Dwight FitzSimons

The job of a high-performance engine is to consume more fuel/air mixture, and extract more HP. For that reason the R1 fuel pump has a higher flow rate. It is similar in construction to a 259/289 pump, but is larger (in diameter) than a 259/289 pump. Others can quote numbers for the two fuel pumps. For comparison purposes below is a pic of an original 259/289 fuel pump. --Dwight

Those of us who aren't registered on Facebook can't see anything. I am not aware that any convertible Avantis were built in 1970. I assume someone has cut the top off? --Dwight (two '64 Avantis)

The painted Lark & Hawk valve covers are more suitable for re-chroming than chrome ones: 1) The painted ones generally don't rust, so no rust pits, and 2) It is much easier to remove paint than chromium. --Dwight

The BF Goodrich Radial T/A is an excellent high performance tire. I have them on both of my '64 Avantis and am very pleased with them (and I am a big fan of handling). One car has the stock anti-roll bars, the other has the much larger anti-roll bars. As one would expect the car with large bars makes better use of the handling potential of the tires. Both cars benefit greatly from the BFG tires, though. Many muscle cars of the 1960s used 15" tires, and it appears that half of the restored ones I see or read about have BFG Radial T/A tires on them. So, there is still a sizeable market for 15" BFG Radial T/A tires. --Dwight

I'm not sure this pic will help much because that is a cluttered area to photograph. Also, this pump may be a Mopar Super Pump. --Dwight

I meant "smart man" because he listened to his wife. Anyone may like either placement he wishes, but it is still a PITA to adjust mirrors on the fenders, and they are less effective on the fenders because they are effectively much smaller. Vision to the rear is poor on an Avanti and we need all the help we can get. I side with safety. --Dwight

One thought: If your engine quits while you are in motion on the highway you won't be able to re-start the engine until you stop. For me it would be mandatory to be able to start the engine while in neutral. --Dwight

I'm no expert, but have owned several Avantis since the late 1960s. That looks like some type of radiator support, but not for an Avanti. I have had Avanti radiators and engines out and don't recognize your piece of metal. --Dwight

I agree, Nels. From what I have heard modern foam is better than the original stuff and is out of sight anyway. When I have my Avanti's seats reupholstered I'll have new foam made. Modern foam might be more comfortable too. I have a set of NOS Claret Red bucket seat covers to have installed. --Dwight

Why, Nelson ! That wouldn't be original !!! --Dwight

Hanlon Plating in Richmond, VA seems to still be in business. I have had plating done there with good results. They have (or had) two levels of plating: street & show. Be aware that they grind (or did grind) the old chrome off rather than de-plating it off. This will thin your metal some. --Dwight

Sure, I would be happy to help. --Dwight

The Avanti Gold is a nice shade of gold - not gaudy and not weak. It works well on an Avanti. Perhaps that is why Studebaker's ad agency chose it for their brochure car. I have always wondered, though, why the carpets on a gold/elk car were solid black, rather than salt & pepper like most of the other 1963 exterior/interior color combinations.. I like the salt & pepper carpets. --Dwight

Number 2: There is a divider in the inlet port on the Lark/Hawk bonnet. --Dwight

For one, the Lark/Hawk bonnet outlet is bent (angle of outlet to center of base of bonnet). --Dwight