1965-85 Avanti Latest Topicshttps://aoai.org/forums/forum/2-1965-85-avanti/1965-85 Avanti Latest TopicsenPower Trunk Release quithttps://aoai.org/forums/topic/44517-power-trunk-release-quit/ I need some ideas here. On my 82 the trunk slammed shut and now, the power trunk release does nothing. Makes no noise…nothing. Anybody know how to get the trunk unlocked/unlatched so I can get inside it and figure out what happened?
TIA

]]>44517Thu, 09 Oct 2025 23:17:05 +0000location and orientation of trunk sealhttps://aoai.org/forums/topic/43704-location-and-orientation-of-trunk-seal/ Does anyone have any advice regarding this topic?

]]>43704Thu, 07 Dec 2023 20:01:34 +0000Can the GM turbo400 transmission be removed without pulling the engine?https://aoai.org/forums/topic/44737-can-the-gm-turbo400-transmission-be-removed-without-pulling-the-engine/ My transmission in my 72 Avanti is leaking badly in the front.  I see several drops of fluid coming out of the small hole at the botton of the bellhousing cover.  I had two transmission mechanics tell me the front seals on those trannies seldom go out.   My front seal and the front pump bushing  was replaced  just a few months  ago. Yet it's leaking again badly! It was very difficult for this 70 year old to pull just the engine a few months ago and I really don't want to do it again.  I want a shop to do it, so again my question is can they just drop the trannie clear of the X frame.  Or do they have to pull the engine?  Never have I had a  more troublesome car than the two GM power train Avantis.  If I can get this thing fixed and sold, I am going back to pure Studebaker!!

]]>44737Sat, 18 Apr 2026 19:20:23 +0000AVANTI II JUST LISTEDhttps://aoai.org/forums/topic/44735-avanti-ii-just-listed/ RQB3263/81/305 .... I just listed 3263 on Hemmings  FOR SALE ... INCLUDES ALL THE DETAILS i CAN REMEMBER

Check it out and give me a call  386-466-6434    in Florida .... thanks ..BILL

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]]>44735Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:07:14 +0000Power steering fluidhttps://aoai.org/forums/topic/846-power-steering-fluid/I have a 1970 Avanti II with the 350 chevy motor. I need to top off the power steering fluid and I can't find a reference to what type to get.

Thanks,

Tony

]]>846Wed, 04 Apr 2007 15:44:46 +0000Pinion seal number or alternative info.https://aoai.org/forums/topic/44720-pinion-seal-number-or-alternative-info/ Like all, I miss the old FLAPS who had the old guys that knew stuff, or had catalogs and not computers.

I need a pinion seal for my 1980 Avanti II, and you all know the drill. Who made it? Is it a Ford? blah blah.

I'm not sure if any year DANA 44 pinion seal  is the same or not, so don't know whether to try to ask for a 1980 Jeep, a 1963 Studebaker, or something else. A part number would be nice as well, as I don't want to pull this one out until I have a new one in hand.

Thanks!

]]>44720Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:05:18 +000067 4 speed carburetorhttps://aoai.org/forums/topic/44692-67-4-speed-carburetor/  I've recently inherited a 1967 4 speed Avanti.   A partial restoration was started in the mid 80's but never finished.   So it sat on jack stands from about 87 till last August.

It's mostly complete but as part of the work done in the 80's, some newer 350 heads, amongst other things, were bolted into the original 327 block.  

I'm looking to put it back as original as I can so one question I haven't found an exact answer to is the carburator.   There seem to be a lot of similar 600 - 650 cfm carbs listed on the Avanti (and Corvette) sites for the 300hp 327.

It currently has a Holley 4777 in it which is close, and works for now, but as I gather the parts to put things back closer to original, I'd like to get the 'right' one.

 

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]]>44692Mon, 16 Mar 2026 23:31:46 +00001971 Avanti air condition imorovementhttps://aoai.org/forums/topic/44704-1971-avanti-air-condition-imorovement/ I have had the car for 15 years. My factory a  /c has never made the car very cold. How  do I greatly improve it?

]]>44704Wed, 25 Mar 2026 21:35:12 +0000Smelling exhaust fumes inside car and can't find sourcehttps://aoai.org/forums/topic/44693-smelling-exhaust-fumes-inside-car-and-cant-find-source/ I have gone through and sealed every hole in the firewall where wires, hoses etc. pass through.  I had a muffler shop weld the entire exhaust system and have new manifold gaskets.  They could find no leaks.  But when I drive, I still smell fumes. I'm baffled.  I read somewhere about fumes that can get pulled in somehow from the end of the tail pipes?  Does anyone know more about this and how it could get inside the passenger compartment? And most importantly, how to stop it!

