Frame / Springs: Avanti frame

[AvantiBoiler]

Can someone please save me some time and tell me what year Avanti II frames are the same as Stude Avantis? I believe they were the same through '86, but I want to make sure.
Thanks!

[Felix]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avanti_(car)

If that is accurate, then 1982 is the change.

[jts359]

I sold an nos 63-64 frame quite some time ago to someone to use under a 1969 Avanti II, He said he had to move the body mounts , I cant remember if it was up or down, Ed

[Gunslinger]

Sometime in the later ‘70s Avanti Motors ran out of original Studebaker Avanti frames and switched to original Lark-type frames of thinner gauge steel…adding stiffeners and the “X” reinforcement to bring the frame up to standards.

[Buzzard]

My '83 still has the original Stude / Avanti X-member frame complete with Dunlop/Girling front disc brakes. I believe it was late 1985 that they switched to GM frame/chassis.
Bill
PS: Perhaps check with Dan Booth.

[Gunslinger]

Avanti Motors began with the new frame at serial #RQB2596 and RQB2599 and started using it continuously at RQB2607. This occurred in 1977.

[Steve Winzar]

Avanti Motors began with the new frame at serial #RQB2596 and RQB2599 and started using it continuously at RQB2607. This occurred in 1977.

Hi Gunslinger- I've nearly completed a replacement Frame job on my Avanti. A 109" wheelbase Lark frame was used as a donor frame and everything from the original 1981 Frame was removed and re-welded onto the donor. This was a side-by side job. I noted with great interest that there were a number of discrepancies ( some I expected, particularly at the very front ) from the original Frame Drawings in the shop Manuals. What you mentioned about 'New Frames at serial..." really interests me... Can you please expand on your knowledge? i.e. define 'new'.

[Gunslinger]

I came across a list of Avanti II running changes some years back. I don't believe it's exhaustive but does list major changes in production. What it does list is at what serial numbers certain changes took place...not always in sequential order. There could be skipping serial numbers on occasion as cars weren't always constructed or finished in order.

I guess "new" could mean an entirely new part from a different vendor or a change to something else leftover from Studebaker. When Avanti Motors changed the parking brake lever from under the dash to the center console...they first used a lever sourced from a Jeep before soon changing to one from a 3rd generation Corvette. While I can't say this definitively I do believe certain assembly techs had their own individual way of doing things that weren't written down or done by another assembly person. Like some switches like trunk release buttons...I've seen them under either right or left side of the steering wheel before they were eventually standardized to the glove box.