Studebaker Golden Hawk 1956 User Manual
1956
Studebaker
Golden Hawk
Authenticity Guide
1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk
Authenticity Guide
Copyright © 1996, 2017
by Frank J. Ambrogio
For the 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk Owners Register
Last Update - July 2, 2018
2
Introduction
The original 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk Authenticity Guide from 1996 was compiled with the
cooperation of members of the 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk Owners Register. Participating
members responded to questionnaires indicating the color, condition, texture, location, etc., of
items related to authenticity. The results were compiled and compared against other sources to
determine what is probably the most correct condition. Since that time, many new items have
come to light and are included in this new Guide.
Authenticity is a rather nebulous term as applied to Studebakers. During my research, I found
accessories which were not listed in any of the Studebaker literature for 1956 Golden Hawks.
Every effort has been made to research the items listed as thoroughly as possible. I placed more
significance on the Studebaker Chassis, Body, Shop Manuals, as well as magazine articles and
drive reports from the period when the cars were new, than on company brochures and
advertisements which often were printed before the cars actually went into production.
Even relying on magazines from the period was no safe bet. The April 1956 issue of Hot Rod
magazine shows a beautiful picture of the dashboard and steering wheel on page 54. However,
the horn button was from a 1955 model. As for company brochures, the one entitled
STUDEBAKER HAWKS, craftsmanship with a flair also shows a 1956 Golden Hawk dashboard
and steering wheel, however the steering wheel is black, instead of white.
Mine's Original. I have learned to be suspicious of any car described in this way. Decades have
passed, several changes of ownership have most likely occurred, and any number of body shop
visits can do wonders for a car's originality. Even cars that sat for many years probably had some
modification made during their early years. In many cases, the owner wasn’t even aware that a
change was done. One owner’s car had been in the family since new, but the owner wasn’t aware
that the car had a later model Hawk hood. The car had been in two accidents and the hood had
been replaced one time.
Another valuable source of information, although not totally accurate, was the original production
orders. I was able to obtain all 4073 production orders for 1956 Golden Hawks. Even those were
not completely accurate. Several cars were listed with Flight-O-Matic transmission, one showed
a radio from a full size sedan, while many others listed a prototype wheelcover which never saw
production.
There are a few items included here which some might perceive as nitpicking. They are only
presented to raise awareness and to show that there will always be questions, as well as
differences of opinion, when it comes to authenticity. Therefore, this Guide should be used to
provide support for those items which may be questioned. It is not intended as proof that
something on a particular car is or isn’t correct.
Hopefully, this Guide is as accurate and complete as possible, However, this effort is not the final
word. That is why I called it a guide rather than a handbook or manual. In many instances, there
won't be a definitive answer, but rather what appears to be the norm. Some deviations will also
be identified and you can be the judge.
Authenticity questions can sometimes get a little too complex. As an example, the AC-2799 Spoke
Type wheelcovers are a legitimate option for 1956 Golden Hawks. However, they were not
introduced until February of 1956. Would a 1956 Golden Hawk be considered authentic, if it
sported the Spoke Type wheelcovers, and was built before February, 1956?
Although there were no plans to publish revisions or updates to the original Guide, the information
we have uncovered over the past few decades caused me to revisit that philosophy, and offer a
new Guide. Virtually everything pertaining to the 1956 Golden Hawk is stored in the Studebaker
National Museum Archive in South Bend. Unfortunately logistics and finances prevented me from
accessing this data. However one South Bend area owner did some extensive research at the
Last Update - July 2, 2018
Page 3
Introduction
SNM Archive and kindly provided me with copies of that research.
I Hope this Guide will be a source of reference for decades to come and for this reason, I did not
include the names of individuals who provided photos, documentation, or other guidance. I can
only offer my heart felt thanks for their generosity.
This Guide does not get into details as to the color(s) of specific wiring,. The parts and shop
manuals have electrical schematics which often provide this information. If an engineering
drawings indicated such information as, “finish gloss enamel”, I included this type of information.
In this Guide, you will find material concerning the questions which our registered owners have
asked most often. References are made to other Studebaker models including the other 1956
Hawk models. Please see the table below for more information on all the Hawk models.
Hopefully, the information in this Guide will be useful to anyone searching for, maintaining, or
restoring a 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk.
Frank J. Ambrogio
NOTES:
There were 4073 Serial Numbers assigned to the 1956 Golden Hawk Model year, but only 4071
were produced. Two cars from the South Bend factory were scrapped during production, with no
explanation appearing on the production orders. Not counting the two scrapped cars, the final
totals show 3470 cars produced in South Bend, Indiana, and 601 assembled in Vernon, California.
Original 1956 Golden Hawks were simply not available more than half a century after the last car
was produced. Restored cars, even those done by professionals, did not always follow the exact
factory procedure to the letter. They were restored based on the owner’s and/or the restorer’s
interpretation.
