Michael Phillips

I have a 1969 Avanti II with 350 SBC. There is about 3/8-inch clearance between the bell crank/ arm and the oil pan. What is the condition of your motor mounts? is the rubber deteriorated allowing the engine to drop lower than it should? During restoration I replaced the mounts with ones for a 69 Corvette. Carefully examine the crossmember for any prior collision damage I saw one many years ago that bottomed out into a drainage culvert and dimpled the crossmember in an upward position.

I have reproduced the DOT disclaimer label as found on RQA0348. This silver foil sticker goes on the top of the cowl behind the brake booster. It is most likely appropriate for vehicles from 1967 to approximately 1970. I am selling these @ $10.00, if you are interested PM me and I will get one out to you.

This is how i did my combination reverse/ stop/turn signals. I kept the original clear lenses, and fabricated new sockets and bases to accept 1157 bulbs. I use led "switchback" bulbs; these have 2 circuits one red and one white. The original reverse circuit is connected to the white contact. and new circuits are created to connect right, and left brake ant turn signals. If you would prefer them to operate only for stop (no turn signal on trunk fixture) then you would create a circuit from the brake light switch, before the turn signal as you would for a third brake light. All lamps on RQA0348 have been changed to LED, so an electronic flasher is also installed. These bulbs are very bright and require very little amperage to run.

It's my opinion that the original Studebaker cars should be left or restored as close to their original build as possible, especially supercharged cars. Some concessions for safety such as better brakes, better seatbelts, radial tires make sense if you are actually driving the car, as opposed to a museum piece. On the subject of brakes, I would recommend looking at the Cobalt caliper kits sold by Bob Ziff at Avanti parts and restoration. These are new Bendix Girling type calipers that have been redesigned with modern internals. They replace the originals exactly. They look OEM except for the Cobalt embossed name. If you want a Hot Rod or Resto mod, use an Avanti II, it started life as a modified Studebaker. so, a continuation of modifications should not be objectionable.

I am using Cobalt calipers and pads. These are reengineered Girling/ Dunlop type new parts, that were intended for the Jaguar XKE etc. market. They fit with no modification other than removal of the separator piece under the pads in the caliper bracket. there are no clearance problems with the stock steel wheels that came on my "69 as the dimensions are the same. .

I have lowered 3 Avanti II's to the original Studebaker rake. This is accomplished by reversing the changes that Altman did. Removing all shims and the crescent shaped extensions that were installed. I am currently in the process of this on RQA0348. It is my opinion that since most owners of Avanti II's would definitely want air conditioning that the old-style York compressor that was mounted high on the engine was the clearance problem. In the 80's I used a side mount Corvette style Frigidare compressor. Today of course I am using modern Sanden type compressor. The pictures show the stack of shims originally under the radiator support, and the added clearance notch to clear the bumper brackets.

I sold 3 at the Washington Pa. meet. I have 1 left in stock. The fiberglass fabricator still has my mold, said he can continue to layup, but has a minimum of 5 pieces per run. So, if interest continues, I will have more made.

Spoiler looks great!

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, .

If anyone is interested in a front spoiler for your Avanti, I will be bringing a couple with me to the SDC AOAI meet near Pittsburgh. There will be one on display at Bob Ziff's vendor spot (Avanti parts & restoration) for a closer look or even a test fit on your car. There is major savings in not having to ship the part. I will be arriving later on the 17th and leaving on the 20th I will only have 2, maybe 3 so if you want one, please contact me PM or call cell 215-260-8377

I have noticed over the years of owning & working on Avantis, that quite often a person unfamiliar with the "pawl'" which locks the hood prop in the open position will try to close the hood without first rocking it forward to release the mechanism. The resulting leverage puts a lot of stress on the mount area. Since most cars for the last 30 or so years have hydraulic/ pneumatic cylinders on them the process of lifting forward before closing the hood may be alien to them.

I replaced the hose with a plastic spiral hose that was sourced from an industrial hose supplier. Another source of unwanted hot outside air is to "flap doors" on the outside air supply plenum on the RT & LT toe board area. The soft rubber seal deteriorates and allows outside air to pass through. I fashioned new flaps from rubber sheet (the kind that plumbers use under shower pans). They were stapled to the pressboard door as was the original.

Many members that bought these spoilers have posted pictures to this thread, unfortunately they don't seem to open any more, if you go to the link to my home page at https://avantispoilers.bigcartel,com/ and click on pictures, you will see a light blue Avanti and also pictures of the part. You could also PM member Wildfelr , and I'm sure he would send you some pictures of his car. I am currently restoring RQA0348 which is in primer. If you want, I can hold up an unfinished spoiler to it (they come in black gel coat) and send you a couple pictures, Thank you for your interest in my product.

Recently, there has been requests for spoiler availability. Apparently, there is continued interest in them. I am posting this to see how many may still be looking to purchase one. Last month, I shipped one to a member in Illinois and the FedEx shipping was through the roof! Since I will be attending the Avanti/SDC meet in Washington, PA, it occurred to me that if anyone who still wants a spoiler could order now and, if you are attending the show, I could bring them and save you the shipping cost. If this appeals to you, I will need your order soon to ensure they are made by September. Please direct message me here or use the link below to my product home page. https://avantispoliers.bigcartel.com/