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.
Fixing the Foundation: Replacing Broken Front Seat Floor Nut Plates
After decades of exposure to the elements, the seat mounting bolts in many 1963–1985 Avantis eventually rust and snap off. Because the original Part #1351038 nut plates are sandwiched inside reinforced fiberglass, a simple extraction is often impossible.
Strengthening the Avanti Seat Mounts: Inner Rear Nut Plate Repair
Does your Avanti’s front seat feel loose or "bouncy"? A common failure point on all 1963–1985 Avantis is the inner rear seat track mounting nut plate, which can break its bond with the fiberglass floor pan over time