Ever been a C/K convertible?

[studegary]

quote:Originally posted by nels

Gary,
I was told about two cars by an old Studebaker dealer who used to travel to SB from Cinci Oh quite often. He is long gone but had me convinced at the time. It would be interesting to know for sure.

My input came from Bob Bourke and a few high ranking engineers and managers from the South Bend plant.

AFAIK, the car always had the imitation wire wheel covers. They were in the trunk the last time that I saw the car in South Bend.

Gary L.
Wappinger, NY

SDC member since 1968
Studebaker enthusiast much longer

[Studeous]

WOW all these cars look so wonderful.
The rear quarterr window in most of these phantoms looks like a GT hawk window. When making a 53 ect conv. I would think (like Gary said) use a later frame and for that matter wouldnt you be ahead by starting with a GT hawk body shell.
John Bridges (Author) had a nice shortened Convertable using the later x member at the 1992 International meet in Nashville. It was built somewhat like Bob Burke would have built it in 55. Still using the 53 hood, utilizing the 55 dash with color flowing smoothly into the door pannels.


Richard Burks
53 Coupe
57 Transtar
(Smack in the middle of Middle TN)

[Studeous]

WOW all these cars look so wonderful.
The rear quarterr window in most of these phantoms looks like a GT hawk window. When making a 53 ect conv. I would think (like Gary said) use a later frame and for that matter wouldnt you be ahead by starting with a GT hawk body shell.
John Bridges (Author) had a nice shortened Convertable using the later x member at the 1992 International meet in Nashville. It was built somewhat like Bob Burke would have built it in 55. Still using the 53 hood, utilizing the 55 dash with color flowing smoothly into the door pannels.


Richard Burks
53 Coupe
57 Transtar
(Smack in the middle of Middle TN)

[sals54]

These convertibles make me go weak at the knees. I just love them. I also have considered converting a GT to a convert 53. Question is though, would the GT frame be stout enouugh for the conversion? Or would one still have to reinforce?

[sals54]

These convertibles make me go weak at the knees. I just love them. I also have considered converting a GT to a convert 53. Question is though, would the GT frame be stout enouugh for the conversion? Or would one still have to reinforce?

[mausersmth]

Play it safe and beef up the frame! Might have to wait a decade or so before I tackle this, but I would love a Hawk ragtop!

Charles Eck
Essex, MD

'57 Commander 4 door sedan, 'Bluebird'
'66 Ford F-250
'53 John Deere 50

Studebakers were made to drive! (Besides, they don't get lost as easy in the Wal-Mart parking lot!)

[mausersmth]

Play it safe and beef up the frame! Might have to wait a decade or so before I tackle this, but I would love a Hawk ragtop!

Charles Eck
Essex, MD

'57 Commander 4 door sedan, 'Bluebird'
'66 Ford F-250
'53 John Deere 50

Studebakers were made to drive! (Besides, they don't get lost as easy in the Wal-Mart parking lot!)

[StudeDave57]

I don't know if it ever sold, but a few years ago there was a GT Hawk 'vert up in Washington State for sale...

I seem to remember the builder being a retired Boeing engineer of some sort, and he did a pretty good job, but it'd NEVER look as good as a '53/4 can though!!!

StudeDave [8D]
V/P San Diego County SDC
San Diego, Ca

https://www.studebakersandiego.com

'54 Commander Regal 4dr 'Ruby'
'57 Commander DeLuxe 2dr 'Baby'
'57 Champion Custom 2dr 'Jewel'
'57 Parkview (she's a 2dr wagon...) 'Betsy'
'58 Packard sedan 'Cleo'
'65 Cruiser 'Sweet Pea'

[StudeDave57]

I don't know if it ever sold, but a few years ago there was a GT Hawk 'vert up in Washington State for sale...

I seem to remember the builder being a retired Boeing engineer of some sort, and he did a pretty good job, but it'd NEVER look as good as a '53/4 can though!!!

StudeDave [8D]
V/P San Diego County SDC
San Diego, Ca

https://www.studebakersandiego.com

'54 Commander Regal 4dr 'Ruby'
'57 Commander DeLuxe 2dr 'Baby'
'57 Champion Custom 2dr 'Jewel'
'57 Parkview (she's a 2dr wagon...) 'Betsy'
'58 Packard sedan 'Cleo'
'65 Cruiser 'Sweet Pea'

[garyash]

For some more great pictures of Jim Maloney's convertible, see David Traver Adolphus' portfolio at http://picasaweb.google.com/proscriptus/
Click on the "1950's American cars" album to see three wonderful shots of the '53 convertible at speed. The photographer goes by the screen name of "proscriptus". He shoots professionally for Hemmings and other car journals. His other car photos are great, too!

[img=left]http://www.studegarage.com/images/gary_ash_m5_sm.jpg[/img=left] Gary Ash
Dartmouth, Mass.
'48 M5
'65 Wagonaire Commander
'63 Wagonaire Standard
web site at http://www.studegarage.com

[garyash]

For some more great pictures of Jim Maloney's convertible, see David Traver Adolphus' portfolio at http://picasaweb.google.com/proscriptus/
Click on the "1950's American cars" album to see three wonderful shots of the '53 convertible at speed. The photographer goes by the screen name of "proscriptus". He shoots professionally for Hemmings and other car journals. His other car photos are great, too!

[img=left]http://www.studegarage.com/images/gary_ash_m5_sm.jpg[/img=left] Gary Ash
Dartmouth, Mass.
'48 M5
'65 Wagonaire Commander
'63 Wagonaire Standard
web site at http://www.studegarage.com