]]>44693Tue, 17 Mar 2026 01:50:06 +0000ECM Removal and associated wiring harness....https://aoai.org/forums/topic/44683-ecm-removal-and-associated-wiring-harness/ I am in the process of replacing the 305 in my 1983 Avanti with a 350 and am taking advantage of this effort to include the removal of the ECU.  As I was pulling the wiring harness through the fire wall I found a handful of the wires making their way to a double ganged plug / connector vice making their way out to the engine compartment.  This same connector set has wires using the same firewall pass through.  Any clues???  As we know the wiring diagrams for the Avanti are somewhat lacking....  

]]>44683Sun, 08 Mar 2026 23:42:56 +0000Suspension, 1965 to 1983https://aoai.org/forums/topic/44640-suspension-1965-to-1983/ Shocks: After A LOT of reserch I've decided on KYB front shocks for my 1980 Avanti for the part numbers that fit a 1980 Chevrolet Corvette. I'm going to double-check the dimensions and mounting style, but I'm told that in most cases, these will fit and perform well. If you want absolute certainty, consult Avanti or Studebaker specialty suppliers (as usual), but many Avanti owners use Corvette shocks with great results. They're supposed to be better at handling the extra weight of the Chevy 350 engine. I haven't tried them yet but will in the next two weeks and get back to y'all.

Any thoughts on this?  Also, I need a pair of sway bar end links but can't seem to find anyone who knows what I'm talking about.  Maybe I'm using the wrong terminology.

]]>44640Tue, 27 Jan 2026 08:50:50 +00002 shaft radio stereo replacementhttps://aoai.org/forums/topic/44671-2-shaft-radio-stereo-replacement/ Our 79 came with a non-functioning Blaupunkt, which I removed and saved. 

I installed a JVC two-shaft cassette am-fm that i had lying around ~5 years ago. As of yesterday the AM and the cassette deck still work but no FM. It isn't the antenna.

What's the go-to? I noticed Bob Ziff at avantiparts.biz has Custom Autosound units with Bluetooth and USB but reviews say the Retrosound units are higher quality.

is there a reliable rebuilder for the Blaupunkts?

Hate to hack it up to put a single DIN unit in, but on the other hand it's far from stock anyway... 

]]>44671Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:10:03 +0000200 4 R trannyhttps://aoai.org/forums/topic/44638-200-4-r-tranny/ I recently had a 2004R installed in my '72 Avanti, by a reputable mechanic in my area. I supplied the kit from Nostalgic with their linkage rods. For some reason, he could not get the linkage right to pull the shifter into first or second gear.

Will someone please provide pics that show the correct installation.

]]>44638Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:08:44 +0000Window weatherstrip helphttps://aoai.org/forums/topic/44352-window-weatherstrip-help/ Newbie here. Tryin go to “straighten out” this 82 that I bought. Any of you know where I can buy the side window weatherstrip?

Thanks in advance

]]>44352Wed, 14 May 2025 18:43:29 +0000I need clarification on the correct method to replace power steering ram seals?https://aoai.org/forums/topic/44659-i-need-clarification-on-the-correct-method-to-replace-power-steering-ram-seals/ I am replacing the seals in my power steering ram on my 72.  I started the procedure according the instructions in the shop manual. It stated the order as; inner seal, then bushing (I used the steel bushing that came in the kit), the dust seal, outer seal then the scraper.  I found that stack of parts made it impossible to install the snap ring.  Now when I dissassembled my ram, there was no steel bushing.  The diagram on the kit instructions does not show using it as well.  My assumption is don't install the bushing and the snap ring will seat.  Any one else go through this?  

]]>44659Tue, 10 Feb 2026 20:04:32 +0000Bench bleeding dual master cylinder procedurehttps://aoai.org/forums/topic/44645-bench-bleeding-dual-master-cylinder-procedure/ I have a new master cylinder to bench bleed.  It has a bleeder port on the small reservoir. How is that used? Will it only bleed that one, or will it bleed both the small and large resevoir. What is the recommended procedure?

]]>44645Thu, 29 Jan 2026 20:28:24 +0000POWER STEERING PUMPhttps://aoai.org/forums/topic/44665-power-steering-pump/ RQB3263/81/305 .... Well here is the final  (i hope) on my p/s ordeal .... after consultation with many gurus  good luck  ...and help from our Florida contributor  I finally ended up with several.... but the bottom line is ....direct replacement is hard to find ....in good condition ..... I now have  two in my spare  parts cabinet for anyone needs one but both in need of overhaul  .... the pumps are fine its the reservoir that get damaged and is hard to find with the proper  straight in return tube ..... ok so much for that....    A contributor suggested from a  70s vintage  Buick from O Rielies auto  parts ..  I Checked it out and no go.... SO HERE IS MY SOLUTION ... late 70s  SAAB 900 ... direct fit ...straight return tube  all good ....I got one on ebay in good cond for $100 delivered .... .best wishes and happy Valentines day all ....BILL IN FLORIDA

]]>44665Sat, 14 Feb 2026 13:46:52 +0000seat beltshttps://aoai.org/forums/topic/44643-seat-belts/ Has anyone replaced the retractable shoulder seat belts in an Avanti II? My belts in my 1982 are hard to pull out in one motion, have to keep pulling and releasing to get them to come out far enough to buckle.

