JWL1940
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Posts posted by JWL1940
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I decided to buy five new Mopar type wheels and new P205-75R x 15 radial tires and use a new regualr tire for the spare. Thanks for all the help.
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Using full manifold vacuum for the distributor advance may help in keeping the engine temp down during idle. Set the timing to spec with the vacuum line disconnected and the engine rpm at normal idle speed. Connect vacuum line and reset engine idle speed and mixture. This worked well to cure idle over heating in a 283 SBC with an Edelbrock carb. Engine also runs more smooth coming off idle. Worth a try.
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Bob, I fully agree with you to support the vendors dedicated to our Avantis. I have found Dan Booth (Nostalgic Motors), Ed Reynolds (Studebaker International), and Jon Myers (Myers Studebaker) to be knowledgeable, helpful, and able to provide the parts I have needed. I have not dealt with Dave Thiebault yet. I understand from reading about him from others that he is a rich resource. I first contacted Myers to see if he had any wheels. He recommended I get the Mopar wheels as these are the ones he uses. He recommended Coker as they had brand new ones listed and not to bother with used ones. Through this discussion thread I was pointed towards Wheel Vintiques, the manufactures of the wheels. I decided to go with them since they are the source of the wheels, same price, and I can deal directly with them and not a second party.
I have only been an Avanti owner for a a couple of months and learning about the community. I am impressed with the welcome and help I have found here and on the SDC site.
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Subject line says it all. I need one in good condition for my 63 R1 4541. Any help appreciated. Thanks
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Thanks, Lou. As I posted earlier, the transmission was rebuilt in 1977, or about 8,000 miles past. The parts and work were done by Frost & French, a former Studebaker-Packard dealer in LA who continued to provide parts and service for the cars well after the demise of the corporation. My guess is they were NOS parts, but I have no way to verify. I will let folks here know if anything unusual shows up with this service.
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Thanks to all who offered their suggestions. I bought a case of Type F fluid from O'Rilley's today. Got a transmission service kit with pan gasket and filter element from Jon Myer earlier. All set for a transmission and converter oil change service.
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silverstude, this is my plan, drain transmission and converter and install a new filter. Thanks
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Will this fluid work? It is what I am using in my GM TH 350. Thanks.
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Five new Mopar wheels have been ordered from Wheel Vintiques. Production for a new run of these wheels is scheduled for early September. I decided to go with WV rather than Coker as I would be dealing with the manufacturer and not an intermediate vendor. Price difference between the two was nil. Thanks.
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Next job on R4541 is to change all the fluids. I need a recommendation for the correct type of fluid for the Power Shift transmission. The transmission was rebuilt in July 1977, about 8,000 miles ago. There are no leaks and the transmission shifts and performs as it should. I think it is time for a complete fluid change. Thanks.
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studegary, Thanks for sharing your Cooper experience. It jives with what I have read in the reviews, lots of tire failures. I have Hankooks on my 37 Packard. They are Diamondback WWWs. Very little mileage, but they have been smooth, and have good riding and handling (for a car of that vintage). The price of the Hankooks and Coopers I am looking at is the same.
PackardV8, Thanks. I understand about the added unsprung weight. I am a conservative driver and think the added wheel weight will not be much of a factor.
I'll keep you'll posted on what I decide.
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Gunslinger, thanks for the comments on the Cooper and Hankooks. I looked at Pep Boys and their Trendsetter line is made by Cooper. They also stock a Hankook that I am considering. I would go there, but their service and staff at the store near me leave much to be desired. Discount Tire also stocks the Hankooks, but they are a super busy store and I prefer a more personal type of service. The Lucas Tire store nearby has knowledgeable and experienced sales people and tire techs. I will probably go there.
Mike, I have sent you an e-mail.
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Thanks for the info on Wheel Vintiques. I looked on their website, but did not see any that were power coated. I was told the Mopar wheels use the same size lug nuts as Studebaker, but the Ford wheels take a larger nut.
Anyone with experience with Cooper tires? Reading reviews, it seems there have been many tire failures. Reading reviews on Hankooks, the main complaint is they do not last the 70,000 mile advertised life. Right now I am favoring Hankook.
Thanks.
