1961 Studebaker Hawk Disk Brake Swap! (Plus Bonus Distributor Recurve And Tuning With Supercharger)

Many people commented on the first Stude video saying that disk brakes would be the move. Well, they were probably right, so on today's video, we do that. By the end of this video, this car actually does almost all of the things a car is supposed to do! But the dome light also stops working, and that's sad.

[@sneakerset]

Paxton Products was on Olympic Blvd. in Santa Monica,Ca., and there'd always be an Avanti or Hawk in the service driveway. Granatelli Racing had engine stands out in their driveway, and the Indy 500 Novi engines were so loud the local HS teachers at Samohi complained to the city council (pre-1965). My dad was friends with Andy, Joe, and Vince. Joe was the friendliest of the brothers - he broke out a pit bike for the local kids to ride one day. Paxton also had a US Navy contract on components for US attack subs.

[@leefalvey9670]

One of my high school teachers had a golden hawk, loved that car, then the Advanti came out and something about the exhaust tone made me fall in love with that. Yeah you can tell I'm old LOL,

[@jamesonpace726]

Love that ole rudey-Stude....

[@OllamhDrab]

Heh, I do like those Hawks. Something I might drive if I found myself displaced in time. :)

[@rockymeyers4030]

Welcome to dead Studebaker garage. I really enjoy your videos on this car

[@rexkean]

Cars with STYLE! Who would have thought!?

[@beljames1563]

Who doesn't love a Stude? Disc brakes are good. Dual piston brake cylinders are good. A fine upgrade to any car which is to be driven.

[@robertluther8057]

Hi Jamie, I am in the process of getting together all the necessary parts to install disc brakes on my GT Hawk and will be getting the master cylinder mount kit from Turner as well. However, it's always fun to watch someone else do it first. Saves on some headaches. My Hawk has power brakes with auto trans and an immense remote vacuum booster (non-standard). So, now I need to figure out how to bleed them especially since I have to make sure only the front brakes are powered (not the rears).

[@chipdayton1625]

Jim Turner isn't the only one selling disc brake conversion kits, but he is the best!

[@adeeponionbrah]

Good job J.

[@James-xo4uv]

Jamie , I like your channel , two of my love mopars and Studebakers, my grandfather had a Studebaker dealership in Hamilton Ontario Canada, and he sold the first 1948 Studebaker Champion produced at Hamilton Ontario plant.

[@allanperryman388]

Great work every time

[@brentforte5950]

That car has style and substance.

[@adamhoffman3687]

That car doesn't look like it should sound like that. I like it!!

[@kenjohnson3641]

Merry Christmas 😊

[@grouchiaintsain2592]

I really love this Studebaker it reminds me of a lot of girlfriends I've had a lot of time and work in progress but can definitely be worth it

[@Nichole-440HP]

Ima mopar girl but absolutely love this car ❤

[@briandetrick2688]

your show is the onlyone i dont skip around on.an warch all the way threw

[@pcbullets8726]

The Stude is back! Once it's all sorted out, it's gonna be a fun ride for sure. Disc brakes will definitely help the cause.

[@clembob8004]

Hmm, lots of good stuff in this video! The brake conversion inspires me to consider doing something like that with my 56 Dodge pickup. And that Stude is really sounding good, especially with the whine from the supercharger. I also noticed a 64 Ford Galaxie 2dr, and it looks a lot like the one my dad bought brand new back in late 1963. I actually remember it, a 390 4 speed car. And I am interested in the tractor - nothing handier than a tractor with a loader. I have an older Bobcat skidsteer with a Ford 4cyl gas engine, and I wouldn't live without it.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I’m using the crap out of that tractor! I’ve needed one for years now. Very pleased. Yes, it’s a Galaxie 500 XL. I started a video… and totally failed to get it running. Not even in a fun and exciting way really. Don’t know that I will ever release it.

[@moparedtn]

I love that old Studebaker - but then, I am a sadist when it comes to cars. Very cool car nonetheless - and worth the effort. Merry Christmas and God bless you and yours, Jamie! - Ed on the Ridge

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Merry Christmas, Ed!

[@bigwrenchtech]

Well biscuits and gravy! 😂😂😂😂 Implies Serious putty

[@linwoodlane5721]

So love the looks of this - not keen on the underfloor master - strange concept

[@franciscojosepellegrino2553]

Great job.

