Crashed my wonderful 1968 Avanti II - RQA0277 Germany

[Slapstick]

I bought this car from England in summer of 2021. Took some time before I had all the items ticked before I got those German license plates. Had some nice rides but none with rain. So 6 weeks ago first time on a winding, wet road (Bavaria!) I loose grip on the rear wheels and take off. Car is regarded as a total loss by the insurance. The frame got hit badly by a rock, so it is not just the front of the body. So I am not shure what to do: If I would find another Avanti II from around 1968 that is as nice as this one I might consider to import it from the US to Germany. Repairing the car is difficult (but shurely somehow possible) Its just really difficult because in Germany there arent a lot of Avantis available. There are very few around. I need only need the doghouse and maybe the frame. 

So I am hoping for advice and or help from fellow Avanti-Owners. Is it better to buy new parts from the US or cannibalize an existing Avanti to get my RQA0277 on the road again. There is one for sale from 1981, so the question is - will the frame fit. I got a Chevrolet 327 engine with manual gearbox. 

[pantera928]

While I cannot tell everything in the pictures, this looks reparable. Regarding the 1981, Avant used the same frame from the beginning up through at least 1985.

[Avanti83]

As above, the frames will interchange. I notice you haven't shown any damage behind the windshield and if the front door to front fender gaps are any indication (They are about as good as an Avanti gets) then the repairs would limited to the front panels. The hood even looks salvageable.

Remember, these cars are brittle and what looks like a lot of damage may not be as bad as you think. The need for a new frame says there was more damage lower down but the panels you need are available and probably the best way to go as you'll need to ship them over.

I'm curious about the need for a new engine as the damage your car has generally leaves the engine and trans in decent shape. 

You might look at this as an opportunity to get the new frame and suspension all renewed and then set a great looking body back on it.

Edited November 13, 2022 by Avanti83

[John D]

Condolences on your loss. 

if the car has posi (twin traction) that can indeed be squirrelly in the rain. My 79 has a non posi 10 bolt and I actually prefer that in Seattle weather... 

[Slapstick]

15 hours ago, Avanti83 said:

As above, the frames will interchange. I notice you haven't shown any damage behind the windshield and if the front door to front fender gaps are any indication (They are about as good as an Avanti gets) then the repairs would limited to the front panels. The hood even looks salvageable.

Remember, these cars are brittle and what looks like a lot of damage may not be as bad as you think. The need for a new frame says there was more damage lower down but the panels you need are available and probably the best way to go as you'll need to ship them over.

I'm curious about the need for a new engine as the damage your car has generally leaves the engine and trans in decent shape. 

You might look at this as an opportunity to get the new frame and suspension all renewed and then set a great looking body back on it.

Thank You for your reply. I understand that you would give the car a new frame instead of trying to repair the old one? Are the panels that are sold now good or is it better to take them from an existing car?

[Avanti83]

If the frame can be repaired locally then I'd probably go that route. I'm not sure about all new panels but my guess would be they are all from original molds. Dan Booth from Nostalgic Motors in Wixom, Michigan has most of the remaining NOS parts. Personally, my choice of parts would be based on availability and then cost rather than the source of them. Nothing wrong with used parts if they in good shape and available.

[Kodjo]

Ow man, awful! It was a very nice car!

If it was my car, I would bin it. Too expensive to repair. But, if you are in love, nothing is too expensive right? It is technically repairable but not economical.

I try not to drive my 1969 Avanti II with twin traction in the rain. It is plain dangerous (but you already know 😞

[Slapstick]

On 11/14/2022 at 5:54 AM, John D said:

Condolences on your loss. 

if the car has posi (twin traction) that can indeed be squirrelly in the rain. My 79 has a non posi 10 bolt and I actually prefer that in Seattle weather... 

This posi (twin traction) is that an item that could be chosen in the config of the customer? Is possible to change that to a safer kind?

[Kodjo]

7 hours ago, Slapstick said:

This posi (twin traction) is that an item that could be chosen in the config of the customer? Is possible to change that to a safer kind?

Just, do not hit the gas in a corner and you should be safe.

[mfg]

Such a shame..beautiful car..of course the  most important thing is you are OK!

Concerning the frame damage..it's hard to see the frame damage in your photos, I take it the left frame horn is damaged? I do see the damaged left lower control arm.

I would strongly consider straightening that frame as long as it isn't rusted in the rear areas.

Edited November 16, 2022 by mfg

[Zedman]

I am undertaking a Frame replacement at this time so I am familiar with what it looks line "in the nude" as if it were.

We obviate the necessity to remove the frame from the body- I believe it can be straightened using force and lots of heat. Once it is apart, I'm sure it will not look so daunting a task. Your alternative is to try finding a SWB Frame and modifying it (as I have done) locally or importing one. For this reason you have nothing more to lose by having a go at repairing what you have now. I'm surprised that beefy 'X" member is actually bent, but of course it is. I would enlist the auspices of a fibreglass specialist; perhaps one that is engaged with boat repairs. I do believe it is repairable rather than merely savageable- and finally, think of it as saving just one more Avanti  from being scrapped to save another.  Just my humble opinion, mind.

[1inxs]

The chassis can be repaired by a shop with the proper rack and measure tools. Absolutely DO NOT use heat and force to straighten the frame. I did this for a living until 1979 when the majority of cars had full frame chassis. Hopefully you insured it for it’s value and you can take the check and move forward with restoring to previous condition. Although heart breaking and extremely emotional to have an accident in your collector car, in time you can be made whole again. Good Luck!!

Robert

[Slapstick]

I am really happy about your responses that may be going in different directions but - I get a picture...

Please give me your opinion about the fiberglass-panels and other fiberglass-replacements. Studebaker Int has almost every part I need. Does anyone have an experience with using these? The other option is taking parts from an original avanti.

Marco 

[mfg]

On 12/4/2022 at 5:22 AM, Slapstick said:

I am really happy about your responses that may be going in different directions but - I get a picture...

Please give me your opinion about the fiberglass-panels and other fiberglass-replacements. Studebaker Int has almost every part I need. Does anyone have an experience with using these? The other option is taking parts from an original avanti.

Marco 

Unless you have a parts car available with good 'nose', your only alternative is going with new parts...We are lucky that new body parts are still readily available for a car which went out of production quite some time ago.

[Zedman]

I happened to speak with a member of our club who said that he had  bought a smashed Avanti II a number of years back. He said he made up a framework using another Avanti for reference and re-laid the fibreglass to replicate a new panel section.  The "impossible" is not always so - it just takes more effort !  A daunting task but obviously not impossible. It may be worth considering a similar route seeing most of the structure is already there.