1958 Studebaker Silver Hawk Complete California Car HotRod RatRod Restoration

1958 Studebaker Silver Hawk Description

1958 Studebaker Silver HawkThis is a rare bird – straight six, three on the tree.
First year with 12v system – so you get nice bright lights, etc.
The car is complete aside from a headliner, brake lines, and door/window seals. Certainly, a couple things that need attention – but this car could probably be very quickly be restored to running condition, and pretty easily turned into a spectacular specimen with very little bodywork and some new paint.
My plan was to fix it up and give it to my dad for a retirement gift, but he died of brain cancer two weeks after he retired, and I have lost interest in this particular project.
Ran off a bottle of gas a few years ago – haven’t tried starting it since then. It idled and ran smooth – but I haven’t messed with it since then. I didn’t want to run it off the gas tank until I had it flushed/cleaned. I don't know what kind of shape the clutch is in, but the transmission shifts. Would probably want to replace the fluids in the whole thing and take it from there. I have no idea why it was parked.
Car has California plates, and I have clean title in hand.
Body is free of major rust – frame is solid – it spent at least 20 years in high-desert. For it’s time in Northern California – it has been stored under a carport and has not been subject to extreme weather. The only place I see any obvious sign of prior bodywork is on the driver's fin - it had a glaze of bondo on it - I chipped most of it off to get a look at it. Seems very minor. The floor pan seems solid, aside from a hole in the floor on the driver's side, but there is a pre-formed steel replacement panel in there just waiting to get installed. Otherwise, seems clean and solid - surprisingly little dings, etc. Some photos show the car wet - this was done to show minor imperfections better, not to make it appear shiny. Trunk lid and hood are both primered black - the fenders, roof, and shoulders of the car are what, I think, is still the original black lacquer - which still retains a shiny finish.
Here is the good:* • VERY complete – and generally in very good condition for its age – it even has a good key for the ignition* • Solid body – free of major dents or rust.* • Doors shut easy, true, and solid. Trunk and hood operate and close up nicely. No bends/creases in hood (common issue for some reason).* • Seats are in good shape no holes, a little fading but could easily be touched up with a little vinyl dye – probably not original, but certainly usable and will save you tons not having to do a full reupholster the interior* • Brand new Carpet kit* • 0-mile brake drums/pads and wheel cylinders* • All stainless chrome/trim generally in very good shape.* • All four hubcaps in great vintage condition.* • Comes with a brand new points/rotor/distributor cap – has new plugs in it and some fresh wiring. There are a bunch of miscellaneous parts in the trunk, including another (oil bath?) air filter.* • I think the black paint that is still shiny may be the original black paint. The white on the bottom is “custom” (I didn’t do it).
Here’s the not as good:* • Missing headliner – I couldn’t decide what color to put in it, so I never ordered one. Ribs are all there and intact. You can easily get one for $150 in whatever color you like.* • Driver’s door window is cracked and needs a new regulator/crank mechanism – replacements readily available at surprisingly good prices. Passenger door seems to work well enough as is - but needs gaskets.* • Going to need new tires – it rolls, but definitely not road worthy.* • Needs a battery* • Should have the gas tank flushed, and a new fuel line run, or maybe you like to take chances and like cleaning carbs.* • Brake lines not installed, but there is a “bend your own” kit in the trunk. You can get cheap pre-bent kits from Studebaker International or other places pretty cheap - or tweedle your own.* • Door panels will need the carpet trim at the bottom replaced – it dry rotted, but the vinyl and panels are serviceable. A pretty quick/easy repair to complete the interior.* • Probably going to want to repaint it – but some may like the vintage patina.* • There is the common driver’s door floor rust hole. Maybe because of the broken window? It was like that when I got it, and I always kept it covered. There is a replacement steel floor panel in there to keep the mice out, but it has not been installed/welded in place.
Overall, the body is complete, surprisingly straight and original, and would probably require very little to get running.
E-Brake is working, so it can be put on a truck for transport.
Sold As-Is, Where-Is.
Ask questions if you have them. I can provide additional photos, etc.
This vehicle is for sale locally, and I reserve the right to end this listing early in the event of a local sale.