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EXACTLY!!….For whatever reason Studebaker installed early ‘59-‘61 leaf springs in the ‘63 Lark ‘Standard’…. This spring has a 20” front ‘leg’….. The’ ‘64 Commander utilized a leaf spring with a 20 1/2” front leg… Which accounts for a slightly longer wheelbase….. This 1/2” change improves down force or ‘planting’ of the rear tires… thereby improving traction and acceleration times.

I agree with psdenno… and I’d like to add that to some folks, a Stude Avanti with ‘dead straight’ body panels might be considered ‘over restored’ !!

Everything you mention would indeed aid acceleration/handling, however, consider all those things to be the same between these two Studebaker models. BIG HINT!!….. wheelbase

I understand.. a person would REALLY have to know the Lark type chassis layout inside out to get this one…. I myself learned this basic difference “ the hard way”!!

You’re on the right track with your #2 guess! Now…. what would be different between the two’s suspension? PS… Not that it matters, but let’s call it a 1/4 mile drag race!

Sorry no…… Weight being equal is mentioned in the question.

Assuming the same engine, (R2?), transmission, tires, rear end ratio, driver, weight, etc…. Why would a ‘63 Studebaker Lark Standard 2 dr sedan have an advantage in an acceleration contest over a ‘64 Studebaker Commander 2 dr sedan?

I would think that even the 6 cyl models would be close if not same!

What you’re looking for isn’t exclusively Avanti ll…. ‘65-‘66 Canadian Lark types with Chevy engine and standard shift would have same setup.

Made production easier.

Your Avanti ll has to be one of the nicest around!…..With spring around the corner it’s a good time of year to sell…Best of luck with the sale! PS… Love that steering wheel!!

Yes… All Stude Avanti frames have that.

One sort of pain in the neck thing that has to be done is removing engine oil pan, oil pump, and rear main bearing cap & rear seal in order to swap the short torque converter mounting bolts for the longer stick shift flywheel mounting bolts… a MUST DO!….. Also…I think it’s much easier to remove the engine/transmission as a unit, and do most of the conversion work in the open, as opposed to working under the car…. Good luck!..Ed

If Myers can’t help, contact Dave Thibeault at Studebaker Parts & Services… He can provide every last nut & bolt for the transmission conversion you desire.

If you go with mechanical throttle linkage… Nostalgic sells the special bracket assy that fits onto the rear of Chevy engine.

I’ll check that out… Thanks very much!

It would be great if you would post a few photos… and perhaps a part number for that sweep.

Over the right rear wheel!

Sounds like a ‘first class’ paint shop Gun!

Certainly interesting information…Thanks!

I like your ‘suspended harness’ idea!!

This question has been kicked around for the last sixty two years!!!!

I agree completely!

Getting back to ‘84-‘89 Avantis… all in all the composite bumpers aren’t that bad, however, those big rectangular headlights….. uughh!!!!!!

Yes, Avanti windshields and backlights are easy to remove when you intend to replace the weatherstrips with new!