I tried to use photos that best described the condition being discussed. Some photos in this Guide
may contain views which contradict conditions identified by other photos. Original photos were not
always available. Please be careful to refer to the photo(s) identified in the text. If something
appears in a photo that has not been discussed in this Guide, don’t assume that it is correct. An
example might be a discussion on tail lights or the rear bumper. The photo may or may not include
other items shus as incorrect exhaust extensions or non original back-up lights. Those items are
discussed in detail, and that is where the correct information is located.
Moulding vs Molding - Studebaker used the spelling of the word Moulding instead of Molding in
the parts catalog to indicate many trim pieces. I used the two spellings interchangeably in this
Guide. Although both spellings are correct, Molding is more commonly used here in the US.
Apparently the origins of the world come from Europe where the proper spelling is moulding.
Last Update - July 2, 2018
Page 4
Table Of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Table Of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5
General Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8
Identification Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9
Serial Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9
Body Number. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 11
Body Number - Streamer Ribbon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12
Engine Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14
1955 - 1956 Packard and AMC Models and Engine Numbers. . . . . . . . . Page 14
Packard V8 Engines for 1955 - 1956 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15
The Jet Streak Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16
Studebaker and Packard Hawk Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 22
SECTION 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 23
Engine Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 23
Decals - Engine Compartment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 23
Accelerator Return Spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 25
Battery Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 25
Battery Ground Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 26
Engine Oil Pan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 27
Fan Blade Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 27
Fender Aprons and Firewall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 28
Firewall - Factory Order Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 29
Generator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 30
Generator Adjustment Arm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 30
Heater Hose Clamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 31
Horns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 32
Junction Block, starter cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 33
Oil Bath - Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 33
Oil Dip Stick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 34
Oil Filler Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 34
Oil Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 34
Power Steering Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 35
Power Steering Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 35
Radiator, Baffle, and Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 36
Safety Brake Reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 37
Spark Plug Cable Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 38
Starter Solenoid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 39
Tachometer Sending Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 40
Transmission - Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 41
Transmission - Ultramatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 41
Valve Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 42
Windshield Washer Bag. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 46
Windshield Wiper Motor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 47
SECTION 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 48
Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 48
Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 48
Door Jambs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 48
Door, Outside Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 49
Exhaust Deflector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 50
Exhaust “S” Extension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 50
Front Fender Script and V-8 Emblem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 51
Grille - Right and Left Side. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 53
Center Grille - Emblem Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 53
Last Update - July 2, 2018
Page 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Gravel Shields - Rear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 54
Hubcaps - Wheelcovers - Whitewall Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 55
Hood Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 56
Hood Hinges, Springs, Tie Rod Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 57
Hood Insulator And Underside. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 57
Hood Prop Hole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 58
Lower Air Intake Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 58
Mirrors, Outside Rear View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 59
Mouldings, Curb and Wheel Well. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 59
Moulding, Front Fender and Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 60
Moulding, Outer Rear Fender. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 60
Moulding, Rear Fender Check Mark "V" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 60
Moulding, Upper Reveal, Back Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 61
Paint - Early and Late Schemes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 62
Paint Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 64
Parking Light Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 67
Rear Fender Fin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 67
Tail Light Housings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 68
Trunk or Deck Lid and Trunk Script . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 68
Wheels and Tires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 69
SECTION 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 70
Interior. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 70
Ash Trays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 70
Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 70
Dash Liner and Kick Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 71
Door Handles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 71
Door - Interior Top Moulding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 71
Gearshift Lever and Knob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 72
Headliner, Dome Light, and Sun Shield or Visor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 73
Instrument Board, Toggle Switches and Gauges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 74
Gauges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 74
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 75
Speedometer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 75
Electrical-Lamp Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 76
Electrical-Fuse & Circuit Breaker Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 77
Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 78
Switches - Heat Valve Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 79
Ignition switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 80
Ignition Switch Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 80
Parking Brake Warning Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 81
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 82
Rear Package Shelf Cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 82
Seat Belts (Karbelts*). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 83
