Welcome to the Nostalgic Motor Cars Technical Library. For nearly 50 years, my only full-time job has been the service and preservation of 1963-1985 Avantis. These articles are compiled from my personal experience and original Studebaker factory blueprints to help you maintain the safety, value, and authenticity of your car.
The "Squeeze Test": Authenticating the 1963–1983 Avanti "Safety Dash"
Is your Avanti dash pad a genuine factory original or a hardened aftermarket reproduction? Drawing on 47 years of experience and original Studebaker blueprints, Dan Booth reveals the unknown facts about the Avanti "Safety Pad." Learn the "squeeze and twist" test to verify original flexibility and the "lacquer thinner" trick to identify inferior black-vinyl rebuilds.
Discover why the often-misunderstood "steps" at the windshield are an engineered necessity for proper glass installation, and why a factory-correct NOS pad can increase your car’s resale value by over $5,000. Whether you are prepping for a concours show or a restoration, this guide is the definitive resource for identifying authentic 1963–1983 interior components.