Zedman

I think the use of a Combination/Proportioning valve in a disk+drum brake system is a worthy addition. I hope I'm not telling you to 'suck eggs', but one purpose of the valve is to redirect fluid to the rear brakes to avoid locking up the front brakes. the other purpose is to sense an open circuit, and then direct all fluid to the effective brakes- front or rear. The tool is used when bleeding.... you remove the brake warning light switch from the valve and replace it with a rigid pin that prevents the shuttle valve moving to either side (trying to redirect flow one way or the other). I had an obscure Kelsey-Hayes Valve on my 1981- I'm replacing it with a GM PV2 valve and its even a bolt-up fit with the old one. The valve came with the bleeder tool. See this video for a clearer explanation. I'll bet this is what is causing your problem.

I'd say you have rusted bores. Go with 2 1/8" Jaguar stainless steel pistons and Cylinders (come all complete with seals) or the 'Cobalt' ones. I bought Stainless units through a Jag specialist- not that much more expensive than original Cast Iron ones. You might want to think about renewing brake lines if you find rust.

I set out to rebuild my 1981 Avanti II TH350 transmission knowing what the rubbers in stude boxes looked like after 40 years. Wished I hadn't bothered because it was fine apart from a dead relay in there (Relay ?.. I did learn rapidly that I had a TH350 'C' which has a lockup Torque Converter and needed different Valve body gaskets.) With this transmission I will either have to keep some emissions controls and the Onboard Computer or fabricate a manual switch/relay system to initiate and shut down Lockup. I have a Rear end ratio of 2.89:1 so this ought to be near enough to overdrive. I believe these came out of the Avanti factory from 1980 -81 for about three years. Might be a worthy choice along with a manual lockup switch.

Very nicely done- If I did one similar, I'd like to engrave it... "For Sherwood Egbert"

Jim, what year is your Avanti?.... Does it have a proportioning/Combination Valve? If it does, did you bleed your brakes using the centering tool made for this purpose? If you don't use this tool to fix the position of the internal shuttle valve, half your system will be left unbled.

A sliver one was in the supplier's stock straight away so I went with that. I felt the body colour being Tan/gold looking, Silver would be in keeping with the rest of the trim. These Bonnet 'spears' look so good I really don't know why more of 'em weren't ordered by Avanti II owners.

Thanks a bunch MFG. At the chagrin of purists. I even included the Studebaker 'S' emblem in my parts order.. I know it's not correct and goes against my own principles somewhat, but I just plain want it there. 🙃 I'd love to put Studebaker script Badges on it too but I'll resist that notion !

My 1981 Avanti II didn't come with the Studebaker Bonnet Ornament set (though it was an option) but I really like the look so I bought one to put on. To expedite placement of holes, would someone be so kind as to provide the measurement from the front edge of the Bonnet to the front edge of the potmetal ornament, please? Thanks.

Will Carter four Barrel?

Hey Jim- you might want to look at these pages on Boosters before you go further... This has been helpful to me. https://www.studebaker-info.org/Tech/Brakes/Boosters/avantiboosters.html

Regarding my posts on Door mounted 'Intrusion Bars'- Thanks for the input, everybody. Unless Steel tube/bar is embedded in the doors during layup, I suppose their presence is still indeterminate. I was hoping somebody with knowledge from the factory floor might chime in. I may push this query on the SDC Chat pages to see if a wider audience may shine some light on the subject.

Makes me think that rather than opening 'em up, it might be prudent to just marinate them in Kerosene for a few hours....

I'll have a stab at it ..... (3) $69224 ?

Hi AG-R3- my apologies for hijacking the thread somewhat, but your post infers that Avanti Motor Corp placed 'Anti Intrusion 'Bars/ Barrier' within the doors of our cars. This is a query I had made a couple of years ago and nobody on this Forum could verify it. So, do our Avanti II doors have Intrusion Bars in 'em... ? As of what year? Can these be seen without removal of the door trims?.. The reason I'm asking this is that here in Australia, I know that when I have my car Inspected prior to roadworthy certification, the presence of Intrusion bars is mandated. I'd assumed I would have to install something there- hopefully I won't after all.

Browsing Youtube today, I found an interesting instructional video on how the Avanti Door lock system works. It is worthy of a look.

SCPO-PD... Your engine mounts will be the same but if they're old replace 'em with the ones pictured below for Corvettes (Avanti factory OEM also). I believe there is also a kit available to control the lockup torque converter from B&M, but your re-builder will probably be able to advise you. Youtube features some how-to's on that subject. Engaging the Lockup is one thing but disengaging it automatically when coming to a stop is another. If you are getting away from the ECU, Carburettor and Distributor, you might like to dice the EGR Valve & solenoids, Smog Pump, Pipe to the Catalytic converter (if it's still there), AIR system Valve and Manifold tubes as well. You can close the holes in the manifolds using lengths of 1/2"-20 UNC screws/plugs. A plate can cover the EGR flange on the Intake Manifold or replace it with an aftermarket one.

Thanks for your input Jim and Wildfelr. Wildfelr's solution is creative and well executed I must say- especially burying front Indicators in those big holes ! Jim, your solution is straightforward and commonsense, but since I'm a stickler for keeping original parts, I'd probably end up Fabbing a new piece. Nobody has any info on what's actually inside of these Buffers?

I'm getting close to reuniting my Avanti II's body with its new Frame, The simplest thing to do with the much maligned buffers is to simply re install 'em and utilise the body-bolt station built into them to shim and secure the front panels. Despite my penchant for originality, I've wondered about eliminating them and fabricate a substitute mounting. Do any members have any thoughts or advice on this matter. On another tack, does anybody have any info on what is actually inside of those Buffers that makes 'em work?

Studebaker International 2024 Catalogue Page 262.... Shaft link Grommet Part No. 1554004 Requires 4 Rubber Bushing (for both standard Front and Rear Swaybars) 529392 Requires 2

Hi Brooks- I took the liberty to look RQB2594 on the Bob Johntsone Avanti Registry site. Has your new purchase been improved upon from the Photos taken way back in 2002?

Excellent solution- well done, MFG. 🫡 I suppose for those without Milling Machines, a series of holes might do, although hardy souls might elongate these with a round file.

Hi Brooks- The Tee is meant to be a fuel tank drain but it gets pretty negative reviews on that subject. I think it is an NPT pipe plug 1/4" ... Common NPT Pipe Plug Sizes: 1/8" NPT: The nominal size is 1/8 inch, but the actual outer diameter of the threads is approximately 0.405 inches. 1/4" NPT: The nominal size is 1/4 inch, with an outer diameter around 0.540 inches.

Geeze I wish I could buy em for barely twelve bucks each - here 'down under' I was pleased to buy a pair for &95 incl post.