Desert Driver
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Posts posted by Desert Driver
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IIRC, prior to Dec 1962 all Avanti bodies were assembled by MFG in Ashtabula and transported to South Bend. Because bodies were not being delivered in sufficient quantity (and quality), Studebaker built their own fiberglass assembly line at South Bend. This caused further delay and added costs. Even with two plants cranking out bodies, it wasn't fast enough to satisfy impatient customers who bailed on their orders.
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If Studebaker didn't have its back up against the wall, and all hope was riding on Avanti, Egbert probably would have held out longer for better terms. Previous management too often rolled over, allowing labor costs to get out of line. Both sides gave on their demands, and workers returned allowing Studebaker to debut Avanti in April, 1962. It's been said Egbert could hold his own and didn't hesitate to prove it!
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Another W.A.G.
The transport was headed to South Bend from the MFG plant in Ashtabula. The driver heard about the labor dispute at South Bend that saw Sherwood Egbert go fisticuffs with a striker. Not wanting to be roughed up, the driver called HQ to arrange safe passage into the proving grounds.
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On 3/26/2022 at 6:53 PM, pantera928 said:
If this was a better setup, why didn't others use it?
Many manufacturers did, but moved on to a better system. Studebaker didn't have the $$ to upgrade, so they used it on '63/'64 Avantis. Find yourself an "old school" mechanic who's familiar with the steering system and you'll do just fine!
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Even if you're on Wife #5, never slam the door of a collectible auto. Same goes for the hood and trunk. And while I'm at it, go easy on running your front windows up and down if they're powered. Working on Avanti windows, and especially adjusting them, is a real pain in Mr Ed's rear end!
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Moved my battery to the trunk shortly after buying the car in 2017. Living in the desert, the road temperature, outside air, and engine heat shorten the lives of most batteries. Mine is still going strong and is quite content living in the carpeted trunk!
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My venting hoses were toast as well. Having given a lot of thought to cooling down the transmission shifter, I came to the conclusion it just wasn't worth the time or money to replace them. So I plugged the upper holes and moved on. The 700r replacement for the Borg Warner transmission improved things somewhat as engine rpms have dropped considerably. Now please don't get me started on engine compartment ventilation 🤬
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In the Avanti Pub portion of this forum, I've posted some incredible YouTube restoration videos on a '63 R2. Here's the link:
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In the Avanti Pub portion of this forum, I've posted some incredible YouTube restoration videos on a '63 R2. Here's the link:
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I stumbled across incredible YouTube videos posted by Neil Loughlin showcasing restoration work he's performed on a friend's '63 R2. Some of this stuff is covered in shop manuals and printed articles, but seeing it done with your own eyes makes it a lot easier to comprehend. There are 25 videos of the R2 Neil posted. I've attached links for #1 and #25...the "before" and "after" videos. Check out the other 23 videos. fyi - his YT channel for more tasty stuff - including a 1957 Golden Hawk.
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On 1/5/2022 at 7:30 PM, studegary said:
If you want stock in it, you should get the name correct. It is Depend (even though most people say Depends).😀 Of course, Depend is probably owned by some larger corporation, like P&G (I didn't bother to look it up. - I don't plan on buying the stock.).
Depends (and the brand name is Depend) are made by Kimberly Clark, which also makes Kleenex, Kotex, Huggies and many brands of T.P. Not sure what any of this has to do with Avantis, but Kimberly Clark started what became Midwest Express Airlines which had a commuter partner that served South Bend. Truly TMI 🤪
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My '71 has a vertical rocker switch on the dash panel (low and high wiper speed). In the center of the switch is a button that activates the windshield washer. I have an inline pump and a FoMoCo reservoir bag (gotta get a Stude bag). As far as the blades go, I replaced the bayonets with the correct silver ones). Easy find at NAPA. If this helps, I can post some pix for ya.
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I'll just take a wild guess...the third floor. Fewer pigeons than the fourth!
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Wow...this one went the distance. Depends for all!
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Ground floor would probably be too dirty and dusty. Upper floors would dictate more TLC when moving bodies downstairs. So my guess is the 2nd floor.
Unfortunately not enough cars were assembled to meet dealer demand regardless of where they were built.
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Love to hear the story on this one! Interior looks brand new and the top appears to be in good working condition. Check out the link and the excellent documentation in the photo session. Tom Kellog signed this car in several areas. Brand new $50k.
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A great present for your 71st Birthday is a '71 Avanti! I'm partial to that year (my college graduation and I have a '71 as well). Please post some photos of your new baby for us fellow Avantians!
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8 hours ago, Avanti83 said:
Because it's SBC powered it probably has a TH350/400 trans in it. If so, a 700R4/4L60 or 2004R (overdrive units) should knock about 8/900 rpm off it. My 83 came with a 700R4 OEM.
You would need to add a TV cable, modify the rear trans mount (move) and shorten the drive shaft.
All of that is correct. Took out my Borg Warner automatic boat anchor and went with a 700R. At 70mph I'm doing about 2100 RPM..a lot more civilized!
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7 hours ago, Jred said:
I think I’m getting to my wits end with not having an illuminated dash, well only the tach and clock light up. Looking under the dash it looks like pulling the dash maybe the easiest route, is that correct?
Don't recommend pulling the dash...that's a BIG project. I've had luck by removing the driver's seat and laying on my back (with plenty of foam rubber support) to access the gauges. You can also pull the radio speaker and get some of them. Nothing about this job is easy as the instrument panel was assembled on a bench, then installed in the car. Being a contortionist is also helpful!
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As my son would say, pretty sick!
If you need anyone to test drive it, I'm available. 👍👍
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Whoa...that is something else!! Aint your grandfather's Lark frame doing the heavy lifting. Suspension looks really good, and the modern steering will allow you to power through all the turns at optimal speed. Are those new hog troughs I see? More photos, please....lovin' the stance you've given it!
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That is one nasty rheostat on my '71. Let that sucker cool down after you shut it off to remove it. That thing will burn your fingers. Ask the man who owns one!
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Agree wholeheartedly with Gunslinger, your library should include multiple books by multiple authors regarding Avanti.
One of my favorites is by Studebaker archivist Andy Beckman, "Studebaker's Last Dance: the Avanti". The photographs and inside information are incredible due to Beckman's access to Studebaker documents and photos. Especially noteworthy is Chapter 6: Paradise Lost, which details reasons why Studebaker shuttered South Bend, thus ending Avanti production.
A freebie that makes for interesting reading is The Lamberti Papers - notes taken by Dr N.A. Lamberti, VP of Operations: https://studebaker-info.org/Lamberti/lambertipagesintro.html This voluminous document (depressing at times) is one of many tasty treats on Bob Johnstone's excellent web page: https://studebaker-info.org.
Happy viewing!
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Looks to be spring loaded and perhaps part of what kicks the lighter out when the element gets hot. The diameter of my original socket was too big for devices that plug in for juice (battery charger, air pump, etc) and wouldn't make a consistent electrical connection. Replaced the whole thing with a new socket and lighter from Amazon - did the trick.
Avanti Fly In!
in Avanti Trivia
Posted
True....a drop of balloons at the end of each presentation.
Good thing this was Avanti instead of WKRP...turkeys might have been dropped. 😵