1963 R2 Package Super Hawk travels the road after thirty years

[Andy R.]

It looks like some 'Super Red' is showing under the white top. Some careful sanding/buffing/polishing might restore the original finish, if that's what you like (I do). Too bad I didn't know you in my U of Cincinnati days.

[nels]

It looks like some 'Super Red' is showing under the white top. Some careful sanding/buffing/polishing might restore the original finish, if that's what you like (I do). Too bad I didn't know you in my U of Cincinnati days.

No, the finish had worn to bare metal in places then primered heavily so no way to get the original back. I to appreciate original paint in most any condition.
As for UC, when were you there. I got out in late ‘72. I actually went to OU and commuted in a 63 full package R2 Custom that I had put an R3 in to replace the R2. I was driving it back and forth each week when I was running a 4.55 gear. I must have been nuts.

[57pack]

Always a great feeling to get a car that’s been retired back on the road! Did the same thing with my 57 Packard wagon ! It was off the road for fifty plus years!
good job with the Hawk!

[nels]

Thanks, 57 pack. There is a lot of satisfaction getting a Stude roadworthy, especially when it’s been out of commission for so long. It’s even cooler when it’s a special car that still survives thanks to your passion for the particular car. I keep tweaking things on this one trying to get it ready for the car corral at the meet. I just installed an electric fuel pump just in case the old vapor lock starts to show its face. I just overhauled an original R2 fuel pump and installed it with a switch under the dash. I’ve been driving it a lot lately and starting to get comfortable with it. It’s been in the mid 90’s here the last few days and the heat gage has been running at about 200 degrees. I’ve been checking the engine temp at the thermostat with a laser thermometer and it reads 180 degrees so I guess all is well. The gage seems to be somewhere north of the zero reading when the engine is cold so I’m thinking that is why it’s reading 200 when it’s only 180. The brakes take a lot of peddle pressure but seem to be getting better each day. I did put needsfoot oil in the hydrovac hoping it’s just needs some oil on the leather seal.

[Andy R.]

No, the finish had worn to bare metal in places then primered heavily so no way to get the original back. I to appreciate original paint in most any condition.
As for UC, when were you there. I got out in late ‘72. I actually went to OU and commuted in a 63 full package R2 Custom that I had put an R3 in to replace the R2. I was driving it back and forth each week when I was running a 4.55 gear. I must have been nuts.

No matter...that is one special Hawk.

OU?
HAHAHA!!! King Midgets cower in fear!!!
Wait...commuted between Athens and Cincinnati?...with a 4.55?!
THAT is a testament to durability (of machine and man) if ever I read one.

I was at UC later ('86-'91). My Hawk stayed home with Dad during classes, which is why it survived.
Most of UC was with a '70 Coronet with 318/auto with a 4.11 posi...that rpm multiplier sure tried to destroy the indestructible on many I-71 runs to Mansfield, though never, ever got stuck no matter how deep the snow.

[nels]

No matter...that is one special Hawk.

OU?
HAHAHA!!! King Midgets cower in fear!!!
Wait...commuted between Athens and Cincinnati?...with a 4.55?!
THAT is a testament to durability (of machine and man) if ever I read one.

I was at UC later ('86-'91). My Hawk stayed home with Dad during classes, which is why it survived.
Most of UC was with a '70 Coronet with 318/auto with a 4.11 posi...that rpm multiplier sure tried to destroy the indestructible on many I-71 runs to Mansfield, though never, ever got stuck no matter how deep the snow.

Andy. Ah, you remember the King Midget association with Athens, impressive.

As for commuting to and from Athens; my final trip in the Lark was coming home between Chillicothe and I-71 on Rt 35. I was cruising along at about 50 mph with the R3 screaming along about 3500 or so RPM with about five angry cars behind me wanting to pass. Finally a Volvo at the very back of the pack came around everybody. I assume he was doing about 75 mph when he pulled up to me but just at that time the car directly behind me decided to go around also. He hit the rear of the Volvo who went sideways and hit my door post hard which spun me around and into the left hand ditch backward. The car was totaled but the insurance company, Schiff insurance gave me a monstrous settlement of $250 for what was a nicely restored 63 Super Lark. That was after all kinds of argument from me. I was so disgusted with Schiff that I told him I will never in my life insure anything with him again and I would continue to tell anyone I could about my feelings toward his company. They are still in business and I still have negative feelings toward that company.

[nels]

Well the Hawk found a new owner when it was up at the meet in Indy.