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J Boyle

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Posts posted by J Boyle

  1. New Avanti guy needs help...

    in 1963-64 Avanti

    Posted

    You are obviously going to need to do some additional investigation.

    What do you mean by the "power steering area"? ...do you mean in the area of the P/S pump?

    Will it make the noise if the wheels are turned full right while the car is standing still?

    What size tires are on it?

    How does the wear pattern on the tire tread look? Same on both front tires?

    Is the power steering fluid up to the full mark?

    Any rub marks on the inside fender lips or tire tread, either side?

    Have a garage check it out while it's up on a ramp-style lift.

    I took the car into a local mechanic who is familiar with old cars and does a lot of work on street rods....he even used to maintain an 63 R-2 Avanti before it was sold out of state. In other words, I didn't have to tell him what an Avanti was.

    The problems turned out to be a leaking distributor gasket and an age-related crack in return hose in the power steering.

    BTW: I will be ordering the oil pressure gauge hose and replacing it soon.

    The good news is he was very impressed by the shape of the car and its originality.

    Thanks for all your help and suggestions.

    John

  2. New Avanti guy needs help...

    in 1963-64 Avanti

    Posted

    After a six week wait, my 63 Avanti was delivered yesterday!

    I'm finally a Stude driver as well as owner. I'm amazed by the car...the steering is light years ahead of what I was expecting, the brakes are just about what I was expecting. My wife even commented favorably on the ride!

    The car was as the seller described it. So I'm a happy camper.

    EXCEPT for a couple of issues (you knew there had to be issues)...

    During hard right turns (right only) at low speed there is a rubbing sound coming from (I suppose) the power steering area. (This is in addition to the normal PS sounds). A long time Avanti owner who who test drove the car for me reported similar sounds. Before shipment, I had its long time mechanic look it over and he found nothing amiss. I think I just found out why. When the car is in the air, it doesn't happen. Whgen weight is on the car the noise occurs. The car has Studebaker wheels, so Idon't think the tires are rubbing. Other than the noise the steering seems fine. Any ideas?

    Also, after a drive there are oil puddles under the car. About a six square inch area well in back of the oil pan. Olso, there seems to be oil in the front cross member. It had an oil change just before shipment, and these were the first extended drives since the change. Any chance it could just be overflow? The oil fitler case is dry, so that's not it. I don't think it's the valve covers.

    Rear main seal?

    If so , how big a deal is that to fix? Does it need hard to come by gaskets or could someone get them from NAPA? Does a Stude specialist need to do it or can any mechanic sympathic to old cars do it? I want to drive it, but it's leaking a fair amount of oil..just stopping to open the garage door leaves a small puddle on the driveway.

    Thanks

    John

  3. Old radios

    in Avanti Pub

    Posted

    Since the vintage radio guy who advertises in TW (and a period Avanti options brochure) says an AM/FM was not a factory option in '63, I was wobndering about a period aftermarket radio.

    Anyone know anything which Blaupunct was correct for the period? Frankfurt? Mexico?

    Since early-60s Mercedes had Blaupuncts, it's not inconceivable that some found their way into Avantis. They were high tech (and priced) radios, so I'm thinking some may have found their way into Avantis and GTs...

    Anyone every see a Blaupunct in a Studebaker "back in the day?"

    Any words of advice?

    Would they fit?

  4. Interior sets

    in Avanti Pub

    Posted

    Hi John -

    Have you had any luck finding a good source for the Avanti interior kit?  If so, could you get that info to me?  Thanks.  Rick

    I just sent an email to Historic Automotive for some information. I'm told everything but the bottom of the front seats are original...now, the back of the drivers seat is worn...so I guess I'm looking for front seat covers. If the rest of the interior is original, I'd like to keep it...if at all possible.

    Anyone have any advice on the issue?

    SBCA96...I looked at Phantom's site..it didn't mention Avantis...or else I missed it.

  6. Searching for Avanti

    in 1965-83 Avanti

    Posted · Edited by J Boyle

    If you could please provide suggestions where to find QUALITY Avantis for sale please.  I read somewhere that I may only see junk (rust) on ebay, is this so?  Outside of rusted hog troughs, what should I watch out for?  Is there an approximate cost for 1) What should a Quality paint job cost? Would this be base plus clearcoat or is there a better process? How long should a quality job last if car is garaged? 2) If engine needs work, is it better to overhaul or get a new crated engine?  3) Interior - What does a quality redo (leather and new carprt) of the interior cost?  4) Where is the best place to go for quality rechrome? I understand they fix any dents, etc. in the process?

    Thanks for helping a novice find the right car.

    Try Hemmings Motor news for ads. Also, the AOAI & the Studebaker Drivers Club websites. Also, e-bay isn't necessarily a bad place to shop...if you can get someone to give it an honest inspection for you...tough to do with an auction deadline. The November Sports Car Market had an article from a guy who got burned by buying an Avanti off ebay. He paid $24K for a 2- or 3 condition 64 R2!

    Paint....figure on $5000-10,000. Go to car shows and ask members of local hot rod and Corvette clubs to see who does good fiberglass work.

    I found interior kits from one of the Avanti parts outfits for $500, plus $300 for the carpets, $175 for the trunk. WayneC's follow-up post is correct...These are Studebaker kits...for Vinyl.

    Do youself a favor...buy the very best car you can afford, it's always cheaper to buy someone else's restoration than to bring back a basket case yourself (unless you can do a lot of work and you are doing it for fun...paying youself a dollar an hour.

    Even the best Altman-eara Avanti IIs aren't that expensive compared to most cars today. Take your time and wait to buy a great car.

  8. Avanti Performance Upgrades

    in 1963-64 Avanti

    Posted · Edited by J Boyle

    Similar question....Gunslinger & others...

    I also have a new 63 R1 and I'm considering a few upgrades (the car's in good shape so a full restoration isn't planned...for now) like the AC conversion, but I do want to keep it as stock looking as possible. I figure if I really wanted seriously upgraded performance and modern features, I would have bought an Avanti II and not worry about originality. Still, my new equivelent of the Avanti has me spoiled and reliability is a big issue with me.

    You mention the quick steering arms...what about bigger anti-roll bars?

    Also, does the dual master cylinder mod look stock? Does any one make a rear disk kit?

    Thanks, John

    DADAVANTI....let me echo Gunslinger's comments...thanks for your service and hope all of you have a great holiday season. Take care & God bless.

  9. HP output?

    in 1963-64 Avanti

    Posted

    Excuse me for asking a real newbie question....

    What horsepower does an R1 engine produce? I know the factory didn't give a number (at least to the public) and I've read sources that range from 180 to 250.

    Anyone know (or have an educated guess...or better yet a dyno readout?)

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