ia-k Posted June 19, 2022 Share Posted June 19, 2022 (edited) Went and looked at a early 60s(?) Studebaker Lark 4 door yesterday. I will admit I am much more familiar with other brands from the 1950s/60s than Studebakers. Looks to be complete other than head is off the engine. 6 cylinder/automatic. Some spare body parts but didn't see any front fenders. Interior is rough. Body seems solid except just ahead of the doors on the front fenders is rust running up and down, passenger's side is much worse than drivers. Last inspection sticker on the windshield is from mid-1970s. My big question is the rust on/under the front fenders fenders, looks like it lines up with the cowl area. Reasonable repair or run away from this project? Edited June 19, 2022 by ia-k (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walt G Posted June 19, 2022 Share Posted June 19, 2022 Run away from the project. If they gave you the car you would be doing them a tremendous favor just by removing it. 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plymouthcranbrook Posted June 19, 2022 Share Posted June 19, 2022 As I have often said sometimes free is too much to pay. 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted June 19, 2022 Share Posted June 19, 2022 Rough condition parts car. If you want a project for the hell of it, don't pay any more than scrap value or not much more. If you see yourself driving around in a real nice car don't bother with that one, buy a car that is already good, it will save you time and money. I can see myself buying it if the price is right but then I am nutz. I would enjoy cleaning it up, getting it running, and selling to someone else unfinished. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dictator27 Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 1960 Lark 6. Classic Enterprises makes excellent rust repair panels. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
58L-Y8 Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 Run away! There are 6-cylinder Lark sedans in much better condition still for reasonable prices readily available. Frankly, the V8 Lark is a much more satisfying car to own and drive, the six/automatic the least desirable. If Studebakers pique your interest, join the Studebaker Drivers Club Forum on-line, get to know the cars and resources better before you pursue one. Good luck in your search. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lump Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 Four door 6 cylinder Larks don't command much value when they look good and are ready to drive. And if you have one (or any old car for Sunday drives), you'll have plenty of work to do on it anyway, just to keep it in shape and ready to go. Studebaker made some wonderful cars. Do a little research before settling on whatever Studebaker you might like to have. Then buy the BEST condition car you can afford...especially if you are not a seasoned restorer with several succesful (completed) restorations under your belt. And become a regular on this forum. We all love to correspond with folks who like old cars... ANY old cars. You'll be very welcome. 🙂 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avanti Bill Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 Run like the wind! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ia-k Posted June 20, 2022 Author Share Posted June 20, 2022 Basically I was asked if I wanted to come along and look at some old cars that might be for sale. Not necessarily looking for a Studebaker per se, but I do like uniquely styled cars (I also have a 1965 Marlin) and this one caught my eye. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleach Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 1 minute ago, ia-k said: and this one caught my eye. Hopefully your eye will recover. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank DuVal Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 2 hours ago, 58L-Y8 said: join the Studebaker Drivers Club Forum on-line, get to know the cars and resources better before you pursue one. Yes!👍 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryan G Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 The overhead valve version of the Studebaker 6 had serious issues with the head cracking; something else to keep in mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloo Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 In my opinion, you could buy a nice running driving Lark for less than it would cost to get started with this. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Studemax Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 Do not ask non-Studebaker people about this Lark. Get informed info from members of the Studebaker Drivers Club. Check over on their forum... 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Luddy Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 A good running, not rusty Lark VI isn't an expensive car to buy. Check around for prices on a decent one and if you like,and buy one then go back and get this for a parts car. Echoing what others have stated, go for the V8. Much more responsive to drive. I've had 2 of the 6 cyl ones and they are too slow for my tastes. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dosmo Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 Even if this car held a great deal of sentimental value for whomever was considering its resurrection, it would be extremely hard to justify the effort to bring it back. These are just not that hard to find in reasonable, drivable shape, and asking prices are not all that outlandish, unless an owner is trying to rip someone off. In the words of Nancy Reagan, just say no. