Body / Glass: Hawk Fins

[cbabcock]

Ok this may have been well covered before but I did a search and did not find any detailed info on Hawk Fins. It seems like some of the 50s cars have them and some do not. I have a 56 Power Hawk that does not but I have seen pictures of Golden Hawks that do.

Here are my questions:
1. What years had fins?
2. Are they all the same?
3. If a you have a car that does not have fins now can the be added?
4. If so where can you get them?

Thanks,
Clint

[hausdok]

1. '56 - '61
2. No (Fins used on '56 cars are smaller and shorter. I'm pretty sure fins used on 57 to 61 models are identical.
3. Yes (If you get the fins, you need to trim and molding pieces that will disguise the seams and the leading edge is leaded in.)
4. Junk yards, swap meets, Stude swap page, Other folks selling 'em here.

[Jim B PEI]

Of the 56 Studebaker cars, only the Packard engined Golden Hawk had 'fins', and they were small and different compared to the 57-61 Hawks (of all flavours including the 58 Packard Hawk--I'm not including some other late Packards like the wagons which had 'fins on fins' and are somewhat different as well as being rare)

The problem in practical terms with the fins in Studebaker Hawks is that the top of the fender underneath them tend to rust out due to trapped moisture. Lots of preparation work/POR-15 etc is always an excellent idea

[jg61hawk]

Get the book "Studebaker Hawks" from Stude International. Ed Reynolds wrote it. It is 99% pictures, with just enough verbage to help you restore a Hawk correctly. You will clearly see the fins. In 56 the Golden Hawk had small small fins. That book is very valuable when doing restoration work.

[warrlaw1]

People often call my 55 a "Hawk". I often just tell them in 56 they put fins on it and called it the Hawk. Then in 62 they took the fins back off and called it a GT Hawk. A little over simplified, but they seem to get it. Cheers.

[Chris Pile]

'57 Silver Hawk fins are coolest ever applied to an automobile.

[cbabcock]

Folks.
Thanks for the info. Will 57' to 61' fins fit a 56' power hawk?
Thanks,
Clint

[studegary]

It might also be mentioned that 1956 Golden Hawk fins are fiberglass as well as being smaller. 1957-1961 Hawk fins are steel and larger.

[cbabcock]

Thanks, Are the underlying fenders the same? In otherwords will the 57 -61 fins fit the 56 fender?

[mbstude]

And to add to what Mike said, only '58 Packard Hawks had the front edge of the fin leaded in.

The rear fenders are basically the same from 53-64. The GT Hawks had a minor alteration near the taillight, though.

[hausdok]

Thanks, Are the underlying fenders the same? In otherwords will the 57 -61 fins fit the 56 fender?

Yeah, I think it's basically the same body, different year as far as far as the rear goes.

[63t-cab]

Not certain,but I thought there are two types of fins between 57-61.

[cbabcock]

Thanks everyone. Now the big question .... Does anyone know where I can find a set? The 56' is in the body shop and since it is not an original car (it was my grandfathers and he "made it his own") so now is a good time to add them.
Thanks,
Clint

[speycaster]

What is por-15 for i have a 56 golden hawk i am restoring

[cbabcock]

In my humble opinion one of the best things since sliced bread. POR -15 is rust prevention paint. Check them out.