[Raising Recaro driver's seat]

Thanks for the tip JV but I have no problem with the seat caps.

 

I appreciate your input.

 

[Raising Recaro driver's seat]

Dear Av4nti,

I did not r&r the seat; instead, if my wife drives the Avanti she uses a cushion for elevation.

Thanks for your interest.

 

 

[Which brake fluid, Master cylinder]

The brake pedal on my '85 seems to travel excessively before engaging, then all is good (normal braking...no sudden stops).  I have to mention that my daily-driver is a BMW Coupe and maybe I'm too used to its brakes immediate response).  Also, in a test I noticed the emergency brake of the Avanti does not hold too good when I have my car on my slanted driveway.  I bought the car about 2 months ago and have changed all fluids and taken care of general maintenance, and want to get the brakes up to speed, if there's a problem.  Brakes have been bled.  There's plenty of pad, front and rear and rotors/drums are fine; the adjusters on the rear wheels have checked out okay.  Now for the confusing part:  There is a black & white printed label on the brake booster that says to use "DOT-5" fluid...HOWEVER, on top of the master cylinder lid (where the bale holds it down) is an imprint that says "Use DOT-3.".   Hmmmm.  My mechanic says that "3" is in there now (showed me the color comparison) , and before using "5" he'd have to completely remove all brake components (lines, calipers, etc.) for a thorough flush/cleaning/drying because these 2 fluids are not to be mixed.  He also advised me that after his research,  he thinks that the higher compression of the "5" will make my brakes spongy. 

So: Which grade of fluid should I use?   If "5" is recommended, can I reasonably expect for the brake pedal to travel less?  Is all the dismantling/cleaning necessary?  Is the brake pedal travel I have considered to be  "normal"?

Thanks in advance.

[Need to install rubber boot at base of shifter, under center console]

I have an automatic  '85 RQB and need to replace the missing rubber boot at the base of the shifter under the console.  Lots of heat & odor getting in the cabin.  I am unable to lift the center console over the shift lever.    I removed the gear shift knob and the 2 screws on either side of the "Fasten Seat Belt" light in the center of the console that appear to hold down the flat surface of the console.  But even after removing these items, , as well as removing the clear plastic gear indicator (P-R-N-D-3-2-1), nothing budges and I'm afraid to pry anything to try & get the console loose.  Anyone familiar with this procedure? 

Also, how do I remove the 5 console knobs (vents, heater, etc.) which seems to to be required before the console can be removed?  Also, does the ash tray hold part of the console down? A power ptx photo of the console should be included here

Thanks in advance.

 

Console.pptx

[replace shifter rubber boot under console]

I have an automatic  '85 RQB and need to replace the missing rubber boot at the base of the shifter under the console.  Lots of heat & odor getting in the cabin.  I am unable to lift the center console over the shift lever.    I removed the gear shift knob and the 2 screws on either side of the "Fasten Seat Belt" light in the center of the console that appear to hold down the flat surface of the console.  But even after removing these items, , as well as removing the clear plastic gear indicator (P-R-N-D-3-2-1), nothing budges and I'm afraid to pry anything to try & get the console loose.  Anyone familiar with this procedure? 

Also, how do I remove the 5 console knobs (vents, heater, etc.) which seems to to be required before the console can be removed?  Photo of the console should be included here

Thanks in advance.

Console.pptx

[Avanti mechanic needed in San Antonio Tx]

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• My Avanti:1985 Avanti

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Posted 2 minutes ago (edited)

I recently purchased an '85 RQB.  The mech I took it to actually restores cars, but he seems a little behind the power curve with this for some reason.  He rebuilt the Rochester 4-bl but the car still idles ruff and wants to die at stop lights/signs.  Sometjimes hard to start.  And too many returns to him because of the brakes (seems to be very excessive brake pedal travel & emer brake won't hold).  Then there are some electrical problems I need looked into, but I don't think he has the equipment and I won't ask.  I'm tired of taking it back to him for the same old problems.  He's had this car in the shop longer than I've had it.

Thanks in advance

(on this one I'm checking the "notify me of replies" area

[San Antonio Tx Avanti mechanic needed]

I recently purchased an '85 RQB.  The mech I took it to actually restores cars, but he seems a little behind the power curve with this for some reason.  He rebuilt the Rochester 4-bl but the car still idles ruff and wants to die at stop lights/signs.  Sometjimes hard to start.  And too many returns to him because of the brakes (seems to be very excessive brake pedal travel & emer brake won't hold).  Then there are some electrical problems I need looked into, but I don't think he has the equipment and I won't ask.  I'm tired of taking it back to him for the same old problems.  He's had this car in the shop longer than I've had it.

Reply to Steelersman if able.

Thanks in advance

[Hood stuck]

I recently purchased an '85 RQB.  I noticed that the corner of the hood, pax side, near the windshield, where it comes up, was slightly higher than the other corners of the hood (1/4-1/2 in. gap) .  I tried to adjust the conical tip (just below the coil spring that is between that tip and the underside of the hood).  I turned the slot at the bottom of the tip 1/2 turn CW and closed the hood, with some improvement noted (the corner was a little lower... gap decreased).  So I turned the slot/cone another 1/2 turn CW and closed the hood.  Now I can't get the #&!@^$ thing open!!.  The driver's side releases but no joy on the other side.  To add insult to injury, I had a small box of sockets and ratchets on the air cleaner cover.   Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Just call me dumb azz.

 

[Raising Recaro driver's seat]

I recently purchased an '85 Avanti that has Recaro bucket seats.  I have figured out most of the adjusting knobs on both sides of each seat (I think), but I'm not able to figure out how to raise the seat bottom, which would allow my "vertically challenged" (short) wife to see over the dash.  Short of (no pun intended) adding shims or spacers on the floor, is there a way to raise the rear of the seat cushon?  Thanks in advance.