1962 Daytona J8 (62S-16390)

[jetboat]

Coker tire sells a 1.4 and a 1.6 white wall , just put them on the avanti .

[62champ]

Just a quick question - it appears there are 5 white wheels on the car - will assume they are original. They all have a "w" written on them. The car came from the factory with whitewall tires - is that what that stands for? Thanks.

[StudeRich]

That would be the "Balanced" Mark.

[r1lark]

Patrick, my '62 GT has a similar notation on the spare -- "6W"

[62champ]

These whitewalls are wider than what was on the Daytona when it was new, but they were already mounted and ready to roll.

[64LarkLover]

A really sharp looking Daytona!

[Milaca]

Thanks for sharing your story Pat, it was a very enjoyable read. Great looking car.

[62champ]

Here are a few detail shots of some of the stickers on the car that indicate where it has been.

Right side vent window - in Oklahoma long enough to join AAA



Inside of the trunk lid, car is in San Antonio, Texas by the mid-1970s - anyone know of a JC Penney that still sells batteries? (or are there even any JC's still around?)



and the owner worked at Kelley AFB - someone said that is now just warehouses and industrial buildings in San Antonio.

[StudeRich]

The J.C. Penny Lifetime H.D. batteries were very good, strong Batteries that really lasted, they were one of or THE First with a sealed Top.
They sold the Contract for Lifetime replacements to Firestone Tires after they closed their Auto Service Centers and sold them to Penske.
So if you still have the Invoice, the same Car and are the original Owner they still replace them.
I bought TWO in about 1973, the "Treasury" Discount Store Division version of J.C.Penny and still getting New Group 24 Batteries made by Interstate from Firestone !

They did NOT make the Warranty Pro-Rated, or "Limited" ! But I am sure they would never guess a Car would last as long as a Studebaker and it's owner, 65 years!

[62champ]

Trunk of the car is missing the original cover for the spare tire. Floor mat is still there along with the jack base,bumper jack, and lug wrench.



Trunk floor indicates the car did not spend enough time outside for the trunk to get any amount of moisture in it.

[62champ]

Since the Champ and the Lark cannot occupy the same location, the truck is going to live at an old friend's house. Good photo opportunity with them sitting in the driveway together.

[62champ]

First oil change - needed it and unfortunately there are zero records (or any paperwork what so ever) about the history of the maintenance on the car.



Lower panel below the bumper is almost perfect - these did not survive very well for those who like to park "deep".



Factory markings on bumper bar?

[62champ]

Good friend from Pennsylvania supplied some much needed parts a week before he went under the knife for shoulder surgery - thanks Rob!

Got some stuff I was not prepared for, including this key protector from his Uncle's Studebaker dealership. Going to put it to good use. Now, just need to find key blanks for the glove box/trunk.

[ChampCouple]

Thanks for sharing the stories and photos, all so enjoyable to read.
And congratulations on the car.

[8E45E]

Since the Champ and the Lark cannot occupy the same location, the truck is going to live at an old friend's house. Good photo opportunity with them sitting in the driveway together.

The 'YOM' plates on both vehicles add that finishing touch. I like that the Champ has a proper 'truck' plate, which is less common and more difficult to find in good condition.

Craig

[62champ]

The 'YOM' plates on both vehicles add that finishing touch. I like that the Champ has a proper 'truck' plate, which is less common and more difficult to find in good condition.

Craig

I really enjoy the "farm" plates- always gets attention at shows and the like.



For an earlier project, I also have the option of retiring the "farm" plates for a conventional "truck" plate for 1962 as well. However, it was a farm truck from 1965 to the late 80s, so it will probably stay.

[mbstude]

Patrick, you’ve got a couple of nice Studes. That Daytona has obviously lived an easy life.

Agree on the YOM plates, they are a nice touch. I typically try and find an appropriate plate for the county I live in to go on whatever Stude I have at the moment. One nice thing about Florida is that YOM plates can be registered to the car if the number isn’t in use.

[62champ]

One nice thing about Florida is that YOM plates can be registered to the car if the number isn’t in use.

I think a lot of states have realized the appeal of allowing the use of original style plates- photo of my buddy Rob's '64 Daytona SRW with YOM plates.



Kentucky was pretty interesting on their policy - as long as you kept the antique license plate with the vehicle (did not have to be visible from the outside - could be in the trunk, under the seat, etc.) you could run any plate you wanted. Since KY is a county specific vehicle license plate state, it is just about impossible to find examples. However, a company in Germany remakes antique plates that are correct in font, color, size, etc. Buddy with a '38 Commander had plates made for Woodford County and he selected the numbers/letters he wanted - they looked great- and other than them not being "pressed", one would hardly know they were not original

Dave's Commander, my '60 Lark, and a VW owner who like simple colors at a cars and coffee in Lexington, Ky - 2017 (note the 1960 Texas LP on my Lark - that was fine with the guy at the DMV . . . )