unimogjohn

Stude8, pulled the hood and hinges off last night. Everything looks OK on the fiberglass. I will check more closely today in the bright sunlight. It is Tuesday, Sept 7th. Yahoo! Greg is getting some place by installing the big pieces. Here is his Monday report and pics. "This morning I prepared the engine for installation. Couple trips to the hardware store for bolts and nuts, attached the bellhousing and throwout bearing assembly, etc. Used the liftgate on our big truck to transport the engine and lift to the car. The intermediate crossmember was installed with new hardware and with that done, the engine went right in just like it wanted to be home again. Needed Unimog John's advice on front mount placement. Understand that he broke his car in the process. Doesn't he know that no good deed goes unpunished? Sorry John. Bring the hinges over and we'll straighten them. It was a hard charging weekend, but a good one. Now I'll start adding parts. Not loooking forward to lifting that transmission back in place. I've noticed that this old iron and steel gets heavier as it ages."

It is Monday, September 6th. Stupid me! Sometimes I do not like to report my failures, but I am afraid I must. I was working on the engine, doing some cleaning and adjusting, and decided I better move it out as the engine was running inside the Avanti garage. So looked in back of me and started to slowly back up and out of the garage. Oh no, heard a noise and looked to the front. The hood was up and just hit the top of the garage. Thank goodness the garage is pretty flexible, but I did not catch it in time. I bent both hood hinges and bent/broke the support mount. Now the hood is way out of adjustment and will not close. The driver's side hinge is really bent, and the passenger side hinge is bent just a little bit. I did not damage either mounting point on the hood or the body so that is a little plus. Greg has a couple of hinges, so going to take these over and see if I can bend them back into the correct shape. If not, SI has NOS units for about $150. Like I said, stupid me.

It is Saturday evening, Sept. 5th. We just got home from taking our Avanti on a nice long drive through the country side. We even stopped for a nice dinner. She ran great with no issues or problems. And Greg's work is getting exciting. Here is his engine report. "Friday Night - Decided this was the weekend to get the engine in the car. Saturday - Began engine reassembly and fixed some of the bugs found during the first try. The new hamonic balancer was off in a couple ways. The timing mark was only off about a half inch. Made a new mark in the proper location. Photo of old and new balancer. Also, it could not be installed so that the oil return groove would disappear into the seal, and it also wasn't in line with the rest of the pulley system. Comparison ot the two resulted in machining .180" off the snoot. Now it fits. Disassembled the valve rocker shaft assy for cleaning. Sunday - The heads were torqued, valves adjusted, removed the engine from the buildup stand, and it is now resting on the transportation stand. Machined an alignment arbor and the clutch has been installed with temporary bolts. I hope a hardware store is open tomorrow. Some hardware and logistic problems should be the only things standing in the way of dropping the motor in the car."

Gary, how about this one on ebay? Studebaker 1931-1932-1933-1934-35 radiator grill Emblem: eBay Motors (item 260660111695 end time Sep-11-10 10:19:49 PDT)

David, Bill told me that he also repairs and adjusts regulators. Bill's starter and alternator repair, 260 Crim Dr., Strasburg, VA. 540 465 2575. Tell Bill that Greg and John sent you. John

It is certainly the time to pick up a towing truck as demand is low for the big trucks. I decided that the antique cars needed an enclosed trailer for travel, so picked up a 2003 Suburban LT (2500) with all the options for $11,000. New, the cost was almost $50K. So for me it was a great deal. Now the hunt is on for an enclosed trailer.

It is Friday, September 3rd. Still summer here, actually still the heat of summer. We have to run for the pool and the shade from 10 until 7, just too hot still. Over 95 each day. I did manage to get the two front shocks on the Suburban. Not a hard job, just a bit constricting trying to work around the tires, which I did not want to take off. One was seeping. Sure glad I replaced all four. Greg is still pressing ahead. Looks like his brake line issues are behind him. Here is his report and engine pic. "Still here and still at it. Most of this week has been spent inspecting that cam that arrived. Mainly it has been practice in using a degree wheel and finding the intake lobe centerline position. Never really had to do that before. And documenting the opening and closing positions of the intake and exhaust valves, as well as the lobe (lifter) lift. I've gotten the results, now for some decisions. Otherwise, Inline Tube Company sent me a package today. Some of the brake lines in the kit I bought wouldn't fit the car, or were missing. After calls, emails and waiting, I followed their advice. Sent them samples and they duplicated them. Arriving in today's big brown truck, and they weren't long in being taken to the car and installed. Nice fit this time."

