There was an article in TW a while back about the two (I believe?)
prototypes built by Stude in '53 of a convertible C-K type car.  I
think that at least one of the cars was later updated to '54 spec and
trim for exhibition at shows, etc. and is still known to exist.  I've
also heard tell of someone taking a K-body car and using the
convertible top mechanism from a Dodge Dart (forget what year, don't
know if it was a pre-67 or 67-69 top that was used) to do a one-off
convertible.  I would think that a GT Hawk would be the ideal
candidate for such a conversion, since they have heavier gauge frames
and that top is just begging for a Sawzall anyway :)  I'd probably be
tempted to look into a fiberglass 53-54 front clip if I were going to
go that far as well, maybe even a Speedster dash and interior...

No Hawks, but Studebaker did make one prototype '53 convertible that they
updated to '54 appearance.  I saw this car many times.  Over the years I have
seen many K bodies converted into convertibles, some single seat shortened cars
and others full length with a rear seat.  The shortened ones were usually on
Lark convertible frames with an X-member and shorter wheelbase.  Two come to
mind within 50 miles of me.  Gary L.

No Hawks, but Studebaker did make one prototype '53 convertible that they
updated to '54 appearance.  I saw this car many times.  Over the years I have
seen many K bodies converted into convertibles, some single seat shortened cars
and others full length with a rear seat.  The shortened ones were usually on
Lark convertible frames with an X-member and shorter wheelbase.  Two come to
mind within 50 miles of me.  Gary L.

http://www.global.net.au/~shl/Resources/2Mvc-024s.jpg