Desert Driver
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Posts posted by Desert Driver
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On 2/16/2025 at 3:04 PM, Gunslinger said:
Chevrolet didn’t need to do anything to harm Avanti production…Studebaker really didn’t need any help in destroying themselves. I doubt if Chevrolet…or other carmakers…gave Studebaker much thought as Studebaker had such a small market share.
The problem had less to do with Chevrolet than with Studebaker requiring MFG to supply complete, assembled and painted Avanti bodies…which MFG had no experience doing. Corvette bodies were shipped to Chevrolet in sections…far fewer sections than in an Avanti body. There are many horror stories about the MFG production issues and what Studebaker troubleshooters found when they went to Ashtabula to smooth out production.
Chevrolet didn’t to do anything to hurt Studebaker…all they needed to do is sit back and watch.
Spot on analysis IMHO. Avanti was a great design, but production was a big problem. So many things were rushed due to Egbert's desire to get this halo vehicle into showrooms ASAP and attract new buyers for Lark, Hawk & Champ. Classic case of woulda, coulda, shoulda.
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Haven't seen this one before, but they really don't make the case that Chevy subverted Avanti production at MFG.
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Light at the end of the tunnel! Jon Myer suggested I swap out the under hood brake linkage with new. The brake booster sent didn't work, but the new linkage did and now the quirky pedal response went away. It's on to bigger thing$ now.
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On 1/15/2025 at 9:30 AM, mfg said:
Sure would have been interesting if the 400+ cubic inch Packard V8 was kept in production and ended up under the hood of the Avanti!!
With that beast under the hood, you wouldn't need to turn on the heater to keep warm during a midwest winter! Store it in the summer.
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Bit the bullet and purchased a rebuilt brake booster and attached master cylinder from Myer's Studebaker. One thing's for certain, the replacement master cylinder is a lot shorter than the one on my '84. I'm hoping this replacement will take care of the quirky pedal response I've been experiencing. (anyone notice "quirky" has the same number of letters as A _ a _ _ i?)
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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.
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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
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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)
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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)
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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! 🤬
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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Great job! And those repurposed Home Depot paint stirrers keep the velcro in line. Your window glass should glide up and down like new.
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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 🙌
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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?
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On 6/24/2024 at 4:41 AM, mfg said:
On my ‘83, the tank broke away from it’s mounting studs that go through firewall… This situation caused the tank to spring a leak which found its way into interior over pedals….
Needless to say after that experience I located a generic tank in a new location and just extended the hoses.
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.
Build sheet location?
in Avanti Pub
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Great photo...even greater memories!