64 challenger grill

[64challenger]

I saw on one of the Studebaker sites that you could get the 4 headlight grill as a option on the challenger and commander. Anybody else heard or know about this? Just looking for some confirmation. I know Stude would practically build them anyway you like but was this an available option in general? Anyway i had never read that before but it made me HAPPY because thats what i want to do to mine but it just bothers me to do anything that wasnt at least offered. I guess its the purist/restorer in me.

My Studes:
1.1947 Commander 14A-C3
2.1948 Champion 2 door sedan
3.1950 Champion 2 door sedan
4.1959 Lark 2 door post
5.1964 Stude challenger 2 door

[Swifster]

Now I'm far from an expert, but I seem to remember a Challenger that Dan Miller used in some Walter Middy events, and his Challenger has 4 lamps. It certainly wouldn't be a hard switch other than finding a nice grille.

Ano-brite in California is looking around $700 to redo my grille and headlamp doors.

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Tom - Sterling Heights, MI

Ancient Chinese Proverb: "Injection is nice, but I'd rather be blown!"

1964 Studebaker Daytona - Laguna Blue, Original 4-Spd. Car, Power Steering, Disc Brakes, Bucket Seats, Tinted Glass, Climatizer Ventilation System, AM Radio (136,989 Miles)

[studegary]

It would be a relatively easy swap, but I don't recall it as a factory option. In the 1961 model year, DeLuxe Larks came with single headlights and the Regals and Cruisers came with dual headlights. The dual headlights were a factory option on the DeLuxe models in 1961, but I don't recall anything similar to that for later years. I would be interested to learn of any factory documents that prove otherwise.

[Roscomacaw]

The parts book simply says that dual or single headlamps (and the relevant grille) could be fitted to either 64S or 64V models. It doesn't differentiate with respect to trim levels as to which ones got what.
BTW, the actual HL rims are still available for single or dual HL cars. Fact is, I've got a pair of NOS single lamp rims - still in the boxes - I'd let go for $25 each + shipping if anyone's interested.

And the single HL grilles for 64 are available NOS still - from vendors, not me.

Miscreant at large.

1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe
1957 President 2-dr
1955 President State
1951 Champion Biz cpe
1963 Daytona project FS

[BobPalma]

ALL South-Bend built 1964 regular-production Taxicabs, Commanders, and Challengers had single (two total) headlights standard equipment, regardless of engine or trim level. Dual (four total) headlights were Option #53, $24.00 retail. They were separate from other options.

This does not apply to the mid-year Commander Special, introduced with the January 1, 1964 production shift to Canada. Those cars had a Daytona interior, four headlights, and other trim upgrades. A bargain at $130 for the package. They were available either six or V-8. See February 1993 Turning Wheels. All 1964 Commander Specials were built in Hamilton, not South Bend. [8D] BP

BP

[64challenger]

So Bob your telling me it was a option that could have been ordered for my U.S. built challenger right? That was about the same thing i read on that website. I just wanted confirmation

My Studes:
1.1947 Commander 14A-C3
2.1948 Champion 2 door sedan
3.1950 Champion 2 door sedan
4.1959 Lark 2 door post
5.1964 Stude challenger 2 door

[BobPalma]

Absolutely, and your car undoubtedly was so built. Actually, there were more than a few Challengers built with four headlights. It wasn't common, but with The Appearance Group (bright windshield and backlite surrounds, hood ornament, etc) and Four Headlight Options, a Challenger looked pretty well dressed.BP

quote:Originally posted by 64challenger

So Bob your telling me it was a option that could have been ordered for my U.S. built challenger right? That was about the same thing i read on that website. I just wanted confirmation

My Studes:
1.1947 Commander 14A-C3
2.1948 Champion 2 door sedan
3.1950 Champion 2 door sedan
4.1959 Lark 2 door post
5.1964 Stude challenger 2 door

BP

[JDP]

While I prefer the single headlight model, dual lights were a option. It's not a easy retro fit however. You'll need the grill, headlight buckets and door and new air deflector sheet metal. You'll need to drill out the spot welds and weld the be sheet metal in.

Studebaker On The Net http://stude.com
64 R2 4 speed Challenger (Plain Wrapper)
63 R2 4 speed GT Hawk
55 Speedster
50 2R 10 truck

[64challenger]

THANKS BOB!You've been a great help as have all of you on our chat forum.

My Studes:
1.1947 Commander 14A-C3
2.1948 Champion 2 door sedan
3.1950 Champion 2 door sedan
4.1959 Lark 2 door post
5.1964 Stude challenger 2 door

[64challenger]

Thanks for your input too JDP i've actually got all of the parts thank goodness from a 4 door commander. And i haven't totally decided which way to go yet as i like the single grill too. Who knows! I will post some pics when the car is completed and then everyone will know which way i went!

My Studes:
1.1947 Commander 14A-C3
2.1948 Champion 2 door sedan
3.1950 Champion 2 door sedan
4.1959 Lark 2 door post
5.1964 Stude challenger 2 door

[tj1852]

My '64 Commander came with the dual headlight option and I'm considering changing it to single headlights. The grilles are still available and are very inexpensive at SASCO. I picked one up at the swap meet in May just to have an extra around.

Tim

[casey]

I have a '64 Challenger with dual headlights, original equipemnt. Also, it came with a 259 V8. I met the 'little old lady' who bought it new and got the whole history of the car.

In 1973 I was working at a car wash and saw this lady in a 4dr Stude hit one of my co-workers when she let her foot slip off the brake. Turns out it was the same car, same lady. She's still mortified over the incident. And if someone would have told me in '73 that someday I would own and drive a 4 dr Lark I would have said, "Oh my God, what went wrong with my life!".