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Probably not 😞 I'm in for this too, so did you succeed? I'm also wondering about the vent window front seal: Are left and right symetric or not?

I’ve never driven my car in cold weather where I needed the rear window defroster. Not sure if it even works. I’m thinking the tint would be of more benefit. Mike

With the Avantis huge rear window, tinting it makes good sense for some sun/heat deflection!

Sorry, but I wouldn't let mine go for less than $55k, and am considering listing it for just over $60k. Ya got to understand that there are only 33 made in my year of '02', and similar production number for other years. That in itself sets these up for solid value (or profits) Then the convertible option in '02' brings production numbers down to 13 that year. So You can say what You will but if someone is trying to knock me down in price, my answer is "Go find another one!"

I had a 63 30 years ago and pretty much knew Avantis (Studebaker) pretty well. Now a Chev-Vanti is a tad bit different in the wireing but I figuring it all out!

The problem with surveys is that it’s difficult, if not impossible, to get 100% participation.

It is a low compression 305 v8- 155 horse engine.

Here are the results to a question asked in a survey from MFG Body Company.

Most newer master cylinder covers have a gasket with a built-in diaphragm or bellows. As the brake linings wear and fluid is pushed out to the cylinders, the diaphragm extends into the ullage space above the top of the fluid. This keeps a somewhat constant air volume and pressure above the fluid.

I came to the conclusion that the lid/cover should not breathe. This way the liquid does not absorb moisture. Under and overpressure remain between the seal and the lid. A very small amount of air may leak between the cover and the screw.

I believe that the 305 used in the Avantis were all L69 engines putting out 190 H.P. I do not know if AMC ever used the corvette L83 engine in an Avanti.

Is the 1982 305 an L83 with 200 HP?

AD stated above he was able to find a shop that would tint them with the window installed.

The survey actually indicated 1.75%… I decided to round it off!!

Wow, that's what I want. Did they have to remove the glass to do it?

There were 1389 Avantis built during the 1962 calendar year. 2% would be 27 sold in 1962.

I am surprised that only ninety-some Avantis were sold in calendar year 1962 given that: 1) it was a new car, with all the excitement of a new car, and 2) the Avanti was introduced about mid-year 1962. That only 90-some Avantis were sold in 1962 speaks to the production difficulties Studebaker was having. So, the follow-on question might be how many Avantis were produced per month and then compare that to sales. Of course, that info is known and documented. --Dwight

I like it!

Sorry no Geoff…..See above.

Please explain. How master cylinder and ventilation works in its cover? Edit: I understand that when the fluid level changes during use, there must be breathing in the fluid space of the master cylinder. As I understand it, that's why there are also holes (vents) in the gasket. How about the cover?

Looks REALLY good!

Yes, 1962 saw the fewest Studebaker Avanti ‘new car’ sales! Breakdown….. 48% of new Avantis sold in ‘63 44% of new Avantis sold in ‘64 6% of new Avantis sold in ‘65 2% of new Avantis sold in ‘62 The above percentages were taken from a survey sent to purchasers of new Studebaker Avantis in 1966, by the firm of Morrison-Gottlieb. Although the response to this survey was “ Excellent “, not every buyer of a new Avanti responded to it… hence… the above percentages aren’t written in stone!

Thank you for your concise reply Bob. Yes, both my ‘83 and my ‘85’s seventeen digit ‘VIN’ number begin with 12AAV. And, of course, to register my Avantis the VIN number was the only identification number the Mass registry cared about. However, the OP of this thread, Brooks Barnes, asked where he could find an RQB number on his ‘85 Avanti and, lacking a better term, I referred to it as an internal (factory) sequence number, and it could be found on a steel plate affixed to the left ‘A’ pillar on his car. Apparently that plate is missing or obscured on Mr Barnes’s ‘85 Avanti… but I strongly feel that there was RQB4152 placed on that plate when his Avanti left Avanti Motors… as did apparently all other ‘85 Avantis have an RQB+ four digit internal sequence number. When Avantis began to be produced again for the ‘87 model year, the internal ‘RQB’ designation was gone and the seventeen digit VIN number, starting with 12AAV, or sometimes just AAV, began to be commonly used for rosters, etc…. Take care, Ed C

Hi, I was trying to reach you outside this venue, but all attempts failed... In defense of my position on the serial numbers, this effort was started in the mid 90's. Back then, I don't think anyone knew just how many cars, throughout the entire production span were still viable. It became "something to do" as they came through Ebay and similar venues. At some point, it became necessary to separate the major number groups, likely because the pages were getting too large to load with the 2400 baud modems. Not too many of us had internet at that time. The VIN number imprimatur was being thrown around in the late 60's but Avanti II's always seemed to duck the bullet with that and emission issues because the company was small enough to do that. I have to admit that, over the years, I wasn't much aware of which of the pre 1987 and earlier cars, had a 12AAV VIN number. I can say for certain that there are 81's with a 12AAV tag at the base of their windshield and the last 4 digits correspond to the RQB number. The earliest Avanti I know of in the listing with a "12AAV" vin is, 1981 RQB-3204 and there are likely earlier ones. (Most) Everybody used the old RQB-nnnn in their communications or business deals, but the "12AAV' came more to the fore when Kelly and Cafaro started dancing. I'll guess it was the last of the steel bumpers that pushed me to instantiate the "AAV-nnnn" to delineate cars after Blake sold the company and there was an RQC in there, to boot. The only major revisions ever done on these files were to allow me to run scripts to calculate the number and type, etc. Reformatting all this data again would be actually, only a slightly onerous task, so maybe a long cold spell next Winter, will be just the time. BobJ (avanti5011@gmail.com)

Probably 62. Not sure of any being titled as 1962.