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Orange definitely ‘shows’ better under the hood… but for my money black is definitely correct, at least for an early Studebaker Avanti like yours!

I, too, would vote for the Cobalt wheel cylinders if keeping the original Bendix/Dunlop disc brakes. They are a better, more modern design than the originals. I, personally, have converted my Studebakers to modern disc brakes, either Turner or Hot Rod & Brakes (have used both). The HR&B disc kit has gotten good reviews & costs $150 or so less than Turner's kit. Jim Turner now uses Chrysler minivan calipers in order to avoid the clearance issues the previous GM calipers sometimes had. One note on rotors: I have just had to replace the rear rotors on my Olds Aurora due to rust (flunked Va inspection after only 1000 miles, 2 years). I'll never again buy non coated rotors. The coated ones cost more (20% ?), but I want to do my brake jobs only once. One can also paint rotors and I have done that. So, the good news on supercharger colors is that you can paint yours either orange or black, whichever you prefer. I made a major mistake in having mine painted black. --Dwight

Thank-you! I actually did that years ago on a Hawk I had. But I sold it shortly after and never knew how long they would stick on. So I thought I would get a second opinion before I tried it again.

Bob Ziff at Avanti parts and Restorations is showing new replacement pistons for $155 each. https://avantiparts.biz/cylinder-assembly-front-disk-brake/

If your caliper pistons are in good condition, why sleeve? It would make more sense just to rebuild by replacing the seals etc. Otherwise, the Cobalt replacement cylinders seem to be a good option. https://mossmotors.com/8777-2-cp-cobalt-brake-cylinder-axle-set?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzaqmz_-s_wIVgZqGCh2kYwuqEAQYFSABEgJSg_D_BwE#829=2405?utm_source=feed&utm_medium=free&utm_campaign=shopping Sumitomo cylinders are over $250 each on parts geek. https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/1963/jaguar/xke/brake/caliper_piston.html?brand=genuine The Turner brake conversion is another possibility allowing for relatively less expensive parts. Not sure what the Turner package consists of now, but when I purchased 20 years ago, Turners used Mustang rotors and GM calipers. Sleeving has gotten more expensive. Apple hydraulics now wants $135/cylinders for sleeve and $165 for rebuild. https://www.applehydraulicsonline.com/collections/dunlop/products/copy-of-jaguar-dunlop-caliper-cylinder-sleeved-and-rebuilt-1

There is no definitive answer on the original supercharger colors. Some believe that very early Avantis had black then they switched to orange for the duration. Rebuilt superchargers were definitely black.

Back up on line.

My opinion of the platforms that you’ve mentioned is that you’ll likely get fair market value from each one. Pick one, sell it and donate the proceeds. If your objective is to maximize the dollar amount of the donation, you may want to consider working with one of the organizations to include the vehicle as part of a fundraiser. Frequently at these events participants will pay considerably more than what the item is actually worth because they know the money is going to a good cause. Essentially, they’re making a donation and getting something in return. Alternatively, you could simply donate the car, take any applicable tax deductions, and avoid the whole process of selling.

Try a dab of silicone caulking on every fourth tab and slam the covers on… Don’t drive car for several hours until silicone sets up…. This has worked for me for years… Wheel covers still can be removed when necessary… then just pull off old silicone residue and re apply.

Yes…..Exactly!

Thanks for the update. Seems there are vehicles that could be candidates, but when doing the $$ math, it doesn't make sense... Yet someone will take it on, due to the love of the vehicle.

I'm now starting the front brake overhaul and deciding whether to re sleeve my calipers which are in good condition with stainless while there out. or convert to a Taylor system. I'm not planning on using it a lot. I would rather keep it stock as much as possible. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Also Any recommendations for someone that sleeves the old Bendix. One more thing, All the Superchargers I see are that lovely Studebaker orange. Mine is black from the factory, like the McCulloch on my Golden hawk. Did the color get changed early on. Mine is 1086.

Nelson 63 3186 R1 and I also have my original 63 1086 R2. I have to say, I'm really tired of the prices some of the parts suppliers are charging. My fault for not asking the price of every item. $90 for a pinion seal, 2 U joints $150. They are listed for $20 ea. Invoice comes in $75 ea. Can of fawn spray paint, Expiration date 2014. I'm used to ordering parts from my regular supplier for everyday vehicles. never had to worry.

In the last 50 years I have owned several Studebakers. Besides leaking, they have one thing in common. The wheel covers won't stay on the wheels. Today my Avanti threw a cover on the freeway and I watched it get squashed by a truck behind me. I have modern 6" wheels to accomadate radial tires. I even bent out the tabs on the covers to keep them good and snug on the wheels. But the flexing of the front wheels and tires seems to still push them off. Has anyone found a good way to keep them from coming off?

Saw the car… very solid for a Northeast Studebaker… however, not maintained for those 45+ years and in need of bumper to bumper restoration… Expensive car to restore! Great project for the right hobbyist, however, that’s not me!

Yes, the SDC forum is online now.

Seems to be back on line, now.

I've decided it's time to sell Thea, my 1980 Avanti II originally owned by Thea Gabor. It's not a bad car, in fact it's pretty darn good except the cosmetics are just OK. Solid #3 car. Anyway, my estate plans are to donate either cars or proceeds from the sale of cars to a mix of Studebaker Foundation, Studebaker National Museum, and McPherson College/Auto restoration program, so an auction now that supports this plan is my desire. I've done well on BaT, so-so on eBay, never tried Hagerty's , and there are other options. What are the opinions of my fellow Avanti owners on the merits and demerits of each of these platforms? Ron

I just tried ( 1/23 at 4:00 PM) and it's not working for me. Maybe it's short term glitches? I'll try again in a few minutes.

Keep us up on that...

Yup... 192mph is killing it.

Now THAT’S interesting!

Recently, I’ve seen a few price reductions on Avanti’s that have been on the market for quite awhile. The one I looked at last October in Ohio has dropped $5K from $54,900 to $49,900. At the time the seller said there was no room for negotiations because he didn’t want to sell the car. An R1 that I’d inquired about just dropped from $43K to $39K. This isn’t unusual, since a seller typically wants to get as much as possible and a buyer isn’t likely to offer more than the asking price, so starting a high, but reasonable price is to be expected. I do believe that there’s some spaghetti being thrown at the wall and this could be driven by the possibility that the sellers saw a single car sell for a handsome price and they’ve priced theirs similarly. As an example, the seller of the one in Connecticut specifically mentioned one that had sold for $57K and his is priced at $58K, even though the car most recently sold for $37,500 and is a $45K-$48K car at best. He has a multi-million dollar car collection and a $50K car is little more than a rounding error in the big picture, but his asking price is preventing car from being sold, driven and seen.

Fascinating thread.

I wrote it. The entire post was about information that I read on another forum (see paragraph 1). I felt the information was relevant to this discussion so I shared some of what was said on that forum. Is that clear?