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Hi Ronmanfredi- Do you have any advice on how to remove the headlining/upholstery et-al ?.... photos , anything ? I need to do this job too and any prior knowledge would be really helpful. 😕 To be honest I have considerable rust damaged parts up there and I might end up with a removal instead of a restoration.

Not really a trick- hard work actually, but it works...... A half of a 24TPI High Speed Steel hacksaw blade with a bit of rag taped up for a comfortable handle. Remove the centre bushing and rubber. I use a little propane torch to heat the tube and burn the rubber enough so you can rip the tube out with vicegrip pliers. Once that's out, get really comfortable and use the hacksaw blade to make a slit inside the tubing bore along its entire length. It's not easy put patience will reward you. Eventually the tube can be made to collapse slightly and it can be driven out with a drift. It really helps if you can access a lathe and make up a drift to suit with a piloted end that will fit loosely into the Bush bore and a nice square shoulder to push with. Before pushing new Bushes through DO give the Frame Bore a little cleanup with abrasive cloth or you will likely have the new bush fight you.

First off...I would never mislead a buyer. Also during the purchase I never try to cheat or beat up the Seller on an offer. In fact on my '02', there was no negotiation and I paid the Sellers full price.. But yes, My Hobbies are Business transactions. The two must cross paths or I cannot afford to be into these cars.

Good point! These were the only ones I could not change, the body is in the way. Does someone knows a trick?

Dan Booth helped me with mine. He also can provide instructions on how to bond the frame correctly and how to install the weatherstrip pieces correctly.

Yes Skip, and as a business the goal is to maximize profit, and cutting corners is one way to do that. Like Aardvark says, his profit is in the purchase, but not all sellers may have the same scruples. Mike

Certainly the price of cars (or parts, etc) is a legitimate topic of discussion. And most of us have budget limits on our hobbies. But if one is dependent on the profits from the sale of a car(s), then it strikes me as less of a hobby and more of a business.

Hi, Paul, Well, rats! I'll call Jim Lime on Monday and see what is going on. I assume the "missing cap that surrounds the rod" is on the front end (MC end) of the booster? I have another booster (that checked good when removed from the car), but I don't see anything different on its front than in my Nov 3 picture (above) of the booster I sent to SI. Maybe one of the experts on the forum will chime in and tell us what is missing. --Dwight

I had read accounts say the Due Cento had full belly pan streamlining. I’ve seen no photos of it though.

With all the visible aerodynamics installed on the Due Cento for the Bonneville speed runs, I wonder if that Avanti also had a full belly pan?

SOLD! Eric Johnson has put up his immaculate 2003 Convertible, which is 1 of 2 cars painted in Fox Fire Red Mica ever produced that we have records on. The car has Never been driven in the rain and garaged since new. To learn more about his car, you can reach him at 253-576-3040 or avanti400@aol.com. If you've ever wanted a Firebird based convertible, then this could be the one. Don't let this one get away!

Where I agree with You,.. in a lot of respects I just can't.

Dear Dwight, Studebaker International received the booster, but is not suitable to serve as a basis for a proper rebuild, according Jim Lime*. You can contact Jim. I don't think there's any point in returning it. I understand you're also surprised and that you've incurred costs. Question: How can we resolve this matter? (* = Paul, The core that was sent to us is no good. Part of the housing is broken off and it's missing the cap that surrounds the rod. Jim) Looking forward to hearing from you, Paul

As you said, everyone's situation is different. In my whole life, I've only owned 20 vehicles -- and I still own half of them. I buy vehicles (in any condition) that I want, restore/repair/improve them -- and then keep them forever. In that circumstance, vehicle values are simply irrelevant.

Agreed/ Nicely put.

Contact Dan Booth at Nostalgic Motors or Jon Myer at Myer’s Studebaker. I would think one or both of them could be very helpful.

RQB3263/81/305 .... I AM PLANNING MY 2026 AVANTI PROJECT .... REAR DISC BRAKE CONVERSION ... AND LOOKING FOR GUIDANCE FROM A MEMBER WITH EXPERIENCE TO A MFG/SELLER OF A COMPLETE KIT .... FOR DANA 44 WITH 6 BOLT BACKING PLATE .. IF HAVE KNOWLEDGE AND CAN GUIDE ME I WOULD APPRECIATE IT ... THANKS .... BIILL IN FLORIDA 386-466-6434 CELL

Anyone have a parts source on Skytop sunroofs? I have a 1981 Avanti II with a falling sunroof. I am in the process of re bonding the metal to the fiberglass. I have the glass out and need the double hinges on the back that rivet to the frame. Also need the weatherstrip !

Yup... Ya can't cure.... Never mind.

Their money… their spending!

I've said my peace.. There needs be a semblance of sanity in spending.

FOR BEARTOOTH PLEASE CALL BILL GREGG CELL ...386-466-6434..... I WANT TO DISCUS YOU REAR DISC BRAKE CONVERSION ... FOR A 2026 AVANTI II PROJECT I LOOK FWD TO HEARING FROM YOU .... KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK .... BILL IN MELROSE, FLORIDA

I noticed the accent color which the Granatellis applied to the Due Cento’s red exterior, as well as the graphics, have not (yet) been applied to the car…. These details will eventually make this special Avanti even more exciting!

“Those involved” certainly could be spending their $$$$ on worse things!!