[transmission swap]

Has anyone swapped a Tremec (or other) 5- or 6-speed transmission into a '63 Avanti? Does anyone sell a conversion kit? I know Myer's has a conversion kit for a Chevy automatic tranny; I was wondering about a manual conversion. Right now there's a 3-speed automatic in there.

Thanks for your input. I have a '63 that needs complete renovation. In a way this is good because it's a blank slate and i can make it what I want. Although I haven't decided anything, the thought is to keep it looking like a '63 while using technology to improve handling and performance.

This is from the Studebaker Drivers Club forum. There is a little more involved changing from auto to standard, because you need to add the clutch pedal and necessary linkage, change the crankshaft bolts and a different bell housing. Join the SDC forum and you will get lots of good advice.

http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/top...?TOPIC_ID=13734

Bob

[avanti red paint]

Is there a non metalic red in 63 or 64 or perhaps they call it iridescent?

Thanks from Jim

The only red in 1963 was Avanti Red metallic, no solid red was available. In 1964 Avanti Maroon replaced the red.

Bob

[Radio removal]

Have a '64 R2 ...no AC.... How do I remove the Radio from the dash. There is NO info in the shop book

DISCONNECT the battery. You will need to remove the passenger side panel (carpeted) of the console to help with the removal. Remove the bolt holding the radio to the "Z" bar and the antenna lead and the connector for the speaker and power. Pull the knobs off and remove the hex nuts from the control bushings. You should now be able to remove the radio by working it out through the open side of the console.

Bob

[Production question]

I have a 63 Avanti R2. The VIN reads "63R2585" it was made Jan 11 1963...does that mean that was the 585th car made or was it the 2,585th car made since they started production in 1962???

Steve

Serial numbers started at 63R-1001, so your car would be the 1,585th car made.

[Hood Ornament color...]

As part of my paint job, I'm going to replace the plastic insert on my 63 (Jan 63 build date)...

Is the "S" supposed to be silver or gold?

And what about the ones on the "C" pillar?

Thanks

The insert should be gold on the hood and silver on the pillar. Silver insert started with 4879.

[1963 Avanti R2]

I just purchased a build sheet from South Bend Museum. I have a question on what this means? "X84 AC3289 L&R

SOLD RUSH"

Thanks

Stude63

This information is from the Studebaker price list dated Oct. 1, 1962. X means it was not factory installed. 84 is for front seat belts,left & right. 85 is for rear seat belts,left & right. Quote from price list. " Front belts will be furnished at extra charge on Avanti unless order specifies to omit"