GarageHawk
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Posts posted by GarageHawk
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I find no identification of any kind on the inside or outside of the fob and I haven't been able to even find a picture of anything similar. I have attached a photo of mine to see if it is recognized by anyone on the forum. I don't think key fob remotes were as common back in 1989 as they are today. Mine looks pretty crude compared with current models, almost homemade but I know it's not. The circuit board inside is definitely 1980's factory production.
Please let me know if anyone has seen this key fob or knows who made it.
Thanks,
Bill
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I seem to recall reading somewhere that '84-'91 Avantis had an emergency manual trunk latch release cable located somewhere under the rear bumper to be used in the event that the electric operator failed. I looked under the bumper of my '89 but I didn't see anything that looked like a release cable. Does anyone know if my '89 should have been equipped with an emergency release?
Thanks,
Bill
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My 1989 was equipped with what appears to be a factory installed remote door lock and burglar alarm system which I just got working again. My only problem is I only have one remote key fob for the system. Does anyone happen to know the name of the company that supplied these systems to Avanti? It appears to be the type of system that would have been used in the aftermarket back in the day but I can't find any brand identification anywhere. The key fob has a single button (push to lock & arm, push again to unlock and disarm). I'd like to find a second remote key fob for my second set of keys. Given the age, the system is pretty unsophisticated but I'd like to keep the car as original as possible. Does anyone know where I might be able to locate another key fob for my system?
Thanks,
Bill
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I sent the gauge to a gauge restoration company to have it checked out. Turns out there was nothing wrong with the gauge, it was the sending unit which had been replaced by a previous owned. The correct sending unit for the Stewart Warner oil pressure gauge is the Stewart Warner part number 279D, (0-60psi, 90 degree sweep, 240 ohms resistance) available here https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sww-279d/overview/
The gauge restoration company told me that this particular gauge does not use a spring that returns the needle to 0. So when the power is off, the needle will remain in some random position. However, the needle should go to 0 with the ignition on, but engine not running.
The gauge works perfectly with the new sending unit. The 23,000 mile engine reads ~20psi at idle and over 40psi at higher rpm when cold. The lesson learned is that the Stewart Warner gauge requires a special Stewart Warner sending unit to function properly.
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On 3/31/2016 at 1:51 PM, A83 said:
My engine is fuel injected and not sure if the computer is working or not. Sorry not that sophisticated. The people who did the work moving it didn't seem to think it was worth much and really neither do I. They said have the hook up for the check light was not needed as these cars do not go thru emission testing and it could actually run better without it so I let them do it. I don't have the light in the dash anymore. I had black anodized aluminum inserts put in and did not have them drill the hole for it. Sorry can't be more help.
Kevin
Kevin,
You wouldn't happen to still have your original check engine light? Actually, all I need is the plastic lens. Mine is cracked.
Thanks,
Bill
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The oil pressure gauge in the '89 I bought last spring reads about mid-scale with the ignition off and about 60psi with the engine running. I thought there was a problem with the gauge but now I've seen photos of other Avanti instrument panels that look like the oil pressure gauge is at mid-scale with the tach at zero RPM.
I'd be very interested to know if other Avanti oil pressure gauges read mid-scale with the ignition off or is it supposed to drop to zero.
Anyone?
Thanks,
Bill
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I just saw these center caps with the stickers on ebay if anyone is still looking.
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I didn't see anything on or around the air cleaner and the engine block stamping can't be seen on my car because the mounting brackets for the AC compressor and serpentine belt tensioner are mounted directly over the top of it. I'd have to remove the AC compressor to be able to see it.
The serial number on the transmission could be an option but I have found that recreating the remainder of the Chevy Caprice VIN is problematic due to discrepancies in available information and other missing info. For example, the 11th digit is a code for the assembly plant. I can't seem to find what GM plant made the 1989 Caprice. Also, the 9th digit is a "Check Digit" that is calculated from a special formula and derived from the sum of coded numerical values assigned to alpha characters of the other 10 digits, (not easy to do if you don't know the other 10 digits with absolute certainty).
I am told that all GM cars have a "hidden" VIN stamped into the frame somewhere. The location can change from model to model and year to year.
Bill
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Thanks for looking Jim. It's looking like I may have to have the hides custom dyed to match.
Bill
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Does anyone know where I can find the original VIN number of the 1989 Chevy Caprice "donor" car used to build my 1989 Avanti? I believe it should be stamped somewhere on the frame. The serial number portion of the VIN should be stamped on the engine block but I need the entire VIN.
Thanks for your help.
Bill
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I don't think your link works.
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I think you're right. That could also mean that my tan may or may not be the same color as another 1989 tan interior. Too bad we don't have a former employee on the forum. Or do we? Wouldn't that be a great resource!
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Actually, I tried SMS. They sent two samples, one was very close on the color but the grain and sheen were wrong. The other sample had the correct grain but the color wasn't close enough to be used next to the original leather. We've tried at lease a half dozen other companies but no luck. Avanti had to buy the hides from somewhere and I doubt they had them custom dyed but I sure can't find a match. I don't think my interior has changed color with age since the leather owner's manual pouch and trimmings from under the seats still match the seats perfectly.
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Does anyone know a source for an exact match for the tan leather used in 1989 Avantis? I have not been able to locate anyone who stocks the exact color. I have found a couple vendors who claim to be able to custom dye hides to the exact color, texture and sheen from a sample I would provide. The custom leather is pricey but it would still be cheaper than re-doing the entire interior. If I decide to go for the custom dyed leather, is there anyone else looking for the tan Avanti leather? It might save some money if we pooled our purchase.
