Phase VI: Studebaker Conversion: Incidentals, AKA “A Work in Progress”


I won’t mention every detail of every modification and fabrication necessary to complete this project. I will quickly list some of the areas that were also altered to complete the project:

*New custom rear springs
*New rear shocks
*New fuel and brake lines

I also re-used the 4 WD center console out of the Chevy Blazer and wired it up so the shift indicator would operate.

We brought the entire engine management system of the Chevy motor and I built a new fuse block assembly where the old Studebaker heater core used to be. I put the engine computer way up high under the dash and wired it all together so the Studebaker actually has its original wiring and fuse block plus a whole new fuse block for the engine and accessories. After getting the engine running, I installed the air conditioning system and fit all of the hoses. I took the running vehicle to an a/c shop nearby where they crimped the hoses and charged the system.

Timeline from start to current “finish”:

*Research & purchase of a vintage vehicle “wagon” (Rick wanted to accommodate surfboards): Sept. ’04- Dec. ’04. We chose a Studebaker Lark wagon as it was maneuverable and had a great feel to it. Roomy and spacious yet way compact compared to other late 50’s and other 60’s model wagons. Heidi discovered the model she wanted while visiting family in Massachusettes (and test-driving old Chevy wagons that were no fun at all to drive). That Heidi could see over the steering wheel was a helpful factor. “Driving the Lark is a lark!”

*Having the Lark, stock, be drive-able, making small repairs: Dec. ’04-Dec. ‘05

*Decided to make the big leap and do the conversion to anticipate a life in Costa Rica: March ‘05

*4 months of the better part of every week, 2 people to accomplish the conversion thus documented in this Blog: March/Feb. ’05- May/June ’05.

*Late June ’05- The Lark is loaded on a ship bound for Costa Rica

*July ’05- The Lark arrives in Costa Rica


Future projects while in Costa Rica will include:

*Trouble –shooting the air conditioning clutch, which seems to have failed
Installing a temperature switch for automatic coolant fan operation (it is a manual switch currently)

*Re-do the interior door panels, floor carpet and seats-keeping the original look

*Finish the horn contact installation and steering wheel to original look

*Re-working the doors and locks (rebuilding all 4 doors for weather-proofing as well)

*New (retro?) tires

*Stereo installation

We will post photos of these projects in the far future when these points are accomplished. We won’t be working on this until we have our house and Rick’s garage/workshop built on our land in Costa Rica (about 4-5 years out!). But, the Lark totally works great the way she is now. And, driving her in Costa Rica is truly, a Lark!