Seat - Lower Panel and Adjustment Lever. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 84
Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 84
Seat Upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 85
Seat Upholstery - Color/Fabric Combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 87
Side Panels, Interior. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 90
Steering Wheel and Horn Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 91
Ultramatic Transmission Selector Indicator Dial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 92
Window Crank Handles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 92
Windows - Power (Electric Lifts) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 93
Windshield and Back Window Opening Garnish Mouldings . . . . . . . . . . Page 93
SECTION 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 94
Trunk Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 94
Last Update - July 2, 2018
Page 6
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Jack and Jack Base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 94
Spare Tire Hold Down Clamp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 94
Trunk Interior Color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 94
Trunk Mat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 95
SECTION 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 96
Paint, Upholstery and Accessory Charts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 96
PAINT COLORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 96
Colors and Upholsteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 97
1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk Equipment List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 98
1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk Paint Code Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 100
SECTION 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 102
Supporting Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 102
Radiator Fan Shroud Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 104
Auto Trans - Remote Control - 10505 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 106
Wheel Conversion - Spoke Type - 10573 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 107
Studebaker Hawk Name Usage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 108
Hawk Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 109
Speed Gear and Pinion Chart - 10630. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 110
Letter Regarding the Hood Flying Open. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 112
Dealer Delivery Order Deadline Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 113
Rocker Arm Control Assembly - 10583 Supp #1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 114
Motor Valve Cover - Part No. 440501 (Change No. 10583 Supp.#1) . . Page 115
Cover Assembly - Engine Valve Chrome - Part No. 6484481 . . . . . . . . Page 116
Fender Nameplate - Studebaker - 22161. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 117
Sales Letter - New Spoke Wheel Discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 119
Wheel Cover - Spoke Type - 10681. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 120
Tachometer Assembly - 10509 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 124
Golden Hawk Script - Trunk - 22257 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 125
Release of V8 Emblem - 22312. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 127
Distributor Cam & Stop Plate Conversion Kit - 10795 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 128
SECTION 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 131
Miscellaneous Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 131
1956 Golden Hawks Sent to Canada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 132
1956 Golden Hawks Exported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 133
Modified Production Order Form - South Bend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 138
Modified Production Order Form - Vernon (Los Angeles) . . . . . . . . . . . Page 139
Last Update - July 2, 2018
Page 7
General Information
All 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawks were produced in either South Bend Indiana or Vernon
California. The City of Vernon is an industrial city of 5.2 square miles located several miles to the
southeast of Downtown Los Angeles in Southern California. Most Studebaker documents refer
to the Vernon plant as the Los Angeles plant. In keeping with that , the Vernon plant will be
usually be referred to as the Los Angeles plant or simply LA. The Indiana plant will be referenced
as South Bend or SB.
No 1956 Golden Hawks were produced in Canada at the factory in Hamilton, Ontario. Although
there were certainly controls at both the SB and LA plants, some items on cars assembled at the
Los Angeles plant seem to vary at times with their South Bend counterparts.
Often there is no indication as to which serial number was affected when a midyear change was
made to the production run. An effort was made to check the production orders to determine the
approximate serial number, with a final assembly date, on or after the date of the change. That
does not, however, guarantee that the change actually was made at Los Angeles.
A good deal of the information shown throughout this Guide was obtained from the original
production orders, the 1955 - 1958 Studebaker Chassis Parts Catalog, the 1953 - 1958
Studebaker Body Parts Catalog, the 1956 Studebaker Passenger Car Shop Manual, and the 1956
Studebaker Accessories Manual. Additional material was garnered from the Studebaker National
Museum Archive.
While researching this material, I came across a few errors in the parts catalogs, as well as
several among the production orders. In most cases, I was able to identify the correct information.
Last Update - July 2, 2018
Page 8
General Information
Identification Numbers
Serial Number
The Serial Number plate is located on the left front
door hinge pillar. The Serial Number itself consists
of 7 numeric digits.
The serial numbers of cars produced at South Bend
are 6030001 through 6033472. The serial numbers
of cars assembled at Los Angeles are 6800001
through 6800601.
Although this indicates a total of 4073 serial
numbers, only 4071 cars were produced. Two cars,
serial numbers 6030726 and 6031367, were
scrapped and were not included in the production
total.
There was no reason indicated on the production order for either car, as to why the car was
scrapped. See the production orders on the following page.
For some reason, Studebaker-Packard used
what would be best described as a Roman
Numeral “I” in place of the number "1". Any
Serial Number containing a 1 will have that
Roman Numeral character in its place.
This has caused some confusion whenever a
car changes hands, especially when trying to
obtain, or transfer, a title for a car that was
purchased in another State. The title or
registration will show a numeral “1" while the
character on the Serial Number plate will look
like the letter “I”.
The first two cars were designated as show cars and had final assembly dates of May 23, 1955
and September 23, 1955. The remainder of the South Bend production ran from November 22,
1955 through August 15, 1956.
In between, came the 601 Los Angeles assembled
1956 Golden Hawks.
The first, LA serial number 6800001, was (probably)
built on or before October 27, 1955. There was no
date on the production order, however serial numbers
6800002 through 6800013 were built on October 27,
1955.
Last Update - July 2, 2018
The last Los Angeles car, 6800601 was assembled on
June 3, 1956 and shipped on July 11, 1956.
Page 9
General Information
Notice the Final Assembly Date is 12-10-55, but the Date Written is 7-12-56 (?)
Final Assembly Date is 1-18-56, but the Date Written is 3-13-56 (?)
Last Update - July 2, 2018
Page 10
General Information
Body Number
Body numbers were not assigned sequentially to the Serial Number, and ranged, according to the
original production orders, from 1 to 4063. The number appears under the hood on a plate on the
passenger side of the firewall.
The model symbol 56J, and the body
symbol K7 appear on the top line. The
numeric Body Number is on the next line
and consists of from 1 to 4 characters.
