1951 Stude wind tunnel testing

[Dennis-Ohio]

Hello,
My brother has a '51 thats nearly ready for its first pass.
I'm concerned the car may not be stable at high speeds. I searched the internet for anything to do with this body style and stability.
I don't have many pictures on my computer but the link may give some idea of what the cars like. We have possibly hundreds of step by build pictures that I could scan & send if that helps.
http://eshare.hpphoto.com/FilmStripH...75&SKU=WalMart
Thanks Dennis........

[Guido]

Ted, you are being paged!! Our own Ted Harbit has been racing the Chicken Hawk for years (and burying the competition) and can provide you with the information you seek.

[Randy_G]

Now that is a Silver Bullet nose... what a sweet car.



Randy_G
1959 Lark Sedan
www.AutomotiveHistoryOnline.com

[studeclunker]

quote:My brother has a '51 thats nearly ready for its first pass.
I'm concerned the car may not be stable at high speeds. I searched the internet for anything to do with this body style and stability.

You know, when I first read the above, I couldn't understand what was going on. I mean, yeah they can go, but, really... Then after perusing the pictures the light came on... Ding![)][8)] OOOOOOOOOh![:I] Duh![)][:I] It's a hot rod![:0][)] A drag racer. Yeah, Ted has been burying the competition with a very similar car for decades. In fact, Turning wheels did an article on him, didn't they? I think they had a picture of his bullet-nose as well. Isn't that the one called the Chicken Hawk[?]


Home of the famous Mr. Ed!
Lotsa Larks!
K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Studebaker!
Ron Smith
Where the heck is Lewiston, CA?

[Roscomacaw]

Yeah, Ted ("Chicken Hawk" is his forum handle) can advise you of it's airworthiness at speeds well over 100. Suffice it to say, his car doesn't sport spoilers or air dams or any of that stuff. In fact, if it weren't for the humongous slicks at the rear, it could pass for a stocker![]

Miscreant adrift in
the BerStuda Triangle


1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe

[Dick Steinkamp]

Beautiful car []

Love the lazy S on the fuel cell.


[8D]

[StudeDave57]

I've been doing a little bit of 'Spring Cleaning' around the apartment this weekend, and came across the HOT ROD with an article on Ted and the Chicken Hawk.
Check out August 2006 for a six-page article including lots of pictures...

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

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

[Magnum]

Man o' man what a purty car. No matter what you think about stock vs. modified, anyone can appreciate good craftsmanship!.

Mike "Magnum" Harm

[Dick Steinkamp]

quote:Originally posted by StudeDave57

Check out August 2006 for a six-page article including lots of pictures...

If anybody missed this article, Bob has put it on the SDC web site here...

http://www.studebakerdriversclub.com...awkArticle.pdf

[Chicken Hawk]

I don't know if my experience will help you much or not as I'm sure your '51 will probably weigh at least a 1000 pounds less than mine and a lot less weight on the front end (motor set back, etc.)and mine has all stock front end parts. Mine is 3600 with me in it.

I have run it at speeds over 135 mph in the quarter and it handles like it's only going 60. It also stopped fine (with Lark front brakes) at 125 but when it got to 130, it was a little concerning so I put disk brakes on the front (rear has Lincoln drum brakes with 9" Ford rear). You should have no trouble stopping with the brakes I'm sure you must have.

I'm sure you don't need this advice but just in case. . . On the first few runs, take it REAL easy and gradually work up to speed. Also try stopping the same way and on the first few runs do a little "drifting" to right and left in case something unexpected pops up.

Good Luck and let us know the developments. Looks like a beutiful and impressive car.

Ted

quote:Originally posted by Dennis-Ohio

Hello,
My brother has a '51 thats nearly ready for its first pass.
I'm concerned the car may not be stable at high speeds. I searched the internet for anything to do with this body style and stability.
I don't have many pictures on my computer but the link may give some idea of what the cars like. We have possibly hundreds of step by build pictures that I could scan & send if that helps.
http://eshare.hpphoto.com/FilmStripH...75&SKU=WalMart
Thanks Dennis........

[Dennis-Ohio]

Hello Ted,
I'm honored that you replied. Also congratulations on your up coming NHRA honors.
I've knowm of the "Chicken Hawk" for sometime. I'm looking closer now of course. Brother Dale knows alot about you and your car.
Dale's '53 Champion runs High 11's-low 12's. I'm sure he'll work his way slowly into a full throttle pass.
Its great to know at 135mph your car is very stable. Your car does have the front bumper, I don't know how his car not having a front bumper may be effected.
It was certified Saturday (2/28/07) by NHRA Tech for 8.50 or slower.
He borrowed 4-wheel scales a few months ago and it weighed 2340lbs. Some plumbing has been added since then, should have the finshed weight soon.
My thoughts are we'll put the front as low as possible and raise the rear a few inches more? I can't say the front/rear weight ratio right now either. Its slightly nose heavy for now. I think we should add weight for a 50/50? Its 4-link w/ anti-roll bar.
Thank you and everybody on the forum.
Best Wishes, Dennis.......

quote:Originally posted by Chicken Hawk

I don't know if my experience will help you much or not as I'm sure your '51 will probably weigh at least a 1000 pounds less than mine and a lot less weight on the front end (motor set back, etc.)and mine has all stock front end parts. Mine is 3600 with me in it.

I have run it at speeds over 135 mph in the quarter and it handles like it's only going 60. It also stopped fine (with Lark front brakes) at 125 but when it got to 130, it was a little concerning so I put disk brakes on the front (rear has Lincoln drum brakes with 9" Ford rear). You should have no trouble stopping with the brakes I'm sure you must have.

I'm sure you don't need this advice but just in case. . . On the first few runs, take it REAL easy and gradually work up to speed. Also try stopping the same way and on the first few runs do a little "drifting" to right and left in case something unexpected pops up.

Good Luck and let us know the developments. Looks like a beutiful and impressive car.

Ted

quote:Originally posted by Dennis-Ohio

Hello,
My brother has a '51 thats nearly ready for its first pass.
I'm concerned the car may not be stable at high speeds. I searched the internet for anything to do with this body style and stability.
I don't have many pictures on my computer but the link may give some idea of what the cars like. We have possibly hundreds of step by build pictures that I could scan & send if that helps.
http://eshare.hpphoto.com/FilmStripH...75&SKU=WalMart
Thanks Dennis........