Also, I just had the convertible top replaced. The top came from Electron Top Manufacturing Co. Part # 5030. It was a perfect match for color and fit. It was installed by Blazing Auto Trim in Denver, CO. Very professional, high quality job.
Bill
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I believe Code 23 for your car, (1987, 5.0L, Carburetor, VIN 9) is "Inlet air temperature sensor signal showed an air temperature below -22° F after the engine has been running for 5 minutes". Other symptoms can include hard starting or black smoke at the exhaust do to over rich condition.
The low temperature indicates an open circuit. I would look for either a disconnected or defective air temperature sensor in the base of the air cleaner. Another possibility is a broken wire at the connector to the temperature sensor.
Good luck!
Bill
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The "hide-away" amplifier for my radio was hidden in the console, wedged between the glove box cavity and the outer console wall on the driver's side. I ended up replacing the entire radio since the original just wasn't worth fixing.
Also, FYI, Studebaker International has exact replacement clear plastic interior door handle escutcheons.
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Does anyone know a source for the "Check Engine" indicator or lens? It is about the size of a quarter in diameter. I think I've found where I can get the "Seat Belts" lenses. I've got one on order.
Also, can anyone recommend a good gauge restoration shop? Both mechanical and cosmetic.
Bill
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Does anyone know a source for the Avanti logo stickers used on Avanti wire wheel center caps? (black background with Avanti script) I tried Studebaker International but no luck.
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My car has an original Sony XR-7300 radio (not XR-7400 as I stated earlier) and a Sony CDX-A30, 10 disk CD Changer in the trunk. There appears to be problems with both units and since they are original, 27 year old components it looks like I'm going to have to replace them. It looks like they don't make CD Changers anymore so I'll be freeing up some space in the trunk. I looked up the XR-7300 manual on line and it looks like the radio consists of two parts, the tuner mounted in the dash and a power amplifier (also referred to as a hide-away amplifier). See attached.
My question is: Has anyone had experience with a similar radio in their Avanti and can tell me where the "hide-away" amplifier is hidden? I'm sure I can find it by tearing stuff apart but I sure would appreciate it someone could save me some time and effort.
Thanks,
Bill
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Were the '91s the only year to use Kevlar in body panels? I've seen comments elsewhere indicating it was used earlier but I've never seen anything definitive.
Bill
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Thanks for the welcome to the group. I'm excited about the car and glad there is such a knowledgeable group if I have questions.
You wouldn't happen to have your original radio laying around would you? My car has the original Sony XR7400 with the 10 disc changer in the trunk. I would prefer to keep the original radio since everything else is so original but the #5 pre-selector button is missing so I'm looking for another radio for parts.
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Hi Bill,
Thanks for the welcome.
You wouldn't happen to still have that 'official' repair information around would you? I'd be happy to pay for a copy. My '89 dash and console look almost identical to an '88 (I'd post a picture if I could figure out how to do it). I'd be surprised if the removal directions weren't at least somewhat similar. At least it might be a place to start.
I tried to do some research before I bought the car and it would seem that the '89 body might be essentially the same body as the '88 with some relatively minor modifications to allow fitment to the shortened Caprice chassis. It must be true because I read it on the Internet!
It does sound like it could have been a logical approach to avoid the high cost of a complete retooling of body and interior but I'm still looking to prove or disprove. Any thoughts?I think I may have the power antenna figured out, but I need to do a little more investigation. I believe the the motor is OK but the mast will need to be replaced. I think I've found the replacement part number, but I want to confirm before I publish any information. I'll post the replacement directions and pictures if I'm successful.
Bill
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Hi Everyone.
I just purchased my first Avanti, a low mile, 1989 convertible, 12AAV2223K1000534. The car is in excellent mechanical condition but can use a little attention to a few cosmetic details to return it to the condition it deserves. I have spent hours reading posts in this forum and learned an great deal but I still have a number of questions. I would greatly appreciate any additional help and guidance I could receive. My questions are:
- I would like to have the face of the speedometer restored. Can the speedometer be removed without removing the entire dash? If so how?
- I've read a number of posts concerning replacement of the rubber window sweepes. Some members have recommended the use of part # YMR256X from Restoration Specialties but I haven't seen any posts that refer to how they actually worked. Does anyone have comments concerning how part #YMR256X worked and how closely it actually matched the original?
- Does anyone know of a source for the power antenna assembly used on the '89 Avanti? My motor runs but the antenna doesn't move.
- I saw a reference to a "Service Policy and Procedures Manual" for a 1989 Avanti. Does anyone have the manual and what does it contain? (e.g. Is the body included in the manual or just chassis and drive train?) Also, does anyone know a source for an Assembly Manual?
- Finally, does anyone have a factory original Sony XR7400 radio (circa 1989-1990) that they would like to sell? It could be working or just for parts.
I do most of my own work and I'd like to gather as much information as possible before I start tearing into things.
Thanks in advance for all your help.
Bill
1989 Avanti Radiator Hoses
in 1984-91 Avanti
Posted
Does anyone have a part number for an '89 Avanti Lower Radiator Hose? It looks like the Upper may be NAPA #7994, but I can't find anything for the Lower hose.
Thanks,
Bill