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R4541 is in dire need of new tires. The Continental P215x75-R15s were put on in 1984! Only 2000 miles on the tires but there is 32 years on the calendar. Although they look good and drive smoothly, I am looking at either Cooper or Hankook P205x75-R15 tires as replacements. The both come with a thin whitewall. Cost is also reasonable at about $70 per tire. Speciality tires in this size from Diamondback and Coker are about $250 each. I will do all five and forego the search for a compact spare.
The wheels are in bad need of refinishing. To do this will require dismounting the tires, media blasting them, and then priming and painting or power coating. This is a lot of work. Or, I can buy a brand new set of wheels from Coker. They are their Mopar standard 15" steel and 6" width. In addition they are powder coated. Price is $110 each plus shipping. I can get them for about 10% less with my HAMB Alliance discount. The new and wider wheels seem to me to be a better way to go.
Anyone, have experience with these wheels and Coker?
Thanks.
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The driver side mirror on my 63 R1 was worn and would not stay in place. I ordered a pair of Strato repops from SI. Most pleased with their high quality and they look exactly like the original mirror. The passenger side mirror has a slightly convex mirror with the "OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE ..." I mounted the passenger side mirror to match the originally mounted driver side. It is not the best location for viewing, but better than nothing and does not interfere with vent window. The mirrors are a bit pricey, but in my opinion are worth the cost. I used the original well nuts to install the driver side and the SI furnished well nuts for the new passenger side.
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studegary, I know the Avanti was always in the LA area until I bought it. The car was in the same family for 32 years. Lots of auto related activity in Southern California and probably many opportunities to have met RL. Previous owner was a charter member of AOAI. I would be interested in seeing your Loewy signatures in order to compare them to the one on the manual. I don't see why the previous owner would have forged a Loewy signature. Makes no sense to me.
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First time posting photos on this site. Let's see how it worked.
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Among a large collection of receipts, registrations, magazines, repair orders, and other documents related to R4541, provided by the previous owner, was the original Owner's Manual. It had obviously been stored for many years as it is in excellent condition. I noticed there was a signature on the front cover of the manual, but could not make it out at first. Further examination revealed it was Raymond Loewy's signature! What a nice surprise. I am so fortunate that all this historical material so it can continue being with the Avanti.
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Dan Booth, Nostalgic Motor Cars (248-349-4884) has the correct fan drives. I paid $79.95 plus S&H.
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The viscous fan drive on R4541 was noisy and it seemed not to be driving the fan properly. I replaced it with a new viscous drive from Nostalgic. The fan drive is much quieter and it drives the fan much better. , I am using the stock 5-bladed fan. Also replaced the water pump with a heavy duty type, also from Nostalgic. Old water pump was functioning properly, had a smooth bearing and was not leaking. I replaced it because it was convenient to do so then. I figured it was better to do the job in my garage at a time of my choosing rather than beside the road on a drive. I am keeping the old pump as a spare. The balky opening 160F thermostat was also replaced with a new one of the same rating at this time. The engine temperature was down by about 40 degrees, according to the gauge. I believe the improvement was mostly due to the new fan drive.
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It does. 63 RQ 618.
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I have a donut spare tire for my '70. I found a NOS tire/rim still wrapped in cellophane on eBay from a Jeep with the same bolt circle. It cost me $30 with shipping. It leaves lots of extra room in the spare tire well for other items.
Gunslinger, do you happen to know what year and model Jeep? Thanks.
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I have the manual for this Avanti. If you have the Avanti and would like to have the manual, please reply here and we can arrange for the transfer. Here's being optimistic that the car is still out there.
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Thanks, I will pursue on eBay. John
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Power Steering Fluid
in 1963-64 Avanti
Posted · Edited by JWL1940
Just finished doing a fluid change on R4541 - engine, transmission, differential - including new brake hoses and filter for the transmission. Earlier did a cooling system service. The only old fluid in the car is in the power steering. It looks old. No leaks or noise, but time for a change. I have no idea what kind of fluid is in it. I think it will take a few tries to drain, refill, drain, refill to get all new fluid in the system.
What are suggestions for the correct type of fluid to use?
Little by little getting through maintenance and service of all the systems.
Thanks
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