Hi everybody. My wife and I are new SDC members and Studebaker owners. We purchased our white 1963 GT Hawk (V8 automatic)in August of this year. The car had been in storage for 20 years or so - a "20 footer"... well, maybe a "30 footer" :-). Anyway, after doing some under hood basics, we put a couple of hundred miles on it this fall while deciding what work we would embark on over the winter (Ontario, Dominion of Canada). Right now the floors are tidied up - minor spot patching only required and the bumpers and grille are off, seats are out. So here are our questions and perhaps you can help;
1) The interior has all red rear seats(excellent shape)while the front buckets are red with white inserts (poor condition - splits and stains). In all the Hawk photos I've seen, the front and rear seats match. They either all have inserts or don't. Was it optional to have white inserts in the front buckets only or have these seats been put in from another car? Floor carpet was black and needs replacement but lower door carpet is red and in good condition. Would the original floor carpet have been red as well?
2) The bumpers are straight, just very dull with checks and hazing and some rust above the rear exhausts but the surround of the grill is pitted pretty badly. Can these grille surrounds be rechromed or should we look for a used replacement or NOS/reproduction(if such things exist?).
3) Same problem with the three pcs. below the windshield. We haven't tried to remove those - what's holding them on? Wire clips that will likely disintegrate? Any good sources for replacements or is replating the way to go?? Did the Hawk share these pcs with other models/years?
4) The dash - gauge surround has had the woodgrain buffed off leaving slightly pitted aluminum. Centre section is original woodgrain looking very tired and glovebox door has been recovered in a darker woodgrain peel and stick vinyl. To say the least, this is not a happy combination. Any suggestions on where to go with this situation?
5) There appears to have been underhood insulation at one time - now none, just remains of adhesive. Was underhood insulation available from the factory on Hawks? Are replacement pads available?
So, we're hoping that those who have "been there, done that" can offer some helpful comments and suggestions. Thanks!
1) The interior has all red rear seats(excellent shape)while the front buckets are red with white inserts (poor condition - splits and stains). In all the Hawk photos I've seen, the front and rear seats match. They either all have inserts or don't. Was it optional to have white inserts in the front buckets only or have these seats been put in from another car? Floor carpet was black and needs replacement but lower door carpet is red and in good condition. Would the original floor carpet have been red as well?
2) The bumpers are straight, just very dull with checks and hazing and some rust above the rear exhausts but the surround of the grill is pitted pretty badly. Can these grille surrounds be rechromed or should we look for a used replacement or NOS/reproduction(if such things exist?).
3) Same problem with the three pcs. below the windshield. We haven't tried to remove those - what's holding them on? Wire clips that will likely disintegrate? Any good sources for replacements or is replating the way to go?? Did the Hawk share these pcs with other models/years?
4) The dash - gauge surround has had the woodgrain buffed off leaving slightly pitted aluminum. Centre section is original woodgrain looking very tired and glovebox door has been recovered in a darker woodgrain peel and stick vinyl. To say the least, this is not a happy combination. Any suggestions on where to go with this situation?
5) There appears to have been underhood insulation at one time - now none, just remains of adhesive. Was underhood insulation available from the factory on Hawks? Are replacement pads available?
So, we're hoping that those who have "been there, done that" can offer some helpful comments and suggestions. Thanks!
Comment