I recently drove a 1963 R2 Avanti with 36K miles and the main deficiancy I could note (other than the non-flexible price) was the condition of the A-pillars. When viewed on the inside of the car, both of them looked lumpy and when touched it felt like flaking rust underneath, but I couldn't pull the vinyl to see what was underneath. Since I am not familiar with Avanti interiors, I don't know if this issue is with the padding behind the vinyl or another issue. The owner's agent insists that the car is rust free (hog troughs and frame looked good), but the car has been in Michigan all its life and I have read that Avantis can have rust issues in the A pillars. How pervasive is this problem, how do you tell if the car has the problem and what does the cure cost? Thanks, Bob
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Avanti A pillar...Rust?
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Yes, this is a definate problem area in these cars. To fix many times you have to cut the cowl and remove a hunk of fiberglass and then cut out the rusted metal, weld in new and bond the cutout back on place.
the "A" pillars are actually the whole winshield hoop.( Runs from halfway up the door jamb,up tha "A" pillars and across the top to the other side )(no bottom).Bez Auto Alchemy
573-318-8948
http://bezautoalchemy.com
"Don't believe every internet quote" Abe Lincoln
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The problem with the A-pillars is usually on the outside due to crud building up beneath the stainless molding, and poorly painted or protected steel. I've never seen serious corrosion on the inside member of the "box" section. If the original windshield has been pulled or the vinyl covering disturbed, then that could account for the lumpiness. Try to see behind the SS cover with a bright flashlight and/or mirror. Also try running a stiff strip of thin cardboard or plastic sheet up and down between the SS and the windshield rubber seal. If there is a lot of crud or crusty restrictions, then your probably looking at major body and paint work. Some Avanti owners fill that area with dumdum or bedding cement and that may be a problem. Personally, I don't like that approach as you should be able to flush that cavity from the top with a hose or compressed air, and air should pass through that cavity to dry it as you drive. Good luck with your negotiations.
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The only way to be sure is by removing the vinyl and the stainless trim.
The steel support hoop is made by laminating the steel pieces as well as having protrusions. You may have felt the overlaps or the raised areas of individual metal within the inside padding.
Would be sorry to see you pass up a decent car for apprehension rather than solid information.
Often, if the pillars are wasted, the dissipated metal ends up falling on the upper door hinge area. Wouldn't hurt to check there.sigpic 1963 Studebaker Avanti: LS1 motor and T-56 transmission have been moved rearward, set up as a two seat coupe with independent rear suspension. Complex solutions for nonexistant problems.
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Geof Park in Van Nuys California has a good windshield hoop for sale.Bez Auto Alchemy
573-318-8948
http://bezautoalchemy.com
"Don't believe every internet quote" Abe Lincoln
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Check to see if the windshield was replaced, as a poor or incorrect job is likely the cause. One of my '63's had it's windshield replaced and the dum-dum was not replaced around the windshield, hence swiss-cheese A-pillars. Could not find a good windshield frame(like Jeff Park has) so we had to form 4 separate pieces of metal and weld them together and replace the A-pillars...........cost ~$6K!
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Talk about timing. Here is the part in question on EBay.
Jim
Often in error, never in doubt
http://rabidsnailracing.blogspot.com/
____1966 Avanti II RQA 0088_______________1963 Avanti R2 63R3152____________http://rabidsnailracing.blogspot.com/
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I figured I'd better snag these pics as EBay will not have them if someone wants to see this later.
Jim
Often in error, never in doubt
http://rabidsnailracing.blogspot.com/
____1966 Avanti II RQA 0088_______________1963 Avanti R2 63R3152____________http://rabidsnailracing.blogspot.com/
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