The breakdown for this system is as follows:
• 56 = Model year
• “J” = Engine, in this case, the Packard 352 cubic inch V8 engine
• “K” = Hard Top body style (5 Passenger)
• “7" = A further breakdown of the Hard Top style, used for the 1955 President Speedster,
the 1956 Flight Hawk Hardtop (export only), the 1956 Sky Hawk, and the 1956 -1958
Golden Hawk.
Last Update - July 2, 2018
Page 11
General Information
Body Number - Streamer Ribbon
On some cars with possibly special handling or on some of those equipped with a power front
seat, a streamer ribbon was attached to the right of the body number plate.
This one shows “P SEAT”. I don’t believe every car with the power seat option had the streamer
ribbon.
The streamer ribbon in this photo has the name of Studebaker Engineer, W. G. KNECHT
stamped on it. Mr. Knecht worked at Studebaker for 42 years. This ribbon with Body Number 2591
was on one of my cars, Serial Number 6032195.
The body plate was painted the same color as the cowl. I am unsure of the original color of the
streamer. In all the cases I’ve seen, the streamer ribbon is attached at one end only.
(NOTE: Some production orders did not show a body number and/or an engine number.)
Last Update - July 2, 2018
Here is another example
with the same name. This
body number 2576 was
on Serial Number
6032221.
Page 12
General Information
The production orders for the following Serial Numbers did not show a Body Number.
6030003 - 6030026 Destination - Brussels, Belgium (24 cars)
6030063 - 6030086 Destination - Mexico City, Mexico (24 cars)
6030130 - 6030153 Destination - Mexico City, Mexico (24 cars)
6030193 Destination - not shown
6800369 Destination - Highland Park Motors in Los Angeles
6800370* Destination - Springfield, Oregon (Body # verified as 1416)
6800371 Destination - C&H Motors-Las Vegas, Nevada
6800372 Destination - Auburn, Calif.
6800373 Destination - Standard Motor-Richmond, Calif
6800374 Destination - Van Nuys-Calif
6800375* Destination - Schloss-San Francisco (Body # verified as 1421)
6800376 Destination - Oroville, Calif.
6800377 Destination - Wondries, Alhambra
6800378 Destination - Medford, Oregon
6800379* Destination - Mc Peak, Compton (Body # verified as 1425)
6800380 Destination - West Seattle Auto Center, Seat
6800381 Destination - Morris-Bakersfield, Calif.
6800383 Destination - Bon Sera-San Jose
6800384 Destination - Hodge-Fresno, Calif.
Total = 88 (73 cars for SB, 15 cars for LA)
Notes:
*The following owners of the cars with the indicated Serial #s, sent the Body #s as shown on the
Body plate of the car.
Serial # 6800370 Body # 1416
Serial # 6800375 Body # 1421
Serial # 6800379 Body # 1425
Looking at the information shown above, it is likely that the Body #s were assigned in order from
1415 through 1429 for Serial #s 6800369 through 6800384. Those cars were all produced at the
LA plant. Those Body #’s were not assigned to any other vehicle.
Duplicate Body #
106 - Serial #s 6030058 & 6030059 both listed Body # 107. One is probably Body # 106.
Missing Body #s, not shown on any production order.
300
949-958 (10 cars)
1415-1429 (15 cars -includes 3 Serial #s for Body #s 1416, 1421, and 1425 identified above).
3522-3566 (45 cars)
3643
3586
3588
3804
3882
4024
4031
4064-4073 (10 cars)
Total - 88
Last Update - July 2, 2018
Page 13
General Information
Engine Number
Engine numbers were also not assigned in order by Serial Number.
S-1001 through S-4362 were assigned to 1956 Golden Hawks with the Packard Ultramatic
Transmission.
Engine numbers K-1001 to K-1912 were assigned to cars with the Borg Warner three speed
manual transmission with overdrive. There were some gaps in the sequence of both series.
The engine number is stamped on the boss at the top side, front end of the cylinder block, next
to the oil filler tube.
Overdrive and the Hill-Holder feature were standard on all manual transmission equipped 1956
Golden Hawks. Anti-Creep and Twin-Traction were not available on 1956 Golden Hawks although
11 production orders listed the Anti-Creep option.
1955 - 1956 Packard and AMC Models and Engine Numbers
For 1955:
Body Engine Models:
5522-01001 Clipper Deluxe
5542-01001 Clipper Super
5547-01001 Clipper Super Panama
5562-01001 Clipper Custom
5567-01001 Clipper custom Constellation
5582-01001 Packard Patrician
5587-01001 Packard Four Hundred
5588-01001 Packard Caribbean
For 1956:
Body Engine Models
5622-01001 Clipper Deluxe
5642-01001 Clipper Super
5647-01001 Clipper Super Hardtop
5662-01001 Clipper Custom
5667-01001 Clipper Custom Hardtop
5672A-01001 Packard Executive
5677A-01001 Packard Executive Hardtop
5682-01001 Packard Patrician
5687-01001 Packard Four Hundred Hardtop
5697-01001 Packard Caribbean Hardtop
5699-01001 Packard Caribbean Convertible
AMC - Nash - Hudson Engines:
1955 Ambassador 8 Starting with
1955 Hornet 8 Starting with
1956 Ambassador 8 Starting with
1956 Hornet 8 Starting with
------------------------------------------
P-1001 320 C.I.D.
