Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

C/K model definition

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • C/K model definition

    Please forgive my ignorance, but I've seen the term "C/K model" used a lot on these forums, and I haven't been able to pick up the exact definition from context, forum searching or search engines. Can someone help me out here? (By the way, is there a glossary thread somewhere? One might be useful.)

  • #2
    It all started in 1953 with the coupes and hardtops. Coupes have a C pillar, hardtops don't. The I.D. plate on the firewall will have a C for coupes and a K for hardtops. It carried on through all the Hawks until the GT hawks which are all hardtops.
    Dave Warren (Perry Mason by day, Perry Como by night)

    Comment


    • #3
      IIRC, The short version is:

      C-body is '53-61 120" wheelbase two-door coupe, incl Flight Hawk, Power Hawk, Hawk

      K-body is '53-58 and '62-64 120" wheelbase two-door hardtop - incl Golden Hawk, Sky Hawk, GT Hawk

      There are myriad varieties, but I think that's the basics

      jack vines
      PackardV8

      Comment


      • #4
        A 1954 Champion 6, C Body Starlight Coupe:
        Click image for larger version

Name:	54 Champ Starlight Yellow_Black a.JPG
Views:	2
Size:	48.9 KB
ID:	1687421

        A 1954 Champion 6, K Body Starliner Hardtop.
        Click image for larger version

Name:	54 Champ Starliner Yellow_Black3.jpg
Views:	3
Size:	91.6 KB
ID:	1687422 You can click these TWO times for a good sized Pic.
        Last edited by StudeRich; 01-22-2014, 10:07 AM.
        StudeRich
        Second Generation Stude Driver,
        Proud '54 Starliner Owner
        SDC Member Since 1967

        Comment


        • #5
          Thanks everyone! I love learning this stuff. Now I can use the term and not sound like a fool.

          Comment


          • #6
            Minor correction Dave; they all have a "C" pillar (by the rear window), coupes have a "B" pillar between the door and the rear quarter window.
            Howard - Los Angeles chapter SDC
            '53 Commander Starliner (Finally running and driving, but still in process)
            '56 Golden Hawk (3 speed/overdrive, Power steering - Running, but not yet driving)
            '58 Packard Hawk. A partially restored car that was not completely assembled.

            Comment


            • #7
              Here is a thread with plenty of pics of them: http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.c...highlight=2010

              Craig

              Comment


              • #8
                Just remember C stands for Coupe. But then there is also a C cab truck. Built from 49-64. Some of these are the R model. Not to be confused with the R series engines.
                Neil Thornton

                Comment


                • #9
                  LOL. When I first received my Shop manual the model names scared the crap out of me. After 7 years of indoctrination I can actually find what I need by the model names and numbers. It just rubs off on ya.
                  Dave Warren (Perry Mason by day, Perry Como by night)

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Something else that I figured out after I got the C/K difference down (Correct me if I'm wrong...)

                    Because of their pillared construction, the C Coupes were inherently more structurally sound.

                    The K Hardtops' frames required additional U shaped stiffening under the doorsills from the factory. These are the "hog troughs" that you hear so much about (you especially hear that they are full of rust, and are a real pain to replace)

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Absolutely. If the old hog troughs are still there, you can use them for a template and make new ones up pretty quickly on a metal brake with 16 gauge steel. Welding them in requires a plan of attack. You can spot weld them, then attack with a few holes in the floor from above and leave the ends open until all your welding is complete.
                      Dave Warren (Perry Mason by day, Perry Como by night)

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        The above information is good for 1953-1964 models, once the C pillar was corrected to B pillar, but there were other years of C bodies. The five passenger/Starlight coupes of 1947-1952 were also C body coupes.
                        Gary L.
                        Wappinger, NY

                        SDC member since 1968
                        Studebaker enthusiast much longer

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by studegary View Post
                          The above information is good for 1953-1964 models, once the C pillar was corrected to B pillar, but there were other years of C bodies. The five passenger/Starlight coupes of 1947-1952 were also C body coupes.
                          As was the 1952 Starliner, which was also a K-body, and based on the convertible, which I believe was the S-body in those years.

                          Craig

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            So...cut the roof below the rear window and above the windshield to reveal a potential convertible and it is a K. Cut the roof below the rear window and above the windshield and still have a mess to deal with between the front door and rear quarter windows and it is a C?
                            Brad Johnson,
                            SDC since 1975, ASC since 1990
                            Pine Grove Mills, Pa.
                            '33 Rockne 10, '51 Commander Starlight. '53 Commander Starlight
                            '56 Sky Hawk in process

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              I define C/K this way.................C=$$$$, K=$$$$$$!

                              Comment

                              Working...
                              X