Looking for an Avanti

[Bob Andrews]

I am about able to finally play a bit. Still can't afford any pricey keepers yet; but I have a plan B. That is, find one driver that's already decent; do some odds and ends, drive a bit, then resell; then repeat. The goal is to get to know a car a bit, then hopefully make a couple bucks to reinvest in the next. Sort of a JDP Junior Light<G>

Top of my list is an Avanti. I've never had one, never had a huge desire for one. Still, they intrigue me, so I'd like to try one. I've sold off most of my cars, so I have a spot for one in my home shop. I could tinker a bit, drive it some when Spring rolls around, then sell it and get another Stude.

I do not have the time or interest for a major project; when I get there I'll get onto my r2 Skytop project. My goal for next Summer is to get the Provincial on the road for Momma, and have a driver to enjoy a bit in the meantime.

I'm looking for a running, driving car that maybe needs a bit of this or that. Wouldn't rule out an Avanti II for the right deal. Would consider a complete, decent running-when-parked car that's currently not running. Just can't get into a major project right now.

My price range is in the $10K vicinity, but let me know what you have.

I am watching eBay closely, and a few other sources, but I know I don't catch them all. And that doesn't include those thinking about selling but haven't advertised yet; that's why I'm posting here. If someone has one they want gone before Winter or the holidays, let me know. Maybe we can make a deal! (Yes, I am watching the orange-gold one on ebay).

My direct e-mail is bams50@msn.com . Thanks!

[JDP]

I am about able to finally play a bit. Still can't afford any pricey keepers yet; but I have a plan B. That is, find one driver that's already decent; do some odds and ends, drive a bit, then resell; then repeat. The goal is to get to know a car a bit, then hopefully make a couple bucks to reinvest in the next. Sort of a JDP Junior Light<G>

Top of my list is an Avanti. I've never had one, never had a huge desire for one. Still, they intrigue me, so I'd like to try one. I've sold off most of my cars, so I have a spot for one in my home shop. I could tinker a bit, drive it some when Spring rolls around, then sell it and get another Stude.

I do not have the time or interest for a major project; when I get there I'll get onto my r2 Skytop project. My goal for next Summer is to get the Provincial on the road for Momma, and have a driver to enjoy a bit in the meantime.

I'm looking for a running, driving car that maybe needs a bit of this or that. Wouldn't rule out an Avanti II for the right deal. Would consider a complete, decent running-when-parked car that's currently not running. Just can't get into a major project right now.

My price range is in the $10K vicinity, but let me know what you have.

I am watching eBay closely, and a few other sources, but I know I don't catch them all. And that doesn't include those thinking about selling but haven't advertised yet; that's why I'm posting here. If someone has one they want gone before Winter or the holidays, let me know. Maybe we can make a deal! (Yes, I am watching the orange-gold one on ebay).

My direct e-mail is bams50@msn.com . Thanks!

How about 7K for one that has had 20K put in it in the last few years, but needs paint. (badly) New engine, rebulit cruise-o-matc all new weatherstriping, new tires, new windsheild, nice used interior including dash, new carpets, headliner and a bunch more. AC blows cold, gauges all work, even the clock, so do all the lights.

[Bob Andrews]

Very interested. E-mail sent.

[rockne10]

http://www.sdckeystoneregion.com/pdf/rafflecar.pdf

[Bob Andrews]

Oh, never fear Brad, I'm on it! I can make room for a second Avanti In fact it would be fun to do a side-by-side drive and compare...

[studegary]

Too bad that I just missed that C/L 1980 Avanti in Connecticut for under $4K. I would have passed it on to you.

[bige]

Hopefully you are seriously considering JDP's Avanti. For a man with your skills the paint is virtually a non-issue. The interior, on the other hand, is a real pain and having that done even if just to driver standards is BIG.

Cruisematic? So someone did a conversion and you have 1st gear start? If I'm correct that's also a huge plus.

Be prepared to get a lot of attention. Whenever I drive one of the Avantis to the local Advance Auto Parts the store usually empties into the parking lot to look at the car. A woman and her escaped convict looking boyfriend followed me home and up my driveway to ask me what kind of car it was.

Careful, though, you may not want to part with the car so the quick turn plan may not come to fruition.

I'm looking forward to your subsequent Avanti related posts.

ErnieR
.

[Bob Andrews]

Yes, Ernie, I have had a few leads, but JDP's is my first choice. Just waiting for him to get back to me (and take some pictures) and we'll get the deal made. I can sand and prep a bit at a time all winter and get it ready to spray when the weather breaks in the Spring. Then, whether I keep it or not, it should be pretty nice for someone. My only concern is it's some horrific olive drab factory color scheme Just my luck would be olive drab with brown interior or something...

I did ask about the trans., he said the cruiseomatic is basically the same trans with first gear start and a vacuum modulator. The list of repairs done by the PO will make your hair stand on end

They're cool looking, but as for driving it seems those with a lot of experience driving them are split about the long-term enjoyability. I've heard plenty of stories about ride, comfort, excessive interior heat, etc. Some love 'em, some hate 'em, some are indifferent. This is the best way to find out for myself. I always thought a keeper Avanti for me would be a II or up with Chevy drivetrain, better seats, moonroof, etc. But you never know.

