unimogjohn

It is Monday, August 16th. Took the Avanti out for a long run on Friday. Suppose to be a cruise-in at a local pub, but it was raining, and I was the only one to show up. But we had a nice dinner with friends including Greg. I was concerned that the alternator/regulator was not charging at the right amperage so I wrote Dave Tbow, the regulator rebuilder. He assured me that I was running just fine, and the higher amperage I was seeing was probably the reason my alternator burned up. Well, another adventure. Today I get on an airplane and head to Ft. Lauderdale to pick up our new tow vehicle. A 2003 Suburban 2500 LT with the towing package. I will hopefully be on the road by 3 PM for the start of the 1023 mile journey back home. I am going to have the truck inspected and serviced before I start the trip to back home. I hope that I will have nothing to report except that I made it home. Oh, and I am making this trip solo. Alice declined to go on this adventure; I do not blame her. Greg continues to make progress on his Avanti, but is being held up by parts. Here is his weekend report: Well, as you can tell things have slowed here. Doing little piddly things that you can't see. A few calls to the brake tubing outfit have only resulted in elevator music so far. The prototype camshaft is supposedly enroute from the grind shop for John Erb to inspect and then send on to me. The doorway rubber and clutch boot may show up tomorrow? The shop doing my seat upholstery is still saying months. So in the meantime, I've spent two days giving the console vinyl the onceover. What I could remove came out for cleaning, reglueing where necessary, and redying. What wouldn't come out got it in place. Cleaned and reinstalled the chrome plated parts. If I hadn't told you, you wouldn't have noticed. I might reinstall the voltage regulator this week, that'll get it off the shelf. Our summer is cooling off. Hershey is something like six weeks away? I've seen all kinds of weather for that swap meet, even snow. I've come to the realization that the warm weather I like to work in is fleeing and as for getting this car running this summer .....I've missed the window of opportunity.

It is Friday, August 13th. Finally, a half inch of rain. The first real rain we have seen in over a month. The pastures, flowers, and garden are parched. I have made all the arrangements to pick up the 03 Suburban in FL on Monday. Have an airplane ticket, cashiers check, and my GPS to get me home. I hope to be on the road back to VA around 1 PM, but may delay if the car is not inspected by my independent mechanic. I am sure that will set me back about three hours. Oh well, it cannot be helped. It is 1,000 miles to get back home. I saw Greg yesterday and returned the regulators and alternator he lent me. He showed me the dozen or so 20's airplane engines that his company picked up a week ago in MI. It was like going into the storage unit of a museum, and the floor knee high in almost complete engine. They all are unrestored, and look mostly complete. What a find. It is amazing that they have survived in a collection all this time. But Greg has been busy, so here is his report. He also told me that he is still waiting for brakes lines that were missing from his kit; and still waiting on the special cam that he ordered from a Studebaker speed dealer. "Haven't seen any great strides this week, although tonight I was able to finally get the toeboard carpet in place, the steering column too. Nothing is secured, but it's almost mine at this point. I've some fastnener issues that a look at Feser's car will determine. Often when putting something back together that's been apart for some time, for me the trail grows cold. Ordered more parts today. Body rubber for around the door glass, clutch rod boot. Amounts to another car payment. I guess I should have ordered a new knob for the turn signal lever. I reallly wanted a new knob with the arm attached. Use to see them at the flea markets, but guess they're all gone now."

I rescued these parts from a hot rod project just on the chance that someone might have a need for them. I have 2 front fenders, 2 rear fenders, gas tank, spare tire carrier, and just one seat spring (I have no clue for what seat). Everything came from a 4cyl 1922 Buick. One front fender has a couple of rust holes, otherwise everything is solid and straight. Everything has surface rust. The gas tank has a couple of holes in it, but can refurbished by GasTank Renu. I can take more pics if you like. Everything as is. You pick up at our place in northern VA. Free. Can deliver to Hershey in October for $150. Here are some pics.

Roger, thanks for the comment. Can you post a few pics of your Cadillacs? I think that we would all like to see them.

