Other: VIN Decode

[tim333]

I know about the museum but can anyone here decipher
63V22744?

[Skip Lackie]

All that can be determined is that it is a 1963 Lark or Hawk with a V8 engine. A bit more info about model can be determined from the firewall tag.

[RadioRoy]

1963 with a V-8 engine. That's all you can get from that number.

The tag on the firewall will tell a lot more about the car, such as the body style and the level of trim.

Studebaker did not encode various features in their serial numbers like General Motors did.

[Skip Lackie]

The 22744 is simply a sequential serial number, like the last 8 digits of a modern VIN. BTW, the 17-digit VIN didn't start until 1981.

[studegary]

I know about the museum but can anyone here decipher
63V22744?

A 1963 model Lark, Cruiser or Hawk, with a V8, that was built in South Bend about 60% of the way through model year production.
As has been said, post the body plate information and we will tell you more.

[tim333]

I'm in heaven, closed the deal on the Hawk today. Second owner, 47,000 miles....all original paperwork.....bill of sale, build sheet, manuals etc. Pics when I get it home.

[tim333]

Firewall tag is 63V Kb 2559

[Skip Lackie]

The firewall tag number is actually 63V K6 2559. K6 indicates a Hawk hardtop. The 2559 is just a sequential number that was assigned when the body tub was welded up. Body numbers were assigned to assist dealers in keeping track of when running changes were made, and has no other significance. Bodies were not used in order and their numbers do not relate to vehicle serial numbers.

[tim333]

Funny why they made the 6 after the K look like a small b.
Thanks Skip.

[2R2]

63V22744 =
-1963 Hawk
-R2 engine # JTS1515
-4-speed
-Non -package car
-Disc brake
-Twin Trac
-Velvet Black

[studegary]

Funny why they made the 6 after the K look like a small b.
Thanks Skip.

That way, they can use the same stamp/die to make either a six or a nine. I guess that a curved number could also be made to work in the same fashion (6/9).

[tim333]

Well the 6 in front of the V is definitely a 6, the other really looks like a b. Wonder why they didn't use the same 6 stamp in both spots?

[StudeRich]

Well HEY, THIS is pretty important and good info, I am surprised no one mentioned this is not a ordinary Hawk! It's a real R2 Avanti Powered, Supercharged, 4 Speed, GT Hawk!

63V22744 =
-1963 Hawk
-R2 engine # JTS1515
-4-speed
-Non -package car
-Disc brake
-Twin Trac
-Velvet Black

[tim333]

Thanks Rich. After 10 months of tinkering, drove it today. Front brakes locked up so I ordered a new hydrovac. Front calipers and rear cylinders were rusted stuck after sitting 20 years, hydrovac probably funky inside too. Calipers and cylinders are new now.

[StudeRich]

OK, Brakes locked up.

I would take a really HARD look at those TWO Rubber Flex Hoses at the Hydrovac Unit 536652, they commonly swell up and cause this.