P-1001 320 C.I.D.
P-21001 352 C.I.D.
P-21001 352 C.I.D.
Last Update - July 2, 2018
Page 14
General Information
Packard V8 Engines for 1955 - 1956
Packard - Clipper Engine Information
YEAR BODY
1955 5522 5540 CLIPPER DELUXE SEDAN 5522-01001 474046 1955 5542 5540 CLIPPER SUPER SEDAN 5542-01001 7979
1955 5547 5540 CLIPPER SUPER PANAMA 5547-01001 7016
1955 5562 5560 CLIPPER CUSTOM SEDAN 5562-01001 440823 ROCHESTER 4GC 7007230 4 BBL 352 245 8708
1955 5567 5560 CLIPPER CUSTOM
1955 5582 5580 PACKARD PATRICIAN 5582-01001 4 BBL 352 260 9127
1955 5587 5580 PACKARD FOUR HUNDRED 5587-01001 7206
1955 5588 5580 PACKARD CARIBBEAN 5588-01001 476010
1956 5622 5640 CLIPPER DELUXE SEDAN 5622-01001 6480530 CARTER WGD MODEL
1956 5642 5640 CLIPPER SUPER SEDAN 5642-01001 5173
1956 5647 5640 CLIPPER SUPER HARD TOP 5647-01001 3999
1956 5662 5660 CLIPPER CUSTOM SEDAN 5662-01001 6480506 CARTER MODEL WCFB1956 5667 5660 CLIPPER CUSTOM HARD TOP 5667-01001 1466
1956 5672A 5670 PACKARD EXECUTIVE SEDAN 5672A-01001 CARTER MODEL WCFB-
1956 5677A 5670 PACKARD EXECUTIVE HARD
1956 5682 5680 PACKARD PATRICIAN SEDAN 5682-01001 6480253 ROCHESTER 4GC MODEL
1956 5687 5680 PACKARD FOUR HUNDRED
1956 5697 5688 PACKARD CARIBBEAN HARD
1956 5699 5688 PACKARD CARIBBEAN
YEAR BODY
1956 56J K7 1956 STUDEBAKER GOLDEN
YEAR BODY
1955 35585-1
1956 35685-2
NO.
NO.
NO.
35585-2
35587-2
5585-1
5585-2
5587-2
35687-2
5685-1
5685-2
5687-2
CHASSIS
NO.
CHASSIS
NO.
CHASSIS
NO.
DESCRIPTION OF BODY
(6 PASSENGER)
CONSTELLATION
TOP
HARD TOP
TOP
CONVERTIBLE
Studebaker Golden Hawk Engine Information
DESCRIPTION OF BODY
5 PASSENGER, 2 DOOR
HARDTOP
HAWK
Hudson - Nash Engine Information
DESCRIPTION OF BODY
6 PASSENGER
HUDSON HORNET 4 DOOR
SUPER SEDAN
HUDSON HORNET 4 DOOR
CUSTOM SEDAN
HUDSON HORNET 2 DOOR
HOLLYWOOD
NASH AMBASSADOR 4 DOOR
SUPER SEDAN
NASH AMBASSADOR 4 DOOR
CUSTOM SEDAN
NASH AMBASSADOR 2 DOOR
CUSTOM SEDAN
HUDSON HORNET 4 DOOR
CUSTOM SEDAN
HUDSON HORNET 2 DOOR
COUNTRY CLUB
NASH AMBASSADOR 4 DOOR
SUPER SEDAN
NASH AMBASSADOR 4 DOOR
CUSTOM SEDAN
NASH AMBASSADOR 2 DOOR
COUNTRY CLUB
ENGINE
NUMBER
SERIES
5567-01001 6672
5677A-01001 1031
5687-01001 6480253 3224
5697-01001 6489090
5699-01001 276
ENGINE
NUMBER
SERIES
MANUAL
K1001-K1912
AUTOMATIC
S1001-S4362
ENGINE
NUMBER
SERIES
P-1001 CARTER MODEL WGD-
P-2101 CARTER MODEL WGD-
PART
NUMBER
REPLACES
440790
FRONT
476011
REAR
FRONT
6489091
REAR
PART
NUMBER
6480506 CARTER MODEL WCFB-
PART
NUMBER
CARBURETOR MODEL SIZE CID HP PRO
CARTER WCFB 2232S,
2394S USED W/CYL HEAD
440689
WCFB 2284S USED W/CYL
HEAD 440854
DUAL ROCHESTER MODEL
4GC
7008230 FRONT, AND
7008231 REAR
2393S
2394S
2394S (SOME SOURCES
INDICATE ROCHESTER
MODEL 7008610)
7008610
DUAL ROCHESTER 4GC
MODEL 7009600 FRONT,
7009601 REAR
CARBURETOR MODEL SIZE CID HP PRO
2394S
CARBURETOR MODEL SIZE CID HP PRODU
2231S, SA
2231S, SA
4 BBL 320 225 8309
4 BBL
(2)
2 BBL 352 240 5715
4 BBL 352 275 2129
4 BBL 374 290 3775
4 BBL
(2)
4 BBL 352 275 4071
2 BBL 320 208 6219
2 BBL 352 220 3015
352 275 500
374 310 263
CTION
10580
4681
DUC
TION
1748
DUC
TION
On March 6, 1956, AMERICAN MOTORS CORPORATION produced its own 190 horsepower, 250 CID V-8 engine. This engine was used
for the remainder of the model year. It used a Carter WGD 2 BBL carburetor model 2352S.
