64 Studebaker Lark Daytona

[Supra510]

This is a sweet project.

[PhillipM]

Well this past week we got the rest of the dash, wiring and windows removed so that we can take the car to get blasted. So, of course I had to do the Power Tour test fit before yanking the body off of the chassis jig. We also decided to add the extra bracing before removing the body. I was glad we did when we lifted the body up.

[bonecrrusher]

I spy some LS7 manifolds on the motor! I should know, I installed a full 3" z06 exhaust in my c6 last summer.

This going to be done for the Power Tour?

[PhillipM]

The goal for this project is for the 2011 Power Tour..

If you come across another set of mid pipes and center H pipe off the C6 Z06 please let me know. I am in a serious search for them. I have found a few sets but they all wanted stupid money.

[bonecrrusher]

Too bad you dont need the c6 stock size... I have those parts sitting in storage.

FYI on prices for what I paid..

LS7 manifolds - brand new ebay - $100
LS7 downpipes/cats - $300 ebay
LS7 "H" pipe - $70 ebay

Thats what I paid, and I hunted around for pretty good deals. I would check fleabay, Corvetteforums, and digitalcorvettes.
There is smokinvettes.com but I never post there.

If the prices are around those what I listed... then I don't think there that bad of a deal. I also got the z06 mufflers for $190 and I picked them up from DC... but I dont think you need those.

also FWIW on an LS2, these cars pick up around 25-30 rwhp, and from my experience they sound mean!

-Craig-

[PhillipM]

Well it has been a little while since I updated this and unfortunitely we haven't been able to work on it as much as I had hoped. Fortunately that is becuase our startup business has been super busy lately so that is good. Here are a few pictures of it back from the blaster and in primer. She has a few "interesting" areas to say the least.













We couldn't resist installing something though!

[ArtosDracon]

Gorgeous, it's goin on the list.

[1971CHEVELLE]

Cool project

[srh3trinity]

Great project, good luck with the rust repair. Sounds like a great problem to have that the startup business is doing well.

[hotrod1949]

I hope my '63 looks that good after it is blasted. I look forward to updates.

[ryeguy2006a]

I think that is a really cool project. I have never seen one of these cars before. I like it.

[PhillipM]

I know that it has been a while since I posted some updates, but we all know how it is. Sometimes weeks go by before we are able to get back into the shop. I started in on some rust repair, starting with the panel that I was most nervous about. The left side of the trunk flange had been "repaired" once before by someone and it looked horrible to say the least, so I decided to start from scratch. Also I tackled a smaller area on the same side while I was there. Also, Bart was able to swing by with a prototype spindle that wasn't fully machined yet. In this photo we are doing some preliminary mock up of the spindle at ride height. The front suspension should be really cool when its done. Enjoy!

[68firebird]

This is awesome. I love the looks of this car, its gonna be bad ass when its done. excellent choice

[ArtosDracon]

That is an interesting spindle, the height and steering arm almost look like G-body spec, but the brake brakets on the rear look like c5/6. More Info?

[PhillipM]

I have been leaving all of the front suspension design up to Bart. The only thing that I am certain on is that we will be running LS1 F-Body hubs and brakes. The 12" rotor and caliper package is the best system I could fit behind the Salt Flat wheel. I think the version that is in the picture was orginally going to hold a Baer 6 piston caliper, but I can't remember for sure. I know that the spindle height and steering location have been refined in his design over the years and I am not familiar enough with the GBody stuff to confirm your observations. As the front suspension takes on more of its final shape over the next few months I will be posting more pictures for sure.

[CruizinKev]

very nice work!

[PhillipM]

Okay guys, I know that you've been wondering what's been happening with the Studebaker! We've been having a local guy finish out the rust repair and a few other odds and ends... Like adding 3 inches to the tubs . Below are a few progress pics from the last couple weeks.

[ArtosDracon]

Did a nice job on the tubs!

[PhillipM]

Artos,

This guy used to work at Squeeg's Kustoms so metal finishing is his specialty. We had to go at it a little bit to get him to step a lot of the lips for the pieces that you wouldn't see to keep costs down. He really wanted everything to be perfect and we almost had to take the car back to keep the cost in check. In the end we finally are on the same page as to what needs to look good and what needs to just be structurally fixed. We are really please with the work.

[slowcamaro]

I have been leaving all of the front suspension design up to Bart. The only thing that I am certain on is that we will be running LS1 F-Body hubs and brakes.

Depending on how hard you plan to run the car you maybe want to rethink the ls1 hubs. I know the big grip, competitive f-bodys have trouble wearing out the hubs within a just few events.