Got new Avanti headlinerand roll bar cover installed

[edpjr]

Some folks asked for a pic. Ok. Here's how she looks now with the new interior parts. You wouldn't believe how disgustingly dirty and decrepit the old headliner, roll bar cover, and side panels were. Thanks Jon Myer.

[JDP]

Odd, in the pictures, it looks like it is not little squares, just vertical strips, unlike the other repro's I've seem. BTW, if you have any panels that are just filthy, wipe them down with vinyl prep and paint them with the correct vinyl paint like I did with this stuff.

[edpjr]

Very nice items you have there. Yes, I intend to re-paint the console and dash instrument panel too in fawn color. Unfortunately, none of the existing headliner parts appear salvageable. One of the side panels was even broken on the inside and had been duct taped. But, I've not thrown anything out yet. Apparently, the lady that originally owned the car for 37 years was a heavy smoker (like a lotta people in the 60s and 70s). We had to remove tons of residue from under everything on the interior. But, it's coming along nicely now. Regards.

Odd, in the pictures, it looks like it is not little squares, just vertical strips, unlike the other repro's I've seem. BTW, if you have any panels that are just filthy, wipe them down with vinyl prep and paint them with the correct vinyl paint like I did with this stuff.

[JDP]

Anyone that has never owned a Avanti can't appreciate the fact that they are basically kit cars. The interior is basically a bunch of vinyl wrapped cardboard, glued or clipped in place and ready to warp at the first sign of moisture. The fact that they all let water in, just makes it worse.

[sbca96]

That is weird .. no squares .. just strips. My headliner is good, is is just warped
downward. I was considering misting it damp and then putting it upside down in
the attic to dry. Anyone tried to bow their headliner back to original before?

Tom

[edpjr]

Personally, I am very impressed with the hard plastic headliner and the fiberglass roll bar cover. I was certainly not thrilled with the deteriorated cardboard checkers design (original). Studebaker should've done better with their most prestigious product. JDP is correct that they are basically kit cars. I think they were purposely designed to make you take them back to the Studebaker dealer for maintenance/repairs. Ever try to work on an electric window motor or windshield wiper linkage?? They were certainly not designed for easy access.

[MikeValent]

JDP - where do you find correct Avanti Red vinyl paint (or dye?)? Something that will duplicate the original color to match or closely match the seat covers you sell. If I can ever locate a pair of original style Avanti front seats to buy, I'll be in the market for both items.

edpjr - thanks for the picture. I'm looking at re-doing my 83, and the pic helps me visualize how this kind of headliner might be trimmed to work in it.

[WCP]

I'm aware of a pair of original Avanti front seats in black less the support or mount brackets for sale here in Ontario. E-mail me and I'll supply the contact info.

[edpjr]

Note: After close inspection, the new white plastic headliner DOES have the checkerboard dimpling. It's just not very pronounced.

[WCP]

Got your PM yesterday and sent a reply with the contact info. Check your "notifications" bar at the top. If the reply is not there e-mail me at http://studeypatterson@hotmail.com