1956 Golden Hawk Restoration and Refitting

[mike super]

To answer the last few postings......I have just added some shots to photobucket (url is on the first post.... just click it ). The LS1 I am putting in this Golden Hawk is a 42,000 mile motor out of a late model GTO, and they to the best of my knowledge do not leak like the old chevys Neil. At least the ones I have put in do not. Also confirming your suspicions Brian, this restoration / refitting is replicating the two photo's attached. Stock appearing 56 Golden Hawk will be red and white exterior with no aluminum accent strips on either side.....with cream leather interior incorporating front to rear console wrapped with bucket seats front and rear...... SSS IFS with 63 twin traction dana 44. Hope to have more photos end of week of rolling chassis and week thereafter with the LSI and trans complete. Goal is body mounted to chassis before Christmas. I am building this for my wife. So my Christmas shopping is enjoyable this year and simple.......a big red bow and a little christmas tree atop the car !!

[Sdude]

You will run across the purist that will chastise you for going GM power in your Stude and I can understand where they are coming from. Studebaker made some great engines and they need to be given their due respect. But for every one of those guys, you will find ten others that tell you go for it, what you are doing is cool. As already stated - it's your car, your money and your decision.

I went 5.3L/4L60E in both my Studebakers and have yet to get the oil stains off my driveway from the Champion sixes.

Can't wait to see the final pictures. Keep us posted....

[bezhawk]

56Js' didn't come with Stude power. They had Packard engines. They werent any heavier than a Stude V8, and the 374 version had 405 ft lbs of tire roasting torque. They were faster than an R2 any day of the week.

[Welcome]

56Js' didn't come with Stude power. They had Packard engines. They werent any heavier than a Stude V8, and the 374 version had 405 ft lbs of tire roasting torque. They were faster than an R2 any day of the week.

Hawk Shoot-out'56 GM powered Golden Hawk
vs.
'56 Packard powered Golden Hawk
vs.
'57/58 Supercharged Stude powered Golden Hawk
vs.
'63/64 R2 Supercharged Stude powered GT Hawk

[JoeHall]

Hmmm …beginning to sound like a "Hawk Shoot-out" at Osceola Dragway during the SDC International Meet week next summer …

'56 GM powered Golden Hawk
vs.
'56 Packard powered Golden Hawk
vs.
'57/58 Supercharged Stude powered Golden Hawk
vs.
'63/64 R2 Supercharged Stude powered GT Hawk

I think that would be interesting, as long as "56 GM Powered" is only 1956 GM power. Otherwise, we may as well include Hyunda, Toyota, Nissan etc powered Hawks. A fair comparison would involve only period correct, OEM perfdormance technology. Otherwise, it's apples to oranges.

[Pat Dilling]

Hmmm …beginning to sound like a "Hawk Shoot-out" at Osceola Dragway during the SDC International Meet week next summer …

'56 GM powered Golden Hawk
vs.
'56 Packard powered Golden Hawk
vs.
'57/58 Supercharged Stude powered Golden Hawk
vs.
'63/64 R2 Supercharged Stude powered GT Hawk

Can I get in on this??

vs.
'53 GM Powered Starlight Coupe

[JoeHall]

Can I get in on this??

vs.
'53 GM Powered Starlight Coupe

Sure, as long as your car has a stock, 1953 GM engine. Otherwise, it would only boil down to the fastest modern drivetrain installed in a Stude body. You could also put that modern GM drivetrain in a VW bug and race against stock VWs, but what would the point be?

[mike super]

From restoration and refitting to racing ? Interesting how a thread at times takes on a life of its own. This 56J, as are the other 56 hawks I will build will be for my wife and I's enjoyment. They are updated, so as to be reliable, dependable, and safe. One of other the benefits of outfitting these beautiful Studebakers with late model GM powertrains is power. Am sure, having a quick car will come in handy, at times. Regardless, I am in full agreement with Joe.....point taken Mr Hall ! You guys do any racing at the nats in 2012....send me an invite.

[JoeHall]

Sounds like South Bend is gonna be a lot of fun next summer. Lots of interesting, "refitted" Studes reflecting the changing times. I am looking forward to seeing whatever anyone brings, especially those that are actually driven.
As far as safety and reliability, I have seen some very interesting innovations over the years. I recall a father & son project out West where a Toyota 20R engine and tranny had been installed in a 1950 or 51. Also, a 1953 'K' body at Spokane with a V6 that looked almost "correct", thanks to a lot of work by a very talented young guy.
Unless we're planning on living over another 100 years, there's enough Studes to go around for all of us, no matter what our plans are for them.
Joe H

[Pat Dilling]

Point is well taken indeed Joe, and I echo Mike's comments, and appreciate your perspective on enough Studes for all of us. I am really looking forward to South Bend next year. And I do plan to drive our 53 from California. It's a bucket list item for me to drive it across country. See you there!

Pat

[Jessie J.]

My personal 'dream' Stude, would be a Black '56J fitted with a Isky equipped 2x4 374 backed-up with a 700r4 and a 9" with 3.73's. It would move and it would cruise, and best of all it would still have that genuine Studebaker-Packard classic class.

[Sdude]

I responded to your PM but your mailbox was too full to receive it.

[mike super]

Sorry John....deleted all but two of the pm's.....had a ton of them on this post....sorry. Please resend....very interested in your 5.3's.....going next week to see John Tucker at sbs engines in Ga. to pick up three 5.3 motor's and transmissions.

[JoeHall]

I am really looking forward to South Bend next year. And I do plan to drive our 53 from California. It's a bucket list item for me to drive it across country. See you there!

Pat

Pat,
You're probably already aware, you'll need an appointment with a chiropractor when you arrive in SB, from returning the kajillion waves, thumbs up and AOKs to admirers on the road. Not to mention the many times you will raise the hood at gas stations and rest stops, per other admirers' requests.

Hope to see you there!

[PackardV8]

When it comes to racing, they have classes. Any good GM LS engine will easily beat any Studebaker or Packard V8. The best LS Corvette engine has 600 horsepower and a warranty. With fifty years of science on it's side, that's only to be expected.

How about this? I'll put my Packard V8 up against any US passenger car engine with a 1955 or earlier casting date. Bring 'em on.

jack vines