Newbie with a few questions

[mdh157]

Looked at the Daytona today. Deciding if i am going to go for it, if i decide to pass I will forward the info on to you guys so anyone who is interested can contact him.

[mdh157]

I like the Tempest with the OHC 6!

Yes, so did I but the owner wanted more than my budget could afford at the time. The Fairlane I own now and the Grand Prix, a factory 3 speed manual, was sold to someone in California. What a joy it was to drive that car, should have never sold it but did not have the space at the time. The 300 convertible went to Sweden and the Ambassador convertible is now in the Carolinas somewhere.

[Studerick64]

I like the Tempest with the OHC 6!

[mdh157]

That is quite an interesting find you have there. Perhaps you'd let me know how to contact the seller if you decide not to purchase it?

Will do..........although it does seem a bit pricey for the condition, I have yet to look at it. I may take a ride this weekend if the sched opens up and the owner is available to show it. If I do I will be sure to take lots of pics. Any special things I should be looking for, like common rust areas, etc? Any way to tell if the trans is original?

He also has a 59 Lark 2 door wagon and it appears a Champ (1960 or so) and a early 60's lark sedan - if anyone is interested I can get pics of them as well and fin out if any are for sale.

[drrotor]

That is quite an interesting find you have there. Perhaps you'd let me know how to contact the seller if you decide not to purchase it?

[mdh157]

pics:

http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad17/mdh157/st2.jpg

http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad17/mdh157/st3.jpg

http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad17/mdh157/st1.jpg

[greyben]

T10 ratios: 2.54, 1.89, 1.51, 1:1. It is fully synchronized. The convertible weighs about 250# more than sedans, not a huge dead weight. Unless special ordered the rear axle was most likely 3.31. The 259 is a lively engine. The 289 produces an advertised HP about 15% greater than the 259. 259 4 speed combos were relatively rare. If your primary concern is acceleration off the line and you do little highway driving the 3.73 is a good choice. It's going to be wound up pretty high at 70 on the freeway. The 3.31 ratio is a reasonable choice for highway cruising. Don't worry the 259 will pull the car adequately at least up to a 100 or so. "64 ragtops are relatively rare and would make a great restoration/driver.

[PackardV8]

and of course it is Synchronized in 2, 3 and 4, no need on 1st. Gear or Reverse. . . . . Most '64's have the 3.54 Ratio Low gear,

Rich was just fat-fingering this one, as of course, he knows all four gears of the T10 are synchronized and the first gear ratio is 2.54.

jack vines

[jackb]

The 259(V-prefix) in a ragtop runs better all around with 3.73 gearing.... unless on mostly "flat" terrain. You can fudge around with RPMS in a standard tranny with the 3.31 or better, but you will lack performance. The 289 (P-prefix) likes a 3.31 and will scream nicely with a 3.73 and standard tranny..get back to us with your spec car...

[junior]

T-10's no synchro first gear? See learn something new everyday. I assumed all forward gears would be synchronized. cheers, Junior

[studegary]

I like the 62-66 cars the best but I also have a soft spot for the late 40's Commanders, particularly because I fell in love with the one Edmund O'Brien was driving in DOA. A '47, I think? Would not mind having a hardtop 4 speed either from 62-66. Need something big enough to take the kids in and enough fun for me to want to drive it and forget my problems!

You can get a standard transmission that is column shifted (with or without overdrive). You will be greatly limited on selection/years if you just want four speed (floor shifter). Also, there were no hardtops in 1965-1966 model years.

[mdh157]

I like the 62-66 cars the best but I also have a soft spot for the late 40's Commanders, particularly because I fell in love with the one Edmund O'Brien was driving in DOA. A '47, I think? Would not mind having a hardtop 4 speed either from 62-66. Need something big enough to take the kids in and enough fun for me to want to drive it and forget my problems!

[studeclunker]

thank oyu guys....for the record, I am not a studebaker owner yet but I am starting to look for one. I want a 4 speed, like sticks as they provide (IMO) a more engaging drive. There is a 64 daytona rag, 259 4 speed that I know of for sale, do not have any good pics so no idea what the real condition is.

Well you are considering another marque than you are familiar with, then going in somewhat informed is a good idea. Here's a little more info for you: most Studee people don't much care about matching numbers as long as the engine under the hood is Studebaker. Hybrid cars are harder to sell than OEM powered cars. If you are keeping an eye on resale, keep it all Studebaker and you will do better. Either that or do a really good quality job. I really don't understand the philosophy that anything except Studebaker is more reliable because it's a false notion. Parts are plentiful and easy to come by for the most part. There are a few odd-bodkins, like some tail lights and trim pieces that were specific to particular years, and it is much easier to get parts for the Lark-types than the older cars. If you seek the help of a pro. Mechanic, make sure he knows Studebakers or RUN from him! Studebakers do not fit the paradigm of most mechanics. Hence, be careful of whom you ask for help.

Best of luck. Have you decided on a range of years you like best? There are any number of pictures posted in this forum. In fact, I do believe we even have a sub-forum for nothing but pictures of Studebakers.

[mdh157]

well if they are heavy how is the pick-up? I don't want a boat anchor either.

[StudeRich]

If I were ordering a 259, 4 speed in a CONVERTIBLE, I would definitely order the 3.54 Ratio rear or MAYBE 3.31, and the Buyer, Dealer or Factory may very well have done that, as these are VERY heavy Cars!