Devildog
-
Posts
203 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Events
Posts posted by Devildog
-
-
There is something similar here in Texas. Once a year one of the many local car clubs organizes
"The Texas Loop" which is open to anyone. It is a 900 - 1,000 mile 3 day, 2 night drive through the
state hitting the back roads and interesting sights. My brother has made the trip twice and says it is great. I would love to take my Avanti this year if possible. Guaranteed to be the only one.
Boogie, can you provide a contact site about the Texas Loop ? I searched but saw nothing.
Thanks
Joe
-
I have a couple of old Corvette's of that same period that have a very similar mirror. The ID inside the disc is 4 3/8" (110 mm) which I think is same as yours. they can be ordered from any of the Corvette aftermarket suppliers. On one car is held in with adhesive (like windshield sealant), the other has rubber gasket behind mirror with big "C snap ring" in front to hold mirror in.
Alternatively, the entire Corvette mirror with pedestal can be ordered which looks very similar. The Corvette does not have exposed screws as your Avanti does. The mounting bracket screws to fiberglass with a smooth exposed pedestal (small hex set screw in back).
Joe
My 74 has rectangle mirror recessed on a chrome assembly...gets cluttered looking thru vent window...may change to your clean simple round style.
-
Another good friend owns and operates a transmission shop. I will check with him on the 200R4. My understanding is that the 700R4 might require floor pan or trans tunnel trimming due to physical size. You know anything about that?
Nope, a 700R4 will slip in there easily. I took mine out to change the stall converter and install a lock-up... easy. 700R4 is one of the best things you can do especially if want to drive on the highway longer distances:
a. 3.3 first gear
b. 0.7 4 th gear will give you 2000 rpm or less at 70 mph. quiet, smooth, etc.
Joe
-
It needs no words, great idea.
Joe
-
Thanks Bob. I already have the build sheet. No notation regarding rear end gears or ratio. Had no idea what was "standard". The 3.07 is about perfect for me as Texas has lots and lots of straight level roads leading off in any direction. I plan some serious highway mile trips. By the way my '79 is equipped with an L48 350, turbo 400 auto and no Twin-Track.
My 75 had a 3.07 with automatic tranny, 400 SBC. The prior owner had installed a 700R4. I rebuilt my differential and I wanted to go to a 3:55, but the shop convinced me to go to 3.70. With the 700R4 this set-up gives 11:1 (3.70 x 3.0) in first gear and 2.69 (3.7 x 0.7) in 4th gear, 2200 rpm@70mph. I went on a 200 mile trip (Houston to College Station) recently and averaged 22 mpg.
I have 3.08 gears in one of my old Corvettes and that makes a nice Texas road cruising gear, about 2900 rpm @70 mph.
Glade to hear you are planning trips in your 79, I have taken several 400 mile week-end trips in my 75 and it is comfortable. Everyone really enjoys seeing an Avanti on the road where God and Studebaker intended.
I am registered to drive it to the SDC Golden Anniversary 50th International Meet, June 28 - July 5 in Dover...come along
Joe
-
Get it out and drive it. You will enjoy it AND others will enjoy it even more.
many helpful people here to offer advice
Joe
-
Rotella, DELO, etc. any of the oils that have a CJ or CI rating in the API logo. These are rated for diesel engines. The CJ/CI oils have 800-1200 ppm of ZDDP (zinc phosphate) compounds which is an extreme pressure additive.
This is required to reduce wear between the cam lobes and lifter base where great pressure exist in these older style 'flat tappet' valve trains.
Not a concern in most of the engines produced in the past 20 years which have 'roller hydraulic' valve trains.
Joe
-
Gunny,
I can get the editor of Auto Enthusist magazine to do an article...about 20,000 circulation.
We can do this.
Just need a good side pic of the tail boom with the STUDEBAKER and Avanti graphic to do our graphic.
Joe
Send me your email address by private message or text it to my mobile 713 480 7587 so I can send attachments easier. I have Dave's email (DAPY) and he is about 15 miles from me.
-
Gunny, great work.
1.One of my Corvette buddies has display graphics companies, I would think he can make a translucent graphic we could attach temporarily to the C-82 boom for pictures.
I need a good pic of what it looked like also the STUDEBAKER words I see on boom as well as the Avanti graphic.
What is the approximate size of the boom to get the size scaling correct?
I would think $200 should cover the cost of a quality reusable graphic for Avanti photo work. Donate it to the museum at an appropriate "Washington DC Regime IRS' value. the museum could use as a daily story board to tell the Avanti-C82 history
2.The 2014 Stude-Avanti meet is June 28-July 5 in Dover MD. I know there will be some Avanti's "in area" that is good time to get a gaggle of Avantis to do a photo day.
Joe
-
Dave,
Celebrity ? I suggest Thersea Vail, Miss Kansas that recently attracted national attention in the Miss America contest.. Although she is not a Marine, she is a Army Sargent, but would look classy driving the Avanti. Jay Leno is going to have more time in future, he is a car guy...does Jay have an Avanti ? He should.
Joe
Joe,
I'm afraid it's just you, me and Gunny. If you dare come drive the convert.
