['76 RQB Window seals]

Last month I took my new acquisition '76 Avanti II through a Delta Sonic car wash for a Super Kiss wash and got the super shower as a "bonus". Water was really coming in through the driver's window on top where the glass comes in contact with the back of the vent window seal and I guess the front window channel seal. The guy I bought the car from delivered it to me with a neatly folded white towel behind the driver's seat on the floor. Jeez, I thought he had forgotten it. Talking with him later and relaying my car and body wash experience to him, he said that's what the towel was for, to hold up against the top of the window when going through the car wash. Today, it was a balmy 45 - 50 in sunny Tinley Park, IL so I backed the car out of the garage in the driveway and did a warm water wash. Hand washing got leaks from the driver's window, and both rear side windows. I saw all the window seals are available in the Studebaker International catalog. One question is are they a pain to remove and install the new seals? If they are a pain to do, who in the Chicago land area does replace the seals is the second question. I want to drive to Springfield MO and Gettysburg this summer without wearing the poncho inside the car when its raining so I'd appreciate some advice.

I got curious after reading another post about the Avanti going "down under". "Gunslinger" answered the inquiry about what engine was in the car by the number or prefix. My build sheet said the engine # is TI 211C8B. All my information says the car was built with a 400 -Rochester 4 barrel carb. Where can the engine number be found on the motor? Many thanks for any assistance from my "fellow Avanti brothers".

plwindish

[R-2 with a grill]

HAHAHAHA Thanks for the laugh. Yes that car was real. I bought that car about 2 years ago from the son of the 2nd owner who was a Studebaker dealer for a long time. I had the car shipped from North Florida to N.J. where I live. First thing was a complete service. After driving the car about 250 miles, I began a full frame on restoration. To be included was complete suspension and brakes and new exhaust system. Rebuilt the transmission and a few electrical issues. Then I drove the car for another 3-500 miles. Ugh, the looks were amazing that I got. Not a problem as I wore a Nixon mask; only kidding. Then the car went into the shop for full repaint, fiberglass repair of the front grill and reverse hood scoop. Also included was all new rubber for all windows,doors,etc. The front and rear bumper was re-chromed as was the bonnet and valve covers. New carpet was custom cut with extra padding and sound proffing. About a few months later; for the next winter, I had the engine rebuilt professionally-blueprint and balanced. Jon Myer is currrently rebuilding the Paxton as I heard some noise that would only develop into a bigger problem. So, all in all, the car is perfect and beautiful. I have a 45lb box of every receipt from the previous owners with every article ever writen, all Studebaker service parts, records, paint formulas and more.

Love that car. I will include a photo later this week.

thanks for the inquiry. Mark R5470 1964 Avanti R2

Will love to see the pix of the 64 R 2 looking like a beautiful bride and not the ugly step sister with braces! As was said in one of the other replies, Its hard to improve on the original. Some have tried different headlights ala a blue one in Wisconsin that has two wide slanted headlights and one I had seen a picture of recently that had 4 headlights up front. They all look cartoon-ish when lined up next to the originals. With all the work you are getting done on the R 2, better change out the 45 lb box for a 4 drawer file cabinet! Good luck with all the work.

plwindish

[Quiz (not easy)]

Good luck, can you identify motors?

http://www.americantorque.com/game/4/18/#cntnt

I got 18/19. Full disclosure though, 2nd time through. I got 12/ 19 the other day when it first came out. Since I had a 64 R 1 many years ago, I got both the R i & R 2 right. The old 312 with the McCulluch supercharger was very difficult.

[Loewy designed Caddy]

I was watching Barrett-Jackson auction the other night and saw a Cadilac(59??) that Loewy had customized for his wife to drive in Europe. Some of the styling cues were uncanny resemblances to stylling of our beloved Avanti. Rear fender wheel openings being tilted toward the back, some rounding on the rear end below very subdued fins. Very little chrome on the front, grille was removed and the hood had a center raised portion the extended down over the front where grille was supposed to be. The hood extended down and to the front like the Hawk, but with no chrome, just rows of small holes painted over with the car color. The man had some unmistakeable signature styling. One of his grand sons was there helping the bidding.

I also am a "new" owner/caretaker of a 76 Avanti RQB2392. Car is original, lovingly owned and cared for by Paul Quinn from Oct 1984 to 1/7/11. My previous Avanti experience was owning a 1964 round headlight R i Black with red/fawn interior from April 1966 - January 1969. I had a ton of great Avanti memories and always said I would get another. Raising kids and college costs for 7 did delay that resolution until now, 41 years later. I am eagerly awaiting Spring time to break out the Avanti cruising!