Newbie needs help
Ivy McLemore
this group over the years for a top-notch NG. Lots of useful info and
friendly people here.
Now, here's the story and subsequent questions from a first-time
contributor. . .
I have my eyes on a '59 Lark VI 4 dr, auto with 26K original miles.
Found it because I was looking for '59 Lark VI -- the only car my
mother, younger sister and I had when Dad left home in the early '70s.
Car soon needed engine repairs we couldn't afford. I remember the day
the wrecker came in November '72 to tow it out of the driveway. We
went without a car for almost 2 1/2 years while I was in high school.
A life-changing period, I can tell you . . .
In any event, both Mom and Sis have passed away, and I've had this
urge to get a '59 Lark and enjoy it with my 5-year-old son, who may
grow into cars one day :) . . . The car I've found is same Tahiti
Coral with brown interior, 6 cyl, auto that we had. Only difference is
that this is a 4 dr and ours was a 2 dr. I still have the serial
number from ours after all these years -- 59S82673. Serial number on
the one I'm looking at is 59SC4280.
There's the kicker -- this one is in Canada, where it has been stored
in a garage for 30 years. Original owner is deceased. According to
the family story, the original owner was an older man who bought a '58
Hawk, wrecked it, and bought a '59 Lark in Medicine Hat, Alberta. He
drove it (infrequently) for next 11 years before he died and family
stored it.
I have talked to the current owner, who has sent me about 20 digital
photos. Car has original fabric upholstery, and it appears to be in
great shape. Dashboard looks as if the thing just rolled off the
assembly line. Chrome appears bright. Not many options -- no radio or
cigarette lighter, for example. Allegedly the four tires on it are the
originals off the factory line in Hamilton! Photos would appear to
back that up! Front windshield is cracked, but that's the only
exterior problem known/I can see.
Let me say here that I know it's a huge risk to buy something sight
unseen. But we're talking central Manitoba here -- 300 miles north of
Winnipeg! I'm trying to see if the SDC Manitoba chapter has someone
who can take a first-hand look for me.
I've had photos taken of the floor boards under the carpet, and it all
appears solid. Exterior paint still has that old-time sheen to it.
Can't find any rust underneath from what I've been sent, either.
Mechanically, I'm told up front that the radiator needs to be flushed
out and there may be a problem with the fuel pump. Brakes also need
some work. But I'd think that's to be expected -- at the minimum --
after all these years. Besides, I'd have the car thoroughly checked
out by a Stude expert here in Texas -- Bo or Jetman, perhaps -- before
attempting any restoration job -- major or minor. I've just joined the
National SDC within the last week.
Right now, the basic question would be, what's a fair, ballpark price
for a low-mileage original like that? I know the going rate for mid-
to high-mileage Larks, but I'd like some feedback. Then I'll figure
out if it's prudent to work out a possible deal, get that thing down
here (I may be on the verge of a somewhat cost-effective method of
getting that done), and later wrestle with the other big decisions:
170 vs 259, PS or not, PB or not, stock radio or mount something in
glovebox, rear axle upgrade or not, add an AC unit for our classic
Texas summers, etc. It mainly would be used as a casual driver -- not
a daily driver -- and I'm not interested in turning it into a trailer
queen.
Of course, if this thing had 70K miles on it, I never would have
pursued it. If it doesn't work out, I'd still be interested in another
'59 VI or VIII (auto)with same interior color.
Any help/feedback/advice would be appreciated. And if anyone wants to
see any of the photos of the car I have been sent, I would be glad to
pass them along.
And, most important, best wishes to everyone for a Happy New Year.
Ivy
John Poulos
I may be the person to give you advice, I buy a few dozen Studebakers a
year long distance and sight unseen. I can usually rely on digital
pictures and how I feel after talking to the owner. Those that are
unwilling to buy a car out of there area are going to miss out on many
nice cars.
I have a lot of experience with cars that have sat for an extended
period. Expect some or all of the following:
1. All the wheel cylinders and master cylinder may need to be replaced.
2. Radiator, heater core and hoses may need attention.
3. Gas tank may need to be cleaned and sealed.
4. Lots of things that are supposed to move may be stuck.
5. Electrical items (motors and switches) may need a good cleaning and
lubrication.
6. Mice, moths, snakes and other critters may have once called the car
home.
As to value, I'm going to say in the $2000-$3000 range and for that
reason alone I would never consider a Lark sedan for a long distance
purchase. The hassle and expense of shipping a car long distance only make
sense on more expensive and collectable cars. If it's a sentimental
purchase, than the dollars and cents of the deal won't matter.
