Desert Driver

Cadillac's advanced styling and the ability of GM to move buyers up from their own divisions helped drive nails into the coffin. And of course Packard's decision to purchase Studebaker (who was in much worse financial shape), didn't help matters.

Worth a shot, so I'll try both suggestions. However I wouldn't think a pressure switch and idle solenoid would cause the fuse to blow. 🙃 Thx

Beyond baffling on my '84. With the key in the IGN position (engine not running), the evaporator blower and radiator fan run when I turn on the AC. However, once the engine is started the 30a fuse blows after approx 4-5 seconds. All electrical connections to the Delphi compressor have been pulled. I've gone thru at least eight new fuses trying to figure out what's going on. Any suggestions? (the thermostatically controlled electric radiator fan is fused separately and functions properly)

Beyond baffling on my '84. With the key in the IGN position (engine not running), the evaporator blower and radiator fan run when I turn on the AC. However, once the engine is started the 30a fuse blows after approx 4-5 seconds. All electrical connections to the Delphi compressor have been pulled. I've gone thru at least eight new fuses trying to figure out what's going on. Any suggestions? (the thermostatically controlled electric radiator fan is fused separately and functions properly)

Many thanks for all the info. Good luck on the flex hose...it's just one of things that makes you wonder what they were thinking! 🤬

Any idea what brand or numbers stamped on your master cylinder? I see your flex hose to the air cleaner is off and chewed up. They're a bear to reinstall 'cause the round hose does not like being made into an oval.

My '84 has paid a visit or two to Hackville. I have reason to believe the original master cylinder was replaced with the one pictured. The outfit that rebuilt my booster pump thinks it's off a Corvette and may not be simpatico with the booster. Anyone know what Mr Blake put on his Avantis at the South Bend plant?

Bottom line - it's your money, so do what the heart desires. A 383 is a good alternative to stock, with probably fewer issues than the LS. But if you've had all the fun the car can provide...sell it with the stock engine and move on.

I've got an '84 and looks like the same set up as yours. The thin vacuum line is ported off the rear of the carb and heads toward the passenger side firewall where it enters a wiring loom. It then exits the loom and is connected to the sensor (shown in your photo). There are all kinds of vacuum hoses in the engine compartment and tracing them down can be challenge. Hope this helps!

I paid approx $25 to ship it to Carson City from Phoenix via UPS (insured the booster for $200). They rebuilt and shipped it back for a grand total of $175 and a few cents. Super fast..super service..and they don't farm the work out to a third party.

These boosters don't last forever, and when it's time for a rebuild you're left wondering who'll do the job? Such was the case on my '84. Even in Phoenix there was only one outfit who said they might be able to do it...provided I pull the booster and take it to their counter (wouldn't look at photos). So it was time for Plan B. Try Power Brake Exchange in Carson City NV if you're looking for a booster rebuild at a fair price that doesn't take weeks! They turn 'em in one business day, a little longer if you want powder coating. Excellent customer service and support. They even adjusted the push rod to the correct length to work with my master cylinder. 775-297-4795. As Willie would say...."On the road again", and with brakes that stop the way Mr Blake built the car!

Great job! And those repurposed Home Depot paint stirrers keep the velcro in line. Your window glass should glide up and down like new.

Unfortunately there's no outside mirror control in the console. If you look at the door panel, you'll see a cut out and mounting ring for the switch. There's also a cut out for the power door lock switch (blue tape used to identify both). Another owner also removed the power door locks switches. The wiring and actuators are there, but without a switch, no can use. Pure hackery as evidenced by the original equipment list posted above. Many thanks to the Avanti Nation for answering my questions 🙌

The outside mirrors on my newly purchased '84 have wiring, but no switch to control them? Evidence suggest the car may have had the feature, but something happened.

All good suggestions. Many thanks to the Avanti Nation for assistance. Of the two different styles of back up lights, my preference is the 1985 license plate huggers. If I can't find them (or the price is too crazy) I'll probably go with Plan B - aftermarket. I need the dough to buy fuel for my baby!

1984/1985 ...two different locations under the rear bumper for back up lights. Nostalgic is out and sez no more will be made. Any assistance from the Avanti Nation appreciated!

You tried, and that matters most! From what I’ve read and heard, the location of the reservoir, and how it’s attached, is problematic. So I’ll be putting a tank or bag in a different location and moving on. I’m still curious about the purpose of the part in my last photo. All kinds of vacuum lines on that engine - some I understand, others I have no clue!

I didn't have this problem with my late '71 Avanti (RIP). But speed bumps and my '84 Avanti don't get along at all. Here's why: ground clearance from the frame rail is 5 1/4". Clearance from the transmission cross member is 3.5", and even less when you factor in the threaded bolts and nuts. 700R4 tranny. 245/45 ZR 17 tires, and no sign the car has been lowered. I'm not a bottom feeder, so any suggestions?

Bob Ziff of Avanti Parts confirms the reservoir on Blake era cars is prone to leakage around the mounting studs. So, it's on to Plan B. In all likelihood I'll have to move some of the electrical blocks and gizmos on the passenger side inner fender and put a tank or bag there. I'm kind of fond of the Studebaker "S" bag. Bonus points: what is the purpose of the block with a vacuum nipple on the right side? It's connected to power, but its function is beyond my pay grade.

Good suggestion. Avantiparts is another possibility. That was a strange place to mount a tank, but Blake probably didn’t have an alternate site.

Looking for a reservoir for an '84/'85 Blake Avanti. These small tanks sit atop the firewall cowl just behind the brake booster.

Thanks for the great photos. I noticed on Nostalgic's web site he's out of stock. Hard to justify $120 for a plastic tank IMHO.

Negative. Gonna have to find one, or come up with a Plan B.

Nicely done! How 'bout a look under the hood?

1984 Avanti with the wiper fluid reservoir removed by a previous owner. I can't seem to figure out its original location - in the front there's the battery, radiator and radiator expansion tank. On the inner fender panels, all kinds of electrical connection blocks on both sides. At the firewall, too much stuff against it. The only open spot is the shallow shelf behind the brake booster, but that doesn't seem right. If you have a photo to share, pls include in your response.