Vibration Dampers

[bondobilly]

I have been looking for a set of vibration dampers for my 47 Commader Convertible. They consist of a bracket, a mini leaf spring and lead weights. What were they actually used for. I was told by someone that they were not really needed and others say they were.

Thanks

[studegary]

I believe that they were needed as harmonic balancers. I have followed a Studebaker convertible where the weights were removed and the car shook all over. I believe that the weights, at least the later ones, were cast iron and not "lead."

Gary L.
Wappinger, NY

1959 DeLuxe pickup (restomod)

[studegary]

I believe that they were needed as harmonic balancers. I have followed a Studebaker convertible where the weights were removed and the car shook all over. I believe that the weights, at least the later ones, were cast iron and not "lead."

Gary L.
Wappinger, NY

1959 DeLuxe pickup (restomod)

[A1956GoldenHawk]

quote:Originally posted by bondobilly

I have been looking for a set of vibration dampers for my 47 Commader Convertible. They consist of a bracket, a mini leaf spring and lead weights. What were they actually used for. I was told by someone that they were not really needed and others say they were.

Thanks

Just a wild guess ...maybe they were used on Studebaker convertible models to enhance vehicle control by placing additional weight over the steering system. That may have been an earlier version of the weights Studebaker engineers added to the Lark Convertibles shortly after the Mayor of South Bend lost control of one and it rolled over killing him.

<h4>Last Man Standing in Studebaker Indiana</h4>

[A1956GoldenHawk]

quote:Originally posted by bondobilly

I have been looking for a set of vibration dampers for my 47 Commader Convertible. They consist of a bracket, a mini leaf spring and lead weights. What were they actually used for. I was told by someone that they were not really needed and others say they were.

Thanks

Just a wild guess ...maybe they were used on Studebaker convertible models to enhance vehicle control by placing additional weight over the steering system. That may have been an earlier version of the weights Studebaker engineers added to the Lark Convertibles shortly after the Mayor of South Bend lost control of one and it rolled over killing him.

<h4>Last Man Standing in Studebaker Indiana</h4>

[bondobilly]

quote:Originally posted by studegary

I believe that they were needed as harmonic balancers. I have followed a Studebaker convertible where the weights were removed and the car shook all over.

Whould it help if I sub framed it. My neighbor has been trying for years to get me to put a Chevy front end up front, and he can do it for me. I think the Chevy front end would change everything. Make it more drivable.

[bondobilly]

quote:Originally posted by studegary

I believe that they were needed as harmonic balancers. I have followed a Studebaker convertible where the weights were removed and the car shook all over.

Whould it help if I sub framed it. My neighbor has been trying for years to get me to put a Chevy front end up front, and he can do it for me. I think the Chevy front end would change everything. Make it more drivable.

[41 Frank]

The weights were used on the Lark convertibles to eliminate or reduce what is referred to as cowl shake. My 63 convert had them removed and when I reinstalled them I could really tell the difference especially at hightway speed.I surmise the earlier cars had the same problem as structural rigidity left a little to be desired in converts. Whether a GM front stub would cure this I really don't know. The weights were also used in Lark station wagons.

Frank van Doorn
1962 GT Hawk 4 speed
1963 Daytona Conv
1941 Champion R-2 Rod

[41 Frank]

The weights were used on the Lark convertibles to eliminate or reduce what is referred to as cowl shake. My 63 convert had them removed and when I reinstalled them I could really tell the difference especially at hightway speed.I surmise the earlier cars had the same problem as structural rigidity left a little to be desired in converts. Whether a GM front stub would cure this I really don't know. The weights were also used in Lark station wagons.

Frank van Doorn
1962 GT Hawk 4 speed
1963 Daytona Conv
1941 Champion R-2 Rod

[studegary]

I do not believe that going to a subframe would help with this problem. I have owned Studebakers with GM subframes. They are nice to drive and are good riding. They are also an easy way to get power steering and disc brakes. The sub frame will not help you with the problem of convertible body rigidity.

Not all Lark wagons had the harmonic balance weights. They were only used on Wagonaires with an opening roof. The rear section of the roof not being cross braced made them almost like a convertible.

Gary L.
Wappinger, NY

1959 DeLuxe pickup (restomod)

[studegary]

I do not believe that going to a subframe would help with this problem. I have owned Studebakers with GM subframes. They are nice to drive and are good riding. They are also an easy way to get power steering and disc brakes. The sub frame will not help you with the problem of convertible body rigidity.

Not all Lark wagons had the harmonic balance weights. They were only used on Wagonaires with an opening roof. The rear section of the roof not being cross braced made them almost like a convertible.

Gary L.
Wappinger, NY

1959 DeLuxe pickup (restomod)