[Avanti II mods]

Sorry if I'm repeating -- still learning forum functionality.

I have wire wheels on my car. The brakes just seem very weak, maybe I'm comparing them to new car brake effectiveness. I have a local garage that I trust -- are Avanti II brakes unique enough that they wouldn't be able to check and repair brakes if necessary?

Thanks everyone for your generous advice. I'm new to Avanti ownership and this is all so helpful.

Tim "Kellerbear"

[Avanti II mods]

1. Yes, I've heard of drop spindles, usually in reference to Ford model A hot rods; but no, I haven't heard of

dropped spindles being available for Stude Avanti suspensions, but it's possible I suppose. Or, you could install an LT1 fuel setup to provide more hood-to-engine clearance, and remove (progressively more toward the front end) some of the body spacers; that would be very expensive, but coupled with an overdrive tranny the fuel economy should improve greatly. Either way, the fender openings would overlap the tire tops a bit, which might be problematic if you hit a bump while turning into the driveway! You could also consider a lower profile tire on the front only, if you can find any to fit without rubbing... but I wouldn't recommend mixing tire profiles/tread pattern on the same vehicle.

Dropped spindles are probably available for later Avanti's built on GM chassis (87-up).

Check this link (IndyJimW's post in the middle of the page) http://tinyurl.com/2azfa2

If you know a talented machinist, it might be possible to machine a Stude drop spindle from billet steel if

you provide him with pristine original spindles to use to take measurements (high $$$$, though). But if

I'm not mistaken (I might be), spindles are machined from drop-forged castings to add strength.

2. The hood ornament has six posts that extend through the hood, with stamped nuts on the underside; it

should just be a matter of finding an Avanti owner with the ornament who'll let you remove his ornament and make a paper pattern from his hood of the hole positions.

3. Stock brakes are fine if kept in good maintenance and you use decent pads. I haven't done the Turner conversion, but many have and like it. One Avanti enthusiast decided he wanted newer technology than the Turner kit and designed his own conversion; you might try contacting him to see if you like his approach better and whether he sells the adapters (last I recall, he was trying to determine if it was a viable side business). Try this link to the Stude Avanti board for more info: http://tinyurl.com/2h8qlf

4. Yes, $100 here: http://tinyurl.com/2e3scu (bottom of that page; stock steering knuckle with spindle is in the center of that page)

Many thanks for all the great counsel. I'm new to Avanti and old car ownership and this forum is so helpful. I'll ask a novice question -- are stock Avanti II brakes unique enough that my trusted local mechanic couldn't reliably check and repair them? Thanks again! Tim

[Avanti II mods]

What wheels do you have for your car or will install? Before my '70 was redone, I considered the Turner or Steeltech brake conversions. Both told me their systems either would not be compatible or they didn't think their conversions would be compatible with Magnum 500 wheels, which my car has. I didn't want to change to a bigger diameter wheel as I had already bought new tires for the car and didn't care to do that again plus new wheels, plus I like the look of the Magnum 500 on an Avanti.

The stock brake system works well so I really had no need to change it, but had the Magnum 500's been compatible, I still may have done the conversion.

Thanks. I have wire wheels on my car. The brakes just seem very weak, maybe I'm comparing them to new car brake effectiveness. Tim

[Avanti II mods]

I have a '78 Avanti II and am considering some projects over the next few months.

1. to restore rake to similar to original, has anyone heard of "drop spindles"? A buddy who talked to someone at a show heard about it.

2. I'd like to add an original style hood ornament and see them in Avanti Int'l -- anyone done that and how do they attach?

3. Any advice on the Turner brake conversion? My car can use some extra stopping power.

4. Are there modifications or kits available to reduce steering turns, lock to lock?

Thanks

Tim

[Red instrument lights]

My '78 Avanti has white instrument panel lights and red lights on the console. Former owner said he bought it in 1984 and it had white lights when he got it. I thought all Avanti instrument panel lights were red? Wonder if original owner switch to white. Red is kind of hard to read.

[L48 Engine]

Any suggestions on shop manuals or other pubs that will be useful for maintaining a '78 Avanti drivetrain? It has a 350 with Quadrajet and Turbo 400. I have the Stude Avanti shop manual and parts manual.

[Restore the Rake]

I have a 78 Avanti II and like the original's rake. I read the Blake models had larger tires in back, as you've described.

Can I just do the tire changeout and leave it at that, or are there other issues to consider, like spacers and fender cutout? I don't want to damage the car nor get into a big project.

Looking forward to your pix!

['78 Avanti bumper]

Thanks, will give that a try.

['78 Avanti bumper]

Ernie, I loosened the side bolt and the fender bolt to where I could turn the nut with my fingers, and tried to adjust the endcap bumper. It won't budge, can't move it up or down. Can you suggest anything else? Thanks. Tim

['78 Avanti bumper]

Just bought a beautiful 1978 Avanti II, and fulfilled a long-time dream. I'm enjoying it very much.

The front bumperette, or end cap, the bumper that wraps around the fender, is canted down slightly instead of being parallel to the ground and level with the main front bumper. I've seen photos of other Avantis that have this droopy bumper, so maybe it's fairly common. Any suggestions on how to straighten it up like it's supposed to be? I've attached a photo showing the slight downward droop.

[chrome bumpers & emission controls]

I'm negotiating for a nice 1978 Avanti II. The owner removed the catalytic converter and replaced with a 1973 Avanti exhaust system. He says he never had trouble getting it inspected and they don't do emissions testing in Texas for cars that old. Anything I ought to consider on this?