Clint, from the BCA judging manual. Year Series (Model) Plant Code Serial Number Engine Number 1923 34-39 826497 890666 41,7,8,55 879623 900160 1924 4 cyl. 1060178 1090357 6 cyl. 1064325 1087630

try Rhode Island Wiring. RhodeIslandWiring.com | Rhode Island Wiring | Wiring Harness | Light Switch Wiring | Electric Wiring You may have difficulty finding the 9mm wire, but there is still some around, although in limited supply.

August 30th, its Monday. Another hot one today, suppose to be over 95 again today, and for the next few days. The heat is just not giving us a break. I did take the Avanti out for a couple of spins during the late evening. Everything is good. Replaced another fuel filter just to make sure that I am picking up any debris. Also played with the Suburban for a few hours. Got a few minor things adjusted and fixed, and put on the rear shocks that had arrived on Friday. The front shocks should be here today or tomorrow. The rears were shot. One was leaking badly, and the other had no resistance or rebound at all. I replaced them with KBR G2 shocks. Here are a couple of pics. And of course, Greg continues to press ahead. Here is his report and pics. "Busy weekend, even got some Studebaker in. The new chrome bezels for the rear seat ash trays arrived Friday afternoon, so that was the green light to install the arm rests and lay that back seat panel in place. Took a few minutes to check out the rear seat heelboard carpet. And the super double top secret camshaft arrived Saturday. Lots of other things going on, but I did find time to press the cam gear in place and do some preliminary degree wheeling. You know, it's all in the timing.

I have pulled many a mile using the straps. I do X cross the backs to keep the butt of the car from jumping/moving. I also use axle straps (short lengths of strap with a protective sleeve) also. I use four straps, and keep the winch rope with axle strap on the front also. So I guess that is a total of five.

I would only use Seafoam or any other additive in a rebuilt engine. Seafoam is highly detergent and I am sure Marvel Mystery Oil is too. It will break loose just about anything in an old engine. If you have an old engine that has not been rebuilt I would just use non-detergent 30 weight. You can still get it a tractor supply stores. I use 30 weight detergent oil in all my rebuilt engines.

It is Friday, August 27th. Would you believe it, it is 57 degrees outside this morning. Almost cold. I have spent several days sorting out the 2003 Suburban and getting her ready to pull. Installed the new Petronix brake controller, got new tires all around, changed the oil and air filter, and went over the truck from top to bottom. The only thing left to do are to replace the shocks, and they should be here early next week. I do plan on getting the transmission flushed when the truck has to go in for its safety inspection in a couple of weeks. The fluid looks OK, but I am sure that it has never been changed so it is time. The local shop does it for about $200. Still on the hunt for a good enclosed trailer. I am finding out that a new trailer is about the same price as a used trailer. I still cannot decide if I should get a 20 or 24 ft model. They both look long. I am leaning to a new 20 footer with a V nose. Going to change the fuel filter in the Avanti today too, and take her for a quick spin. Greg must have the market cornered on clamps. You will see what I mean when you read his report. "While waiting on the UPS truck..... Called the tube works today. They've gotten the sample brake lines and will get right on it. With apologies. Camshaft will be in the mail for about a week. Ordered new chrome bezels for the rear seat ash trays. Old ones were showing rust. New ones cost less than replating the old ones. When installed in the armrests then the rests can be put to rest. While rummaging around where the back seat goes, dawned on me that that rear seat panel has vinyl trim and that's what pulls the wrinkles from those bolsters. Dug it out of storage and after cleaning, I began regluing the trim. Old, hard, it was reluctant to go back in place. Hoping that Weldwood gel formula contact cement will hold it. Then recolor the trim and it will be ready to reinstall. After I mak sure the tank is clean enough inside to pass gas."