]]>44643Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:36:21 +0000Wipers and heater motor blowing fuse after running a minute or two.https://aoai.org/forums/topic/44642-wipers-and-heater-motor-blowing-fuse-after-running-a-minute-or-two/ When I turn on either the wipers or heater (or both) the fuse will blow.  I replaced the fuse with a 30 amp breaker and that will trip after a minute or two.  The guages and shifter light are on the same circuit.  Is it because the motors are old and pulling too many amps? Any suggestions to keep them safely running?

]]>44642Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:09:59 +0000Ack! Big fuel leak!https://aoai.org/forums/topic/44650-ack-big-fuel-leak/ I've got a bit of an emergency on my 1980 Avanti II, so pardon the cross posts elsewhere.

I opened the shop today, after over a week of bitterly cold weather and was greeted with a very strong gasoline odor. A quick check shows it is leaking from either the fuel supply or return line, where the steel line attaches to rubber hose and disappears into the body behind the right rear wheel. The fuel lines are different than on Studebaker Avantis, so my workshop manual is of no help.

Does the A II have the same loop of rubber up into the sail panel, and is this part of that? How do all of the lines run? Does anyone have a diagram or photos? I'll call Dan Booth if I must, not that he isn't great... he's just very talkative and I want this fixed ASAP.

Tomorrow will get to maybe 40, so I can work out there without heat, I hope.

]]>44650Tue, 03 Feb 2026 22:25:49 +0000engine lighthttps://aoai.org/forums/topic/44647-engine-light/ Hi I'm new to the association I have an 81 and my engine light comes on after I turn off the car any ideas.

Thanks

]]>44647Sat, 31 Jan 2026 19:43:44 +0000Skytophttps://aoai.org/forums/topic/44646-skytop/ Have an 80 Avanti with a Skytop. It leaked and didn't work so the po silicone sealed it shut. For now at least I'm just going to leave it, but it has no inside slider --that aluminum panel you can slide from back to front to shade the sun.  Can anyone out there provide me with the exact dimensions of one ?  There machine shop said he'll make me one but don't want to guess on the dimensions.  Thanks!

]]>44646Fri, 30 Jan 2026 16:15:04 +0000Everything is brand new, still overheating.https://aoai.org/forums/topic/44393-everything-is-brand-new-still-overheating/ I pulled the trigger and bought a 350 long block freshly professionally rebuilt.  I have a brand new aluminum Avanti radiator. I have a heavy duty racing water pump and electric fan.  The new engine needs to be run a 2,000 rpm for 30 mins to break in.  I can't run it for 15 mins without the temp guage pegging to 240 and it overheating. I've purged the air out as well.  I am lost why this thing won't run cooler.  If I can't fix it soon, it will have to be sold at a huge loss.  A friend told me that Avantis have an inherant air flow problem through the radiator.  He said some people got more flow installing an air dam.  Has anyone tried this? Or does anyone make an aftermarket add on?

 

]]>44393Fri, 20 Jun 2025 20:14:42 +0000RQB3263/81/305 I NEEDhttps://aoai.org/forums/topic/44628-rqb326381305-i-need/ RQB3263/81/305

GOOD MORNING ALL FROM FRIGID BUT SUNNY FLORIDA

3263 NEEDS A POWER STEERING PUMP .... AND THEY ARE NOT STANDARD OFF THE SHELF SAGINAW PUMPS .... MY RESERVOIR CAN IS DAMAGED  BEYOND REPAIR AND LEAKING ..... THE MAIN DIFFERENCE AS BEST I CAN TELL IS THE FLUID RETURN TUBE  ON THE CAN IS STRAIGHT  AND ACCORDING TO A GURU WAS MODIFIED BY AVANTI  .... PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED PIC OF MY REMOVED  PUMP... ALSO .... I HAVE AN ALMOST COMPLETE A/C SYSTEM  WITH NEW ALUMINUM COMPRESSOR AND ALL BRACKETS/BOLT ETC. (EXCEPT FOR EVAPORATOR)   AND OEM 305 VALVE COVERS,  CAST IRON EXHAUST MANIFOLDS,  STARTER,  FOR SALE OR REASONABLE TRADE .... SORRY NO  SHIPPING ....BILL IN FLORIDA  ....386-466-6434   CELL  PIC COMING SOON

]]>44628Tue, 20 Jan 2026 14:25:00 +00001972 front Dunlop calipershttps://aoai.org/forums/topic/44503-1972-front-dunlop-calipers/ Having a problem with brakes dragging ,and not retracting.I have had no previous issues,pads are like new.

The fluid does look strange,was fine last time I checked but now front resivour is clear but darkish,and the rear looks to be not clear and a light brownish.

Retracted the pads using my c clamp put the caliper back on ,pushed the pedal only inside piston moves ,buy the way only having trouble on driver's side.

What's your opinions or options,can I rebuild these originals, flush and change fluids and lines?

]]>44503Tue, 16 Sep 2025 17:34:56 +0000