YouTube Videos Of My 62GT On The Roll

[JoeHall]

Yesterday my son and I were out in the 62GT, and he took a few videos as we rolled along. Initial focus was on the recently installed GPS speedometer, but we wound up videoing other stuff also. So here I post those YouTube links, in case anyone wants to ride along. I will start with the shortest one, which focused on cruise control, and the bright turn signal indicators, thanks to replacing the OEM plastic green with plastic Mountain Dew bottle plastic green several years ago. The next one is of 1st gear OD upshift and operation, up in the suburbs of Louisville, with lots of bumps and potholes. It upshifts anywhere above 3000 RPM, and is handy to move out quickly, in light to light situations. I seldom use it, but did so for the video. Notice how smoothly the 3-on-a-tree shifts the T85/OD transmission. GT Hawk Cruise Control
GT Hawk 1st Gear OD

[JoeHall]

This video is merging onto, and driving on the freeway. I took off in 1st gear, upshifted to 2nd, then 3rd, then OD, but usually take off in 1st, upshift to 2nd, then 2nd OD, then 3rd OD. I also kicked it out of OD briefly, when merging onto the freeway. As anyone can see, this GT is more than capable of keeping up with modern cars on modern roads. The rear end is currently a 3.31, which I am liking more and more as I drive it. Until about a year ago, I ran a 3.54. In comparing the two, in OD the 3.31 runs 81 MPH at 2500 RPM, whereas the 3.54 runs 76 MPH at 2500 RPM. I like playing with RPM and MPH numbers, and the GPS speedo and modern tach let me do that, with precision. However, I will post videos later of the 56J, with its OEM tach and speedo that are just as accurate as the modern stuff on this GT. GT Hawk On Freeway

[JoeHall]

Finally, this video is leaving our driveway, and heading toward the freeway which is about 14 miles away. For the video, I used 1st gear OD a couple times, though I seldom do so. Also, note the GPS speedo antennae in the upper left, sitting on the windshield garnish. It is magnetized, doesn't move, and unobtrusive. The cruise control switch is the little gray box, dangling by its wires, above the AC evaporator. I have CC in all three Hawks, and have never bothered to mount them, just left them dangling. They stay in place, but look kinda goofy. This car has HFI, which provides a smooth idle at 600-650 RPM, and smooth steady power from idle on up. It flows about 750 CFM, and runs like a 4 barrel, but very smooth without feeling/hearing, "the 4 barrels kick in", as experienced with a carb when the secondaries are opened. I am liking the modern tach and GPS speedo, both are very accurate. GT Hawk Rolling

[STEWDI]

l have a friend who sold a '51 Champion convertible to get a down payment for some property - but his Studebaker driving reputation was: "Fearlessness". It was driven to Vancouver BC and Las Vegas NV - on separate occasions from southern Ontario.

With a 170-flathead-friendly rear axle ratio (4.56?), l witnessed the deliberate engagement of overdrive in first gear at least twice with myself "riding shot gun". He didn't do it often, but having seen how well his car performed reliably without complaint, and maintained, but not "babied" for several seasons and many miles, l have much respect for Studebaker's Champion engines, too.

[Commander Eddie]

Well, you proved to me that you can go into overdrive in first gear. I can't do that with my truck because of the differential gearing. The sound of your exhaust was music to my ears. I would love to see some videos taken out the window cruising the highway. Maybe get some shots of reactions from drivers you pass, or pass you. This inspires me to get my own dash cam plugged in and go for a ride.

[JoeHall]

Well, you proved to me that you can go into overdrive in first gear. I can't do that with my truck because of the differential gearing. The sound of your exhaust was music to my ears. I would love to see some videos taken out the window cruising the highway. Maybe get some shots of reactions from drivers you pass, or pass you. This inspires me to get my own dash cam plugged in and go for a ride.

I tweaked the OD governor to where 1st gear OD will kick in anywhere above 3000 RPM. I have mentioned it here before, but believe most thought I was lying. LOL