Skip Lackie

Many states have converted their registration systems to standardized software that "require" certain features like the now-standard VIN format. Vehicle serial numbers that were already in the system were somehow grandfathered in by either adding leading zeros or by a software mod that permitted them to exist as is. Most of the DMV people one deals with were not even born yet when the current 17-digit VIN system started in 1981, so they simply repeat the "requirement" that all vehicles have a standard VIN. They are simply repeating the current thinking, despite the fact that virtually no vehicle built before that time had a serial number with the now-standard number of digits. You may have to escalate the battle to a DMV deputy director, or some such. A letter to your local state legislator might help, too.

I believe it started in 1973, when the 5 mph bumper law became effective. My 74 still has one, though it has been shortened so it doesn't stick out so far. I left it on because at one time I was parking the car on the street pretty frequently. I believe Avanti Motors eventually got a waiver from some of the safety and emissions standards.

As noted above, the basic design is the probably the same as used on the 65-66 Lark-types with the Chevy 283. Many of the parts might still be available. Chevy used a system on many of their 60s-70s vehicles that had a Z-bar that rode in a bushing that was bolted to the side of the block. I have a 78 El Camino with the same system. Only the Z-bar itself is different, depending on application. I can take a picture of the clutch linkage illustration in the 65-66 parts book if that would help. I might be able to get a decent picture of the linkage on my 74 Avanti (with stick), but not till next weekend. Would have to jack the car up to get a clear shot.

Thanks, you're right of course. Can no longer try to keep two things straight in my mind at the same time . . . .

Pretty sure the basic design is the same as they used on the 65-66 Lark-types with the Chevy 283. Many of the parts might still be available. Chevy used that system on many of their 60s-70s vehicles. It has a Z-bar that mounts to a bushing that is bolted to the side of the block. I have a 78 El Camino with the same system. Only the Z-bar itself is different on most cars. I can take a picture of the clutch linkage illustration in the 65-66 parts book if that would help. I might be able to get a decent picture of the linkage on my 74 Avanti, but not till next weekend.

As I noted when this video was posted on Facebook, it's interesting that despite the fact that the facts surrounding Studebaker's withdrawal from the automobile industry are very well known, people keep making videos and creating histories about the company that are full of incorrect info, rumors, and wishful thinking. There have been several very well-documented books that chronicle the history of Studebaker Corporation, with particular emphasis on the post-WWII period and the Avanti gamble. The most authoritative is "Studebaker, The Life and Death of an American Corporation" by Donald Critchlow, University of Indiana Press, 1996. Critchlow had access to the minutes of the board meetings, the financial records, the car production data, and the personal recollections of those who were there at the time -- so he was able to document every decision that the company made. As Gunslinger said above, GM had nothing to do with it.

What are your intentions for the car: (1) Nice driver with some noticeable imperfections, or (2) Fully restored trailer queen? That should tell you which way to go. Also, did you purchase the car as an investment, or just cause you wanted to have an Avanti? While some rare Avantis bring big bucks, most turn out to be a bad investment compared to some of the alternatives.

The independents were doomed anyway by the economies of scale. GM could buy simple things like door handles for half of what Studebaker had to pay because GM could spread the cost over a couple of million vehicles at a time. The urge to merge hit the independents too late to help. And even if the mergers had been successful, the Japanese invasion would have killed them off anyway. Even Chrysler has been/is struggling.

You register under the vehicle serial number, not the body number. Studebaker practice had long been to make bodies up in advance and pull them from stock -- not in sequential order. They were numbered to keep track of any mid-year running changes. You can register by sending Bob Johnstone (keeper of the Stude info site) an email.

Congratulations. You should be proud.

Leo- Sorry to hear about your (learning) experience. Not sure I have the facts right (someone correct me if I'm wrong), but I believe the only new Stude V8 fuel pumps are Chinese-made Airtex brand, which are generally regarded as junk. Again, we pay the price for our obsession with seeking out the lowest possible price. The originals are Carter brand, which were high-quality and can be rebuilt. As a result, the Carter cores are now becoming valuable. I believe AC Delco also made fuel pumps for Stude V8s back in the day, and they are also rebuildable.

You would be correct if you were dealing with a GM vehicle. Black is always ground on them. Not so on Avantis.

I have never had an Avanti heater fan motor in my hands, but Delco and a couple of other companies make/made a wide variety of 12-volt electric motors. They differ in size, mounting arrangements, rotation, shaft length, etc. A GOOD auto parts store or a company that rebuilds electric motors should have a catalog that shows all the options available.

Thanks Lew.

Thanks Bob. Great story.