It is Thursday, August 26th. Greg continues to press ahead with his interior work. Here is his report for the past couple of days. His parts are sooooo rusty; the car must have been parked in the lake. Mine was no where near as bad. "Can't replace it all. The arm rests will return to duty. Complicated. When I called the upholsterer about making replacements, Kevin wasn't too excited about it. I can see why. Very complicated. So tonight I looked them over and decided to give them the onceover. Rusted steel inside, I bead cleaned and sealed them with rust proof enamel. Scrubbed them with lacquer thinner and a toothbrush, especially in the stitching and beading. Hosed them down with a couple coats of vinyl coloring. Notice one of them was signed by Felix at the plant."

You are good. Your system is working as it should. Just keep an eye on the water level, they do tend to loose a lot of water to evaporation and small leaks out of the water pump packing.

Phil, here is a link to an early Dykes automotive manual. Look in the brakes section for adjustment procedures. Dyke's automobile and gasoline ... - Google Books

Waldron's antique exhaust, car exhaust, truck exhaust, exhaust pipes, mufflers might try them, but if you buy, make sure you immediately do a dry fit to make sure thing line up and are correct. They will always make it right if it does not fit, but you cannot wait forever like I did.

Ruccello, you have a 20's emblem for the rear brake light, around 1926 or so. The radiator badge is much larger, about double in size. Your has the round button in back, as an original does. The repos have a screw and nut arrangement. Value in good condition like yours, maybe $20 to $30.

It is Wednesday, August 25th. Greg continues to press ahead. Here is his report from the past couple of days. "The past few nights I've been working in the upholstery department. Replacing a couple panels that an Avanti owner, even the long time owner with hundreds of thousands of miles in them, probably has never noticed before. Those filler pieces between the rear seat and the side panels. My old ones were pretty sad, so simple. Knock out some new ones. Not only were they faded to beat the band, but rock hard and water damaged too. I have on hand some NOS elk vinyl that Phil found at South Bend (the last they said) in the seventies. Although in storage all these years, it is now old new vinyl. I figure it is good for some of these insignificant panels for a driver. And I need to settle up with Phil now that I'm cutting into it. Used the old ones as patterns. Cut, stuffed and glued last night. Tonight I installed them. Not as easy as it looked. Getting plastic to stretch and shrink when it doesn't want to go there. A study of the originals show that they did some tuck and fold where it doesn't show. And I'm hoping that when the seat goes back in that it will pull some of the wrinkles that happen where the padding doesn't allow you to glue the vinyl down. Then, if it doesn't suit, I'll pull it up and try it again. Won't be the first time I didn't get it right the first time. Otherwise the sample brake lines have been sent to the "Always Get It Right Brake Line Company" for copying. Hope that isn't the end of the story. The several that I correspond with have been having trouble with their kits too. One to the point of having them flare the ends of his predetermined lengths and send them to him straight so he can bend them. If you want a good time, ask him about them. When you order them they ask all the right questions. Trouble is their information doesn't match the "no hillholder" cars. If I get them to bend the front to back lines correctly and include the master cylinder pipe.....maybe I'll tell them the set is for a '30 Whippet and anyone wanting a set for their Studebaker Avanti will know what to order to fit their car. And a camshaft might be enroute. To be continued..............." =

It is Sunday, August 22nd. Greg came over and measured the original brake lines still on the car. He is having fits trying to get the correct lines for his car. Also he has found out that one of the lines is missing from the "kit". I did not run into this problem as I had not replace my lines forward of the rear axle, and went with the Turner brake conversion so I did not have any front caliper lines to fool with. But here is his report. Thetan at the controls of the International Harvester. He brought it in safely. And, no termites were harmed in the process. Otherwise, time spent on the Avanti was installing the quarter windows, the over the door rubber seals, windshield post stainless, door post stainless, some seals for the rear door post, and the pursuit of better fitting doors.

