Desert Driver
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Posts posted by Desert Driver
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The intensity of my speedometer bulb is not as strong as that of the tachometer and fuel gauge, making it difficult to read at night. Both the tach and fuel gauges are newer, and the markings are sharp with no yellowing. But the speedo is probably original equipment. Any suggestions on more illumination, other than replacing the gauge? And any advice on how to get to this bulb without throwing out your back under the dash?
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I just had the gear box on my '71 Avanti rebuilt - bushings were shot, which resulted in steering slop. This on the heels of a new rag joint, king pins (see photo below), and a rebuilt bell crank. But finally after almost four years, the steering is where it should be at all speeds!
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This could be a great way to kill time while we all social distance...Name the parts you see on Kodjo's floor! I'll get the ball rolling...I see a disc brake in the lower right hand corner, and a drum brake by those stacked tires.
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9 hours ago, Kodjo said:
Thanks for your reply! I also thought the hose does not belong there but was uncertain.
These tires are 27 years old. The car was on axle stands all this time. So, the tires are round and look very new. Will they be still safe to drive?
Papa needs to buy baby new shoes. Those oldies aint goodies!
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10 hours ago, ntenna said:
Toe-in and centering can be set from one location?
I vote for this guess...one stop centering, as opposed to going from one wheel to the other. Tighter quarters, though.
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Definitely doesn't belong in the tank. Only thing that comes to mind is a hose fell in when the tank gage unit was removed. I'd think if the hose is still pliable, it fell in later than sooner in the life of your car.
Your wheels and raised white lettered tires look so good on your car!
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Thx for the compliment..I'm really pleased with the look and how the car handles.
I went from 205/75 R15 to 225/55 R17 tires. A little wider, but not as much sidewall. Net result is the overall height of the wheel and tire is just a tad less than what I had with the 15 inch wheels and tires! You see more wheel now, and less tire. I went with the same size front and back, but do know some Avanti owners who have gone with 18 inchers in the rear. I spent a lot of time researching this change (esp with Harvey Snitzer who owns a '71 as well). There are some scary stories about owners who have gone with larger wheels and tires and had to modify their cars at additional expense. It's true - no two Avantis are alike, so do your homework. The rake of the 63/64 Avanti is awesome, but I'm satisfied with what I have.
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Just took the plunge to 17 inch wheels, and what a difference it's made! My '71 Avanti had the original Magnum 500 15x6 inch wheels, and when I purchased the car, Hankook whitewalls were on it. A spacer was used on the front wheels to clear the Turner disc brakes. I recently purchased 17x7 Magnum 500s and mounted new blackwall tires. The new wheels provided 4.25" back space, and all I needed was 3.75" - so off came the spacers. Perfect fit with no modifications necessary, or clearance issues. Cornering and tracking are so much better now, and the overall look is more muscular. I purchased the wheels, caps, lugs and valve stems thru CJ Pony Parts. Excellent service and prompt delivery.
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That looks nasty! But the heat coming off the exhaust pipes under the floorboards makes for a toasty ride! As long as you have it off the frame, spray Lizard Skin everywhere underneath. And don't neglect the transmission tunnel aft of the firewall. Not only will you cut down heat transfer, but you'll enjoy a much quieter ride.
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Thanks for the heads up. We'll see how it goes during the change out and report on the outcome.
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I'm saying Adios to my BW tranny in January, and Hola to a 700r. At 75mph my 383 is turning at 3400rpm...way too fast to last. Plus as that cast iron BW case heats up, you feel it around the center console and shifter. OUCH! Yup, a new driveshaft is in order, as well as other modifications. Nope, I ain't gonna buy that four speed shifter (1-2-3-D-N-R-P) that costs around $500. The transmission will run just fine through the gears and I've never had the occasion to manually put the car in first gear.
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That frame and exhaust system are something else! I really like the rectangular openings under the rear bumper for the twin exhausts. How are you handling the beloved hog troughs?
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Did my wiperblade arms with 0000 steel wool, and they came out great. My shoulder didn't, though. I've also heard that a ScotchBrite pad works wonders.
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On 6/12/2019 at 2:58 PM, Avanti83 said:
Yes I do have a AAA card, Yes I have a smartphone but I'm old and carrying a spare is in my DNA.Best "get off my back" line I've seen this year!
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Dunno. In John Hull's "Avanti Operation Airlift", Sherwood Egbert had Board permission to purchase a Beech Queen Air at a cost not to exceed $185,000. The Queen Air from that era looks more like the photo above than the Howard 250.
