Rewiring Opinions.

[JDC]

I have decided when I rewire the Lark, I'm going to use a 18 Circuit EZ wire, or something similar. I am just curious, If I switch to a Pertronix unit and Internal Alternator, do I need to still use a Voltage Regulator? I am all for keeping some originallity, but after seeing too many electrical fires on old cars, I think I should update, modernize and streamline the electrics. Any opinions or comments welcome. Joe

[Gunslinger]

I guess it depends if you want to keep an original appearance. It doesn't seem that important since you're changing the wiring and fuse box with new spade fuses rather the the old tubular style. If you use an alternator with an internal regulator, there's simply no need for an external regulator. A Pertronix is irrelevant to whatever alternator/regulator combination you use. Wrapping the wiring in wiring loom will hide the changes so no one but a Studebaker expert would know the difference.

I say go for the new wiring system. Any new alternator is likely far higher amperage output, so new and heavier wiring is a good thing to go with it.




Poet...Mystic...Soldier of Fortune. As always...self-absorbed, adversarial, cocky and in general a malcontent.

[KGlowacky]

Look at Hot Rod wires for a choice. I have used them and their customer services is incredable. Quick and correct. Good luck.

[vegas paul]

Rebel Wire has several great kits and they are much less expensive than some of the name brand kits. I did my '51 with a 12 circuit kit for about $140. They include the relays and flashers.

Las Vegas, NV - Stop by, coffee's on!
'51 Champion Business Coupe G899965 10G-Q4-1434

[prager]

Another one to look into...M.A.D. electrical..I bought a universal kit from them..pretty good and simple to use, I'm putting it in here soon

Making resverations at the poor house parking lot for me and my 62 Lark..

[jjones]

I have an EZ wire kit in my M--went in as advertized and customer service was excellent. I highly recommend them. I would certainly use an alternator with internal regulator, and would also recommend changing the Amp meter to a volt meter for safety.

Good luck!


Jeff Jones
Tucson Arizona
1947 M-5

[Dick Steinkamp]

If your Lark is relatively stock, you will never need 18 circuits. In fact, you won't even use the 12 circuits that come with most basic kits.

Dick Steinkamp
Bellingham, WA

[curt]

I put in an original from Studebaker west on my 1955 President. I keeps the car original with a new harness. I am 12 volt, however.

[Allan Songer]

For the first time ever in all my years of messin' with cars I made my own harness on the '56. By the time I bought all the wire and the rest of the goodies I am sure that I saved NOTHING and gained NOTHING other than the satisfaction of having wired up the car from scratch.

The job took what seems like forever and even though it's neat and tidy, in retrospect I think a kit from Rebel or EZ Wire would have been a smarter move.

[JDC]

I like Rebel due to the fact that it is all American made.