Adam DeRosa

Glad you got your overheating problem solved! Yes the transmission can be removed without removing the engine. This would also be a good time to examine the transmission mount and the driveshaft U-joints.

Check this out, from Bob Johnstone's Avanti site: https://studebaker-info.org/Tech/Parts/2013/timkin50151s.html

Yes, there is a filter inside the Q-Jet carb. There was also originally an external fuel filter with a return line to the tank. (by the way this return line to the tank is essential for preventing vapor lock when it's hot). Your '72 Avanti II was also originally equipped with with a charcoal vapor recovery canister as part of it's EPA emissions equipment. This would've been mounted on the right side of the engine along the inner fender. These also had fuel lines and hoses between the canister and the carb, and the canister and the tank. Someone on the past 53 years may have removed it, and one of these line could be the source of your leak.

The T-fitting on the frame should have a pipe plug in the bottom of it, which can be removed for draining the tank. On the passenger side of the engine, there should be three lines at the fuel filter: - one line going into the filter -one going from the filter to the carb -one smaller line going from the filter back to the tank. Is it perhaps this smaller return line you're looking at? Sometime in the past someone may have made a "modification" that you may need to undo.

It interesting that the moonroof would have this type of circuitry in it. Aside from the relay I can't imagine what the rest of it, like the IC's, would do. But, Avanti Motors did some strange things so who knows!

Mike, Yes the tinted windows do help help the air-conditioning and reduce the heat load in the interior. It's also important to make sure unwanted heat isn't getting into the passenger compartment through leaks in the firewall, poor vent seals, etc. Here's a few pictures~ -Adam DeRosa

Mike, Yes, I'm happy with the outcome. The window tinting does help although I can't say how much or to what degree. I live in AZ where the sun in brutal in the Summer, and if your car sits outside uncovered for any length of time it's going to get hot no matter what you do, but every little but helps.

I had my windows tinted without removing them. I had to try a few shops before I found one that was willing to tackle it. It turned out great but I'm sure it was not easy to do the rear window. You may need to spend some time taking the car to different shops and getting estimates - some of them may be ridiculously high in hopes that you'll go elsewhere.

The Studebaker Avanti shop manual gives a pretty step-by-step guide of what's involved. This has also been covered many times in the AOAI magazine and SDC's Turning Wheels. Bob Johnstone's Avanti page is another good source of info. For specific questions you can always ask here and someone who's "been there and done that" will usually chime in with an answer.