Tips/advice before buying a 62 Hawk GT?

[ChrisHawaii]

Bonjour,

I am contemplating to buy a 1962 GT Hawk. From the pictures and the comments I got so far (from the mechanics' current owner), it looks good. However, while I know about old cars, I have no specific knowledge of the Hawk, and I wonder if I could get tips and advice on things to look at when I get a chance to see/inspect/test-drive the car, in order to better assess it.

Those willing to help can have a look at the pictures here

http://www.cfht.hawaii.edu/~veillet/62%20Studebaker.pdf

Mahalo in advance!

Aloha,
Chris in Hawaii

[41 Frank]

Nice clean looking car on the outside.It has some autheticity issues on the inside but I don't know how important those are to you but I'll mention them. It has what looks like 1963 Hawk seat upholstery, pleats run lengtways instead of crossways. Door panels look wrong and the area around the dash instruments is supposed to be woodgrain.Looks like it needs carpet but pics are not too clear. Wheel covers on a 62 have black scallops on the outer part and a red circle in the middle. Grille has the wrong year insert. It would be helpful if some pics of the chassis had been included to look for frame rust and torque box rust. None of the items I saw wrong would keep me from buying it if I was looking for a car to enjoy and was not a stickler for authenticity. Try to inspect the underside if possible for rust issues. Look for suspicious areas on the body that might be hiding shoddy body repairs or rust repairs. Check sound of engine and exhaust smoke etc. If you are not comfortable checking things yourself pay to have a qualified mechanic check it over. Oh, I don't think paint is a factory color if memory serves, at least I don't remember ever seeing one this color but I could be wrong on that.

Frank van Doorn
1962 GT Hawk 4 speed
1963 Daytona Conv
1941 Champion R-2 Rod

[rockne10]

Welcome to the Forum, Chris.
It's obviously had a cosmetic job. Was the structure properly addressed in the process?
Check for patch welding and bondo in the rear edges of front fenders, around air vent doors, under headlights, hog troughs (between rocker panels and frame mounts), rear corners of trunk and front corners of floor.

Does it look like the brake lines and hoses may have been addressed? They should definitely not be 47 years old.

From what the pictures show I wouldn't mind having it in my driveway but do check the foundation.

Brad Johnson
Pine Grove Mills, Pa.
'33 Rockne 10, '51 Commander Starlight, '53 Commander Starlight

[GTtim]

Have you checked to make sure the heater works? I'll ditto what everyone else said and add that you should check for rust in the frame, especially for the rear axle back, bottoms of doors and alongside of where the roof meets the body. Good luck.

Tim K.
'64 R2 GT Hawk

[Bud]

I have a 62 Hawk and have owned several others. If the car has lived in Hawaii for any length of time, rust could be a major issue. Aside from the usual rust spots in the rear edge of the front fenders, check for rust in the frame rails, under the front carpets which is repairable if the rust hasn't gotten to the door posts as now there is a structual issue. Check inside of the trunk around the upper wheel wells and in the floor of the trunk for rusting. Check for rusted out suspension and brake parts. The cosmetic issues can be addressed if that is a problem for you as the upolstery and trim parts are available. These are issues specific to the Hawks plus the normal mechanical issues such as a tired engine or transmission. I would recommend having a competetent mechanic look over the car before buying it. Bud

[nibbs53]

quote:Originally posted by ChrisHawaii

Bonjour,

I am contemplating to buy a 1962 GT Hawk. From the pictures and the comments I got so far (from the mechanics' current owner), it looks good. However, while I know about old cars, I have no specific knowledge of the Hawk, and I wonder if I could get tips and advice on things to look at when I get a chance to see/inspect/test-drive the car, in order to better assess it.

Those willing to help can have a look at the pictures here

http://www.cfht.hawaii.edu/~veillet/62%20Studebaker.pdf

Mahalo in advance!

Aloha,
Chris in Hawaii

RIGHT CLICK PHOTO'S AND ROTATE..

NIBBS53..

[ChrisHawaii]

Thanks to all who answered so far. It is very helpful, and I liked Nibbs53's little joke...

I got from the vendor some numbers (see below) and somebody from another list told me that it has to be a late 62 according to the engine casting number (full flow block). It was not in Hawaii for very long: "This is a rust free, classic vintage San Diego car with an extensive amateur restoration. It was professionally repainted, has new chrome, and extensive mechanical work, Michelins, V-8, four speed. This car's always stored inside." (the original ad...)