[@GlennHall-k1c]

I really like watching your stuff it brings me back to my old stock car days thank you I will keep watching

[@michaelnault5905]

Only those of us that have been brakeless can really appreciate brakes :⁠-⁠)

[@SeanJoseph-s2s]

Interesting brake kit....good content...thank you.

[@COUNTINGSLURPULA]

Awesome car.

[@tonyb3864]

Another fine educational video.Great Job !

[@SteveP-vm1uc]

Nice job, brother.. I have to say, in all of the uncountable brake jobs I've watched on YT, you are the VERY FIRST to properly squeeze the tangs on the outer brake pads!!!!!!! For this, YOU WIN !!!!!!! Well, ya don't get really anything more than my respect for showing the people a PROPER BRAKE JOB!!!!! lol.... Good stuff as allllways.. Merry Christmas and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Works for me. Haha. Merry Christmas to you as well!

[@busteddrones2302]

Really like those old Studebakers. Side note, my first job was working on mail trucks.don't know what they are like now but back then they were like a box of chocolate you just never knew who supplied the parts from one rig to another.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

These LLVs are essentially all S10 chassis and drivetrain. It’s the same failures again and again. They all vibrate and drive horribly. Other than that… well, at least they’re pretty easy to work on.

[@OlderNotNecesarilyWiser]

Wow another great Studebaker video! Thanks so much Jamie, Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[@allenm00]

I know all OE's hire people to drive new cars around to seat the brakes like that too. That's why there is so much traffic in Detroit, uh, Mexico. I really enjoy your channel. Keep up the great work!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I’d expect them to use a rolling road or a private track or something for any of that kind of thing. Something about license plates, I dunno

[@vermontguy7692]

Gotta love the whine of that blower. Merry Christmas, Jamie. 🎄

[@user-KrackerJack]

Definitely a cool car

[@wiggyjones]

That was extremely informative! Now I feel much more comfortable about doing this to my Valiant.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

It’s way easier on the Valiant, too.

[@papaloongie]

Your perpetual overall despondency and O’er reaching soul-killing woebegone-ness is truly refreshing in this modern age of general manic upbeatness.. Keep up the melancholyness. Yours in despair, Joe in Montreal. Ask me how I know. I have a 53 commander.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I *refuse* to be manically upbeat. Thank you.

[@papaloongie]

I applaud your choice. And I’m enjoying your channel immensely..

[@Sidewayz455]

As much as I like stock and original, when it comes to safety this is a no brainer. Most cars are meant to be driven, and as such they require a reliable braking system. Because anchors are heavy.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I agree, but this isn’t the only way to get reliable brakes. The original drums with all parts in good working order could be quite reliable.

[@adrongarretson6195]

For those General Motors front calipers they have bleeder screws with check balls in them so all you got to do is crack them loose a little bit and you can just pump right through them and be the only person there

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I certainly could get some. I’ve never done so before, but I know they’re out there. Gravity usually works - just not in this case.

[@xlmi7021]

Love that Studebaker!

[@Coronetguy]

Looks great. Yes 1/4” spacer was way easier than grinding ! I have 65 commander. Same set up!

[@Coronetguy]

Had no idea you had done studebaker videos. lol.. I found this car with original Canadian Pontiac 283 engine.. came with lots of restoration parts including the disc conversion kit. Thanks Jamie!!

[@Oldcarnut63]

I will be doing this to my 64 Studebaker Daytona very soon.

[@Wyowanderer]

Serious putty is also known by its technical name C-4.

[@Anthony-nw5zv]

Sounds good Jamie

[@butcher390]

Normally , I'd be against the , disc brakes conversion but , since drum parts are almost unobtainium & outrageously expensive . I'm interested in seeing this swap 🙏🔩⚙ Your review is .... errr... umm... "Brutally honest" I suddenly have a greater appreciation for modern brake master cylinder, mounting location and bleeding procedures Oh Dude , same !! Sometimes I forget what shop tools we have too 😂 Hahahahaha 😂 I was waiting for you to mention that bracket ...LMAO #Studebaker

[@JamesAllmond]

Oddly, that old master cylinder is the same one Harley used, back in the day, for the Servicar! (I know, I have one and had to replace the master).

