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Pictures in Bob Johnstone’s Avanti registry show my 83 with a moonroof, but somewhere along the line it was removed, possibly by previous owner Mike Valent of Florida. He has passed and I haven’t been able to find any history on the car, but whoever did the work did a very good job. I think Nostalgic still has roof skins available, but then there is the headliner to contend with. Mike

What did you use for a shroud?

Here’s an article in a recent Avanti Magazine. Mike https://www.nostalgicmotorcars.net/uploads/1/2/4/8/124888690/nostalgic_cooloff_v2_aoai203__1_.pdf

I had the same problem, ended up up wiring in resistors on each side. Lights are brighter but probably draws more than just having incandescents. Mike

I’m 6’5 (or I used to be before I had both knees replaced). To get in my 83 with Ricarros I put my butt in first, then roll my legs in. Once in, plenty of leg room for me. Is there a club near Raleigh where Jeff could go check some out? Mike

Thom, did you get the info I emailed? Mike

Ok Thom, give me a little time, I have a couple days of cutting hay but I’ll try and get them scanned for you. Mike

Steve Maybe we will see you and your car in Harrington next May, fun show. Good luck with the car, quite a history. Thanks for the story, Parklife! Mike

I think there is more to it than that simple diagram. There is a magnet and sensor that goes on the driveline to provide data to the computer for speed and distance. I’d be happy to scan the manuals and email them. Might help a little. Mike

I got this system from JC Penneys back in the late 70’s. Never installed it. Different manufacturer probably but the operation is probably the same.

Did you try Google for an owner’s manual?

I’ve put some dumb money into things that had sentimental value, and there are folks who would take on a project just to have something to work on without any intent on making money. Sounds like you are aware of what you are getting into so that’s a plus. Good luck. Mike

I think Dwight is right though, it looks like a worthwhile project for the right person. Finding the right person might be tough. Someone with the skills to do the bulk of the work themselves that wants an Avanti would be the ticket. I think it’s pretty tough these days to buy any classic with the thought of restoring it and then making money on it. Sad story, guess whoever got the car from your grandmother wasn’t looking out for her. Mike

Interesting that the mirror is a low mount on a 69. Mike

Stock vs. Turner vs. Cobalt. Would be interesting to have a stopping comparison. Mike

There have been stories of Turner disc brake conversions interfering with Magnums. I think Gunslinger had that issue but he resolved it. Might check fit if you have the Turners. Mike

Assuming it was a reproduction script maybe the pins weren’t exact. Most people probably won’t notice, they will be too busy trying to figure what kind of car it is. Mike

When I converted my signal lights to LED they would not blink. I bought a flasher from NAPA that was supposed to work with LEDs, but it didn’t work either. Could have tried some different flashers but this was the only one NAPA had. I installed a resistor in line on each side and that solved the problem. The LEDs are definitely a little brighter.

Might want to get your new script before you drill the holes! Mike

Nostalgic Motor Cars

Did they perhaps replace the clock with a volt meter? Mine has both a volt meter and an ammeter, no clock. If so, it wouldn’t be original and the wiring could be wrong. That wouldn’t explain why you all of a sudden have a problem. You’ve done nothing else other than the brakes? Mike

So this makes me wonder if they had an “official” jack. I was reading where the Mustang jacks were supplied by 3 different companies over the early years. Does the authenticity manual address the jack? Was the jack in a 63 the same as an 85? You would think Studebaker would have found a supplier for a jack instead of building their own. Maybe they had a big stack of them like they did the Xframes. Mike

Did you try Nostalgic for glove box hinges? On my gas door, I removed the latch on the inside so it can’t lock. I don’t leave the car anyplace that might tempt gas thieves, and if it did happen, I would rather lose a few gallons of gas than have to repair a door that was damaged with a pry bar. Mike

My 83 did not have one. I bought a used one from Nostalgic along with new felt liner. Mike

Did the spacers go on ok? Did you heat them? Mike