Last Update - July 2, 2018
Page 15
General Information
The Jet Streak Engine
At one point, Studebaker Packard
considered an option called the
Jet Streak Engine. This was
essentially the same engine that
powered the 1955 Packard
Caribbean, a 275 horsepower V8
with dual Rochester four barrel
carburetors.
The Jet Streak option was
contemplated by StudebakerPackard, but was never offered
from the factory for the 1956
Golden Hawk. There was even a
part number, 1541805 assigned
to the option.
Besides the dual four barrel
setup, the kit included an
Iskenderian solid lifter cam, dual
point Mallory ignition with the Mallory Mag Spark transformer, and chrome valve covers.
In the photo above, the transformer is mounted on the cowl to the left of the windshield wiper
motor. The transformer replaced the coil.
Last Update - July 2, 2018
Page 16
General Information
Many dealers installed a dual 4 barrel setup, at the customer's request, or the customer had it
done elsewhere since all the parts were available directly from the Packard parts bin. Of course,
not all of these conversions received the cam and distributor.
Here is the option as described in the July 1956 issue of Motor Trend:
"Studebaker's Golden Hawk is a pretty hot potato as it sits in the dealer's showroom
but has so far escaped the active interest of race drivers. A recently announced kit
for factory or dealer installation converting it into a "Jet Streak" may change all this."
"Boosting horsepower to 330, it consists of an Iskenderian cam, 1955 Packard
Caribbean dual 4 barrel carburetors and manifold, chrome valve covers, dual
breaker distributor, and a special coil. Displacement and compression ratio remain
unchanged neither requiring a lift."
I have examined all 4073 production orders and there is no indication that any 1956 Golden
Hawks came from the factory with either a 374 cubic inch engine or the Jet Streak option.”
Many of the original production orders for exports, including Canada, show an item identified as
LC HEAD and/or 8.25 to 1 RATIO. The parts catalog supports the standard 9.5 to 1 ratio as well
as this lower compression engine.
Three of the production orders had a note indicating HC HEAD but I believe this simply meant the
normal engine as opposed to the LC Head lower ratio engine. As stated earlier, production orders
contained many variations and even some obvious errors.
Last Update - July 2, 2018
Page 17
General Information
The Jet Streak concept apparently started with a letter from Harold Churchill, dated December
20, 1955.
(provided by the Studebaker National Museum Archive)
Last Update - July 2, 2018
Page 18
General Information
This letter from Carl B. Thompson, probably provides the best information regarding the 374 cubic
inch V8 and the Jet Streak engine option regarding the 1956 Golden Hawk.
Mr. Thompson has been referred to as the, “unofficial historian of the Studebaker Corporation”,
and passed away on December 12, 2007 at the age of 98. Thompson served as one of the
company’s in-house photographers and took literally thousands of photographs. He was also
involved with parts catalogs.
After Studebaker closed its South Bend operation in December 1963, he stayed on with the
company while it went through its close-down period till 1972.
Last Update - July 2, 2018
Page 19
General Information
Last Update - July 2, 2018
Page 20
General Information
The Camshaft, Item #1 Part # 1541800 from the list on the previous page.
