All Activity

Good afternoon! I'm seeing many opinions on the best fluid to use in my supercharger and transmission. Plenty are recommending B&M non-synthetic Trickshift for both. Anyone has experience with using it?

Of all post Studebaker Avantis, I’ve always thought the first ‘A’ series Avanti ll’s to be the most interesting…. And, one in nice condition to also be the most valuable.

Avanti Motors coupled the Chevy engine to the Borg Warner automatic trans via a bellhousing sourced from Checker (cab) Motors… That same bell was also used in the ‘65 & ‘66 Canadian Studebakers with the Chevy engines.

Paint is way past saving. covers went bad and water laid on it and the paint is flaking off. I may just put it up for sale as is. Someone who needs a project. I don't. I have two 63s I'm restoring now, and don't have time for them, much less another. Thought it would be fun as a driver with a half descent paint job on it. This probably has the stude trans, it's an early one. Did the stude trans bolt to SBC without an adapter.

Oh how I regret not doing that to my RQA.....

I have to say, that would be counter intuitive. The Chev SB engine comes in soooo many combinations whereas the Studie Avanti only had 2 options, and both based on the 289. To me, the Chev engine and its options are the superior choice.... to downgrade seems futile. to go. thru all the changes (motor mounts and multiple other changes) seems senseless. I say that and I currently own a stock '63' R2.... (but also a '02' model which is an LS1 based engine.)

Call me biased but I am extremely happy with my '66. The engine, frame and body were in fairly good shape when I bought it, interior not so much. But, frame on restoration later, it came out nice. Added Turner brakes up front and a GM 700R4 transmission which holds the RPM down around 2150-2200 at 70mph. (From the factory, the early II's had the Studebaker transmission.) The 327 has good power, is easy to work on and parts are readily available. The 700R4 needs a couple of kits to control shifting by throttle only as it was originally designed for computer control. As I understand it, that transmission was made for the heavy GM sedans of that era and the 1st gear ratio is low to get the heavy cars moving. If you entertain putting in a GM transmission, there are a couple of other options available. Others on this forum could chime in on this. Concerning your car, it sounds like a good buff job on the paint might go a long way to making it presentable. As said above, these cars seem undervalued on the market. I have more in my car than I'll ever get out of it but I've never seen a Brink's armored truck in a funeral parade. Like you, I hate to see any Avanti die. Good luck.

I have always owned 63s. My friend emailed me from Bosnia, yes Bosnia this morning about this 66. # 074 out of 377 produced. Contacted the present owner, who said car was all original. Owner passed away 5 years ago. car had a cover on it which rotted off then another that also rotted off. Hasn't run in 5 years, car is turquoise, with a turquoise dash, turquoise seats with black inlays, stock wheel covers. P/W, A/C, Am/Fm. Comes from a salt free area, so hopefully troughs are good. I purchased the car today, Because, it is an Avanti, all original. If it's not worth restoring, I'll break it up, but I really hate to do that. Thought, the fact that it had the GM drive train, it would be a good candidate for a rod, still has the ultimate body style, but with the cost of a GM power plant and trans. Maybe when I get it home, I'll see whether i want to tackle the job or offer it for sale to someone who has more ambition, time, and money than myself, with all my projects. I hate to see any Avanti become a donor, especially for a complete original car. If there is any interest in it, please feel free to contact me. Love to see it be saved.

Nelson i will be here until Saturday. I did bring the fan shroud. Steve.

Very nice! Well thought out. It belongs there ...

Might be a to more fun to drive.... 2.5" exhaust / 300 HP ... 3200 curb weight

I gave up trying to rebuild the Dunlop calipers. bought these Cobalt calipers and pads from Bob Ziff at Avanti parts & restoration. They are an upgraded design while keeping the original external design. These were designed and marketed to the Jaguar XKE enthusiast. but they also work on our Avanti's. My car is not yet together enough for the road so I can't as yet speak to their performance, .

To be straight...few Avanti II automobiles carry great value. It shouldn't be that way but it's the truth. Having said that...an early Avanti II such as a '66 is a great car for restoration...few emissions devices to deal with...lots of performance from the Corvette 327 engine...pretty simple compared to later cars. Outside of the engine and a few other pieces it's all Studebaker and most parts are pretty easily sourced...outside of some Avanti specific trim. Depending on the condition of the frame and hog troughs it would be a fine candidate to rebuild. I've advocated that any Avanti that can be rebuilt should be rebuilt...but I'm realistic enough to know that's that not always economically possible and we do need parts cars to keep other Avantis on the road.

At the very least that stuck front wheel brake cylinder assy. needs to be removed and inspected… The piston can usually be blown out with air pressure… but be careful doing that, and wear safety glasses.

Having a problem with brakes dragging ,and not retracting.I have had no previous issues,pads are like new. The fluid does look strange,was fine last time I checked but now front resivour is clear but darkish,and the rear looks to be not clear and a light brownish. Retracted the pads using my c clamp put the caliper back on ,pushed the pedal only inside piston moves ,buy the way only having trouble on driver's side. What's your opinions or options,can I rebuild these originals, flush and change fluids and lines?

Is the 66 Avanti a desirable car for restoration. Do they have much of a resale market. Thanks

Steve. I won’t be there until Wednesday.. getting a late start

I will be there also. Am looking forward to meeting other members of the AOAI. Steve.

Here’s some food for thought….. Over the years many Studebaker Avantis have had Chevy engines swapped into them…. Has anyone ever heard of a Studebaker V8 being swapped into an Avanti ll?

My car is an early 63 gold with elk interior and I always thought it had salt and pepper carpet but when I was replacing it I found the portion under the seats was solid black.

Well I'll be darned! But not surprised. The all-black carpet was available in '63 only with a Fawn & Elk interior AND with either a Gold or Red exterior. So, probably not very many cars.

Yes, that's curious. Maybe there will be just the two of us there.

‘Uncle’?