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10 hours ago, Avanti83 said:
Hopefully that's your car. I must say that I would not have thought I'd like flared fenders but it looks right on this one. The hood vents fit the theme well and the side vents are a touch of styling genius. You don't happen to have a side view straight on, I love to see the profile with the fenders and bigger wheels.
If only my wallet was as big as my dreams! This beautiful Avanti GT is the work of AOAI member Larry Gibson of Ontario, and his son. The car was featured in a previous Avanti magazine article, but Gibson's website has all the details and photos https://www.gibsonmotorsports.ca/single-post/2016/03/15/avanti-gt
Side photos? You bet! I sleep better at night knowing Larry's Avanti GT has the same steering wheel and transmission shifter as mine. And that's about it!
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If you have to vent (and you got the $$), this is the way to go! I just love the asymmetrical hood vents that split the crease and don't mess up the gun sight. Side vents are just as cool.
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On 11/24/2020 at 6:37 PM, Avanti83 said:
Since you asked, here's a couple of videos of my 74 after many years of reconstruction. Of course it started as a $3500 rough model but a ton of body/frame work, a 383 stroker motor, T56 six speed and a redone interior got it to here.
Just one thought, please don't even consider an upper grill on it.
I started this when I was about 70 and finished it (kinda) at 77, you can do it.
Way cool! As someone who has a 383 stroker in mine, I just love the rumble of the exhaust. Speaking of which...where are the exhaust tips? Looks like you have an AMC sourced horn button cover. Re: upper grille. If you check out page 27 of Andy Beckman's "Last Dance" book on the Avanti, you'll notice the clay model produced in Palm Springs had an upper grille. Pure blasphemy to most owners!
On 11/24/2020 at 6:37 PM, Avanti83 said: -
On 11/15/2020 at 9:30 AM, studegary said:
I would not go to eat anywhere that does not list prices on their menu. I do not mind paying for what I get, but I do not want to be surprised.
If you have to ask.....
I imagine all restaurant pricing and menu availability is in a state of flux due to Covid 19. Post a price, and next week it may cost more, or you may not offer it. If you're looking for a place to crash after a fine Italian meal, how 'bout this nearby apartment? https://www.apartments.com/avanti-apartments-phoenix-az/lnmfjte/
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9 hours ago, studegary said:
Toll Brothers has several housing developments in this area. I just discovered that Toll has an Avanti model (house). Appropriately, it has two, two car garages, one at each end of the house.
R1 & R2, no doubt!
And just about four miles from my two car garage, is this Avanti: http://avanti-az.com
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Two years ago I installed a new Stewart Warner Tach (#82163) and it jumped all over the place. Took the car to three different mechanics who worked on the distributor...changed this, added that, lubed it, etc. Nada...except for a bunch of bills. So I called the SW tech dept and was put in touch with a tachometer specialist. Seems the SW tachometer doesn't much care for my HEI distributor and jumps. He said their current production line has a different circuitry to address that issue. The solution to my problem was quite simple: install a 1/2 watt 1000 ohm resistor inline. Voila...no more jumping and rock steady readings! My cost: approx $7.00 for a 100 pack of these resistors (no more Radio Shack, so hello Amazon). If you have a jumper, by all means contact the tach maker's tech support. And if you need a dozen or so of these resistors, contact me!
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Regardless of whether it's a Stude built 63/64, or what followed, get one that's in top condition. Everything about fixing or upgrading Avantis is more expensive and time consuming than you can imagine....and I got the receipts to prove it 🤮
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I'm thinking of going to either a 16 or 17 inch wheel, and wondering what tires would be best for road handling without a harsh ride. The original 15 inch Magnum 500s are showing their age. Current tire size is P205/75R15, and the speedometer displays accurately. A sportier stance is my objective. Any suggestions from those who have made such a change?
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Here in the desert, hot outside air is of little benefit to cool the scorching hot Borg Warner transmission. My air tubes were completely rotted and I had no desire to replace them. So a trip to the local hardware for two rubber stoppers solved the air and water penetration problem. I used silicone adhesive and a rubber mallet to install the stoppers to the cowl opening.
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74 w/s wiper switch
in 1965-83 Avanti
Posted · Edited by Desert Driver
David Bass can most likely help you out. He restores wiper motors and knows all things wiring. He helped me out on my '71 (the switch is exactly like yours) Dave can be reached at 503-551-0453.