Dwight FitzSimons

Hi, Paul, Jim has accepted my second booster (from my pictures), so I'll mail it to SI. --Dwight

Looks like you're correct. https://www.theavanti.com/national_mall.html

R-5643 is in the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum in Cleveland, OH. I saw it there some years ago. (corrected per mfg below)

OK

Hi, Paul, For some unknown reason I never thought to look under the rubber boot. I have sent pictures of my second Avanti booster to Jim Lime and am waiting to hear back from him. The pix of the second booster are below. --Dwight

But, one should not put radial tires on the original thin, 15x5 wheels. Most use 15x6 or 15x6.5 Ford wheels with radials. (There are other options.) --Dwight

"So what if You took 2 ea. of the $3600 examples and made 1. Is that sensible? You'll likely still need to buy parts and then labor needs considered." This makes sense only if one of the Avantis is missing some major parts, like seats, engine, etc. More typically, these project Avantis are more or less complete, but need the same things: engine work, upholstery, brakes, exhaust, suspension, hog troughs, etc. They've all been the victim of "deferred maintenance." I am currently doing these repairs to R-4228 (R1, AT, PS, AC - a desirable combination) and it is a seemingly endless task list. When I get it to the point of being a car that someone will want to drive (reliable, safe) I'll sell it (for a loss) to someone who will take the car the rest of the way. My justification: I will have "saved" an Avanti. I have two other Studebakers ('64 Avanti R3 & '56 Golden Hawk) currently underway, so time is short for working on R-4228. --Dwight, powered by Studebaker

Hi, Paul, Yes, I spoke to Jim Lime, I think, on Wednesday, and asked for pix of the damage and the missing part. He said he would email me the pix. I'm sure he/they are busy so he hasn't gotten to it yet. I'll email him to make sure he has my correct email address. If the USPS has damaged the booster in transit then a claim needs to be made. I did insure it. I'll keep you in the loop. Regards, --Dwight FitzSimons, powered by Studebaker

The turquoise Cruiser?

The new 1962 Gran Turismo Hawk?

Yes, true.

False. I was there and I don't recall hearing that advertising line. --Dwight, powered by Studebaker

Hi, Paul, Well, rats! I'll call Jim Lime on Monday and see what is going on. I assume the "missing cap that surrounds the rod" is on the front end (MC end) of the booster? I have another booster (that checked good when removed from the car), but I don't see anything different on its front than in my Nov 3 picture (above) of the booster I sent to SI. Maybe one of the experts on the forum will chime in and tell us what is missing. --Dwight

The Cobalt cylinders are of modern design and should work better than the original Dunlop design. Check 'em out. The website is: https://mossmotors.com/8777-4-jaguar-premium-front-brake-cylinder-piston-master-kit-2-1-8-mk-i-mk-ii

IF someone could contact Mr Gundry and get permission perhaps the book could be reprinted, or at least photocopied, and provided to Avanti owners. I have a copy but won't copy it without permission. --Dwight (R-4228, R-5407)

Payment is confirmed. I have found a double-wall, corrugated-cardboard box the right size for the booster. It is packed (& padded) in the box. I have typed up a letter to SI telling them that the booster is yours and that it is a core for rebuilding or trade on a rebuilt one. The letter will be in the box. I'll mail the booster to SI tomorrow (Tuesday). If you can think of anything I have missed let me know. --Dwight

Yes, Caveat Emptor; that's why I brought up the issue. --Dwight

Hi, Paul, If you want I'll go ahead and mail the booster to Studebaker International, along with a note so they will know what to do with it. The price (to me) will be $95.70, including shipping. In the meantime we'll figure out how to get the money to me. One way: A check in US funds mailed to me would be fine. --Dwight

Not to go off topic, but this relates to NOS rubber too: One of our vendors in Michign is selling NOS steering "rag" joints for Avantis, reasoning that "you don't want to lose your steering; that would be very dangerous." True, it would be very dangerous if my rag joint suddenly broke. But, the rag joint I received from him (for $175 !) looks exactly like the one in my previously neglected '63 Avanti project car. That is, the rag joint in my Avanti shows no sign of deterioration. So, why replace it ? --Dwight

Hi, Paul, I have received a notice from my internet service provider that the email I sent you "has been delayed", whatever that means. So, I'll post it here. The booster weighs almost 10 pounds, so I'll figure 12 pounds, including the box & wrapping. Shipping to S.I., 630 South Noble Street • Shelbyville, Indiana 46176 comes to $20.70 by US Postal Service. I haven't checked UPS or FedEx, but they can't be much cheaper. Attached are pix of the booster. BTW, what is that fuel pump I see in your pix? --Dwight

Hi again, I have eyeballed your brackets relative to mine on the booster I have that still has its original bracketry. This one probably came off one of the '70 Avantis I parted out years ago. I can't see any difference between yours and mine. You also appear to have all of the bracketry needed. If you want a check valve this is the one I bought on ebay earlier this year for my nice '64 Avanti. --Dwight

Hi, Paul, My P.B. booster has the following measurements: On back (bolts to firewall bracket): 94mm CtoC horizontally, both top & bottom On back (bolts to firewall bracket): 89mm CtoC vertically, both sides So, the rear bolt pattern is a perfect rectangle, with 90 deg. corners. On front (attaches to M.C.): 82.5mm CtoC horizontally, both top & bottom On front (attaches to M.C.): 45mm CtoC vertically, both sides The front bolt pattern is also a perfect rectangle, with 90 deg corners. Hopefully, this isn't clear as mud. Let me know if it is. Also, you may need a new check valve. The one I bought is on ebay and is made for Studebaker's Bendix P.B. booster by Fusick. $28.50 + shpg. Regards, --Dwight

3) 1949 Commander

I've always thought Avantis look better without a grille. But, to protect the radiator, some kind of near-invisible grille is needed. It should be flat black, of low restriction, and just in front of the radiator. I'll have to fashion one for my '63 project Avanti, which came to me without one. -- Dwight