question on Lark stance

[rickhmn]

I am working on a 62 lark and the back springs were very weak. When they were new what was the right "stance"? should the door sills be level as they came from the factory?

[Skip Lackie]

Yes.

Skip Lackie
Washington DC

[Mike Van Veghten]

Yes...level, about 3-1/2" from the ground.
Oh...sorry, that's my Hot-Rod Lark.

But as Skip says..yes the rockers should be level with the ground.

Mike

[hotrodstude]

are rear springs interchangable with any other make?ford,mopar or gm?

[jackb]

.....I notice my 63' Cruiser sits a bit high in the back with an empty tank. Seems to settle some with a full tank. I measured my level rockers right vs. left and find the driver's side lower.....Wheel, column, battery, PS, PB......fat driver (LOL)

[StudeRich]

quote:Originally posted by hotrodstude

are rear springs interchangable with any other make?ford,mopar or gm?

Detroit Eaton makes the correct springs for any Stude. but no, no other will work.

StudeRich

[jclary]

quote:Originally posted by StudeRich

quote:Originally posted by hotrodstude

are rear springs interchangable with any other make?ford,mopar or gm?

Detroit Eaton makes the correct springs for any Stude. but no, no other will work.

StudeRich

WILL THEY MAKE A FRONT PLANAR SPRING FOR MY 48 CHAMPION?

John Clary
Greer, SC

I have only two limitations ...BRAINS & ENERGY
SDC member since 1975

[rickhmn]

yea the springs are really hard to match from junkyard. I found that a local shop will make them for 180 a side. not too bad. I want to try adding a really heavy leaf that I have from a truck that is about the right length and real heavy to reinforce the old leaves and get me back to a decent ride height.

[Andy R.]

I'd go for new. It was the best $350 I ever spent on the Wagonaire. The ride improved, yet the most noticeable improvement was in cornering stability. Plus, with rear seat passengers, it still looked "right." Who doesn't want to share the love with friends?

When measuring level ride height front/rear, maybe use the frame as a reference, instead of the rockers. I'd recommend raising the rear by 1/2"-3/4" at the rear wheels to compensate for load (fuel/passengers/tools & spare parts in the trunk). Since the beltline of these cars has a subtle drop from the cowl to the rear, a slight lift balances it visually, making it appear level.

The rake isn't such an issue with the upswept rockers of the C/Ks, but with the Lark-types its the difference between dowdy and dynamic, IMHO.

Andy
62 GT

[gordr]

The CASO approach would be to acquire an extra set of tired springs, from a parts car, and then cut the main leaf from those springs at about the point that it begins to curl into the eye. Round and taper the cut ends on a grinder. Insert this new leaf between the existing main leaf and the rest of the spring pack. You will need new center bolts, and probably new U-bolts and nuts. It will definitely make the car ride higher, how much is anybody's guess.

I did exactly this job, not on a Studebaker, but on the front leaf springs of a '48 Crosley, which was really droopy in the front. I found a Morris Minor rear spring which had the same width and thickness of spring stock, which size is NLA from the manufacturers. It was a pretty easy job, and the car sits right, now.

BTW, if your spring bushings are bagged, bite the bullet, and replace the springs. No point in "splinting" the springs if the bushings are bad. Get both jobs done in one fell swoop.

Gord Richmond, within Weasel range of the Alberta Badlands

[rickhmn]

It looks like the bushings were replaced at some point not too long ago. They are not coated with red clay like the rest of the car. The brake hardware also looks almost new but I am not going to be using the rear at all. I'll try with the added leaf and see what I get. Moving house and home and no garage yet so the stude is left behind for a while.

[JDC]

Anyone know where I can get some longer shackles to bring mine up a bit?

[4961Studebaker]

quote:Originally posted by Andy R.

,
The rake isn't such an issue with the upswept rockers of the C/Ks, but with the Lark-types its the difference between dowdy and dynamic, IMHO.

Now that's one hel of a smart sounding statement, Have to tuck that one away for some cruise night.

ChopStu

[rickhmn]

I agree. the rake and stance is critical to a good look. I wish I was better with a computer. I could fool with different stances and see what I like. Anybody out there want to try doing some of this? ChopStu's got one mean looking stance going on. what will the wheels be like?

[4961Studebaker]

quote:Originally posted by rickhmn

ChopStu's got one mean looking stance going on. what will the wheels be like?

Well since you asked. I had thought about these since a friend is a dealer (Rocket Wheel). However I'm leaning for something a little different, and not quite ready to tip my hand as to which ones.

Will be 17" wheels though. And the Foose Nitrous II wheels are showing up on too many vehicles for my taste.


ChopStu