Last Update - July 2, 2018
Page 21
General Information
Studebaker and Packard Hawk Models
STUDEBAKER/PACKARD HAWK MODELS
MODEL YEAR BODY STYLE
FLIGHT HAWK 1956 C BODY (PILLARED COUPE)
K BODY (HARDTOP EXPORT ONLY)
POWER HAWK 1956 C BODY (PILLARED COUPE)
SKY HAWK 1956 K BODY (HARDTOP)
GOLDEN HAWK 1956-1958 K BODY (HARDTOP)
SILVER HAWK 1957-1959
1957-1958
PACKARD HAWK 1958 K BODY (HARDTOP)
HAWK 1960-1961 C BODY (PILLARED COUPE)
GRAN TURISMO HAWK 1962 - 1964 K BODY (HARDTOP)
C BODY (PILLARED COUPE)
K BODY (HARDTOP EXPORT ONLY)
Last Update - July 2, 2018
Page 22
SECTION 1 - Engine Compartment
Decals - Engine Compartment
Generator
Tachometer Sender tag
Oil Filter
Oil Bath Oil Cleaner
Valve Cpver
Last Update - July 2, 2018
Windshield Wiper
motor
Oil Filler Cap
Page 23
SECTION 1 - Engine Compartment
ITEM COLOR REMARKS
------------------ --------- -----------------------ENGINE BLOCK RED RED/ORANGE
FAN BLADE BLACK
GENERATOR BLACK Auto-Lite
OIL BATH BLACK
OIL FILLER CAP BLACK
OIL FILTER BLACK FRAM
OIL PAN RED RED/ORANGE
VALVE COVERS ALUMINUM OPTIONAL CHROME VALVE COVERS
WERE AVAILABLE AS ACCESSORY
NUMBER AC-2796.
Under the hood, the 1956 Golden Hawk featured a 352 cubic inch version of the Packard
overhead valve V-8 engine which was rated at 275 horsepower.
A Carter WCFB 4 barrel Carburetor and a dual exhaust system
were standard equipment.
The 1956 Golden Hawk was the only model, carrying a
Studebaker badge, to be outfitted with a Packard engine.
The same Packard V-8 engine was used in the 1956 Clipper
Custom and Packard Executive. All other Studebakers produced
in 1956, including the other Hawk models, came equipped with
one of the Studebaker engines. Studebaker Packard also sold
engines to American Motors Corporation for use in its Hudson
Hornet and Nash Ambassador cars for 1955 and 1956.
The 1957 and 1958 Golden Hawks came from the factory with
a supercharged Studebaker 289 cubic inch engine. An
aftermarket McCulloch supercharger from Paxton was also available for the 1956 Packard 352
cubic inch engine.
The 1956 Packard Caribbean came equipped with a 374 cubic inch version of this same engine
and dual 4 barrel carburetors. Horsepower for the Caribbean was rated at 310. No 1956 Golden
Hawks came from the factory with dual 4 barrel carburetors and/or the 374 cubic inch engine.
Last Update - July 2, 2018
Page 24
SECTION 1 - Engine Compartment
Accelerator Return Spring
The accelerator return spring should
be attached to a small clip which is
mounted to the center valve cover
bolt. The 1956 Shop Manual shows
this clip mounted to the center valve
cover bolt on the driver's side.
Accelerator Return Spring
A similar clip attaches to the bell-crank-to-carburetor rod. This second clip can be moved up or
down the rod to increase or decrease the spring tension as desired.
Reference Source:
1955 - 1958 Chassis Parts Catalog, page 72.
1956 Passenger Car Shop Manual, Electrical section, page 41 Fig 90.
Motor Trend dated February 1956, page 21.
Hot Rod Magazine dated April 1956, page 21.
Battery Box
The battery box is mounted on a flat spot of the inner fender
apron on the driver side. The box is secured by two bolts
that run through the box and apron and a nut attached from
underneath, inside the wheel well..
There is a bracket that mounts on the firewall and attaches
to the vertical edge of the box, at the corner to give extra
support.
Reference Source:
1955 - 1958 Chassis Parts Catalog, page 206-207.
Engineering drawing for Part # 1312972
Last Update - July 2, 2018
Page 25
SECTION 1 - Engine Compartment
Battery Ground Connection
The battery ground cable runs from the negative side of the battery to the rear bolt of the intake
manifold on the driver's side of the engine block. At least, this seems to be the most common
setup. Shown in the photo above right, I added an additional ground cable which runs from the
intake manifold bolt down to the starter which supposedly helped the car to start better.
In our survey, the battery ground was connected to various locations including the rear bolt of the
oil filter, and various other bolts on the intake manifold. I guess anywhere is fine as long as it
makes a good connection. I don’t know if Studebaker had a particular location identified.
The parts book lists this cable as 22". The original battery positive and negative cables specified
by Studebaker Engineering beginning with the then new 12V. Negative ground system used on
all 1956 models required the letter "N" to appear on the battery post end of the negative cable.
Likewise a letter "P" appeared on the positive battery cable.
Reference Source:
1955 - 1958 Chassis Parts Catalog, page 227.
Motor Trend dated February 1956, page 21.
Engineering Drawing for Part # 1312972
Engineering Drawing for Part # 1540074
Survey of owners.
Battery Hold Down Bolts
The Battery Hold Down Bolt, also known as the J-Hook, is 5/16" in Diameter and 9-21/32" long.
The threaded portion is 5/16-18 NC thread and is 1-1/2" in length. There is a 1/1x45 degree
chamfer at the top edge of the threaded area.