Yes, we can reconstruct the original airlift, but how do we get the national publicity that raises Avanti awareness?
For authenticity is does need to be a Studebaker Avanti. Not sure Beeville TX will command national attention. Also we need celebrity endorsement. Any ideas?
-
Dave,
Your movie idea is first class, takes a young guy like you to show some leadership and imagination among stodgy Avanti owners. I propose we improve on the original Avanti Air introduction.
1.We can use my blue Avanti; however, a nice R-2 would be more appropriate.
2.I have no idea where we could get a C-82, but I probably can get Waltrip's C-123 at Galvestion. I flew at it at a few airshows in the early 90's. The Air America guys in Titusville have a C-123. A C-123 is about same size and looks (no twin tail) as a C-82 and often used in movies as less expensive alternative to a C-130.
3.To freshin-up the Avanti entry we need to do a 'pop and drop'. We can do this at the Texas Mile Race in Beeville TX in October. Scheme is I can fly the C-123 low, drag the rear ramp, and use drone-chute to 'pop' the Avant out the back of the C-132. As I recall I can get a lightly loaded C-123 down to 75-80 MPH and 'drop' the avanti.
The Avanti accelerates and completes the Texas Mile run down the 8000 ft runway and gets an official time slip for the mile...sort of an aerial running start.
The 'pop and drop' worked pretty good with ammo pallets on dirt strips (muddy not so good), so a nice rolling Avanti on a hard surface runway should be easy.
4.We could even call it Operation Silverplate (nice historic reference).
5. If could get each Avanti owner to thrown in $200 that would probably cover the gas and oil (130 gal and 3 gal/hr) and other expenses.
Great idea Dave
Joe
We are looking for a plan to raise awareness of our favorite car. I didn't think the movie idea was bad since it would be based on historical fact. But Jack Lemmon isn't available. (He starred in the original AVANTI!) Actually 'airlift' was just the kind of promotional event that Sherwood E, would have dreamed up. He shook the establishment in South Bend even though it was late in the game.
The 'comedians' come and go. Dick Van Dyke had one. So what was your question? Can we use your Avanti in the movie?
-
On your car, the piece the key goes in is not the switch...it's the ignition lock. The actual switch is at the base of the steering column (on most cars), or may be located elsewhere and could be what you're hearing click. That may be your problem. Your steering column could be sourced from either AMC or Chrysler. The AMC unit was made by GM and the switches don't have the best history for durability but they do have many years on them now.
My first inclination is to replace that switch.
Gunslinger, thanks
Mine is a GM, it looks like the GM tilt assembly in the repair video and it has a DELCO wiring harness 20 pin connector that lays along the exterior of the column.
According to the wiring schematic above, the PURPLE wire from the switch passes thru the 'neutral safety switch' with purple wire continuing to "S" terminal on starter solenoid
When I turn the switch to run, there is power on the purple wire BUT when I rotate switch to START there is no voltage on the purple wire.
Joe
-
Circuits
I do not see the kick panel relay in the attached circuits
-
OK, a bit more info.
When I move key to start, the relay sound is relay mounted on the left kick panel area just in front of speaker
My ammeter is dead...needle is laying horizontal to left discharge ????????
-
Need some guidance before I start chasing electrons. On my 1975, the starter solenoid will not activate with the steering column key switch.
When I turn the key to start position the starter does not activate. I can turn on key and jumper across the solenoid to start the car and it runs fine.
When I move the key to start, I can hear a relay activate under the dash (fuse box ?).
Any initial thoughts of where to begin ?
Many thanks in advance
Joe>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The problem was the neutral safety switch (only start in P or N). It sits on top of the steering column under the dash at the firewall. I have some wiring diagrams and pics in this thread. This pic shows the broken plastic tip that sits down in the steering column.
Parts were readily available as they are std GM parts used on 7000 different GM cars of that era neutral switch $11 and ignition switch also on steering column $15
Joe
-
Why?
in Avanti Pub
Wow! your post is perfect! Your right, don't go wonkie on viewers, tell them of the rarity. How it was hand made in the USA. If they have questions...they'll ask. Just be there to answer. It works for me!
Never thought about it, but our cars were truly 'hand made in the USA' As I understand Altman etal only had about 30 people assembling the Avanti II in South Bend. I will add that to my lecture.
Thanks
Joe
-
Why?
in Avanti Pub
Unfortunately, "Polarizing" is exactly the term to use for Avanti's design. Being of the vintage to see the response of the public when the Avanti first came out, people loved them or did not care for them. I was in the loved them camp from the first moment I saw them on display at a Farm Progress Show in Morton IL in late September 1962 as a freshman in high school. I bought a 64 R1 in April of my senior year in high school in 1966. I sold the car in 1969 to get a 67 Chevelle SS396 and regretted it for many years, finally getting a 76 'II in January 2011. The past two years I've had a lot of work done on the car and have had a ball with the car. I'll probably hang on to the car until I stop driving. Time has certainly proved the value and timelessness of the car's design. The car outlasting Studebaker through various ownerships for over 43 years is a validation of the design. Please name any other car model that went back into production 2 years after the company stopped making them and continued on for the length of time that Avanti did.
