Body / Glass: Lark automatic floor shift location, Lark bucket seat bracket/riser and the console

[Jeff T.]

What fits where when the parts are from three different sources...

When I get the panels from Classic Enterprises, I will begin replacing the left side of my 62 hardtop's floor and since I am working on the floor, I will be installing a shift tower for a floor shift assembly. I have been mocking up the location for the Lark automatic shift tower and I have it just about where it fits on the floor, although I will need to do some modification to get the tower to fit correctly.

It appears that I will need to slice a small arc out of the Lark bucket seat riser to get the riser to fit right... has anyone ever welded this panel down rather than rely on eight screws?

The only odd thing is that the console that I have doesn't line up with the existing holes on the riser. It looks like the console mountings and the holes on the riser are a few inches off.

It looks like I may have to either not use the console or drill new holes for bolts a few inches back of the original mounting holes... not sure of the fit on this one.

Since my body book is somewhere in the house beyond my grasp, is there a difference between Lark automatic and standard shift consoles and the same with the hawks?

just wondering


Jeff T.

[Warren Webb]

The consoles on Larks & Hawks didnt involve the floor shift. Only Avanti's had that provision. Are you using an automatic shifter from a Powershift trans or an aftermarket shifter? Your best bet would be to attend a Studebaker meet or a local chapter meeting & hopefully there will be a car there that can show what position it must be in. If not, then chances are someone attending would be able to show you on a car that isnt attending but you'll be able to get alot of valuable info from them.

[candbstudebakers]

most power shift towers I have seen have the front of the console open and the carpeting has clips or snaps for the small piece that wraps around the tower, the center seat brackets are different from hawk to lark and also the 61 hawk is even different yet, when installing the floor bracket line up the bold holes in the floor for the seat so they are the same, the right fiberglass shift tower is made to fit the floor contour just slid it along and you will see the little notches match the floor. as for location of the console it is just held down by 2 center bolts and I think there is a slotted area in the floor plate to give you some front to back movement if needed.

[jimmijim8]

The Hawk and Latk between the seats console storage box are 2 different animals So are the sheet metal perches that they fasten to. jimmijim

[wittsend]

If your looking for an exclusive Studebaker parts "look" this won't help. But I'll throw it out there for consideration. The console is from a 1986 Cadillac Seville, cut down a little over two inches. The shift is from a 1995 Camaro. Because the shifter uses a a cable it has some wiggle room in placement. Not much, but a little. While the shifter is hooked to a 700R4 using it on a Studebaker transmission would only involve minor fabrication. The application is a '64 Daytona, the bucket seats are from a mid-90's Maxima.

It is only my opinion, but I felt these 80's/90's part came close to replicating a 60's look. When your buying in the junkyard for cheap you take what you can get.

Tom

[jimmijim8]

I can really appreciate a persons efforts in locating pick a part pieces and putting them in and on the Studes. Especially so when tastefully executed. Nice touch on the Lark. cheers jimmijim

[Kurt]

Been through this. Bob is right, the tower, just kind of "falls in place" I did have to notch the front of my bucket seat center riser to make it fit. Probably have the Hawk one, not sure about that. Bob is right about the console, the front is modified and has snaps on it. The parts book is no help on this one, I don't remember for sure, but i am "pretty sure" that it shows one console for lark types. If you have more questions PM me.