1959 Lark VI Restoration

[leonlandell]

Greetings from Europe!

I recently inherited a 1959 Studebaker Lark VI (59S-W6, 927) from my father, and I'm working on finalizing it to its former glory. There's been significant progress made from my father, but I have a question about the original floor carpets to continue.

I'm curious to know if there was a specific color for the floor carpets that was standard for this year, model, and color combination. The seats were already restored to brown leather, so I'm wondering if that influences the carpet color. Were there specific color options available originally, or was it up to the individual buyer to choose? Is this available for purchase in the Studebaker catalog?

Also, if you spot anything missing/wrong in the engine bay/interior please reach out! Is there anything else to add before carpet and seats?

Any information or insights you can provide would be greatly appreciated. I've attached some pictures for reference.

Thanks in advance!
Leon

[StudeRich]

Welcome to the SDC and to the SDC Forum Leon !
Good to have another Member from far away !

The Tahiti Coral Paint would have had the most often ordered Color Interior; Brown but the Seats were Pleated Vinyl or the Cloth Option..

There would be NO options for Carpet Color, Brown Interiors got Medium Brown Carpet with Jute brown under Padding.
I would recommend Truck Bed Liner Spray-On undercoat to prevent Rust.

The Engine Compartment looks very good. The Cars built for sale here would have had the Spin-on Type Oil Filter except Fleet Cars, I don't know if export cars all had that Canister Type or not, could be.

The only improvement I would make is probably too late now, the complete Engine Combo, Fan to Transmission tail was Aluminum Silver Enamel.

The Interior Pics did not show. Only the Engine and the outside of the Lark before Body Work.

Here is a '59 Lark VI with the Spin-On Fram PB50 Filter, other things are not correct like Colors, etc. though.

Here is what the Design of the Door Panels and Seats were on a 2 Door Hardtop, same design, different Door
:

[64LarkLover]

The engine bay looks factory fresh-congratulations!

[Studebakercenteroforegon]

Not to be nit-picky about your engine compartment - but since you asked… factory correct molded upper and lower radiator hoses are available to replace those universal style flex hoses. And, a correct battery hold down and “J” bolt are also available from established Studebaker parts suppliers.

[leonlandell]

Hey guys,
I have attached new pictures below as some were missing. I hope they show up now!

I am very thankful for your kind words and for taking the time to answer my questions. I will be looking into the things you said and keeping them in mind as I continue. I apologize for the late reply, as I rarely use my computer. I hope to be able to help others on this forum the way you have helped me, whether it be with parts, reference pictures for rebuilds, or sharing information.

I wish you all a great day!
Leon

[64LarkLover]

Looking very good. Thanks for sharing!

[StudeRich]

The Floor looks to be in way better condition than most, Very good actually.
I see that the Door Panels have been reupholstered in Darker Brown and White neither were used by the Factory.
But NEW is still much better than worn correct !

The W6 is the Top of the line "Regal" 4 Door interior and exterior Trim, very nice.

Here is the Regal CLOTH Door Panel in Green
The Grayish looking green part is Cloth and the bright Green is Vinyl in a cloth seat version Regal door panel.
:



An Original '59 Regal Dash, fully loaded with an aftermarket Radio and under dash Gauge.