PL, I saw my first Avanti at The FARM PROGRESS SHOW near South Bend, IN in Sept of 1963. I just thought the Avanti was the most amazing thing. I thought how can I ever make enough money to own an Avanti, especially from my vantage point atop either a John Deere tractor or combine many hours each day.
Even though I have old Corvettes, I wanted something 'different' that had 4 seats so two couples could go across town to dinner. I also wanted something that I could drive on a week end trip. Final criteria was simple, relatively cheap to maintain AND I could keep it running. I even discussed with my car buddies the various options of building up a such a car to meet my criteria.
I remembered the Avanti ! i had not seen one in years and never even rode in an Avanti. I researched them a bit and initially focused on R2. But, after looking at postings, I decided on the 1974 with 400 SBC and 700R4 tranny...I can keep this running without a hassel for parts.
My 1974 Avanti is a C-1 (56-62) Corvette with a back seat. King pin suspension, glass body, X-frame, SBC, GM powertrain...perfect !
I drive mine all the time, but I must plan an extra 45 minutes because someone is going to want to talk about it. The two conversations are always (1) 'what is that' with my history lesson to follow OR (2) 'that is an Avant ! my uncle Ted had one and I remember riding ...'
I guess my contribution to this thread is get them out and drive them, let people see your Avanti, talk to them.
Secondly, write magazine articles (with pictures) and send them to local newspapers and general car magazines such as Auto Enthusiast. Do not make them totally 'techie', tell the story of an Avanti trip, car event, the saga of a repair project. These magazines are always looking for stories and pictures. They love the non-professional real world stories...that is who the readers are.
Joe
-
I have not gone to the bigger wheel, I just decided to go to a bigger tire to suit my taste.
However, I found this site http://www.tacomawor...r15-235-70r15 which is a great calculator for physical sizing.
Good luck, I am sure there are some very attractive larger wheel/tire combos.
Joe
-
Gunslinger has the right idea. Even though I am an old school guy, with a modern ignition system you will save much frustration tracking down the components. Plus you can have programable timing and if wish to use EFi later have a totally modern system with not much more money.
joe
-
Mel,
93 oct pump gas is more than adequate for your 300 hp 327. 90% of carburetor problems are ignition.
For starters check the total advance at 2500-3000rpm (with the vacuum advance unhooked and plugged), it should be 35-37°. The initial at idle means nothing to optimize the performance, factory spec advance is good safe setting for the production line.
Send Lars an email at V8FastCars@msn.com he will send you short how to tune sheet.
Check for 'Carpet Limiter', make sure when you depress the gas peddle opens the carb fully. Often it is just as simple as bending the throttle rod under the peddle to clear the carpet.
The optimum advance will give you:
1.quicker acceleration
2.more throttle response
3.engine run cooler
Then worry about the carb.
Joe
-
Sheesh! I have a friend with one in his '64 R2. It really looked original. I was fooled.
I am having one made on an aluminum plate to match the the aluminum on the console. It does not have to be the truth to be lots of fun.
Joe
-
OK, I got the idea...makes a good story to go with the big back window
Thanks all
Joe
-
I had the 400 SBC in my 76 rebuilt 2 years ago, cranking out 365 hp and 460 ibs torque before it was put back in. I may have to see what it will do this summer now that its broken in and has over 10,000 miles on it.
The 400SBC are great. They had a stigma of inadequate cooling between the cylinders, steam vents, etc., but torque monsters. That is why it difficult to find good used 400SBC from an old Caprice, etc.
DART started making a new 400SBC steel casting (their aluminum 400SBC are popular with racers). I put one of these new iron DART 400SBC in my 61 Corvette. It was 270hp/283 2 x 4WCFB carb car that I have had for 40+years. The goal was to make it look just like the original 270/283. It does, I painted those beautiful 200cc DART orange to disquise and even put JB weld 'diamonds' on the ends of the heads to make look original.
With all my 50 year old components bolted on the DART 400 and Heads, it dynoed 496 hp and 470 ftlbs. With a modern intake and Holley 750, it dynoed 555 hp and 480 ftlb.
On the Avanti I will put some modern heads and better cam in some time...those damned 8.5 compression dished pistons still limit you to about 9.0-9.2 compression even with new aluminum 64 cc heads.
Still the Avanti is great car and much fun.
Joe
-
I forget, is your motor stock? That's a pretty good ET!
Nearly stock. I tore all the emissions equipment and air pump off of it. Then timed it as a SBC should be at about 18 degree initial (38 total) advance . But, unfortunately, it is still the weenie low compression (8.5 dished pistons) and the 333882 heads. The 700R4 tranny may help a little but the poor traction probably negates any tranny benefits in the 1/4 mile.
These engines were rated by GM only as 175 hp and 305 ft of torque. By the optimized non-emmissions timing probably a little more hp and torque.
Joe
My Avanti on the web
in Avanti Pub
Posted
Good for you ! Nice exposure of the Avanti to another audience.
Joe