[@steveash9831]

I must say that this video was more educational than most. Now I know the next time that I smash my finger, it is the stupid one, not me! 🙂

[@COUNTINGSLURPULA]

Paused @5:14. It's funny how Dan @DD SPEED SHOP shows the same exact washer spacing conundrum. Except it's on his tri5 Chevys and Nomads. Hmmmm... Coincidence?

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Coincidence?! Yeah, probably 😅

[@willythewave]

Heart: A Magic Man

[@noberet]

Very informative! I's kinda wild with all that stuff they put outside of the body. Question about ramp trucks/haulers, I remember you said you were planning one from a bus. How does one determine the weight capacity of the frame for that application? I had an idea of a hauler to carry 2 cars, but the style of Don Prudhomme's 1967 yellow Dodge ramp truck. BTW, he got that truck from Richard Petty for those who didn't know.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

That’s exactly the style I have in mind! It’s a motorhome chassis, and I’m sure there is some science that can be done to figure out capacity. It would’ve had a factory rating I’m sure. I’m planning on a single car hauler with tool boxes and such. It’ll be fiiiiine for my purposes.

[@noberet]

I thought that the size of the rails was the main thing determining capacity, but I am not sure where I got that idea. Requires more research. I keep looking for information of what what stored where in that truck, like in that big overhead, and never see much revealed. @@DeadDodgeGarage

[@trojan440]

You should really invest in a small tubing cutter for those wonderful tigjt spots. You can keep it with your flaring tool so you cant find it again.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I have one. It was formerly with my other flaring tool. Couldn’t find the damn thing…

[@screamnmonkee]

4mm wheels spacers worked on my 51 Plymouth to move the wheel enough to clear the calipers.

[@joshuajesch7154]

Cool video. I think that car is almost a mascot. Lol. I was also the "426th" one to like the video...

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Nailed it!

[@Anthony-nw5zv]

Hmmm, seems as though Studebaker knew how to make their vehicles move, but at the last second they realized the drivers would be faced with stop 🛑 lights. Must have been a last ditch effort to figure out how to stop the car. You have to pull up sections of the floor to fill the brake master reservoir 😊

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

That was kinda the way for everybody way back in the bad old days - but Studebaker stuck with it… until the 60s… very archaic by that time.

[@cbobmonster]

Hell yeah sounds good

[@kart70]

Lol I think we've all seen cars with some serious putty on them. 😁

[@12Georgia83]

🍺

[@Sidewayz455]

Also, I believe that serious putty is called C4

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

So I’ve learned!

[@clembob8004]

I thought it was "Bondo".

[@richjordan9375]

Is there enough room where the brake pedal linkage mounts (or further up which we didn't see) to change the lever ratio enough to 'meaningfully' reduce pedal effort by increasing pedal travel?

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Not really… I did consider this.

[@jeffreymiers8793]

I think you should add a hydroboost, just to make sure it works!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

There really isn’t anywhere to mount one…

[@justinsager2526]

Serious putty is C-4.......tested and approved...

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I learned that in the comments here 😅 I think I might need to test that for myself some day.

[@Oldcarnut63]

I have a question about the grease track adapter. When you heat it up and you put it on the spindle does it go all the way flush against the back of the spindle or is there a little spacing? I tried putting mine on and there seems to be 2/8" space behind there. Please answer. This is holding up my project. Thanks

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

When I installed these, they appeared to be flush.

[@Oldcarnut63]

Thanks​@@DeadDodgeGarage

[@Oldcarnut63]

Hi I have another question. I was just doing this brake work over the weekend. The axle nut goes all the way to the end. If I put a second washer on I still won't be able to put the nut on and lock it in with a cotter pin. Where did you get that extra? Nothing of a jig did it come in your kit cuz mine does not have that. Where can I get one of those those? Thanks!

[@r1lark]

Are we going to see brake testing next episode? I hope so........🙂

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Absolutely! Although I did test them in this video a handful of times.

[@r1lark]

@@DeadDodgeGarage True, but I'm talking about brake pedal to the floor, locking up the front brakes, and the proportioning valve adjustment process.

