Question on 64-66 hood ornaments

[Scott]

Does anyone know why SI has reproduced the standard hood ornament for 64-66 Studebakers, but not the better version with the spring in it to keep it from breaking off? I've never seen a real one, but I'd love to get one. If anyone has one, please let me know! I don't think I imagined they exist.

[SN-60]

To: Scott,-----A spring loaded '64 'S' hood ornament?......that would have been a great idea.....but they were introduced on domestic cars much later on (around '69?) A Federal thing.

[StudeRich]

This spring mounted unit was never released for Canadian & U.S. production, so there are virtually NONE in existence.

This would triple or quadruple the cost to SDC CASO's, already a bit pricey at $55.00.
Go figure, how many could be sold? About 100 in ten years?

The big reason is the tooling exists for standard ones used on all production Cars, the tooling has to be made for the experimental one.

[Studebakercenteroforegon]

Actually the original tooling is not being used on the reproduced hood ornaments. The originals were die cast zinc, cast in a high production H-13 tool steel casting die. The reproduction ornaments are some lower production process that doesn't yield an excellent surface finish, thus more secondary labor is required to produce an acceptable finish. I'm not complaining, since they are much better than nothing.

[2R5]

I've seen the original spring ornaments but I think the reason people don't put them on their cars is you have to cut a small hole in your hood to allow for the ornament to swing thus most people just put these in there parts stash.

[Scott]

So, I'm hearing two different things. Some say it was experimental and 2R5 makes it sound like they were produced.

[Scott]

I don't know why Ed would not have gotten the original blueprints to make new tooling from (and they probably do exist), even if it was in lower grade steel. I've noticed in some other reproductions, that it looks like a cast was made from an existing part, resulting in a degradation of detail. I've seen the reproduced hood ornaments and that 's exactly what they look like.

[studegary]

I have seen many of the spring loaded '64-'66 hood ornaments. I owned at least one NOS one. I do not remember the need for an additional hole. The ring and S pivoted on the base. I am now sold out of both types of NOS '64-'66 hood ornaments. I believe that the spring loaded one was required in some European countries before it was required in the USA.

[COMMANDERPINK1]

I think 2R5 is only talking about the Brand Xs made much later than any Studes, There just wasnt any spring loaded hood ornaments on the hood you are refering to.
Tom

[2R5]

No I'm not....they were made.
Last one I seen for sale was at the Omaha meet....wanted to buy it but if I recall the vender wanted $65 for it and that was just a little much for me. Thats when you could buy a nos regular type for about $20

[2R5]

I think we need Ray Martin to get into this conversation....I know he still has one of these and I'm sure he told me that a hole had to be cut to install them.

[Bullet]

Gary is correct on the spring loaded ornaments. They were available in some European conuntries only. 2R5 is also correct that you have to cut a hole in your hood (Lark types) to install it. I have a picture of one of the spring loaded ones, but have never owned one. They are very expensive. Back in the late 80's there was a small article about this in the tech section of TW as I remember, because alot of kids back then were breaking them off for trophies. It was a differerent design than the European ones. But again a hole had to be drilled. The non-factory one used a wire between the two bolts that held the "S" on and then used a spring on that wire that then connected to one of the bolts on the hood latch. I did not want to drill a hole in my hood, so never bought or used one.

I will look for the picture of the factory European one and post the picture.

Mark

[studefan]

I have an NOS spring type hood ornament in the basement somewhere. I just spent 10 minutes looking for it but didn't locate it. I am sure it's here though as I saw it a few months ago. I'll dig some more tomorrow and try to post a picture.

[Scott]

I'd love to see a picture. I'm pretty sure I saw a picture of one a long time ago. I've seen so many broken original style ones, I thought the springing ones would be a really hot item

[mbstude]

I had an NOS spring loaded one. Sold it to a friend for his '66 Wagonaire. Looks just like the US production ornament when mounted on the car.