Ivy McLemore wrote:
--
Studebaker On the Net http://stude.com
My Ebay items: http://stude.com/EBAY
64 R1 GT Hawk (2)
63 Avanti R3 clone
56 Golden Hawk (Mocha)
56 Golden Hawk (3sp/OD)
53 Starlight
George Mills
late Canadian built Lark was recently available in the Canadian Maritimes in
that sort of condition, except even better, (driving #2) and $10,000 Can was
asking price (about $6,XXX US) Figure somewhat less for this car....I
suppose even $5,000 US would be awfully high, but 1) they don't make them
anymore 2) a real low mileage car has things going for it than a high
mileage car won't have and 3) it has all the hallmarks of a little old gent
car--no radio or lighter--and very likely has never been abused. So,
something in the over $3500 US to $4500 US range??? Remember, it is almost
exactly like the old car....
As well, if it had been purchased in Lethbridge AB and stored in central
Manitoba, you are talking about two dry climate areas, hot in summer and
very cold in winter, and really no salt on the roads throughout its life
(too cold for salt in winter to be effective).
It is likely a rust-free car like an Arizona car is rust-free, except
without the heat damage to fabrics. I purchased a 49 Kaiser from
north-central Saskatchewan (next door) and all the underbody nuts and bolts
can be unscrewed without effort, diesel or Kroil.
A 170 six will not get you anywhere fast, but they are reliable. (especially
the flathead six) A friend drove his early Lark VI automatic across Canada
and back for the Millenium Tour; wife, luggage and all, through the Rockies
and everything. It kept up with traffic, and was no trouble in over 9,000
miles of summer driving. If it will be a casual driver, and not a daily
driver, then a 170 may be just fine. You can add a better radio to the
glove box than most Studebakers ever had. There is something to be said for
life in the slow lane on a two lane highway in a classic little Lark VI...
just my 2 cents
Jim Bartley on PEI
"Ivy McLemore" <imcl...@houston.rr.com> wrote in message
news:56821146.02010...@posting.google.com...
JETman
is a relatively dry climate.
However, a low mileage vehicle that has been "stored" for many years
accumulates issues, many of which can be quite costly to fix such as
brakes, tires, suspension rubber, weather-stripping, etc. Still, body
panels etc. can be in real good shape and be money savers.
If you are toying with replacing the little six with a 259, the tranny,
real axle assy, front suspension, will also have to be upgraded.
A noteworthy effort, but one that should be thought out carefully.
--
Regards,
JT (Residing in Austin, Texas)
Just Tooling Down The Internet Superhighway With my G4.......
Ebon Jones
Ivy, sounds like a sound car. As other have stated age works on the brakes
and rubber parts. but don't let anyone scare you off your dream, unless
it's junk.
Where in Texas are you? There are 5 chapters in Texas, and full of good
Studebaker people.
I live in the Rio Grand Valley, and married a Mclemore. Don't hold that
against me <G>.
Ebon...
Also welcome, and let us know what going on.
Robert Black
26000 mile ones are.Still if you want a nice driver,and don't care about
getting the exact same car as your family had,Id defenitly look into getting
a V-8 Lark.You can add(if it doesen't already have)a 4-barrel carb and dual
exhausts,make it quite a little screamer.Stude V-8s are pure
gold,torquey,tough as nails,reliable,and parts are easy to come by.Just my
opinion,but it would be more fun..Ive bought 2 cars sight unseen now,and
have done OK on both.The shipping is apt to be a bear from northern Canada
to Texas,usually not worth it unless the car is really special.
Robert(wishing I could get all those California 500 dollar cars home
cheap)Black
"Ebon Jones" <bon...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:3C3271B2...@earthlink.net...
Studegary
Overall, I completely agree with John Poulos. I have bought many cars from a
distance, sight unseen. The best yardstick is the feeling I get talking to the
person. For example, recently I dropped pursuing a Studebaker that is
something that I am looking for but the e-mail responses were evasive and not
at all nice. Usually, the people that come across nice and are straight
forward represent their cars honestly. Not to pat myself on the back but
usually when someone comes to see or pick-up something that I am selling after
we have just talked on the phone I get a comment to the effect that the car is
better than they expected. On the other hand, I have rented cars and driven
long distances to pick up a car and when I got there I couldn't believe that
the car was the same one we talked about for an hour on the phone. I probably
have a lot more experience at this than you do. I would look to get a
Newsgroup or SDC person to look at the car for me. Usually for out of pocket
expenses (gas,tolls,etc.). My estimate would be $2000 to $3000 (tops) US. I
have never brought a car in from Canada. Look into the problems, costs, etc.
A 20K mile car and a 70K mile car will both probably need the same amount of
work after setting for a long time. I can understand your sentimental reasons
for this particular car. A V8 is a lot nicer driving car and especially if you
are planning on adding A/C. I once bought a '60 Lark V8 with factory A/C that
was from Texas. I am in NYS. The body condition and interior are two big
pluses going for you. But, you should be able to buy a good body Lark in Texas
or nearby. You can always change the color and buy an interior kit from John.
Plan on spending several thousand dollars on engine, transmission, brakes, fuel
system, etc. Good luck with whatever you decide and feel free to e-mail with
particular questions. Gary Lindstrom