Over 25 years ago, my father and I purchased 57H-K7 2190 in perfect, original condition. At that time she only had 22K on the odometer and other then a respray of the Tiara Gold (Artic White Coves were untouched) and the addition of electric fuel pump, radial wide whites she is bone stock original including the interior. We have been members of SDC since I can remember and would show our cars (I had a '82 Avanti II -cover car of Turning Wheels) together at local gatherings. Unfortunately, Dad passed away 10 years ago but I still have the GH, since it reminds me him when I sit in the front seat. Fast forward to 8 months ago, when the landlord of my warehouse where I keep my car collection decided to have the building roofs resurfaced. Unfortunately, when the roofing contractor had removed most of the roofs membrane, a thunderstorm hit and I saw my collector cars, including the GH drenched in toxic, disgusting roof water. The roofer took full responsibility and their insurance carrier is taking care of the claims. So far, my '93 Corvette 40th Anniversary Conv. was declared a total loss and my '70 Ford Mustang Conv. Cobra Jet (1 of 15) was given a new interior and paint correction. Both cars had their tops down during the deluge and unfortunately the Studebaker GH took the brunt of most of the water damage, since the windows were all open and hood was up. The insurance adjuster has visited the warehouse, and being a car guy he knows the value of originality. Further, I did my best to mitigate the damages. So this is where I need the help of the SDC forum, since I don't know who to contact on the GH to get it back to it's former glory. As I stated, the car was the poster car of originality and I want to keep it that way. At this point, mold has taken it's toll on the stainless, the incredible white and black original interior is now an awful shade of yellow while the original engine compartment is covered in mold as well. The engine turns but does not start although the radio still works, but I need a Studebaker Advocate to come out and give me an estimate to present to the insurance adjuster. Once I have a settlement check, I intend to use the funds for the preservation. The Corvette and Mustang was not a problem, but finding someone in the area that is familiar with Studebaker Golden Hawks and preserving this 28K mile gems originality has been a nightmare. The original papers, including owners manual and build sheet were safe in my home so that's a silver lining in this cloud I can post pic's at a later time, but this matter has really taken it's toll on me, since my business offices are also in the warehouse as well. I am so sorry to vent my woe's especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and I am grateful that my family and are safe and healthy. With that said, can someone on the SDC forum provide suggestions on how to proceed. You can either PM me, post under this topic or email me at markleighhummel@gmail.com. Everyone, please stay safe and I look forward to your assistance.
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1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk owner needs help!!
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Originally posted by Skip Lackie View PostSuggest you PM Ross Miller (handle is Ross on this forum). He is very familiar with Studes, and could do a lot of the work at is shop. He is located off I-83 in Md just south of the Penna border.
Many thanks for the reply. BTW, I forgot to mention, my location is Owings Mills, MD 21117, although the GH is in my warehouse in Baltimore, MD. I sure do miss the Studebaker Swap Meets in March @ York......those were the days. Stay safe.
Mark
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There are several Studebaker Vendors at:
https://studebakervendors.com
that could help, and also in the on-line Copy of the Latest "Turning Wheels". Lots of Parts Vendors but very few Repair Shops.
One that is not close, but is totally capable of doing a CORRECT Restoration, would be Mike Myer at Myer's Studebaker in Southern Ohio.Last edited by StudeRich; 05-01-2020, 01:22 PM.StudeRich
Second Generation Stude Driver,
Proud '54 Starliner Owner
SDC Member Since 1967
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René Harger at Southeast Studebaker can provide new interior panels and upholstery covers, as close to factory as you will ever find.
Anticipate $3200-$3500 and several months wait.
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All the stainless should clean up, just a matter of labor. Many shops specialize in polishing stainless, especially chrome plating shops.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
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I guess you accidently posted in "cars for sale/cars found" before posting here. https://forum.studebakerdriversclub....ner-needs-help
I think Jack's response in that other thread is something you need to look at carefully. My first thought when reading through your first post was that this car is a total loss. Here's why. As Jack mentioned, it will NEVER again be the survivor that it was. Yes, everything can be fixed at a cost. But then it isn't really original. It is restored. I realize Studebaker survivors may not carry the same allure as some other brands, and that there aren't as many buyers for untouched, unmodified survivor type cars. But, how many 57 Golden Hawks are out there that are as close to survivor status as this car.
Your car; your choice. I would probably be pressing for a total, and look around for another one to replace it. Then, the negotiations begin on what it is really worth. I assume you have a classic car policy on this car. Hopefully you have it insured for enough that you could replace it. Yes, I realize YOUR insurance doesn't come into play here; at least not directly. However, what you have it insured for would be an indicator of its value as it was; not its value once it is restored. In the muscle car world, true survivors bring considerably more than most restored cars. Of course, to most of those buyers, any repaint negates any claim of survivor status.
Sorry for rambling. Just thinking and typing at the same time. Hell, may even be typing before thinking.
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Sorry this happened. The car was already repainted so repainting again won't change the originality or value from before the damage. Stainless can be polished and still be original. The only issue is the interior which is a real shame if it was perfect original.
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I looked up the other thread and saw Jack Vines comments. I think they are spot on. Also what Lynn and Jeff said in the other posts. This is so sad and a tough decision to be made. What makes this especially hard is the family factor of your Dad and you and the car.
So, bad to the original quest for help: Who in the Maryland area can offer this help, or who will be willing to travel to Maryland to help? As stated in post 1:The engine turns but does not start although the radio still works, but I need a Studebaker Advocate to come out and give me an estimate to present to the insurance adjuster. Once I have a settlement check, I intend to use the funds for the preservation. So if someone can offer an assessment so Mark can proceed or make a tough decision for a total loss and look for another pristine car. They are still out there.
