[89 Convertible Gas Sending Unit]

PLWindish,

If I understood your last posting correctly, you have a "Service Policy and Procedures Manual" for your 1989 Avanti. I would love to obtain a copy of your manual for our 89 Convertible, #540. Is there any way we might work that out?

Please email me at rudgleigh@gmail.com and/or call me at 425-941-3314

[Power Window]

dapy, I was told by Gary Johnson, owner of the Avanti Dealership in Tacoma, WA, that the window regulators are "LaBaron Convertible units, two wire Bosch. Usually the motor only but check for mechanicals binding". BUT FIRST, make sure it is not the switch. Lift up the console wood panel and make sure the connections to the switch are good. If not, then connect the wiring connector to one of the other three switches and see if you have a switch problem. You can actually take the switch apart, clean it and reassemble. Also check the contacts and different switch positions (on a couple of these switches) to see if you have the same continuity paths. If you need a new switch, contact George Dimitsas at Olympic Avanti 773-486-6026. Last two I bought from him were about $90 each -- ouch. Seems they were made for Freightliner. Call me if you want to talk about this more.

[Why?]

I seem to recall a similar discussion on the SDC Forum and was reminded of the Mustang. Not too long ago, older Mustangs were not bringing down the bucks they are today. Seems that the Mustang Club of America decided to rally together and STOP SELLING their cars for cheap. Obviously this took some time and the Shelby versions helped to add to this. I am amazed at the "feeding frenzy" that goes on at Mecham and Barrett-Jackson auctions with many of the Mustangs that come across the block. It appears to me that increasing awareness of the Avanti comes before increasing their value and the Mustang Club of America model makes sense.

A second idea: we entered our '89 Convertible in the neighboring small town Memorial Day car show last Saturday and as always, I had great fun in talking up Avanti history. Specifically, we created a window placard that explains a bit about the car and its history. I DO NOT LIST all of the changes made to the car, who painted it, etc. I do explain it is one of only 228 convertibles, it cost $52,000 in 1989, etc. This is only 8 1/2 x 11 mounted in a Plexiglas sleeve that we place on the windshield (not the ground), and it gets read by a lot of people. And as folks take the time to read it, I have the opportunity to ask them if they have any questions. So few car owners bother to present this (or any) information or talk up their car. Most owners seem to sit on lawn chairs BEHIND their cars and if you have a question, you have to go seek them out.

One last note, the car show this last Saturday was in the (very) small town of Easton, Washington. This just happens to be the town in which Sherwood Harry Egbert (President of Studebaker Automotive Division and Father of the Avanti) was born and grew up. I had much fun sharing this bit of the history of the Father of the Avanti and his home town roots.

So make up some basic information placards, put them on the windshield of your Avanti at the next car show, and get out there and talk up this wonderful abnormality in automotive history that we have come to appreciate so much. We can change the awareness of the public, one person at a time.

Peace.................