I would like to build a Studebaker coupe. I like the fins on the 57-61 but I like the nose of the 53-54. I read where the 53-54 would bolt onto the Hawks. What all is needed for that. I know the hood, but was also wondering what else? Will the earlier hood clear the radiator in the Hawks? Next question. Someone said the fins on the later ones bolt onto the body. So could I theoretically take a 56 Hawk, put 54 front end on it and bolt on 57 and later fins? Just trying to see my options and what it'll take to get there. I have someone local with a decent 56 for sale.
While your premise is somewhat sound...you'll have a hell of a time finding all of the parts you'll need to do this swap. You car has what's called the "round windshield". That is, the ends have rounded corners. Vs. the 1053 car has a narrower, "flat" windshield. The hood and fenders will not fit the round windshield car. One cavoite, the above comment is MOSTLY true, but with a LOT of work, they can be made to fit. In reality, I'd say that you have two options, with a third, being out there. 1.) Buy a fiberglass front end. The grills and related parts are available as reproductions ( think!). Any other interior supports will need to be hand made like any fiberglass front end. 2.) Buy a complete 54 (round windshield) car, and take the parts off, and swap them to your driver. Dispose of the rest of the car. Won't be cheap, but at least...you'll have everything...you'll need. 3.) Get REALLY lucky, and find all of the parts you need in a wrecking yard, or in a "for sale" paper (like Craigslist). Not likely ! Yes, the fins and related bright trim, are a bolt-on. Have fun. Mike
Or, you could do what myself and all the other Bonnevillains do; build your own fins and spoiler and put them on a ‘53! Looks racy (because it is)
I believe Mike is referring to a sedan. I believe the coupe body shell was the basically the same from 53 through 61. Others may know from experience but I am guessing the fenders will just bolt on. Hood clearance will have to be checked.
53-60 front glass is interchangeable, 61- is different. Not positive about the cowl/ hood on a 61. looks the same, but the glass is different, so there is a possibility that 60 would be your limit. I would guess that the front sheet metal would all interchange at least until 60.
You should be asking StudeFolk... head to the forum of the Studebaker Drivers Club, and you'll get better info. Good luck.
Body of C,/k studies are the same from the cowl back. Doors changed in 57 and lost the cove. While the outer fenders are the same, the inner fenders(they are a one piece unit) are 53,54 only. 55 inner fenders will work with minor trimming. 56 and later fenders designed for the Hawk will not work. To convert a Hawk to a 53 nose you need the 53,54 hood, 53-55 front fenders, 53,54 hood release panel, grille shells and bars, upper grille support, and lower grille support, 53-55 radiator, and 53, 54 front bumper . 55 and later bumpers are different, and 4 door parts will not work as it is a shorter wheelbase, and completely different body, nose ets.To find all those parts separately was hard 20 years ago.(took me about 6 years, with internet) It would be cheaper to buy a parts car, now as then.
I would try to find a 53/54 coupe and just add the fiberglass fins. Seems like the path of least resistance.
I actually just made arrangements to buy a 54. You mention fiberglass fins. I ran across a 59 with metal fins. Are they supposed to be metal or fiberglass?
This is the best route. The first lower grille support I bought came from Minnesota. Once I sandblasted it about 1/2 of it was gone. I found a better one, and sold the rusty one. A guy drove 4 hours to get it.
I will reiterate what prior commenters stated, 53-61 Coupe (C models) are all the same basic body. The frames changed a bit...I used a 58 Frame under my 53, the C pillar frame mount was slightly different as well as the trunk mounts over the cross member (under the back glass) The 53 had a bolt through the frame (two bolts) the later had a center bolt to the cross member. I believe 57 and up Hawks all used metal fins..I've parted out 58, 59 and 61 models. I believe that only the 56 Hawks had fiberglass fins. The radiator is taller on the Hawks so you won't be able to use a 53 or 54 front clip without changing to a shorter radiator. The Sedans used different glass. The K models (those are the hardtop version of the C coupes) are similar except the side glass and their mounts. I'd suggest just buying a 53 or 54 and then buy the fins. I actually bought three pretty much complete Hawks for parts to build my 53. Also, joint the SDC (Studebaker Drivers Club) a wealth of information there...the forums are free and you can search for the info you need or if you can't find it then post a request for info just like on the HAMB. https://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/forum/your-studebaker-forum There are several Stude specific forums on FaceBook and they are fine, some good folks on there but the depth of knowledge isn't as good (in my opinion)
Scott; Glad you're going to save another Stude. Mike, 327, & vtx are correct. Stude stuff looks similar, but there are differences to be aware of. Stude used thin trim pieces to hide the seams. If you want the 56 Golden hawk ('glass)fins(my favorite), I have a set that I won't be using. A friend or two may have some metal ones. The metal ones tend to rust at the lower outside fender attaching edge. It's only metal, but a pita to fix, & they usually aren't that expensive. Other than trim holes for the different years, 57-61 are the same. Also have some halos for the 57-58 Golden Hawks, if you want that look. Marcus...
Yes, I suppose I should've re-stated the 57-61 were metal, but vtx already mentioned that. Guess I didn't read all the posts carefully enough. Marcus...
Later front fenders will work with some fabrication onto a 53/54 filling in where grills wrapped around. Inner fenders have to be trimmed up front as the later radiators supports were much higher. filler panels will need to be made to fill in to the grill support.
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