64AvantiR2

It seems to me that 1964 models all had woodgrain fascias on the console and dash bezels. There were some BLACK units due to peeling in the excessive heat in the southwest. These should all have had the round air control knobs also. I've seen cars of both years that have been changed both ways at the owners' whims. The Studebaker Avanti Authenticity Manual covers all these questions and topics pretty thoroughly.

I used a school bus vinyl center floor runner for mine and it looks original and very good. Available at all the school bus parts distributers in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa.

I'd be interested in the heater core. Is it new or good used? Contact me at ahpieper1952@gmail.com. Thanks, Andy

I don't know if you still need a stock Avanti 4 speed shifter. I have a good complete unit removed from my 64 R2 when I converted to the aforementioned Hurst. You can contact me at ahpieper1952@gmail.com. Thanks.

I think you have a 1964 R2 air cleaner that is simply rotated wrong. I have a very nice proper '63 R2 complete air cleaner that is for sale or trade for your unit. Let me know. My email is ahpieper1952@gmail.com. Thanks, Andy

I had my 1964 oem AM radio converted to 4 speaker am/fm with blu tooth and an add-on for Smart Phone adjustment controls. Gary Taymon Radio in Florida did the work and I'm very pleased. I had procured a new am/fm face lens and sent that to be installed also. It also has a cable for an external USB flash drive that you can download onto or make your personal play list and play through the radio. Looks completely stock. Expensive but still a deal. Pricing was at the time 2 years ago approximately $550.00. I could've cheaped out, but I went for all the available goodies. Hemmings Motor News lists at least a dozen radio companies in Services Offered in the front of the magazine.

I have a very good Borg Warner T10 4speed and Hurst Comp Plus shifter removed from my 1964 Avanti. I decided to switch over to a Mustang GT 5 speed for cross-country touring. Both very complete with all parts as removed. $1100.00 for both, no disappointments. Email me at ahpieper1952@gmail.com, Thanks, Andy

I'm going to take my 1964 R2 apart and count the pieces. I just finished it's restoration and it seemed like a lot more than 129!

John sold you a 1963 unit because 1964 units are impossible to find. I've been searching all avenues for a 1964 stylefor several years with no luck.

My ducts were warped almost closed. I had my windshield out for repainting so I took the opportunity to address this condition at that time. I made wedges from wood, heated up the ducts a little at a time with my commercial grade heat gun, and inserted the wedges into the defroster slots, while hot, to expand them. I let the ducts cool overnight and removed the wedges. My ducts are back to factory appearance and shapes. May not last but they won't be out in the sun like the first 60 years. I do like that metal "fix" described above, though. I'll bet a supplier could use one of those digital parts copiers by using the first metal plates as patterns.

There are a number of steering wheel restoration specialty shops listed in Hemmings under services offered. I've used several over the years. They are expensive but come with a guarantee and the work is phenomenal. Woodgrain wheels also.

Can you get me the brand and specs on the evaporator coil that I see mounted behind the vertical console plate? Where to buy it, etc. I'm adding a/c to my 1964 R2 and have the compressor, drier, and condensor already mounted. I'm trying to retain the original heat/defrost system as-is. THANKS in advance, Andy

You're working too hard. Just buy one of the 3 step kits and follow the instructions. I've used various brands over the past 40 years and they all have done the job and are still in operation. Should cost approx $100.00.

Rare doesn't translate into more valuable. It's always been been about popularity, both at time of manufacture and now. Does '57 Chevy ring any bells? Coming from a classic car appraiser of 40 years.