It is Wednesday, August 11th. Boy, it is hot and humid. Hottest day of the summer so far. You have to get your work done by mid morning or it just does not get done. At 11:30 AM it is 97 degrees, last night at midnight it was 87. But I got to the Avanti this morning. I put on the pully and fan on the new alternator, took off the old alternator and put on the new. Checked all the connections and fired her up. We are charging. She immediately showed a charge to about 30 amps and then dropped down to about 5 and then to 2. I have had the battery on a battery tender so I know that it is fully charged. Turned on the headlights and the fan, and she kicked up a bit. So everything is working now. Back on the road. Heading to a cruise-in on Friday too. Here are a couple of pics.

Trimacar follows most of these posts and probably will respond. If not you can send him a note via private messages. He will want to see some pics. David did my top on the 23 McLaughlin Buick and did a great job. He is a master trimmer. Here are a couple of pics of my car as David finished the job. Hope they help.

All, I appreciated the discussion here as I was looking to upgrade to an enclosed trailer and truck. I have been using a 02 Chev Trailblazer with an open steel trailer. This has served me well, but am at the capacity limit on the truck. I have had no problem towing with the Trailblazer with the I6 engine, and I do get a bit over 14 mpg pulling it between 55 and 60 mph. Based on the discussions here I decided to get a 03 Chev Suburban 2500 (3/4 ton) with the 6 liter engine. The truck is the LT version and has the towing option with a trans cooler, bigger radiator, etc. Hopefully I will pick it up in a week or so. It is in FL and I am in VA, so will fly down and drive her home. Now the hunt is on for an enclosed trailer. I think I can find that locally. Thanks for all the help in these discussions.

It is Monday, August 9th. It is ours! Well, almost. The dealer and inspector are negotiating a day and time to get it done this week. I have hope that I will fly this coming Monday to FL, pick up the Suburban, and drive her home. Also while in Canada, our good friend Henry gave Alice an Avanti. A model that is. And it is green! Pictures are attached. Finally, I have added pictures of our AACA and Canada trip. Also included the Paul Allen warbird museum in Everett, WA. They are all at Picasa Web Albums - John and Alice

Brian, thank you. You are right, I will look into it. It is Monday, a day for unpacking and putting away the 1923 McLaughlin Buick. But Greg continues to work hard on his Advanti. Here is his weekend report. "How firms could supply computer generated tubing, exhaust and brake systems that fit. Now I know. They can't . However, I must admit that a couple years ago I called D. Simmons while lying under the car. Told him that I was installing one of his stainless Avanti systems and hadn't cussed him even once. Too bad he doesn't do brake lines. A call and a couple emails to the brake lines R us so far hasn't had any results. I have in the meantime been able to straighten some of the lines and rebend them properly. I'm surprised that the tubing is so agreeable . I may be able to save what is here, but one will have to be shortened. That will still leave me the one tube missing from the shipment. Also, the passenger's door did'nt suit me. A wobbly hinge. Had a helper for the day, I put him to work helping remove the door so that I could inspect the bad hinge. I guess that one got by Quality Control. Saturday night I machined new bronze bushings and a new pin. Sunday Barbara was called into play, assisting to put that heavy door back on. I guess tomorrow her arm will be in a sling. Sorry.

It is Sunday, August 8th. Just got home from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. We had a great tour and saw many museums, mills, farms, etc. The best for me was the Canada Transportation museum. They had hundreds of original cars all stacked to the ceiling in one of their many buildings. Here are a couple of pics. One of us too. The 1923 McLaughlin Buick was a big hit at every stop. In total we went about 1500 miles, and the trip each way was 600 miles, which we made in one day. A very long days drive. We probably drove the 23 MB about 15 miles total. Just too many modern cars and roads, so we trailer her from place to place and in most places we off loaded to folks could see her running. And, most important, we picked up the Avanti alternator. Looks to be an exact replacement. And only more left in Canada, none in the US. Here are a couple of pics.