[@600miles]

4:26 Or if you are me, you have the dual cone wheel bearing packing tool, not so messy with forced in grease with a grease gun. 10:33 Looks like you could whack a bigger hole in your floor.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I really don’t like those handy packer things. I prefer to do it the old fashioned way. Oh sure, we could put a bigger hole in the floor and fabricate a new cover for it, and then all you’d have to do to check the brake fluid is remove all of the carpet and a cover! No thanks, I’ll stick with the reservoir they include with the kit.

[@600miles]

@@DeadDodgeGarage There's no carpet in my '51 Bullet Nose, just a rubber mat, easy access. I really like your video and off the wall commenting. Thanks

[@Stormin06096]

Time to get a bearing packer.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I prefer the old fashioned way. At least with gloves on.

[@clembob8004]

I have one of those, and they do work good, but are almost as messy as the old bearing-in-hand method.

[@That_AMC_Guy]

Would you like me to send you a bearing packer for Christmas?? They relieve a lot of ball-ache. I can think of other items that would also relieve ball ache but, unfortunately I deal in Auto Parts & Tools. Re: The Wheels. Don't you think a 1/4" spacer would have alleviated those contact issues better than, y'know.... taking a grinder to the caliper?? Don't get me wrong, I had to adjust a caliper on my own truck once to make room for mag wheels.... but.... I had to take off casting flash, not cut into the body of the caliper. I'm sure what you've done here probably looks worse than it really is. ***Edit *** I posted this like.... a minute before you mentioned the same thing in the video. That's weird that kit would come with a master cylinder with a removable lid, that has the side drilled & tapped for a fitting for a remote reservoir. I can think of half a dozen master cylinders off the top of my head that are actually designed specifically FOR a remote reservoir. It just seems like a band-aid kind of fix to me. Reminds me of my old '74 Javelin. They came standard with MANUAL Disc/Drum setup. I always wanted to add a power booster but good luck finding one. People would ask to borrow the car about once. Then they would never want to drive the car again. Sure the brakes worked fine, but that car had the stiffest brake pedal I've ever encountered. Today, I have a '73 Javelin/AMX with POWER Disc/Drum. It's like stepping on a marshmallow; but it will haul you down from 90 in a heartbeat. God Bless Kelsey-Hayes.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Haaahaha. I have one somewhere. Never liked it.

[@That_AMC_Guy]

@@DeadDodgeGarage I'm shocked and appalled. 😂

[@heavyearly2232]

I take it Avanti disc brakes are not an option, or a more expensive one? I'm thinking they came standard with them. Guess I COULD google it. God, I'm lazy.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

There are multiple references to Avanti disk brakes in the instructions, but I’m guessing these parts are used due to a much lower cost.

[@glenbo2464]

Studebraker

[@YouveBeenMiddled]

More front brake bias! The discs need more pressure to for the same amount of braking force, and the front wheels should be doing most of the braking (weight transfer and all). You _could_ fab up a new bellcrank for the brake pedal to increase it's leverage on the master... but really, how much effort are we talking about?

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Right. That is the point of the adjustable valve. And - a modified bell crank could indeed be a great solution. But the amount of space is limited, the setup is already pointlessly nonsensical, and at the end of the day, it doesn’t really feel any worse than the drums did as far as pedal effort. So I’m going to leave it be.

[@turdferguson4124]

Burnishing the brakes is another term.

[@BlooMule]

C4 is serious putty.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Damn right!

[@enginecrzy]

c4 is very serious putty...

[@campervanbug7658]

Zerk the dust cap

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Not a bad idea, but I don’t see much point in it. No one will ever use it…

[@campervanbug7658]

@@DeadDodgeGarage 🤣

[@craigbowley6783]

100 year old canoe engine?

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

106 year old canoe engine, actually! It’s an Arrow/Waterman K-1. It originally would’ve lived in a funky outboard engine assembly. They also ganged together 2 or 4 of them in an inboard / outdrive configuration. Apparently the engines were also used for fire pumps.

[@joestein1144]

Serious putty... equals... C4... 🙂

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

So I’ve heard! 😅

[@joestein1144]

@@DeadDodgeGarage Boom...

[@twochaudiomg2578]

,, how could you get Distracted by your Neighbor? I can't Beleave there is even A 5 In that area Yes!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I’m so confused

[@LSSindustries]

Dead studebaker garage