Body / Glass: Avanti : rust out areas

[jetboat]

going to look at a black 63 Avanti for auction, would like to know most important areas to check for rot

[studegary]

To "check for rot": Torque boxes (commonly known as hog troughs) and frame. Do not worry too much about the cross tube at the rear.
The A-pillar frame can rust out, but you will not see it.
IMO, as important as rot is, if everything is there and working, especially in the brake system. A brake system, an interior, a paint job, an engine & trasmission rebuild can all add up to more than the Avanti will be worth finished (up side down in it).

[Gunslinger]

I agree about the rear tubular cross-member...they're easily available and can be welded into place without much trouble. That's not a deal breaker at all.

Regarding the A-pillar, if it's rusted you can often feel it by running your hand up and down the interior side of the pillar and you'll feel bumps under the vinyl...sometimes.

Avanti's can be very expensive to rebuild...out of proportion to its market value. That's very unfortunate but it's a fact. Many otherwise restorable Avantis have been parted out due to being more profitable as parts than a complete restored car.

[64studeavanti]

If the frame, hogs, a pillars/windshield frame, glass, chrome - AND - all the Avanti specific trim parts are there, it cost no more to restore than any other Stude. Keep in mind that Stude Avantis are worth more than the non-Stude. For example, a #3 Stude Avanti R1 is worth approx. $26,000 while a #3 Avanti II is worth only $13,000 (according to Hagerty - real values (e-bay) are usually quite a bit less). I always figure a minimum of $10,000 to bring an Avanti up to #3 condition - that is if you can do all the work yourself especially the paint. If you can't, you could easily double or triple that estimate.

[Clem64]

Going by your address and you said it's black, I am thinking that might be the Bandon car, R-1623 maybe? If so, look it over very carefully using all of the suggestions from the above postings. That particular car will need much TLC (time,labor,cash).

[Springstreet]

[SN-60]

With a few feet of 4" wide, 1/8" thick flat steel plate, a lot of good can be done to a rusty Avanti frame for SHORT money!!

[jetboat]

yes I think it is the one you refer to, I looked at it 3 years ago he was asking 21,000 for it. It had some bubbles by the rear windows that got my attention, if I make to the auction I will look it over very close!!