Bob Miles
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Mark,
I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am that this happened. I also agree with you that you need an advocate to help you mitigate the damage. I disagree that settling for anything less then making an effort to maintain the car's originality is inappropriate. I own several original low mileage cars similar to your car. The condition, and related story of which, set them apart from even my restored cars. I have little doubt that what it will cost to try to bring your car back is going to be more then to purchase perfectly restored car. Assuming that you can even find one. You indicate that the roofer is taking full responsibility for the damage and that their insurance company is taking care of it. This frightens me because the insurance company is not your friend, they will try to get you to settle for less then the cost of full mitigation. Please refrain from signing anything saying that you accept a settlement before the process is completed to your satisfaction. The process of any restoration is a marathon, nobody is going to be able to give you a figure, and say this is what it's going to cost.
If it were me I would file a claim with my insurance company. I hope that you insure through a reputable antique car insurer, and that your agreed value is high enough for your insurance company to want to go to battle. The worst case scenario is that this will end up in court. You really want your insurance company to be your advocate at trial. You want them to use their resources, so you're not on the hook for court costs.
Somewhat ironically I recently posed a question about valuation on one of my original cars, recently on the AACA's Buick Riviera forum. A 1965 Riviera had sold at auction for some outrageous price (something like $125,000). I was also seeing other restored cars trading for as much as $65,000. My car is an all original 22,000 mile car and is in similar to the condition yours was in. I usually couldn't care less what my cars are worth, cause I almost never sell, but now I'm confronted with a situation where my car is, by any measure, undervalued for insurance purposes. For a number of reasons, not the least of which is lack of detailed photos, the value is still to be determined. Your plight has just added a new level of urgency to my own situation.
BillLast edited by Hallabutt; 05-02-2020, 01:54 AM.
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What I posted on the other thread/topic, yesterday.
"I see the cost of having it restored as exceeding its before damage value. I would use a number 2 book value and have the insurance company pay you that amount if you can keep the car (or buy it back at salvage price). You can get an as-new interior kit from Southeast Studebaker LLC. The rest sounds like mostly cleaning and repainting.
The number that you posted is the body number (doesn't mean much). The Serial Number is on the A-pillar and on the production order. Some states used the engine number as an ID in those days (my '57 GH was PS3000)."Gary L.
Wappinger, NY
SDC member since 1968
Studebaker enthusiast much longer
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Gary,
The car is an emotional connection with his Father and his youth, He wants to feel the same seat material under his butt, as his father sat on decades ago. I get it, at least I hope I do. If I'm wrong I hope he will correct me. As irrational as it might seem, I like what he's doing.
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Originally posted by Lynn View PostI guess you accidently posted in "cars for sale/cars found" before posting here. https://forum.studebakerdriversclub....ner-needs-help
I think Jack's response in that other thread is something you need to look at carefully. My first thought when reading through your first post was that this car is a total loss. Here's why. As Jack mentioned, it will NEVER again be the survivor that it was. Yes, everything can be fixed at a cost. But then it isn't really original. It is restored. I realize Studebaker survivors may not carry the same allure as some other brands, and that there aren't as many buyers for untouched, unmodified survivor type cars. But, how many 57 Golden Hawks are out there that are as close to survivor status as this car.
Your car; your choice. I would probably be pressing for a total, and look around for another one to replace it. Then, the negotiations begin on what it is really worth. I assume you have a classic car policy on this car. Hopefully you have it insured for enough that you could replace it. Yes, I realize YOUR insurance doesn't come into play here; at least not directly. However, what you have it insured for would be an indicator of its value as it was; not its value once it is restored. In the muscle car world, true survivors bring considerably more than most restored cars. Of course, to most of those buyers, any repaint negates any claim of survivor status.
Sorry for rambling. Just thinking and typing at the same time. Hell, may even be typing before thinking.
Although insured with Grundy for "agreed value" if the car was preserved properly I would still be looking for diminished value for the fact of losing it's originality............how many 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawks with 28K exist, prior to the water damage, even exist. I have not placed this car on the Studebaker GH registry because it's for '56 and '58' but no 57's. Maybe someone can help me out on this. I would hate to go thru my carrier since this was total negligence on the roofer, and they have done some major projects in the Baltimore Metro area. My '70 Mustang Convertible CJ was rare, but was previously restored, so new carpets, seat covers, dash pad, etc. was not a concern as much as this Hawk.
Again, I am grate full for everyone's thoughts and suggestions as they are much appreciated. Please keep them coming and I promise to post pic's soon.
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Originally posted by Hallabutt View PostGary,
The car is an emotional connection with his Father and his youth, He wants to feel the same seat material under his butt, as his father sat on decades ago. I get it, at least I hope I do. If I'm wrong I hope he will correct me. As irrational as it might seem, I like what he's doing.
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Originally posted by studegary View PostWhat I posted on the other thread/topic, yesterday.
The number that you posted is the body number (doesn't mean much). The Serial Number is on the A-pillar and on the production order. Some states used the engine number as an ID in those days (my '57 GH was PS3000)."
Body No. 2190
Factory Order No. 37730
Line No. 1122
Engine No. PS-3286
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Originally posted by markrubyred View Post
Serial No. 6102232
Body No. 2190
Factory Order No. 37730
Line No. 1122
Engine No. PS-3286
Gary L.
Wappinger, NY
SDC member since 1968
Studebaker enthusiast much longer
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