Bernie, strapped in and ready to go. Start taking pictures.

It is Friday, August 20th. Finally recovered from the long drive, not rummy any more. Glad that is done. Spent the day getting new tires on the Suburban, and realize that it does need new rear shocks at least. One is leaking. Off to Ebay to find a pair. But Greg is still in Avanti land working. Here is his report. Well last evening (I think) I made a return trip to the Feser Avanti for some brake line research. Packaged some of my old lines to ship to Brake Lines R Us for reduplication. They were mailed out today. Only work constructive was the installation of the new starter solenoid that I bought during lunch. You know the luck I've been having with the new parts gotten in an attempt to meet or exceed what I had on the car. When the time comes to try it, if the starter don't start, the rusty old solenoid is still on the shelf. Tonight I worked with those new upholstery quarter panels. If they look ok in the daylight, I'll put in the quarter windows with adhesive and screws next time. Now to try to get the contaaaaaaaaaaaact cemmmmmmmmmentttt offfff myyyy fingerssssssss..............

Steve, I think the packing is 1/8th inch. Best to measure one round at a time, cut on an angle, and insert. It usually will take three or four rings. Even with packing, it will leak. Do not tighten the nuts too tight as they can bind the shaft. Just tight enough to stop the leak. Re the ring gear. You should have an inspection plate on the bottom of the bell housing or a separate cover. You can then rotate the engine and inspect the ring gear. Usually it is not the ring gear, but the starter gear that wears out. There are many re-builders of these starters.

Dave, I got it on Ebay. There was one locally, with the big 8.1 liter engine. Went for much more money than I wanted to spend. I will keep looking for you. Greg is continuing to work a bit on the Avanti. Here is his report from yesterday. Typical, arise, shower, stumble down the steps to work. As the brain warms up I usually sweep floors or clean equipment. Can't do much damage that way while I wait for the test pattern in my head. Finished assembling the two remaining Wright A connecting rods. They thread together and the bores must line up when torqued. Next setup is to bore the big ends. Bill called and said to expect him for lunch. He flew in and I drove us to the Mexican. After our return, nice day and all, I took a longer lunch and went with him back to the Warrenton hangar where he keeps it. He offered the ride and who am I to say no to Stearman time? Took the longer, scenic route. We not only dodged some birds, but upon arrival at the airport we also had to avoid some helicopter traffic. He got us back to Earth safely while the Huey still hovered at the end of the runway. Taxied back and while putting it away heard some strange sound effects. Apparently they were practicing the autorotation thing and it went wrong. Busted up the helicopter on the runway. Sure glad we got in before they closed the airport. Bill returned me to the shop so I could resume connecting rod manufacture. Knocked off at quitting time, went off the air for an hour or so. Back on the floor to find UPS had brought that rubber shipment for the Avanti. Took my five mile bicycle ride. Talked by cell to friend Temple . He didn't want to be bothered, standing in line for a free hot dog . At the Bonneville Salt Flats. Speed Week, you know. Sorted screws , drove to the storage hangar to start test fitting the over door rubbers. Drove back to the shop with the stainless trim. Buffed it and cleaned the horn relay. Back to the hangar and test fitted the stainless. Ditto the voltage regulator and horn relay. What now? I'm bored. =

It is Tuesday, August 17th. Made it home with the 03 Suburban. No problems, but just a very long drive. I think 17 hours driving and over a 1,000 miles. I had the pedal to the metal most of the time. I think that my driving average was about 64 mph. Attached is a pic of the GPS and the various readings for your enjoyment. I did a couple of mileage test runs too. At a steady 55 mph I got 19.5 mpg; at 65 it was 17 mpg; and at 75 it was 15 mpg. The truck has the 6.0 Vortec engine in it. A very special thanks to Bob Dunn, the local president of the AACA chapter and master mechanic. I took the truck to him for a mechanical inspection, and he spent about an hour or more running tests, etc. He pronounced it a good truck and so off I went. Here are a few pics of the truck at home. I do need tires and shocks, and a few light bulbs, but that is about it. Going to take a nap now.