Reference Source:
Engineering Drawing for Part # 1314745
Last Update - July 2, 2018
Page 26
SECTION 1 - Engine Compartment
Engine Oil Pan
The oil pan should be painted the same color
red as the engine. This photo show the flywheel
lower housing inspection hole cover as
unpainted, but I believe it should also be red.
Reference Source:
Survey of owners.
Fan Blade Assembly
The 4 blade fan is painted black. A new fan constructed of heavier metal (14 gauge instead of 15)
and with blades held together by 8 rivets instead of 4, entered production with serial number
6033140 with a final assembly date of 6-21-56. The last Los Angeles car was assembled on 6-356, so probably none of these cars came equipped with the new fan. The new part number was
1542138-P and substituted for part number 1540160-P.
4 Rivet Fan Blade Part # 1540160-P
The production order for one car listed a 5 blade fan and another one listed a 6 blade fan. Both
5 and 6 blade fans were available for other 1956 Studebakers, including the other Hawk models,
but none are listed for the 1956 Golden Hawk in the parts catalog. The 1956 Packard Parts and
Accessories List does show a special part number for the fan on cars equipped with air
conditioning. Only one production order for Serial # 6032938 with a Final Assembly Date of
05/07/1956 listed Air Conditioning, but there was nothing to indicate a different fan blade
assembly. I once saw an air conditioned Packard and it sported a 5 blade fan.
Reference Source:
Service Bulletin No. 316, Page 2.
1955 - 1958 Chassis Parts Catalog, page 155.
Original production order review.
Last Update - July 2, 2018
8 Rivet Fan Blade Part # 1542138-P
Page 27
SECTION 1 - Engine Compartment
Fender Aprons and Firewall
The fender aprons should be painted the same color as the upper portion of the fenders. This
would be the accent color on two tone models.
The firewall should be painted the same color as the lower portion of the lower body (body color)
on cars produced in South Bend. Cars assembled in Los Angeles seem to have the firewall
painted to match the inner fender aprons, or accent color on two tone models.
Firewall Matches Body Color - South Bend Cars
Firewall on a South Bend built car
matches the body color
Firewall Matches Accent Color - Los Angeles Cars
Firewall on a Los Angeles built car matches the inner
fender aprons (Accent Color)
No one has offered a satisfactory explanation for the variation in firewall colors between the two
production facilities. The anomaly seems to be consistent through the entire model run.
Reference Source:
Survey results.
Science and Mechanics dated April 1956, page 74.
Last Update - July 2, 2018
Page 28
SECTION 1 - Engine Compartment
Firewall - Factory Order Number
The Factory Order Number was written
on the passenger side firewall with
some type of indelible ink marker on
top of the paint.
White was used on Firewalls that were
painted the darker colors, and Black
was used on Firewalls that were
painted with lighter colors.
This number was also applied with
orange marker to the under side of the
instrument panel above the glove
compartment (can be seen under
Instrument Panel using a flashlight and
flex-head type inspection mirror.
Those markings were assembly line
aids.
Factory Order Number X5905 on Serial Number 6800352
Reference Source:
Survey results.
Last Update - July 2, 2018
Page 29
SECTION 1 - Engine Compartment
Generator
The generator should be painted black. The green & silver
AUTO-LITE name plate actually appears upside down when
viewed from the passenger fender side of the car.
There should be a small red tag on the field
terminal, the one which does not connect to
the radio condenser. The tag is about 1-1/4" x
1" and has black lettering on it which reads:
DO NOT INSTALL RADIO CONDENSERS OR
RESISTORS AT FIELD TERMINAL ON GENERATOR OR REGULATOR TO
GROUND
The round field terminal tag shown at the right was not used on the 1956 Golden
Hawk's generator field terminal. I don't know when this tag came along but all
indications are that it would not be correct for this car.
Reference Source:
1955 - 1958 Chassis Parts Catalog, page 3, Plate 01-4.
Hot Rod Magazine dated April 1956, page 21.
Survey results.
Two New Old Stock generators
Two used generators
Generator Adjustment Arm
The generator adjustment arm bracket should be painted the same color red as the engine block.
There seems to be conflicting evidence as to whether the slotted end should be mounted on the
generator or on the engine block.
On many South Bend cars (about 55% in our
survey), the generator adjustment arm is mounted
with the long slotted end attached to the engine block and the small hole end to the generator.
Other South Bend produced cars have the slotted end mounted on the generator. In our survey,
all but 1 Los Angeles assembled cars had the slotted end mounted on the generator.
Mounting the slotted end on the engine block appears contrary to normal application. I am told
this was done because mounting it in the "normal fashion" on Packard models caused the arm
to hit the fender apron. However, on Packards, there is a small depression, about 2 inches in
diameter and ½ inch deep, in an air duct along the inner fender which appears to allow for the
bracket's intrusion into this area.
Last Update - July 2, 2018
Page 30
Loading...