QuestionI have a client that owns a 1963 Studebaker GTO hawk,
he is interested in a 57 Silver Hawk with no Power Steering and 6 cyl. engine. I understand that the 58 Silver Hawk had Power steering. Are all the parts interchangeable? Additionally, we still have most of a system from Another 63 GTO Hawk and I think they are the same parts, at least they look like it! We are only missing the belcrank for this system and these sysytems look like an after market product that Studebaker bought for they're use. Am I correct about all this?
AnswerThe 62-64 Hawks are all called "GT" Hawks, not "GTO". Not that it makes any difference, just so you know.
All 57 and newer Hawks were available with or without Power Steering, and you are right, it was an aftermarket type bolt on kit - made by Bendix, I believe. It is very rare that you see a V8 Hawk without power steering, as the Studebaker 289 is a very heavy engine.
Any of the power steering setups can be installed on any of the cars, but the steering gearbox ratio was different (quicker) for a power steering car, and the pittman arm may have been a different length. To make the car feel right, you should transfer all the parts.
By the way, the 6 cyl cars used weaker springs and in some cars, different wheels, so be careful when you are swapping parts!
Dick
