In over my head!

[Moose2]

I have a chance to buy my first-ever Studebaker.  I'm a barnyard mechanic and have rebuilt GM, Ford, and English cars over the years, but this is new ground.   I'm looking at a '57 supercharged Golden Hawk (automatic transmission) that needs total restoration.  It's complete and not a rust bucket, but has been sitting (inside) for 50 years.  Haven't spoken with the current owner yet, but what am I getting into?  What are the general areas of "weakness" in this year/model?  Are there parts for the supercharger?  Are  internals available to rebuild the engine? Suspension rebuild parts? Can I get new glass if needed?  Door/window/trunk moldings?   Not asking to get specifics,  just need to know if parts can be sourced.........  

[SMB]

get on the Studebaker Drivers  Club Forum where the focus is post war cars and you will get the information you need.   You will be able to get about anything to rebuild the car as there are quite a few vendors.

Just time and money needed.  https://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/forum

[Gary_Ash]

The Studebaker National Museum has many resources available to you and there are many parts vendors with a good supply of mechanical/electrical parts.  The museum can send you a copy of the original build sheet and they have a monograph available on 1956-58 Hawks that has lots of detailed info: 

 https://www.studebakermuseum.org/store/studebaker-books/studebaker-monographs/1956-58-Golden-Hawk-Packard-Hawk-Monograph

 

Get the printed catalog from Studebaker International to see the range of parts available.  They have reprints of the Shop Manual and Parts Catalogs.

https://www.studebaker-intl.com/

Other vendors have many of the same parts, but this is the best printed catalog. I think you can also download a PDF version of the catalog from their website.

 

Here's a link to most of the Studebaker parts and services vendors:

http://studebakervendors.com/

 

The Studebaker Drivers Club International Meet will be held in Indianapolis this year, Sept. 8-11.  There will be hundreds of cars to see and a very good swap meet for lots of parts.

https://studebakerdriversclub.com/

 

Good luck with your project.

 

[Moose2]

Thank you both for pointing me in the right direction.  I've joined the Studebaker Driver's Club and I've saved the other tags you've sent.  Enjoy the coming summer!!