Especially if my Princess takes a shine to it

You can bet there will be posts about it.

Who'da thunk it- the ultimate Lark nerd talking Avantis?? <G>

[kurtruk]

Nix the moonroof if it rains in your area. And it does.

[Welcome]

I am about able to finally play a bit. Still can't afford any pricey keepers yet; but I have a plan B. That is, find one driver that's already decent; do some odds and ends, drive a bit, then resell; then repeat. The goal is to get to know a car a bit, then hopefully make a couple bucks to reinvest in the next. Sort of a JDP Junior Light<G><<< Thanks!

IIRC [without re-reading all 13,078 and

[Bob Andrews]

Yes, I am a licensed dealer. I buy and sell cars every day. I'm just now emerging from a rough stretch, where I survived in part by battening down the hatches. I had a fairly large classic car collection, which I sold off to pay down debt and prepare for what I see on the horizon. I think it will be a while before I can have any keepers save for my low-buck Larks and Momma's Provincial wagon, none of which are worth much of anything. I carry an inventory of modern cars in my business, but it would be cool to play with a couple classics. The goal is to enjoy the hobby on whatever level I can. My brother thinks I'm foolish for not just focusing on doing what we do, but a guy's gotta have a little fun...

My biggest worry is my tendency to fall in love with old cars, and how much discipline it'll take to move them along when it's time

BTW- still don't care about post count... must have taken a little effort to find that total

[bige]

The trans thing is a fairly complicated project if I'm not mistaken. The input shafts need to be swapped along with the tailshaft and housing if memory serves.

I've never driven a car old or new that isn't hot in the summer if the air is off. Insulate the floors, make sure the holes in the firewall have their assorted grommets in place, hood seal intact and check the boot for the shifter.

I can understand the appeal of the II's but as you get newer the mish-mosh of parts, the lack of electrical schematics, leaky sunroofs, funky deck lid racks, weak frames etc. can easily overcome the appeal of the small block. Since the engine and transmission are not particularly problematic on the Stude the Chevy is only an advantage if you want to build a hot rod and you know as well as I once you start doing that say goodbye to a quick turn and a profit.

As far as ride...my fussy son, who's passion is Mark VII LSC's, says the '64 rides like a newer car. Wider wheels, not too much pressure in the tires, suspension up to snuff and rear springs that still have some 'spring' in them are the keys to the comfy ride. The '88 rides differently but not necessarily better. The super flexible GM 'G' body frame adds some jiggles and shakes that are thankfully missing in the 64. They ride better than any older Corvette I've driven and on par with stuff from the 80's.

As long as the interior is not an odd color, I thought I read in one of John's posts it was black, you can paint it whatever color you like.

Looking forward to updates.

ErnieR

[JDP]

The trans thing is a fairly complicated project if I'm not mistaken. The input shafts need to be swapped along with the tailshaft and housing if memory serves.

I've never driven a car old or new that isn't hot in the summer if the air is off. Insulate the floors, make sure the holes in the firewall have their assorted grommets in place, hood seal intact and check the boot for the shifter.

I can understand the appeal of the II's but as you get newer the mish-mosh of parts, the lack of electrical schematics, leaky sunroofs, funky deck lid racks, weak frames etc. can easily overcome the appeal of the small block. Since the engine and transmission are not particularly problematic on the Stude the Chevy is only an advantage if you want to build a hot rod and you know as well as I once you start doing that say goodbye to a quick turn and a profit.

As far as ride...my fussy son, who's passion is Mark VII LSC's, says the '64 rides like a newer car. Wider wheels, not too much pressure in the tires, suspension up to snuff and rear springs that still have some 'spring' in them are the keys to the comfy ride. The '88 rides differently but not necessarily better. The super flexible GM 'G' body frame adds some jiggles and shakes that are thankfully missing in the 64. They ride better than any older Corvette I've driven and on par with stuff from the 80's.

As long as the interior is not an odd color, I thought I read in one of John's posts it was black, you can paint it whatever color you like.

Looking forward to updates.

ErnieR

The trashed interior was fawn, the one I installed from the parts car is blue.N8 wanted me to spray dye them, but the new owner car do that if he wants. I should have car pics tomorrow. The car is now yellow, but the paint needs to be stripped.

[StudeDave57]

I (maybe) outta stay outta this one,
but if it was my cash-- investment or not--

I'd think that your $10K would go a long way on the projects you already have!!!

I'd spend it on those before trying out an Avanti...

but that's just my opinion.


More smiles per mile--

SEDANS (AND WAGONS) RULE!!!

[candbstudebakers]

Bob, Dick Linsey in Ohio has a nice looking 79 I think, and it is for sale , just been painted and is Red, he is a friend of Dave's (Barn Lark)