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 I would buy that car if it was $600 or less, bought quite a few similar ones over the years. Bring it home for a $100-150 hauling charge and start washing. Get it up on some cheap tires, shine every bit of chrome that will still shine. Let a lot of PB Blaster soak in. And finish it off by massaging it a light coat of 20 weigh oil for shine. Sell it cheap. A day of monkeying around will get you $500 to $800 you didn't have before. Spend it on your good car. I used to have a friend who was very judgemental about the bottom feeder deals I would get into. We'd go out for coffee a couple of times a week and I always paid. He never had pocket money. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John348 Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 Just curious, how much are they looking for it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ia-k Posted June 20, 2022 Author Share Posted June 20, 2022 9 minutes ago, John348 said: Just curious, how much are they looking for it? No price discussed yet, the car is owned by a relative of the property owner. After reading the comments I will probably pass on it. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Roth Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 42 minutes ago, ia-k said: No price discussed yet, the car is owned by a relative of the property owner. After reading the comments I will probably pass on it. Unless that particular car had special meaning to you, that is probably the right move- A very time consuming, and labor/cash intensive repair/restoration for modest return (likely to be upside down very quickly. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John348 Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 If you were to get it for FREE and use it for a potential parts car that would make sense. Broken windshield, tattered interior, visible rot and rust, on a non-running, and not a high dollar car when done could be a rather frustrating experience. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
intimeold Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 Too much work and $$$ to bring this one back 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalowed Bill Posted June 21, 2022 Share Posted June 21, 2022 I've been a Studebaker guy for sixty years, however it took me decades before I learned to appreciate the Lark and it's styling. That was in spite of the fact that I often used several during the 60's and 70's as a beaters. I now have four in my collection. You have tapped into a make and model that is finally being recognize for it's utility, rarity and even it's styling. Although I can appreciate this car because of it's originality, it's condition is a stretch too far. Join the Studebaker Driver's Club or just check into the forum. Networking is the best way to find the right car. Ask questions and be patient and we will help you find a suitable car. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walt G Posted June 21, 2022 Share Posted June 21, 2022 The last sentence of what Buffaloed Bill says are the best here so far. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avanti Bill Posted June 21, 2022 Share Posted June 21, 2022 You can buy decent drivers ready to go for much less than you would have in this one. I agree you can find more info on the Studebaker site and probably someone wanting to sell a drivable car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ia-k Posted June 22, 2022 Author Share Posted June 22, 2022 As I stated before I am not looking for a Studebaker in particular, I just like unique cars that you don't see at car shows. This mid-70s Mercury Capri II was sitting there also, considered it but unsure of parts availability and some rust coming through on the rear fenders and deck so didn't make an offer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank DuVal Posted June 22, 2022 Share Posted June 22, 2022 Black car is a ? Chrysler product? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ia-k Posted June 22, 2022 Author Share Posted June 22, 2022 Black car by the Capri is a mid 60s (1966?) Rambler Rogue 2 dr. hardtop. Two-tone, black and tan/bronze. Not for sale/already sold. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkV Posted June 22, 2022 Share Posted June 22, 2022 On 6/19/2022 at 3:54 PM, ia-k said: Went and looked at a early 60s(?) Studebaker Lark 4 door yesterday. I will admit I am much more familiar with other brands from the 1950s/60s than Studebakers. Looks to be complete other than head is off the engine. 6 cylinder/automatic. Some spare body parts but didn't see any front fenders. Interior is rough. Body seems solid except just ahead of the doors on the front fenders is rust running up and down, passenger's side is much worse than drivers. Last inspection sticker on the windshield is from mid-1970s. My big question is the rust on/under the front fenders fenders, looks like it lines up with the cowl area. Reasonable repair or run away from this project? My friend has two larks for sale, one is a Daytona wagon and the other is a two door and both are California cars. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KURTRUK Posted June 22, 2022 Share Posted June 22, 2022 The Studebaker "Racing Stripe" is a problem with all 53-66 Studes. Studebaker saved a few bucks by simply folding the sheetmetal over on itself for a mounting flange inside the rear of the front fenders. Bingo. Perfect mud, salt, and moisture catcher. But I will guarantee you that parts availability is 10 time greater for Studes than that Capri! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
58L-Y8 Posted June 22, 2022 Share Posted June 22, 2022 On 6/20/2022 at 9:00 PM, Buffalowed Bill said: Join the Studebaker Driver's Club or just check into the forum. Networking is the best way to find the right car. Ask questions and be patient and we will help you find a suitable car. More valid advice has never been spoken! Applies to any and all makes of car one might pursue. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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