Well, I finally went and picked up my '60 Lark last Saturday from out
on Long Island, got it home and started the task of running down some
much needed parts.  JP came through with an outside door handle (and
the master cylinder I won from him on Ebay).  Chuck at
Studebakerparts.com came through with the lower "molded" radiator hose
to replace the generic flex hose, and I actually found a local parts
store that had the top molded top hose for the V8.  Got the alt....I
mean generator rebuilt and now it charges just like it should.  Geez
everythings just falling together, like it should.....well, sort of.
The car was originally from southern California and Nevada and was
brought to the east coast by the previous owner about 5 years ago.
Unfortunately, the car sat since it was brought back here, so even
though the car is solid body wise (just a little rust through at the
bottom of the front fenders...everything else floors and trunk
included, are solid), I'm finding that as I replace one of the faulty
parts, the next thing down the line shows up.   I put the new master
cylinder on and went to bleed the brakes, only to pop a wheel cylinder.
I put the rebuilt generator on and tighten the new fan belt and after
about 15 minutes of running I hear some clanging noise...yup, the water
pump bearing is ready to take leave.  Well I guess for the car being 45
years old I shouldn't complain....so I won't.  I will say that I've
been spoiled be redoing 40 plus year old C*#ys over the years, because
I could go to the local parts house and get about anything I needed
mechanically.  I'm finding out with the Studebaker, it's not quite that
easy.  The local parts place that got the top hose for me, had listings
on the wheel cylinders (or kits) and the water pump....BUT, there was
no way anything was in stock at the warehouses.  Special orders are
available, but then they tack extra charges on.  So, I guess it's back
to the mail order stuff...not that there is anything wrong with
that...not at all, I'm greatful there is a place to get what I need.
It just sucks that I can't get the parts right away and take this baby
for a nice ride.  I know all good things in time, but it's nice out and
I want to cruise in the new toy <G>.   Anyway, it's time to go shopping
for a water pump and some wheel cylinders (or kits).  Sometime soon
I'll get the chance to get it out cruising.