R3 Forward Posted November 6, 2022 Report Share Posted November 6, 2022 Almost done with my 63 R3 RestoMod project so I decided to share a few photos. This car may not be appreciated by the authenticity minded but it is my vision of an Avanti HotRod. I started with a 63 R2 with a four speed and made numerous upgrades and alterations. Below is a short list of some of the major changes. Mustang II front suspension with tubular control arms, coilovers and power rack and pinion GM Disk brakes on all four wheels with dual master cylinder Studebaker R3 engine built to spec, dino- 400hp Tremec TKX 5-speed transmission Complete leather interior, emulating original design Speed Hut digital gauges simulating original analog gauges Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rufcar Posted November 7, 2022 Report Share Posted November 7, 2022 Nicely built project. Off topic question. What color is that and is it a metallic ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R3 Forward Posted November 7, 2022 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2022 Color is the original Studebaker maroon used on the 64s with a bit of gold pearl to give it some depth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psdenno Posted November 7, 2022 Report Share Posted November 7, 2022 Nice job! Enjoy the ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAVANTI means out front Posted November 7, 2022 Report Share Posted November 7, 2022 Astounding! Please tell me more about converting to the Mustang ii front suspension. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildfelr Posted November 7, 2022 Report Share Posted November 7, 2022 RQB3263/81/305 YES great job... I love the hood scoop ...would solve many clearance problems .... Do you believe (is it possible) the Mustang front suspension could be installed with the body on the frame ?? THANKS ....BILL in Fl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R3 Forward Posted November 7, 2022 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2022 I purchased a Mustang II front suspension stub from Fat Man (https://www.fatmanfab.com/mustang-ii-mii-stub-suspensions). They have them built specifically to fit the Lark/Avanti frame. Others make similar but not sure if they are specific for Lark/Avanti. Also, not sure you can do this with the body on the frame as a lot of cutting and welding is required. See Photos, wish I could make them smaller but not s I built a jig to ensure alignment and placement of the engine mounts before any cutting. After the new stub was welded in place, had the whole frame powder coated and then installed the suspension and steering rack. I also had to use new connectors on the steering column as old ones did not align with the new steering box. You can get parts for this from Flaming River (https://www.flamingriver.com) Also important to note that this change will significantly lower the front end of the car, providing a significant rake. If you don't like that you might ask Fat Man how to prevent. The custom cowl induction hood did provide adiitonal and necessary clearance for the R3 airbox and hopefully will provide for more air flow through the engine bay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAVANTI means out front Posted November 7, 2022 Report Share Posted November 7, 2022 Thanks for the information. I was hoping beyond hope that there was a way to just weld the "A" arms to the existing frame. My goal is to give my 1982 some rake without changing the rear tires or front springs or find drop spindles witch is probable impossible. Howard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildfelr Posted November 7, 2022 Report Share Posted November 7, 2022 RQB3263/81/305 well beautiful job...it looks great .... I have aged out of projects this size .... well 25 yrs ago for sure .and i am glad there are folks still carrying on the hot rod tradition ... you have done a great job ...thanks for sharing ....BILL in Fl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R3 Forward Posted November 7, 2022 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2022 1 hour ago, fud said: Thanks for the information. I was hoping beyond hope that there was a way to just weld the "A" arms to the existing frame. My goal is to give my 1982 some rake without changing the rear tires or front springs or find drop spindles witch is probable impossible. Howard Howard, try calling Fat Man, they are very knowledgeable, helpful and easy to work with. They may have some ideas to do what you want. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rufcar Posted November 7, 2022 Report Share Posted November 7, 2022 Tkx R3 Forward. Mine as a body off restoration in 73 and they apparently used a 73 Ford color that is vert similar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAVANTI means out front Posted November 7, 2022 Report Share Posted November 7, 2022 4 hours ago, R3 Forward said: Howard, try calling Fat Man, they are very knowledgeable, helpful and easy to work with. They may have some ideas to do what you want. Jim Thank, I will do that. Howard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfg Posted November 8, 2022 Report Share Posted November 8, 2022 A VERY impressive Avanti!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dwight FitzSimons Posted November 8, 2022 Report Share Posted November 8, 2022 One change from originality that I like/agree with is changing the console to Fawn. It makes sense to continue the Fawn dash color on through the console. Great job on this car! --Dwight Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billsr2 Posted November 9, 2022 Report Share Posted November 9, 2022 The seats turned out well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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