I just located a 58 President hardtop for free but I'm trying to figure out if it can be saved or if its just a parts car. It is complete but it was T boned on the passenger side door. I don't think the door can be saved and needs to be replaced. That is issue number one, is it a one year door or is it interchangeable with different years? If it is a one year door how hard would it be to find a replacement? Issue # 2 the roof is badly dented up. I know it can be fixed but it a lot of work especial if the car isn't worth saving. I needs a full restoration which I'm ok with I just don't know a whole lot about the 58s. Any information would be much appreciated.
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Well, that would be quite ambitious, but any Lark hardtop or convertible door 59-62 will fit. -
The glass, especially the rear, is going to be much harder to find a replacement for ($$$) than a door.
To restore this car will take many times as much money as it will be worth when finished.
There is not even much of value on this car that I can see.
I would say to walk away from it or take it to sell a few parts off and then scrap the rest. This is from someone that likes this body style and owned one for nine years.Gary L.
Wappinger, NY
SDC member since 1968
Studebaker enthusiast much longerComment
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That's good to know and i have a door then lol I didn't know they were interchangeable. I haven't gotten it because it isn't closed by but the free price tag caught my attention. I do like the 58 though but I'm on the fence if I really want to go get it because I have 3 other projects at the moment.Comment
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Are you sure about that? I do not have a parts book where I can make a comparison. SI does have new 1958 J body right doors available.Originally posted by Ross View PostGary L.
Wappinger, NY
SDC member since 1968
Studebaker enthusiast much longerComment
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SI's on-line catalog shows that they have right side doors but they do not. They only have the left sideComment
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Since it's free, the price is right, and if the title/registration can be had where you live, and storage is not a problem, I would grab it and begin to watch for the needed parts. You found one, didn't you. There's more out there somewhere.
It's a two-door hardtop and appears to have been purple and white when new. It sure would be nice to see it put back that way.thomComment
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I was looking at the Lark doors and I think it depends on the year 59-62 looks like the same door. I do know Studebaker did use some of the same molds from 58 to make the 59 lark so they might just be the same door. Like I said I haven't compared part numbers or actually tried it just going off photos from online.Originally posted by studegary View PostComment
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True I keep going back and forth on if I want it or not..... What I do know is it is going to the crusher at the end of the month if someone doesn't go get it which is killing me just knowing that.......Originally posted by thom View PostComment
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Well, if the glass is so hard to find, maybe modify a Lark Conv Top?Comment
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TAKE IT! For that price, the car owes you nothing. As soon as you let it go for scrap, parts will start showing up...trust me on that.Comment
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They are rare; especially a President. And I've seen cars in way worse shape than that one in the photos restored.
CraigComment
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Since it's free, take it if you can and decide later, even as a parts car it can help others, scrapped it helps nothing. Good luck.John Clements
Christchurch, New ZealandComment
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To pretend that it's for example an Impala from the same year & built loads of is rather stupid, even if it's quite a bit of work to get it going it'll be worth while in the end & I agree with 345 DeSoto, "been there, done that" as in letting a difficult project go & then all the possibilities in the world shows up...Comment
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Mrs K read my mind. This body should have had a convertible available from the start. The ultimate beachmobile!Originally posted by Mrs K Corbin View PostMike Davis
1964 Champ 8E7-122 "Stuey"Comment
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