A couple more question: I intend to use the car on a daily basis. How reliable is the GT Hawk? What are its weak points?

Aloha,
Chris in Hawaii

Studebaker Serial / VIN #: 62V-15386

V8 Engine S/N: 1554641 ,
Side of head : 535976 ,
On Intake Manifold : 1547530 ,
Transmission : T10-7B or H-4-1

[53k]

quote:Originally posted by 41 Frank

Nice clean looking car on the outside.It has some autheticity issues on the inside but I don't know how important those are to you but I'll mention them. It has what looks like 1963 Hawk seat upholstery, pleats run lengtways instead of crossways. Door panels look wrong and the area around the dash instruments is supposed to be woodgrain.Looks like it needs carpet but pics are not too clear. Wheel covers on a 62 have black scallops on the outer part and a red circle in the middle. Grille has the wrong year insert. It would be helpful if some pics of the chassis had been included to look for frame rust and torque box rust. None of the items I saw wrong would keep me from buying it if I was looking for a car to enjoy and was not a stickler for authenticity. Try to inspect the underside if possible for rust issues. Look for suspicious areas on the body that might be hiding shoddy body repairs or rust repairs. Check sound of engine and exhaust smoke etc. If you are not comfortable checking things yourself pay to have a qualified mechanic check it over. Oh, I don't think paint is a factory color if memory serves, at least I don't remember ever seeing one this color but I could be wrong on that.

The wheel covers in the pictures are '66. However, I think they are great for a Hawk.




Paul Johnson, Wild and Wonderful West Virginia. '64 Daytona Wagonaire, '64 Daytona convertible, '53 Commander Starliner, Museum R-4 engine, '62 Gravely Model L, '72 Gravely Model 430

[buddymander]

How much is it? At 3K grab it. Over that, put it up on a lift and check for rust issues.

[jimmijim8]

Looks pretty nice. I'd give bout 6 without an underbody inspection. If you buy it get rid of that crappy rubber fuel line. jimmijim

[ChrisHawaii]

Well, price wise, it's for now at a bit more than 10K (though 2K worth of parts are given with the car).

Hence the idea to look more carefully

I still would welcome some feedback on the reliability of the GT Hawk, to see what I will face in the years to come if I go for it and use it (!).

Aloha,
Christian

[rockne10]

A properly maintained GT will be a reliable joy.

If you buy it, also invest in a copy of the Shop Manual, Body Catalog and Chassis Catalog, available on CD-ROM for $25.
It will enable you to know the maintenance required, do much of the work yourself, identify part numbers when you need them and, you can print specific pages if you need to provide them to your service provider of choice.

There is currently no chapter of the SDC in Hawaii; time to start one.
I suppose driving to a Chapter meeting on Kauai or Molokai could prove to be a challenge.



Brad Johnson
Pine Grove Mills, Pa.
'33 Rockne 10, '51 Commander Starlight, '53 Commander Starlight

[41 Frank]

The reliability of the GT hawk is directly related to the maintenance, or lack thereof, over the years. Mine underwent a complete restoration after I purchased it in 1991. Once completed I have done little other than routine stuff to it like oil changes, lube jobs,fuel and air filters, tuneups etc. and have put around 25000 miles on it in the last 14 years.

quote:Originally posted by ChrisHawaii

Well, price wise, it's for now at a bit more than 10K (though 2K worth of parts are given with the car).

Hence the idea to look more carefully

I still would welcome some feedback on the reliability of the GT Hawk, to see what I will face in the years to come if I go for it and use it (!).

Aloha,
Christian

Frank van Doorn
1962 GT Hawk 4 speed
1963 Daytona Conv
1941 Champion R-2 Rod

[GTtim]

Studebakers have tough reliable engines and drivetrains. When they have been reconditioned properly and recieve good maintenance there are virtually no issues to deal with. Sadly, many times when the cars are 'restored' corners are cut and things aren't always done properly. The only issues that would affect daily driveability are things that affect all cars of this vintage. Usually these are overheating, vapor lock and other fuel related issues. These are really very simple straightforward cars that will offer reliable transportation if you are willing to learn the things that make them unique when compared to modern cars.

Tim K.
'64 R2 GT Hawk

[bowhawk]