New to the forum but not new to cars. We had a Silver Hawk growing up. I've always liked the looks of a 56/57 President/Commander ever since I saw one racing at the drag strip back home. I found a rust free abandoned project of a 56 Commander. It's minus the engine, transmission, and interior seats. But all the chrome seems to be there and intact. As the dashboard is out of it and I do not know what all is missing for it (as of yet), I am thinking about changing it to a Hawk dashboard setup. I will be dragging it home tomorrow and will start a build thread. Until then, here is a sneak peek. Otherwise let the fun begin!
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Welcome to the forum! Lots of knowledgeable folks here eager to help you.Mike Davis
1964 Champ 8E7-122 "Stuey" -
Welcome to the forum.
As far as dashes none of the Hawk dashes will be a direct fit. One might be made to fit with some surgery. Note that all the Hawk dashes (1956-64) were fiberglass.
My choice of dashes for your car would be a 1961 or 62 Lark dash with '63 gauges (full instruments, no idiot lights). Those should be a direct bolt in to your '56.
1956 and '57 2-door sedans are some of my favorites. Have fun.
--DwightComment
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I think a -55 sedan dashboard would be the coolest:
(nice 2d sedan, would make a cool nascar style)
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Welcome to the SDC, and to the SDC Forum Chris !
Here is some inspiration for you:
This '56 Champion was a Six Cyl, but now has a '63 High Performance Jet Thrust (Avanti) 289 4 Barrel V8 and a T-85 Manual 3 Speed Overdrive Transmission and Hurst Floor Shifter, giving it Six Ratios, that normally Uses 4 or 5.
It is Bored .040 Oversize and has Avanti R3 Intake Valves, it has '63 Super Lark Traction Bars and a Limited Slip 4.27 Ratio Rear Axle.
it is ALL Studebaker.
It is not mine, I just supplied all of the New Engine Parts, the Owner/Builder was a Friend named Allan.StudeRich
Second Generation Stude Driver,
Proud '54 Starliner Owner
SDC Member Since 1967Comment
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How about a Bolt-In 1960 Lark Regal ?
Maybe add some Carpeting!
StudeRich
Second Generation Stude Driver,
Proud '54 Starliner Owner
SDC Member Since 1967Comment
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I was 4 years old when my mom and dad purchased a 56 4 door sedan. The "colored" speedometer as my dad called it, was interesting to watch. I would stand on the back seat to look over to see the dash. It is a wonder I survived without a car seat! When my mom drove, she would let me sit in the front so I could the dash and speedometer better. The car was sold because there was a new brother coming. I think it was not a fair trade in my opinion. I would have rather lived with the car instead of my brother
It is your car and you have a blank slate to build it the way you want, but I would vote for the original dashComment
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Got her home today. I'll try and start my build thread tomorrowComment
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Here is a '62 Lark dash. The '61 dash is similar.
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A 61-62 Lark dash won’t fit into an earlier car. The shape of the cowl was changed in ‘61, which changed the shape of the dash.
Your Commander looks like a good place to start. It’ll be interesting to see what your plans are, be sure to keep us posted on your progress.Comment
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There is a 1956 President Classic in Wilcox AZ that has a complete working dash, front and rear bumpers and bunches of parts like a hood ornament. Wilcox is a 6 hour trip down I-25 to I-10 but when you get to sorting out what you need you can make a list of what you need. The radio also works but the numbers on the dial have fallen off.Comment
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Looks like 2 Chrysler Rally Wheels on the Right, possibly better wheels 5 1/2 or 6 Inches wide for Radials, and Old Stude 5 Inch wide ones on the Left.
Really ODD, about a hundred Brown Cartoon Stickers.
StudeRich
Second Generation Stude Driver,
Proud '54 Starliner Owner
SDC Member Since 1967Comment
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