Still Thursday. A few weeks ago we put the Unimog on the market, and last weekend she was sold and driven all the way to CT. Sorry to see her go after all these years. But, about the same time we decided that we need to offer our cars more protection while towing. The Trailblazer is at its max capacity. She did a great job with the open trailer for many trips, but now is the time for an enclosed trailer. But first we need a larger tow vehicle. So we have been looking for a Chev Suburban, 3/4 ton. Nothing fancy, but with a truck motors, about 100K miles, and within our price range. We looked around the local area, searched Craiglist, and finally turned to Ebay. Ebay is where we purchased the Trailblazer, and it has been a great truck for 100K miles. Well to make a long story short, we won a "no reserve" 2003 Suburban LT. Problem is that it is 1000 miles away. So I contacted the local AACA club, and the club president is going to take a look at the truck for me. It also happens that he is the owner of a restoration shop. If his inspection matches the Ebay write-up and pics, then a deal will be struck. I plan on flying down to FL early in the morning, picking up the truck, and hitting the road for back home in VA by early afternoon. I will drive until the late evening and then sleep in the back seat of the truck and head out again. It will be a long drive, but I am sure that I will make several stops for cat naps and coffee. I will not push. If I figure it is not worth it, I will get a motel for the evening. Anyway it will be a quick trip. No sightseeing. Here is a pic of the truck. Now the hunt is on for a trailer. I think I have the open trailer sold already as I think my neighbor with the Corvette wants it. Here are a pic of the guys picking up the Unimog, and then one of the Suburban.

It is Thursday, August 6th in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. We arrived on Wed PM after 14 hours on the road. What greeted us? A tremendous rain storm. And of course the car was open. We pulled into the hotel, and it came down in torrents. We were soaked by the time we got the car cover on, and the car was drenched. The next morning was spent bailing out all the water and drying everything off. I had the seats out of the car, so really nothing was harmed, and we had a great time touring around the countryside. And I did pick up the new Avanti alternator. I also got a Greg report. It is braking news! When during the Stoddard Dayton restoration I mentioned "I'd rather have the worst mechanical brakes than any hydraulics". Still holds true. Although the Avanti was known as the first American car to have standard power disc brakes, they're still hydraulic. Hate'm. Trying to do the right thing for the car, going over the brake system. Ordered new stainless tubing pre-bent. Just install. Looking into the matter tonight, I was cautioned to beware of the front crossover. It did require a little tweaking, but went in place ok. So did the short section for the left front. And the vertical line to the master. Then there's two lines to get fluid to the rear. They sent me two, but I sure don't know what they fit. Skipping ahead, there's a long one for the right side of the rear axle. It needs to be altered, I might be able to twist it enough to get it to mate to the wheel cylinder. Or not. And I'm short the line for the left side cylinder. I'll call Inline Tube tomorrow and see how it goes. Pics of * the front crossover *front crossover in place *poor shot of tubes on floor illustrate the rear axle to right side (upper) as well as the two that run the length of the frame. Notice that each has a right angle toward outboard. Hillholder set you say, but they aren't bent like those either. Perhaps they were looking at the page for a Studebaker with floor mounted master?? At least I can secure the lines in the engine compartment before the engine will go in.

Susan, thank you. Have sent Bob a note requesting some help. TX again. John

Hi all, I bid and won a truck at Smart Buy Car Sales: West Park, Florida 33023. I would like someone local to check out the truck in person. I will be happy to pay for the time and expenses. So if you or know of a good person who would like to do this, that would be great. We are heading to the McLaughlin Buick homecoming in Ottawa tomorrow and will be back on Monday. But you can send me an email, and I will send the particulars when we get into our hotel. The truck is a 2003 Suburban, maybe our new tow vehicle. TX John 540-364-2454 571-218-8312 Unimogjohn@aol.com

Tom, most of us just remove it, and run without it. If it is in the fully open position, then I would not worry about it. With modern gas, you do not need carb heat. I do not have mine connected in the 23 or 28, in fact I have the 28s in and out exhaust tubes blocked as well as the heat riser connection at the exhaust manifold. Never have had a problem with cold starting. Starts every time on the first pull.

Daryl, so you can see how they all fit. Here are a couple of pics from my 28. The flash is very reflective, but hopefully you can make out all the gauges, to include the one you have.

Daryl, It is from a Standard Buick, circa 1928. If you want I can take a pic of my gauge.

