Ron Dame

Thanks everyone. I'm used to Studebaker engines, but in close to 50 years of cars, this is honestly the first Chevy engine I've every had, except for a Stovebolt 6 in a truck. I know lots love the SBC, but it doesn't seem to be the best designed engine as far as maintenance goes. At least not in an Avanti II. I just re-read this... 50 years of cars. Damn I feel old.

How the heck do you change spark plugs on a 350? From underneath? And how do you find which spark lead is #1 for timing?

These ujoint, while they don't feel sloppy, don't have a grease fitting and look dry and crusty. I have a pair coming my way, and we'll see if that fixes it. Thanks!

On my '80, I found one hose of a molded two-hose connector to the purge valve rotted. I cut the rotted hose off, took a 3/4" long section of brake line, pushed into the connector fitting, and re[placed the line. A dad of liquid tape to assure a seal, and it's invisible unless you look close.

OK, so as far as tune, I apparently am OK, so I won't look for problems. As I'd like an LSD, I might swap to a lower numerical ratio at the same time as I'm not a speed freak, but I'm not a granny either.

Thanks, but that only works for each email. It doesn't prevent it from happening on the next notification.

I'm using gmail, and all replies to my AOAI posts go straight to spam. I can't find a way on gmail to not filter these, so I am wondering if others have this issue and can help me? Thanks!

I bought my '80 (350/TH400) not expecting it to be an economy car, but even after a full tune and a carb kit, I'm getting only 14 MPG mixed driving, though largely highway miles. I was hoping more around 18 in mixed, so I am wondering is it typical, or do I need to some more sleuthing? Thanks!

OK thanks. I had not considered U joints or bearings, honestly I am thinking more a larger panel that was resonating. So I will chack all of this out and get back with everyone. Thanks!

No ideas? It doesn't matter what gear I am in or not in, it seems to be a low resonance drumming or drone like a panel vinbrating if that helps.

Thanks Pantera!

I had searched for cut springs, cutting springs, lowering, and a few other combos and did not find what I was looking for. What terms did you use in your search? Thanks!

I'd like to get some of the original rake back. Sure the "best" way is to remove body shims and even open up the wheel wells. But if I cut a coil off of the springs, how much would it drop it, and would I end up with new issues with clearance and caster?

My newly purchased 1980 has a drumming sound between 30 and 35 MPH. If anyone else had and fixed this, where did you put the sound deadening?

I drilled 1/2" holes in my hog troughs, flushed them out as best as I could, let them dry for a few weeks, and used Eastwood Internal Frame Coating on them. It has a long, flexible wand with a 360 degree spray pattern, to get top, bottom, and sides. I did this too on the frame at the front spring mount and the rear cross member. Then I plugged the holes with plastic plugs.

By chance, do the diameter and spline counts of match a GM shaft? I'd love to put an original wheel on my 1980

Good idea, though since I bought it from him, I think he might have mentioned he had one!

I just bought RQB 3127 and the sun roof glass is cracked. I'm not going to paint the car, otherwise I'd delete it. Anyone have one lying around?

Oh and besides the Studebaker Avanti manual, are there any other manuals available? I'll be calling Dan Booth today and see what he can help me with too.

I just got RQB 3127 from Jon Myer. It's a nice car overall, but the brakes are awful, so will jump into those first. What should a 1980 have for front and rears so I can order parts?

I will be picking up a 1980 hopefully soon, it's in great shape but has black steelies and no wheel covers. I'll be putting new wheels on, should I stay with 15's or jump up to 16's? What are teh advantages and disadvantages?

What are your wheels? I like them