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I have what I think is a pair of unused R3 headers. Three pictures are attached. Please help to answer a few questions. -The left and right look exactly the same. -These don't have the alternator bracket sticking out of the front of the passenger side. -There is a part number 1558353 cast on the right horizontal face on each. -Pictures of the reproductions don't seem to have a number. What do I have? What models do these fit? Thanks

Pretty easy… drain battery acid, then slice case open near the top. (mine had seam about 1” down from top ) Then slide out and properly dispose of internals, (saving top posts) Then wash out case thoroughly, put top back in place and install a couple of ‘dummy’ battery cables, routed down the side of the now empty battery. You’ve removed about 35 lbs of weight from over the left front wheel and put it where it’s needed… over the rear wheels! I frequently open the hood of my Avanti at car shows, and no one has ever ‘caught on’ to this!

Hog.. Ya gotta keep a trickle charger on em.... and I've never gutted a battery Brad..to be a critic I could say 2 of the engine bays are without complete spark plug noise suppression panels and from a dealership the engines never looked like that having dual carbs and a few other options....But the reality to me is all 3 look excellent.

I will have a set of 5 available in Washington state whenever I get my Turner 4-wheel set-up working.

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How do you go about gutting the battery? Mine is 6 months old and already faltering, just a matter of time

I’d call it “correct” rather than original. I think some of the suspension bushings and rubber parts on mine may have been “original”. It wasn’t that pleasant to drive with those old parts.

I've built them for authenticity and concourse national non Stude AACA judging for Amelia Island. Also some of them most heavily modified ones using Stude power you will ever see. It depends on customer preferences, and desired shows.

Removing the up to date Turner disc brake system and re-installing the now archaic Dunlop’s??… R5408 best be headed for a nice warm museum!!

Good points from You both.

The instructions are in the Avanti Workshop Manual.

SDC FORUM UPDATE: The SDC Forum will be OFFLINE on Sunday and Monday, January 18-19, 2026, as they move to their new webserver. Apologies for the inconvenience, but in the meantime, the AOAI forum is alive and well and welcomes all Studebaker and Avanti members!!

I admire folks that put in the effort to bring their car to a concours level, and maybe that is good for a Studebaker. I’ve seen beautifully modified Avanti II’s go for big bucks. Guess it depends if the buyer wants to drive the car or show it. Most of the people at the local car shows I’ve taken my car to have never seen one, tell me it was built in Canada or some other urban legend. I’m guessing 99% of people have no idea what original even is. I like them all! Mike

Still working on R5408. Over the years, there have some modifications, done by P.O. and me. Minor things like wheels, tires, Turner brakes, shocks, alternator, etc. Fortunately things that are easily reversed. Currently bringing it as close to original specs as practical. Prepping it for acrylic lacquer paint, undoing the poor body repairs, and replacing non OEM parts. After all that, I will still have rebuilt engine with NOS Isky ST5 cam/lifters and .060 Silvolite pistons, Coker R670 radial tires, Willard look alike AGM battery, and other minor things I likely forgot. Since this will be essentially a new 60 year old car, this does beg the question of how original is the car when everything is redone, replaced?

I could use some help here. I have a NOS set of Avanti rear shocks Part # 1558550. They are adjustable, but I can't read all the instructions on the shocks. Very lightly stamped. I know there are 5 streps but can't make it out as of yet. if someone has the setting info, that would be greatly appreciated. would save my eyes for sure. I'm getting ready to start it after sitting since 1971. I completely tore it down and went through everything. Had tons of NOS parts that were purchased from Youngstown. I would like to drive it again before I die. Have had it since new. But years of sitting in storage with the cars worst enemy Mice, making it there Plaza hotel. it's been a challenge.

I’m in Cincinnati and will probably be at the South Bend meet in June.maybe someone could deliver them

Hi, Paul, I mailed the second booster to SI about Saturday, 10-1-2026 by USPS, Priority Mail. It should be there. I'll dig out the USPS receipt and post it. You don't owe me anything additional; I should have looked under the boot on the 1st booster. --Dwight

All is finished and a new server is in place-thank you for tolerating this window!

Dear Dwight, how are you doing? Regarding the second booster I haven't received a conformation of reciept from Jime, S-I. Can you please track and trace the package for me? I will transfer $25 to you for additional postal costs. Many thanks, Paul

Where are you located? Have a set I might sell but don't want to ship. I'm near Nashville. Would definitely trade them for an R1 air cleaner with good chrome though

You might want to review this video

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One thing is for sure, your acquaintance won’t be attempting the record in a Studebaker. Do you know the category he’s entering?

I suspect my acquaintance (not buddy) is after 200mph, not just the 170 record.

I have a set I’d be willing to part with but I’m 200 plus miles north of Toronto and the logistics of getting them to wherever you are in the U.S.A. could be expensive.