It is Friday, July 30th. Sold the Unimog, getting picked up tomorrow. It will be a sad day for sure. Cannot believe that I have amassed a load of spare parts, which I never had to use. The truck has been rock solid for 12 years. But Greg continues to press on with the interior while waiting for engine parts. Here is his short report. "Tonight's project, attach the binding to the quarter panels. Panels are now ready for installation."

B, his name is Jim, and he has a 23 Big Six, 24 Big Six, 25 Country Coupe and 29 President Roadster as well as some modern Studebakers. I will send you a private reply with his contact information. I know Jim is on forum at times so he may respond directly.

Don is 100% correct, follow his advice. Adam is also right, stick with 6 volts. Take it step by step for getting ready to start and take your time to do it right. You should have a dip stick. Driver's side of engine, you should see a large button or a hoop to pull out. Should take about 7 quarts.

It is Thursday, July 29th. Here is Greg's report. He continues to press forward, bit by bit. OK , so I bead cleaned the kick panel trim. Sort of. They have contact cement as well as rust. I'll have to scrape the cement away and bead blast again. They are like Swiss cheese. I could order more, but think I'll just save these. Also today I happened on the old upholstery quarter panels. Hiding under the cover of daylight. I should have sent them to the trim shop when I ordered the new ones. They came without the bead windlace. I'm getting started tucking, folding, glueing and stapling; when they could have done it for me.

B, post more pics when you get the car home. Looks to be a great car already. Good find. Here is a pic of a big six Studebaker at the recent Louisville car show. I have the name of the owner if you need to ask any questions of your car.

And a final Greg report. All caught up. Been doing piddly little things. Like stripping and repainting the console ash tray. I've been meaning to call about progress on the optional camshaft but when I remember it is probably too late to call Nevada.

Here are more Greg reports from the last week. Today I made up that nut plate, just a piece of steel 3/16 x 1/2 x 1 1/2 , drilled and tapped for 3/8 fine. Stuck a stud in it, smeared some JB Weld on it, put it inside the door jamb. Nut and washer on the outside and let it dry. Pic of the finished product with the proper recessed bolt through the hinge. While I'm finishing the hinges, I notice that the passenger's door is really sloppy. Looks like the hinges have worn pins and/or holes. I tried to check the hinge operation when I cleaned and painted them, but it wasn't until the weight of the door (Avanti had the longest doors in the industry at the time) that the wear is apparent. Might have to remove that door to get the hinges out for repair. I guess now's the time. The new windlace (vinyl beading) came in today's mail. That's the trim for the door jambs. The fawn and elk for the rear quarter panels, black for the front. This means it is time to remove the steel trim that reinforces the front windlace. Painted black, it covers the vinyl and in turn is covered by the front kick panel carpeting. After grinding slots in the retaining screws with a cutoff wheel, I was able to loosen the screws with a straight slot screwdriver. The picture is proof that this car is the only Avanti to have had wet carpets. Not that they are prone to leak, but I'd venture to say that an Avanti parked in the Sahara Desert would not only have an oil puddle under it, but also fogged windows from wet carpets. I'll most likely save these trims, the visible part will be ok and the rest gets hidden. After they are bead cleaned I'll certainly use epoxy primer under the paint.

It is Wednesday, July 28th. We have been gone for a week. Greg has been busy with his Avanti. Here are his reports and pics. Just another time consuming job that no one will ever see. Bead cleaned and painted the lamp shield for the console plate, cleaned and installed the plastic nameplate , and assembled them to the plate. Gave the knobs a quick buffing and put them back too. Although I fitted the parts to the console, I didn't secure them. I'd bet that I will be disappointed in the appearance of the vinyl surroundings and will do something about it first. Another detail chore to take care of. Stripped thread for the left door lower hinge. I fought with rusted and stuck Phillips (thanks Doc) screws that retain the windlace trim strip. Tried all manner of screwdrivers, power drill with proper tip, it laughed at the drillbit when I tried to remove the screw head. Even a cutoff wheel had a hard time. But I persevered and with the trim out of the way, was able to use a hole saw to gain access to the backside of the hinge pocket. Note that it took two tries, the first hole was a blind alley. I'll fabricate a threaded plate to back up the stripped threads, probably glued in place with JB Weld and then plug the holes and glass them over.