil, filter, light bulbs, choke cable, wipers and a few other item like that. We have $1,150 in the project.

[wdills]

$1150 and you have a running, driving car. That is awesome.

[r1lark]

That is great wheels - I love to see old cars kept on the road, especially in a low buck method!

[BILT4ME]

Wow! $1100 in that with all that?!?!?!?!

I have more than that in the stock 59 Lark VIII 2DHTP that I've owned for 35 years! And that is just to get it back on the road after a 31 year slumber!
Tires (5)
Fuel Pump
Fuel line hoses
Rebuilt rear Dana 44
Rebuilt Driveshaft
Front Brake Shoes
(4) Wheel Cylinders
Master Cylinder
Water Pump
Thermostat
Upper and Lower Radiator hoses
Rebuilt Heater Core
New engine mouts
New transmission mounts
New wiper blades
Rebuilt Starter (no cost)
Rebuilt Heater Fan (No Cost)
Cap, rotor, plug wires, condenser, points (2)

Soon to be:
Engine re-seal kit (gaskets)
Rebuild Carburetor
Rebuild Radiator
Rebuild front suspension and steering
New front Springs
New rear springs
Rebuild fuel tank sending unit
Recover/rebuild front and rear seats
New Mufflers
SS exhaust System

I have been SHOCKED at what these parts cost these days. I used to buy an entire car with near-new tires for $25, pull the wheels and run them until they were bald, then buy another car!

I have over $2000 just in the first half of the list and that's with my son and I doing all the labor! I will EASILY have over $6K in this car before I ever even get started on any body work. Just the front suspension rebuild kit is $1200+ not including any springs or labor.

Please tell me if I'm doing something wrong and there is a better source, 'cause I haven't found it!