StingrayHawaii

Finally got my tank out and it was in great shape! Installed a newer float-less sending unit and added a vent line and added some insulation around the tank area! Found the old sending unit was working, but not sure the cork floats were actually floating anymore! But ready to test it out and seal up the rear comprent! Appears my gauge was going bad and will be chasing the dash and gauge clean up as the next project!

Thanks Wayne, After the holidays I will tackle my sending unit and examine my tank. If replacement is in order I will certainly get with you and see if we can work a deal! I do feel working with a new/ correct (OEM) tank would be a benefit and make the job easier and be correct and more original than using a custom universal tank and adapting a lot. Of things! Mine is a 74 model, but I have a TBI unit, electric pump and already use unleaded fuel anyway so that should not be an issue. Thanks for the info, and offer,! I will get back with you soon! Have a happy holiday season, merry Christmas!

Thanks for the info, I talked to George via email and found out he didn’t have any more available. Looks like I may be looking into other aftermarket universal tanks ! Mine had a leak, but fixed that, but needs to be re-vented to accommodate the electric fuel pump and return line! I need to install a new fuel sending unit and will check the tanks condition at that time, but considering the age, would prefer to start with a new tank and go from there!

Interested in doing the same! Where did you get it, what model and ...... info? I have found a number of different models that would probably work but a repo of the original would be my first choice! thanks for any info!

I have one on my 74 and it lights the brake light on the dash. Safety check to assure light is working?

option is to unbolt the cow catcher and leave the bracket and mount some driving lights. Pretty simple and doesn’t require and frame/bracket rework.

1157 sockets are available on eBay and a number of vendors, it should be easier to adapt one of those sockets to the housing.

I felt the stock tire sizing was too narrow and also wanted to lower the front end a little to get some avanti rake. I went to BFG t/as with white letters and a 235x60 on the front and 255/60 on the rear. That added some meat on the road, lowered the front a little and I have not had any clearance problems. 245/70 on the back might raise the back a little more if that was desired. Anything bigger than these sizes really needs a wider rim and correct back offset, I wanted to keep my stock magnum wheels so these are about as wide as you should go on those rims. For everyday regular road driving they should be fine.

Seems like an adjustable proportioning valve would be my first item to improve braking. My rears lock up first in a hard stop!

In a solid well restored Avanti II the only real component that show it 50s - 60s heairitge is the front steering. The fiberglass body, engine drive line and accessories are on par with many modern restoration vehicles. The vehicle is light, has good power and performance and relates very similar to mid 70s Corvettes except for the steering. (Which is very similar in the C3 Corvettes) A Restored front suspension at best is just an acceptable feel when compared to modern cars with rack and pinion steering. The vehicle handles well, rides well, and is reasonably fast. And it looks fabulous! I share your concerns about the front suspension and may eventually look at converting to a modern steering rack, but otherwise most of the components are serviceable as they are. My vehicle already has has a SBC with a 700R4 overdrive, working air and heater, chrome bumpers, and well restored components and really nice paint. So it did not need much and was very drivable when purchased. A tire upgrade was my first improvement and next comes an alignment and tweaking the electrics and maybe some day upgrading the steering. As is, it’s a really very drivable and usable and a comfortable vehicle. Eventually a redo of the vinyl interior to a custom leather might really spice her up! As a Corvette guy, I have always admired the Avanti as a 4 seat Corvette. It pretty much fills that bill for me, I love my Avanti II. I am not a purist, and a mid 70s Avanti is not as collectible as an early Studebaker Avanti, so doing a little retr- mod is acceptable to me, but I would not do that to an early Avanti, those I would want to restore and keep stock. The later models Avanti IIs with the SBC are semi custom cars to start with, so a little upgrade and customizing seems acceptable to me! Buy a good one and do your thing!