[Window weatherstripping.]

I'm getting ready to have my vent window frames rechromed and need to replace the rubber weather strips. I need the vent window weatherstrips, and the divison bar strip for the vent window. Also need to replace the outside door/ window sweep along with the inner door fuzzy. Who do you recommend for these items?

Thanx,

Everett

[Headlight Gremlins.]

Thanks for the leads. I rechecked all the wiring and could not find the headlight relay. Anyone have any clues where it might be hiding? I did replace the breaker and that didn't help the problem. I made a temporary jumper once the breaker tripped and the lights came on. I will try to replace the headlight rocker switch next.

Thanks again for the help,

Rob.

[Headlight Gremlins.]

I'm having headlight problems with my '81 Avanti. When the headlights are on for a short period of time, say maybe 20 minutes, they shut off along with all the dash lights. As long as I let them cool down they will come back on and then shut down again. I have done the basics and found no problems. I was wondering if the rocker switch might be the problem or the yet to be found headlight relay? Could you shed some light on where the relay is located and would this be the likely canidate for my problem? Is the relay a GM brand or made by someone else. Can you reccommend a replacement?

Thanx,

Rob

Palm Bay, Fl.

[Front End Wander]

OK, I jumped in and purchased a '81 Avanti. Just had 4 new tires installed, 215/70's and a front end alignment done. I know the early 80's power steering wasn't the best and I don't care for the feel of it. The car has a nasty wander to it at low speeds, almost feels like a pin-ball machine. At speeds above 50, the steering is fine. What could I do to hopefully elimnate the wandering? Can the alignment be changed to stop the wander? I drove the car 1300 miles to my home in Palm Bay, Florida and almost stopped a couple of times to remove the power steering belt. Appreciate any info or ideas to improve the slow speed steering.

Thanx, Rob.

P.S. A quick note to Ernie, thanks for checking out the '81, it was as you explained. In fact I looked at a '80 first several miles away and then the 81. I'll give you a call later this week, Thanx.

[Front End Alignment]

Good evening. I'm looking at a 1981 Avanti and it needs new tires. The current tires are wearing on the inside. Could anyone inform me what the alignment specifications for the front end are? Also what is the stock size tire that came on this year?

Thanx,

Everett.

[Buying an Avanti.]

Thanks for the information Gunslinger. The Avanti is in Crystal Lake, Illinois and thats a haul from where I live. As I understand the '84 - '91 use GM suspension and frame - is this correct? I like the idea of being able to get replacement parts locally and being that I want to be able to drive and take trips would benefit me.

What caught my eye on the '81 was the chrome bumpers and still having a carb & dizzy. What years after '81 still run with a carb and distributor? Also what was the last year for the chrome bumpers?

Guess I'm really in no hurry, would you recommend that I hold out for an '84+?

Thanks again for the info,

Everett.

[Buying an Avanti.]

Good day, I'm interested in a '81 Avanti with about 100,000 miles on her. I haven't seen it in person since the car is about 1200 miles away, but the pictures look good. What are the problem areas I should be looking for? I understand the "hog troughs" are a problem area and how would I check to see if they are ok? I also read in the owners ad, that the A/C is inop. Would this be a GM unit and would I be able to get it serviced by a A/C shop? Is the chassis and related parts also GM and how hard is it to locate replacement items? Is the '81 a good year or should I find another year to toy with?

I'm looking for a good driver and this year seems "user friendly", I enjoy doing mechanical work with a engine & electrical system that I can understand. I have always driven special auto's, my daily is a '78 El Camino and my other toy is a '67 EM 427 Cobra. I really like the fiberglass body, I'm tired of seeing rust return afew years down the road and that's why I built the Cobra. I feel the Avanti would be a great choice, it's a four seater so the whole family can ride and if I can get the A/C repaired (gets very hot in FL) would make a great driver.

I'm going to call on her Monday, can you add any questions I should ask and any special considerations I should take. If it sounds good, my wife & I may fly up and drive the Avanti home. I will let you know!

I have enjoyed viewing your site and hope to use it more in the future.

Thanx, Everett