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I wondered for a long time what the rubbing sound is when turning the car. Now the matter is clear. The left exhaust pipe hits the tie rod clamps when turning the car and when the front sinks lower. I made sure that the exhaust pipe is correctly attached to the exhaust manifold. The engine is also supported with new and correct rubber. I think the exhaust pipe is bent incorrectly. Is there any problem if I turn the short tie rods ends towards the wheels? (long ones towards center)? This would give a little more space between the exhaust pipe and the rod.

I am replacing the seals in my power steering ram on my 72. I started the procedure according the instructions in the shop manual. It stated the order as; inner seal, then bushing (I used the steel bushing that came in the kit), the dust seal, outer seal then the scraper. I found that stack of parts made it impossible to install the snap ring. Now when I dissassembled my ram, there was no steel bushing. The diagram on the kit instructions does not show using it as well. My assumption is don't install the bushing and the snap ring will seat. Any one else go through this?

I used him for all suspension parts on my old 82 model.

If only Dan at Nostalgic had time to make “how to” videos out of his treasure chest of knowledge. Thanks for doing that Blazest. Mike

I purchased an "anti rattle" weatherstrip for outside of the driver's and passenger's side windows. I've had a devil of a time with it, but Dan has walked me through it. I've decided to make a video about it, so stay tuned for the l!nk.

After talking with Bob at Avanti Parts I decided to go with Monroe shocks all the way around. He says the 350 is not an issue is a bit lighter than the original Studebaker engine. I also found out that my car does NOT use sway bar end links. In my case, they only need the bushings replaced; the brackets they go into are not rusted out (southern states car) so I will use them again.

Thanks Stacey. I will try to struggle with it again, Wish there was a "fix" for this.

If I let my top just close and release the button as the top almost hits the top of the windshield, it is a bugger to get it to latch. If I hold the button the pump puts out more pressure and lets the top then kind of stretch to allow the pins to be within maybe 1/4 inch away from the place they need to go. Then I can just move the latches and lock it in. Took a while to get the "hang" of making it easy to put the top up.

Emergency 4 way flashers? Of hand brake light.

Works for me… Thanks Dwight

Activates ejection seat?

Yes… sounds like a prior owner installed the ‘64 style air filter assy on your ‘63 Avanti …Upside down!!

My 1987 convertible does not close properly. The latch is about 3/4" short of r reaching the reciever above the windshield. Is there any way to adjust the support system to make it close easier or is there an adjustment on the top motor, or ??? I would really appreciate any assistance as it is really frustrating not to be able to close the top. Thanks, Bob

Later R2s used this style as well as the R2 Larks and Hawks. R3s had a mounting bracket welded to them.

IIRC the R3 air cleaner is the same "can", but with different mounting brackets, and it's mounted behind the grille. See below.

Thanks!

If it looks like this it may be a R3 air cleaner that pulled cool air through the wheel well

I know there are only a few people that opted for the Electronic version of the Avanti magazine. To the best of my recollection, it is less than 20 people. I did not receive a link to the newest Avanti magazine Fall/winter 2025 via Joomag (the company responsible for the electronic version). The last email I received was 8/21/2025. I am not sure who I should contact with my concerns. On a similar note, on occasion, a paper ballot is sent out with the hard copy of the Avanti magazine. There is no way for those of us who selected the electronic copy to vote. I have emailed all the board members concerning the ballot issues and have not received a response from any.

Most other sealants will prevent you from removing the panel again down the road. You need 3M 08578 and can get it from Amazon or most auto parts stores can order it.

A picture would help. But, it's not stock in any event. --Dwight

Not sure what you have, but below are '63 & '64 R2 air cleaners. These were the only air cleaners used on '63 & '64 R2 Avantis. --Dwight

Have you traced the wires? Does the light illuminate? Could be part of an alarm system.

Somebody may have changed it. The design isn’t brilliant because it’s sucking in hot air from deep within the engine compartment. If the whole affair was flipped to put the intake in front, it would be sucking in cooler air.

My '63 R2 has an air cleaner that only has an opening on the bottom. All the other ones that I have seen have a fully enclosed cylinder with the air cleaner partially sticking out from the rear. Why is mine different?

My '63 Avanti R2 has a small red light on the upper part of the console (below the dash). I've never seen one on a '63 R2. Does anyone know its purpose?